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AIETEUR NEWS

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

ExxonMobil selecting firms to conduct studies

Tuesday Edition March 16, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 11 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday p.

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for Guyana’s gas-to-shore project

Exxon had intended to flare all the gas from - Fmr. Presidential Advisor Liza Phase One GPA condemns Giftland’s p. 3

Imported COVID-19 p. discrimination 12 cases force 2-week against media house lockdown of South12p.

Rupununi Village - Company apologises

Thorough, independent studies critical for gas-to-shore development - US Analyst

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Guyhoc Park man dies KN pressman claims days after being stabbed stopped, slapped by by brother-in-law police patrol rank p.

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Foreign companies cannot do business in Ghana’s oil sector without a local partner

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Donald Ramotar and Robert Persaud gave away Oil Blocks and Robert is back in control of more of our resources. Listen to Kaieteur Radio @ 11:00hrs on 99.1/99.5FM to find out!

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday March 16, 2021

Guyanese icon 'SAINt Foreign companies cannot do business JHN' wins in Ghana's oil sector 2 Grammy without a local partner awards

By Kiana Wilburg

I

Guyanese born singer, rapper, SAINt JHN

G

uyanese born singer, rapper, Carlos St. John Phillips, better known by his stage moniker, SAINt JHN, picked up not one, but two wins at the 63rd Annual G r a m m y Aw a r d s h e l d

Sunday night.

JHN's “Roses – Imanbek Remix” claimed the award for Best Remixed Recording, while his Beyoncé, Wizkid and Blue Ivy Carter collaboration “Brown Skin Girl” from The Lion King: The Gift, secured Best Music Video.

An excited JHN reacted to each of his awards on Twitter with the trophy and crying emojis, before calling out those who didn't see his vision this time last year.

“Two songs I wrote won Grammys today in real life,” he wrote to his 80,000 followers. “Imagine not believing in me a year ago.”

The 3x-platinum, “Roses –

Imanbek Remix,” peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2020 and soared to No. 1 in countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The song also has over a billion Spotify streams, with its music video boasting 145 million views on YouTube.

JHN released his third studio album While the World Was Burning in November 2020 with major appearances from Kanye West, Future, Lil Uzi Vert, DaBaby, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, JID, Kehlani and 6LACK. The Long Play (LP) peaked at No. 34 on the Billboard 200 chart and included “Roses – Imanbek Remix.”

n Ghana, there are several pieces of policies, guidelines, and regulations that protect the interests of citizens in the oil sector.

T he Local Content Policy and Regulations of that African nation state for example that foreign companies cannot participate in the oil sector to bid for contracts unless they join forces with companies established by Ghanaians.

B ut those rules go beyond that as Ghana has an additional set of guidelines which ensure that Ghanaians are not merely added to joint venture agreements as window dressing.

A ccording to the guidelines perused by Kaieteur News, “A nonindigenous Ghanaian company which intends to provide goods or services to a c o n t r a c t o r, a subcontractor, licensee, the Corporation or other allied entity within the country shall incorporate a joint venture company with an indigenous Ghanaian company and afford that indigenous Ghanaian company an equity participation of at least ten

percent.”

A lso, “A contractor, subcontractor, licensee or other allied entity shall support and facilitate technology transfer as regards the formation of joint ventures, partnering of l i c e n s i n g a g re e m e n t s between indigenous Ghanaian companies or c i t i z e n s a n d f o re i g n contractors and service companies or supply companies.”

In the interest of ensuring that this is achieved, Ghana requires the submission of a technology transfer report annually to its Petroleum Commission stating the technology transfer initiatives being pursued and the current results in relation to its Technology Transfer SubPlan.

O ther rules in place note that the indigenous G h a n a i a n company/companies must be actively involved in the management and operations of the joint venture company and the management structure of the joint venture company must take into account the equity participation of the parties.

Also, the local partners must state, clearly, their roles and responsibilities in the joint venture company.

I n accordance with its regulations too, the Commission will closely monitor the activities of each of the parties to the joint venture to ensure effectiveness during and at the end of each contract.

A t the moment, Guyana is working on crafting its Local Content Policy which will lay the foundation upon which its ensuing legislation would be built on.

The draft document also encourages joint venture partnerships but does not

offer the same protections Ghana gives to its citizens.

K aieteur News would have reported last week that the Ministry of Natural Resources is undertaking a series of “strategic stakeholders' consultations” to advance the development of the document.

T hese strategic discussions commenced on March 3 and will conclude on March 19, 2021. During this extended period of discussions, the Ministry said that comments are welcomed regarding all matters addressed under the policy's vision, mission, and objectives.

K aieteur News understands that these strategic engagements are focused primarily on the parameters, principles, and pillars of the draft policy, which are needed for the government to consider in defining the participatory measures of Guyanese workers and companies, and on identifying the capacity and competency that exist within the local markets to support oil and gas business development in Guyana.

T he Ministry said that the series of consultations will allow it to engage the public sector, private sector and civil society o rg a n i s a t i o n s t h a t a r e involved in various sectors and linkages industries, with particular focus on workforce enhancement such as education agencies; manufacturing and fabrication services; business development and support; financing; audit and accounting; shipping, warehousing and onshore services; hospitality; housing and infrastructure; regional and international trade; and other economic sectors such as tourism, agriculture.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday March 16, 2021

PAGE 03

Exxon had intended to flare all the gas from Liza Phase One - Fmr. Presidential Advisor

By Kemol King

E

xxonMobil, according to f o r m e r presidential advisor, Dr. Jan Mangal, had first intended to flare all the associated gas from the Liza Phase One operation.

Dr. Mangal said that in a July 2016 interview, while he did some unpaid work for former President, David Granger, he was informed by ExxonMobil and a government official in separate interviews that ExxonMobil's local subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), had intended to flare all the gas.

Dr. Mangal said that later on, the government official communicated to him that the decision had been changed; that the company would re-inject the gas. This was one month after the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) was inked by then Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman.

“I asked the government official and he said they were going to flare the gas,” Dr. Mangal said, of a 2016 interview. “I tried to convince him that we couldn't flare.

The next day we interviewed ExxonMobil and they said the same thing, they were planning to flare all the gas. I said that should not happen. At the end of the week, in our closeout session with the same official, I asked him the same question about flaring, and he said they had changed their decision and would now reinject the gas.

The Liza Destiny Floating Production, Storage

Flaring at the Liza Destiny FPSO, in December 2020

Former Presidential Advisor on Petroleum, Dr. Jan Mangal

EEPGL Government and Public Affairs Advisor, Janelle Persaud

and Offloading (FPSO) ended up being designed to re-inject the gas. EEPGL Government and Public Affairs Advisor, Janelle Persaud, iterated that much when Kaieteur News contacted her for a comment.

“The Liza Phase One project is designed to eliminate routine flaring of produced gas by using the gas to power the floating production, storage and offloading vessel and by reinjecting gas into the reservoir to conserve the gas and to improve oil recovery, thereby reducing emissions compared with traditional methods,” the EEPGL representative said.

However, she did not answer the question of whether it is true that ExxonMobil Guyana had initially intended to flare all the gas.

Dr. Mangal said that what happened in 2016 indicated to him that “the Government of Guyana was not doing any work on its own and was only following what ExxonMobil told them to do.”

ExxonMobil has been producing oil at Liza Phase One for about 14 months, and has been flaring for 13 of them, due to equipment defects.

While Guyana awaits the reinstatement of the repaired gas compression equipment, which would reduce flaring to pilot levels, the company's daily flaring rate is 16 million cubic feet per day, according to Country President, Alistair Routledge.

Routledge told reporters during a February 8 press engagement that the current state of affairs is not where the company wants to be.

“We go to bed worrying about it,” he had said.

However, Routledge sought to convince the media that the flaring currently occurring is not producing extreme emissions.

“But just to put it in context,” he had said, “the Kingston power plant has higher emissions than the flare we're talking about. So, this isn't extreme emissions.”

“In oil and gas operations,” the ExxonMobil official continued, “a flare is a necessary safety system, and over the life of an asset, there are periods where you need to flare. It is part of transitions of startup, shutdown. That's what the facilities are designed for.

But clearly, we do not want to have extended flaring of any significance.”

H e a d o f t h e Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Sharifah Razack, has not responded to an email request sent more than three weeks ago, for the most recent statistics on the volume of gas flared.

ExxonMobil did not provide the figures either when asked, but told the press to do its own calculations.

This newspaper's calculations, which take previous EPA reports into consideration, indicate that to date, EEPGL has flared more than 13 billion cubic feet of gas per day.

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Tuesday March 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

This is what the honest and fearless do The news from New York is all over, with the media having a field day. The state’s Democratic Governor, Andrew Cuomo, is on the ropes and being pummelled from all sides, and from the sound of things, there are neither allies nor neutrals to be found in his corner anymore. From all indications, he cuts an increasingly isolated figure left to fend for himself and dig himself out of the hole that he created all on his own.

Things are so outrageously bad, so politically indefensible, that some of the more influential members of his own party are either intensifying the pressures on him or abandoning him altogether.

His follies and failures can be summed up in two words: sexual harassment. As the revelations mount, and numbers increase, it might be still better to label him a serial sexual predator (alleged). In the world in which we live in today, and the corporate and political worlds, any such accusation is the equivalent of the kiss of death. It is goodbye to career, and it is as good as over as far as those one-time aspirations to national leadership all the way to the White House goes.

Such was the case not too long ago on the part of Mr. Cuomo, when he was widely discussed as among the most highprofile frontrunners for the presidential contest of 2024.

In the space of a few short weeks, a total of seven women (so far) have come forward with claims of sexual harassment and workplace humiliations by the New York governor. These are credible sounding women, with Mr. Cuomo offering lamer and lamer defences by the hour. His multiple instances of misconduct are so unpardonable, and his positions are so weak that even his own are heading for the exits, and at every layer. In this there is example and lesson for Guyanese political figures, particularly the senior ones from both sides of the divide. The first lesson is know when to say when; as in too far, too much, and too indefensible. Or to put in another way, a more abrupt and jarring way: there is the door, get going, get out, and don’t look back. The problem is that level of leadership is rarely, if ever, demonstrated here.

To be sure, the political sexual culture here is a bit more nuanced and benign; tolerable might be the word for what is an open secret. It is considered part of the camaraderie and the give and take of getting closer to the top or, at least, to get one’s way and dream fulfilled. Women do not dare to protest, for then they might as well head for the turnstile and the quick downward journey into obscurity. Thus, it is stooping to conquer, and keeping everything in the family and under wraps. It is: no objection to advances, no rejection of visions.

But this is not what is in motion in the United States in the agitated and embarrassed ranks of the Democratic Party.

Instead of the party basking in its gruelling retake of the White House, and savouring the afterglow of its narrow congressional triumph in the American Rescue Plan, it has to deal with the ballooning fallouts of Mr. Cuomo’s alleged sexual peccadilloes. It now seems to be just a matter of time before that qualifier ‘alleged’ will be gone. And that is exactly where some of his more upset and politically astute political friends are also at, as in gone. They are rushing forward to throw their next presidential flag carrier overboard.

First, there were the more assertive members of New York’s delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Names like “Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jerry Nadler, and other members” who called on Governor Andrew Cuomo to resign” (Bloomberg March 12). The word from that same Bloomberg coverage from late last week was that “at least nine of the Democratic House members from New York” are “urging Cuomo to step down.” The tide has transformed into a tsunami, with Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand have added their voices to the chorus insisting upon the embattled, but still balefully defiant, Cuomo to do the right thing, the only thing left, which is to depart. It is a sign of how matters have deteriorated, for the two senators were first calling for an independent investigation, but both have now thrown in the towel in disgust, with what is politically astute, and from what is politically distasteful (New York Times, March 12).

As we consider this, it conveys how the real-world functions, the standards that it now maintains, is forced to

Did Hamilton Green not personify ‘Divide and Rule?’

Dear Editor, Reference is made to the response of Harry Hergash (KN Mar 15) to Hamilton Green on divide and rule.

Green’s behaviour was not of someone who supported unity and democracy in Guyana. He was connected to and indicted by the population’s view as the person who personifies ‘divide and rule.’

As Hergash reminded readers, Hammie opposed a democratic outcome of the March 2020 and October 1992 elections. His advice to Granger in July 2020 was/is in line with his thinking of which party or race should rule in Guyana. In short, in 2020, he recommended to Granger not to give up power. Similar advice was proffered to Desmond Hoyte in 1992.

Such thinking encouraged, promoted, and perpetuated division and anti-democratic behaviour in the society.

I distinctly remember that Green wrote sometime in 2019 and again in 2020 that the Carter Centre had no business to ‘involve’ itself in Guyana’s electoral affairs. His position essentially was : “What business was it of the Carter Centre if elections were rigged in Guyana” (my description).

In short, he said, Carter Centre must not protect or advocate free and fair elections for Guyana.

Hammie would have reason to keep out Carter Centre, OAS, Caricom, and other observers.

Free and fair elections would be the bane of the party he has supported. He was/is widely viewed as the intellectual author of fraudulent elections in Guyana and of racially inspired violence.

Green’s view of the Carter Centre apparently had not changed much from 1992. For the 1992 election, sources informed me, in my capacity as a reporter, that Green led a group of thugs opposed to the democratic outcome of the election. He was reportedly seen with supporters who were involved in violence in Georgetown and who also attempted to storm Gecom’s office. Many properties were looted and burnt from arson.

Also, hundreds were beaten and robbed. There was some rigging of voting and multiple voting was observed. There was rift between Green and his superior, Desmond Hoyte.

Green was adamantly opposed to the public counting of votes and at the place of polling. He did not support the concessions made by Hoyte on the restoration of democratic governance in Guyana.

Sources told me that Green was overheard speaking on the phone instructing someone to inform Desmond Hoyte that he (Green) and his band of supporters would not listen to any White man (a reference to Jimmy Carter) on how ballots should be

counted and the declaration of the outcome of the elections. The violence was meant to prevent the declaration of the election results, a quick count of which showed PPP won. Was that attitude not one which promoted racial division and disrespect for the tenets of democracy?

Perhaps Green can advice whether he made such remarks, his role in the racial violence of 1992, and how he feels about Jimmy Carter, an icon of democracy who is loved by Black Americans.

Carter was not intimidated by arson or ethnic violence or thugs or characters like Green or threat to burn down Gecom building with Carter inside. He huddled with aides and Chairman, Rudy Collins, and Gecom staff inside the Gecom building to protect the integrity of the ballots.

Carter’s life was threatened.

President Carter’s call to Hoyte that he (Carter) would phone President Bush (Snr) for American protection promoted Hoyte to send GDF to quell the PNC violence.

Hadn’t Hoyte intervened to disperse the protesters, there could well have been US military intervention to protect the ballots and off course President Carter and other Americans. The GDF opened fire on the thugs; my recollection is a few were killed and injured causing them to disperse. The protesters were shocked that

the army opened fire on them because they were assured that nothing would happen to them. Was Green there?

What was his role? The protesters must have realized that Green could not protect them. Hoyte was the boss and he authorized use of force to quell the rioters. The die was cast; the election could not be rigged to keep the incumbent in office not in 1992 or 2020.

Separately, Green made reference to Mr. Eusi Kwayana on the 2020 elections. Green should never mention that name or compare himself with that iconic character; Kwayana had integrity and never rigged an election.

On divide and rule, when I was a youngster, Green was Minister of Sports. He was accused of distributing sports gear and equipment to his party’s supporters.

Nothing came to my schools (Anglican and Corentyne High) or communities that supported the PPP. Was that not a policy of political and ethnic ‘divide and rule?’

Also, when Green was in government, children of schools in communities that supported the PPP did not receive regular delivery of biscuits and milk in the UNICEF/UNESCO sponsored nutrition program? Was that not an act of divide and rule?

Yours truly Vishnu Bisram

GOOD GOVERNANCE Dear Editor, When a party is voted into government, it is obligatory that they govern in such a way that all the citizens of that country can benefit. The subjects of that country ought to feel safe that they have made the right choice a choice which of course must be respected - and then move on to the governance aspect, wherein it makes decisions, plans and projections to lead the people into a respectable life.

It is a hallowed responsibility wherein you must carry out the wishes of the people who placed them there and not to superimpose

their own partisan political ideologies, these are the fundamental rules which I will caption Governance 101. And this has been the bugbear of our country for the last 5 years 5 months on and even before that for 28 continuous years. I am talking about a nation called Guyana, which was suppressed by the foolish actions of a party who was, and still is, rooted in the concept of triumphalism and crass dictatorship.

Well, that false concept of theirs was soon put to rest, when the people of this country spoke in clear and unambiguous tones on March 2, 2020. The People

maintain, because of environmental pressures. When this is compared to how our leaders protect crooked comrades, and look the other way when party rogues are exposed for obvious wrongdoings, it tells us how far we are behind, and how much will be done, to defend those who trample upon the trust of citizens, and those who misuse their powerful offices for personal gain. We are good at saying all the right things, but we are way better at stopping right there and doing absolutely nothing. Failing comrades are protected; wretched citizens are on their own. When honest and fearless leadership is needed to make right wrongs, they are content to add to wrongs.

wanted a change and it did come when they voted those repulsive persons out of office. The denizens were given their marching orders and told to get their knees off our windpipes and set us free again.

Another aspect of good governance, is the rights of the people to not only hear of what the government is doing for them, but to see what they have done. For the last five years we were told of the “Good Life” but never lay hold of it, that life was an illusion that always lay in the distance in the constant talk of it and nothing else. The term seeing is believing rings true in this debate, hence the people of this country hungered for the experience of that good life.

The point is, we must not only hear of a “good life,” we steadfastly look forward to seeing it, that is, having visible signs of where our monies is being spent, whether it is on a new road, a new wharf or a new helicopter, we reserve the right to see and feel it. We are

also cognizant of the fact that our livelihoods or our standard of living should be improved. Our level of existence must show significant improvement.

If one can only see the improvement of the lives of the elected ones and not for those of the ordinary people, then something is radically wrong with that government structure and strict investigation must be mounted to audit that system and the persons therein. So, there are checks and balances that were put in place to curb the excesses of those who believe they can improve their prosperity and trample on the poverty of the hard working taxpayer. If a party believes that they can raid the treasury for their own personal benefit and the people would give them a free pass, then they need to think again, this goes for both government and opposition.

Now, this is where the rubber hits the road, because when persons are placed under the microscope they (Continued on page 6)

Tuesday March 16, 2021

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

The accusation of racism against well-meaning, concerned Afro-Guyanese is a serious matter Dear Editor On the popular programme ‘Voice of the People,’ last Saturday, the question of what seemed to be the harassment of Trevor Benn, the recently dismissed Commissioner of Lands and Surveys, and similar matters surfaced. One caller accused Lincoln Lewis and Aubrey Norton of being racist.

This charge is a serious matter, but it is not new. This accusation is a serious one in the western world and Guyana in particular. Sections of the Police Force that appear to ignore the history of the lands in question. Did they study or understand the sequence of events after Independence, which changed the whole concept of DHBA, i.e. Lands held during Her Majesty’s pleasure.

Did the eager Police examine the question of a Lessee’s failure to pay the agreed Lease to the State or utilize the Land as agreed? In this case, the Lessee was GUYSUCO who has been cash-strapped for some time and the land in question was not utilized as agreed. Then there was the legal issue surrounding the era of NICIL. I am confident that if this matter is allowed a fair resolution, it will expose severe weaknesses at several levels. As I understand it, when NICIL was established, the original legislation proposed as part of the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP) that NICIL should be the clearing house and not custodian of state lands and property.

I was in Parliament at that time.

Further, I am advised that sometime in 2016, GUYSUCO returned these lands to the State, but these are matters that were not properly researched but one gets the impression that Benn’s incarceration and embarrassment were part of a deliberate plan by certain persons.

For now, allow me to deal with the wider question of racism. The accusation of racism against well-meaning and concerned members of the Afro-Guyanese

community is a serious matter and cannot be swept under the carpet.

First, unless this matter of race is openly and rationally discussed, we will remain illequipped as a people to deal and understand the genesis of this matter.

Even on the programme, referred to above, some folks plead that this matter of race must not be discussed.

This has been a monumental mistake which has left ignorance and deepseated prejudices in our country alive and well.

The majority of Guyanese, particularly the majority of the younger generation wish to get on with their lives and put this boogeyman of race in the burial ground.

My next sentences will seek to draw a nexus between race and our history in Guyana, the Caribbean and the United States.

First, it is time we put to rest this old inaccurate contention that slavery and indentureship are the same.

The fact is that no other ethnic group in the west and Guyana suffered the brutality and inhumanity of the slaves who were not regarded as human beings.

By the time, as is the case of Guyana, the Indentured Labourers arrived here, thanks to the Englishmen such as John Newton and Powell Buxton, substantial improvements in plantation life were put in place.

Conditions on the plantations were vastly improved and the labourers, both the Manumitted Africans and the immigrants were at least treated as human beings and not animals, to be mercilessly beaten and when they dared to protest or stage an uprising, were sentenced by kangaroo courts to more beatings, hanging and as we saw in 1823, have their heads cut off and placed on stakes as a warning to others to be of ‘good’ behaviour.

As far as the European Masters and the local plantocracy, this meant accepting merciless inhumanity as a norm and the churches in their prayers and procedures as Christians saw

nothing was wrong. So intrusive was this relationship that generations after Emancipation, there exists among the AfroGuyanese, an unwillingness to deal with their plight as a result of centuries of dehumanization.

This was imbedded. One result is that some AfroGuyanese in colonial times, once they emerged beyond the environment of the slave quarters seem anxious to ignore the plight of those left behind. We also have the philosophy of the house slave who were made to believe that they are special.

Mind you, in each case out of the preferred group emerged champions for the rest who were left behind. I recall when I was a young teenager, having secured a place at Queens College, that some of my fellow students felt themselves superior with little concern to those who were left behind.

I recall, a group of us, stopping to pick up a fellow QC boy on Regent Street. His parents lived in the top flat over a business place, and the father was an official of the then Electricity Company. All the QC boys had bicycles and when we stopped for this friend, who may still be alive, let’s call him ORD for the time being, a group of boys from Albouystown hailed out to me and I crossed the road to chat with them. On my return to the group, ORD and some of the boys criticized me for mixing with those ordinary boys, saying that we are QC boys.

The above demonstrates a problem that some members of the Afro-Guyanese community and have lived with for generations. My parents were members of the popular League of Coloured People (LCP). They were all well-meaning Afro-Guyanese, but their programmes did not seek to pull up the ordinary working class by their bootstraps or in a meaningful way.

There were of course some exceptions.

Many Afro-Guyanese and other members of the other Ethnic groups unto this day are still uncomfortable when the descendants of the

brutalized and dehumanized slaves seek or speak out for nothing more than a “piece of the pie” and justice; they are accused of being racist.

This is a deep-seated problem, which this generation of Guyanese must by research and being true to reality of our history, try to understand to clean up the mess, propaganda and brainwashing of hundreds of years. This is a herculean task.

With all of us who know better, we must not shy away from recording our history for it is this which will lead to a better understanding of who we really are and give us the foundation to achieve our dream of being One People, One Nation with One Destiny.

We must be courageous and, for example, tell our friends who make up the other ethnic groups, that when some of us speak out against injustice and demand reparation, we are just being practical and true to the sacrifices of our noble ancestors.

This itself is a contributory factor for better understanding in a diverse mixed-society.

If we don’t learn to love ourselves and appreciate from whence we came and who we are, we lack the ability to love the other person, so necessary, if we are to live together in peace and harmony. In a sense, this is part of our problem.

In his powerful address

to celebrate 150 years’ anniversary of the freeing of the slaves (physical), Professor Ali. A. Mazrui, while referred to other groups making optimal use of the suffering at the hands of others but black people generally have not.

“If one measure of love is what one is willing to give up for it, the measure of humiliation is how low one’s dignity is forced to descend. Black people, therefore represent the most humiliated race in history because slavery is the loss of dignity as well as freedom, and ours was the martyrdom of identity because of what we were, regardless of what we believe in.”

To my friends, who may not understand, nor appreciate the lingering consequences of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, must not accuse those who now speak out as being racists. The truth is, perhaps due to the severity of slavery and subsequent colonial and imperial strategy, freed black Africans in Guyana, neither sacrilized their suffering into a sacred doctrine and a cultural mantra nor exploited it as a social and economic resource.

Perhaps of the shame and pain associated by the victims and not the persecutors.

Let the dialogue continue so that the gentleman who accused Lincoln Lewis and Aubrey Norton of being racist will appreciate that these men are simply patriots, interested in making Guyana a safe and solid s o c i e t y. We n e e d m o r e Guyanese who will not be guilty of the sin of silence but will speak up and lean on the side of truth I hope that this letter provides an opportunity for us to overcome ignorance and prejudice, the two things that breed and foster racism.

If we fail to examine our past, be you African, Amerindian, Chinese, Indian, Portuguese or White, we are unlikely to co-exist peacefully with appreciation for each other. If we are afraid to speak the truth, we will be doing our descendants and ancestors a grave injustice.

Let us today, secure the validity of our ancestral heritage, be clear of our identity, enhance our spirituality and above all our personal integrity.

Yours truly, Hamilton Green

PAGE 6

Tuesday March 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

The unacceptable defaming of our UWI Dear Editor, Alumni of the University of the West Indies (UWI) – like myself – are still trying to make sense of the peculiar editorial that appeared in Barbados’ Nation Newspaper of March 11, 2021 under the headline “Time for Change,” and that constituted such a grossly exaggerated, unctuous and farfetched attack on our University, that some of us feel duty bound to respond in writing.

Also adding to the ”strange” nature of the editorial was that it actually featured a portrait type photograph of the personality that the editorial writer outdid himself in portraying as a ”white knight in shining armour” who is supposedly coming to the rescue of our University: namely, Mr. Robert Bermudez, current chairman of Massy Holdings Ltd. of Trinidad and Tobago and Chancellor or ceremonial head of the University of the West Indies (UWI) since the year 2017.

Furthermore, we found it to be more than passing strange that, in an editorial devoted entirely to the UWI, there was not one

single mention of the Vice Chancellor – the principal academic and administrative leader of the University – Sir Hilary Beckles. What - we asked ourselves - was the editorial writer really trying to achieve ? And on whose behalf?

Then there was the actual content of the editorial vis-àvis UWI! The editorial feverishly tried to convince us that there is something terribly wrong with the current governance structure of the UWI - the governance structure that is really mostly the product of the contributions of such former outstanding Chancellors of UWI as Sir Shridath Ramphal and Sir George Alleyne. According to the e d i t o r i a l , the ”concerns” about this governance structure are highlighted in a Report that has been commissioned by Chancellor Bermudez, and ”should be raised and discussed as a matter of urgency” – indeed, as early as the very next day!

Truly, this “Alice in Wonderland” type editorial must have had UWI students and alumni wondering whether the editorialist was

referring to some other UWI, located in some other part of the world!

And I say this because, as recently as 2019, the UWI that we know, has been ranked by the Times Higher Education – the world’s most respected university ranking agency – as the No. 1 University in the entire Caribbean, and among the top best 1 percent of Golden Age Universities (those between 50 to 100 years of age) worldwide.

In addition, all of us who pay attention to the affairs of UWI are very well aware of the phenomenal development that our University has undergone over the past six years, under the inspirational and visionary leadership of Vice Chancellor Beckles. Indeed, we have all looked on in amazement as UWI developed into a “global University,” with an active institutional and academic presence on every continent of the world.

For the benefit of the Nation’s editorialist, here is a list of the ten international academic “Centres” that UWI has established over the past 6 years:1. UWI – SUNY (State

...GOOD GOVERNANCE From page 4 must not turn again and say I am being hunted down, they must be free and available at all times to stand the test. The PPP/C took theirs and stood up like a man, now when it is the APNU+AFC’s turn to

face the heat, we are greeted with a multitude of lame and obnoxious excuses. The fact remains, no party in or out of office must be allowed to get away with it, they must be held accountable for their actions.

So, I say in this new dispensation of things, we look forward to the observance of clean, transparent and honest governance.

Respectfully submitted Neil Adams

University of New York) Centre for Leadership and Sustainable Development – USA 2.

UWI – Brock Centre for Canada – Caribbean Studies – in Canada.

3.

UWI – Suzhou Institute for Information Technology – in China.

4.

UWI – Coventry Centre for Industry – Academic Partnership – in the UK. 5.

UWI – University of the Lagos Centre for African and Diaspora Culture – in Nigeria.

6.

UWI – University of Johannesburg Centre for Global Africa – in South Africa.

7.

UWI – University of Colombia Partnership – in South America.

8.

UWI - European Union University Centre – in Europe.

9.

UWI – University of Havana Centre for the Sustainable Development of Caribbean People – in Cuba.

10. UWI – University of Glasgow Centre for Development and Reparatory Justice – in Scotland and Jamaica.

There have also been other mind-blowing developments, such as the UWI Global Online programme that generates revenue by selling academic content to a global online student body; the birth and development of UWI TV; the establishment of the new Five Islands Campus in Antigua and Barbuda; the establishment of Faculties of Sport at all campuses; the pending (2021) establishment of the world’s first Institute for Climate Smart Studies; and the innovative manner in which UWI has gone about solving the vexed issue of governmental financial arrears, by permitting our governments to provide the University with physical assets in exchange for arrears, and thereby – in the case of Trinidad – providing UWI with the US$100 Million Couva Hospital, to be used as an International “for profit” Medical School.

Indeed, it really needs to be recorded that when Sir Hilary Beckles became Vice Chancellor of UWI in 2015, he assumed administrative responsibility for a University saddled with unpaid Governmental financial arrears to the tune of a massive $120 Million United States dollars! Over the course of his tenure as Vice Chancellor he has managed to reduce those arrears to US $40 Million.

Furthermore, UWI’s development has been so phenomenal over the past six years, that several colleges

and universities of the hemisphere have applied to be associated with our University, and be designated Colleges of UWI. This development will result in UWI becoming part of a multi-lingual university system, with the Dutch and French languages being added to UWI’s academic culture.

In light of the foregoing, what – you may then ask – was the editorial really all about?

Well, it all becomes clear when the editorial writer ends his or her missive with the following conclusion:“… if the UWI was a private sector business these issues could not slide and people would be held accountable … The Chancellor is not from academia … but is a successful businessman …

Commissioning the report was in itself significant; its findings cannot be filed away. Mr. Bermudez is accustomed to making tough decisions. The UWI should be no exception.”

So, it is really all about Mr. Bermudez leading a Private Sector make-over (or takeover) of the management and control of our University. And when you take the time to read and examine the Chancellor’s Report, you will discover that this is the fundamental thrust of the Report, and the fundamental proposal that the Report is pushing.

In a nutshell, the Report is effectively proposing that – henceforth – the fundamental power to control and manage our University be vested in a newly created Executive Committee of the University’s highest policymaking body – the University Council – to be chaired by none other than the Chancellor – Mr. Robert Bermudez - himself !

In other words, no longer would Mr. Bermudez be a ceremonial figure. Rather, he would now supplant Vice Chancellor Beckles as effectively the principal administrative and academic leader of our UWI. Indeed, under the new proposed governance structure, Mr. Bermudez would really be both Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the institution, and would wield an enormous amount of power in and over our University. He would be godlike in his status — virtually answerable to no one.

But that is not the only aspect of Private Sector take over that is being pushed. Indeed, it is also being recommended that the pinnacle level University

Council, as well as the various lower level Campus Councils, be equipped with six “Advisory Committees” responsible for the allimportant areas of Governance, Finance and Capital Allocation, Audit and Risk, Human Resources, Student Success and Digital Transformation, and that it be stipulated that these Committees be made up of a mix of internal (University) p e r s o n n e l and external (nonUniversity) personnel, and be chaired by one of the external (read “Private Sector”) members of the Committee.

Furthermore, the Chancellor’s Report is calling for the outright abolition of the University’s high level Finance and General Purposes Committee, each individual Campus’ Finance and General Purposes Committee, and the University Strategy and Planning Committee. And it needs to be noted that these are the Committees through which the democratic ethos and culture of our University has traditionally been established – bringing together lecturers, administrators, student representatives, private sector business executives and other stakeholders to engage in discussions and thrash out University policies and decisions.

All of this – we are advised – should be replaced by a Private Sector controlled corporatist-type structure, presided over by an allpowerful Chancellor who has never even attended a University himself, and who therefore - in all likelihood— would have a very limited appreciation of the culture and mission of such a highlevel academic/human development institution.

Oh, and by the way, one of the directions in which all of this is heading, is a sizable increase in the tuition fees that students would be required to pay! This, needless to say, is another one of the recommendations contained in the Chancellor’s Report.

Caribbean people – particularly those of working class background – would be well advised to use t h i s N a t i o n Newspaper editorial as a wakeup call, and start paying much greater attention to what is being proposed for our University - the critical institution that we depend upon for our social advancement and national development.

Yours truly, David Comissiong Graduate of the UWI

T N U L B . . .

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Tuesday March 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

Last time we wrote about respect for the press, we said not to invite us if you don't respect us.

Please allow us to clarify.

If you disrespect one of us, you disrespect all of us.

If you disrespect all of us, don't send an invitation at all.

We demand to be treated with respect!

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Tuesday March 16, 2021

$160M fraud charge…

David Patterson and Rawlston Adams' trial to commence April 20 Y

esterday, one month after they denied a charge which alleges that they defrauded the State of over $160M, the trial date for Former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, and Former General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC), Rawlston Adams, was set.

The trial is expected to commence on April 20, 2021.

The trial is expected to be conducted by Senior Magistrate, Leron Daly, in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts. On the last hearing of the matter, the duo was served with some of the

statements of the witnesses that are expected to testify against them.

According to reports, Patterson is being represented by attorneys-atlaw, Ronald Burch-Smith and Nigel Hughes, while Adams is being represented by attorney-at-law, Glenn Hanoman.

On Patterson and Adams' first court appearance, they were not required to plead to the charge since it was laid indictably. They were also both placed on $200,000 bail each.

However, the prosecutor had requested that the charge be laid summarily, so that the matter can be tried in the Magistrate's Court, as

opposed to a preliminary inquiry (PI) being conducted in the Magistrate's Court before the matter is either sent to the High Court or dismissed.

On February 15, 2021, the charge was changed and laid summarily and Patterson and Adams were required to enter a plea after the charge was re-read to them.

Both men pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that between November 18, 2016 and February 1, 2018 at Georgetown, they conspired with each other and with other persons unknown, to defraud the DHBC of $162,635,015, funds of the

Former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson

Former General Manager of DHBC, Rawlston Adams

DHBC's Asphalt Plant Account.

The charge is in relation to a contract that was awarded to a Dutch company, LievenseCSO, to conduct a feasibility study and design for the new Demerara Harbour Bridge between Houston, East Bank Demerara, and Versailles, West Bank Demerara.

Kaieteur News had reported that the charge was

brought by the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU), a branch of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

There is an ongoing probe by SOCU in relation to Patterson's role in solesourcing the Dutch company that was selected to conduct the feasibility study.

After the contract was made public in 2017, the then Opposition, People's Progressive Party/Civic

(PPP/C), had called for a thorough investigation by the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) into the awarding of the contract to the Dutch firm, this later triggered an investigation by SOCU. The PPC in its investigation found that Patterson's request to Cabinet for approval of the contract was not forwarded through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). As a result, the PPC had asked for the tender to be reset. NPTAB had given approval for the project to be retendered, but it was not.

The PPP/C was adamant that the bypassing of the procurement process was illegal, but SOCU later stated that it had sought legal advice, and that there is no evidence that a criminal offence was committed.

Earlier this year, SOCU reopened the case and Patterson and Adams were later called in for questioning by SOCU and the charge was later instituted.

GNBS opens new Bartica Branch - aims to expand core services

Minister Oneidge Walrond speaking at the opening ceremony of the new GNBS sub-office

W

ith the aim of expanding its core services, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), on Monday opened its sixth sub-office in the town of Bartica at the Regional Democratic Council's (RDC) Administrative Office.

Present at the opening ceremony were Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Wa l r o n d ; R e g i o n a l Chairman, Kenneth Wi l l i a m s ; E x e c u t i v e

Director (ag) of the GNBS, Ramrattie Karan; Regional Vice Chairman, Nageshwarie Persaud; Mayor, Gifford Marshall; Deputy Mayor, Aretha Embelton; Regional Commander, Senior Superintendent Dion Moore, and other special invitees.

Addressing the gathering in the compound of the RDC, Minister Walrond disclosed that the new office will eliminate the need to travel long distances to access core services offered by the Bureau. She noted, “No

longer is there a need to journey to Georgetown or for the GNBS to journey to Bartica to inspect products, complete registrations, verify fuel pumps, etc. Now, put that into a contextual perspective and examine the cost and time-saving elements.

I am happy to usher in this new era, where you can stay in Bartica, save your money, save your time and still access these critical services.” The Minister stated that the new location is intended to convey that residents in the rural areas and the outlying areas should in no way feel disadvantaged or disconnected from opportunities available to the rest of the country.

With GNBS being the leading agency responsible for standards, quality, and measurements, Walrond pointed out that “we all are desirous of accurate measurements for goods purchased, and our expectation is value for (continued on page 16)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday March 16, 2021

PAGE 09

Even democracy has to be protected from vagabonds T

here was a greater reason why the Democrats wanted to impeach Donald Trump. After the insurrection at the Capitol, there were calls for Trump to be immediately removed from office.

But behind the impeachment proceedings, which failed to secure a conviction in the Senate, there was a larger cause: the Democrats and some Republicans wanted to ensure he could never run again for office. An impeachment would have sealed his fate.

The move to ensure that Trump could never run again for office was criticised as undemocratic. Democracy, it was said can only be free if all interested candidates are free to decide whether to run for office.

This is the basis in which the Lima Group, including Guyana under the APNU+AFC, had opted to not recognise Maduro as President of Venezuela even though he has won fair elections. The Lima Group and the Organization of American States insist that recent elections in Venezuela were not free because of the non-participation of the Opposition. They are not contending that these polls were rigged.

Trump was not convicted and therefore the Congress could not disbar him from ever holding public office again. One Constitutional

Dem

boys seh...

P

eople keeping quiet about dem family wah dead from COVID-19. Is as if dem stigmatising dem own self. Dem should open up and leh people realize how serious is dis virus. Dem should share dem experience so dat people can understand how this virus getting transmitted.

Another person dead yesterday. With de current death rate and de fact dat eight persons in de COVID19 ICU yesterday, it means at de minimum, one more person gan most likely die

office, however, feels that Trump can still be barred if it is established that he was involved in an insurrection against the State.

A C o m m i s s i o n o f Investigation into the storming of the Capitol.

Trump has faced sanctions, including from his home state, as a result of the incident. And the pressure is piling up on him, all with the aims of making him an example and for ensuring that his political career ends.

The intention is ultimately to disqualify him from contesting the 2024 elections.

But what about Guyana?

The question has been asked as to whether given the actions of the APNU+AFC whether the coalition should not be disqualified from contesting democratic elections.

A strong moral case exists. It was evident that the APNU+AFC had intended to benefit from the shenanigans involving an attempt to foist false results on the electorate. The APNU+AFC convinced the majority of the population that it was not prepared to play by the rules and was intent on stealing a victory despite losing the elections.

A grouping such as this should have no place in democratic politics. But i r o n i c a l l y, t h e v e r y democratic argument can be used to argue that whatever the moral credentials of the APNU+AFC, and however

much it tried to cheat its way back to political office, it would be a violation of democratic norms for the APNU+AFC to be disbarred from participating in office.

Some may argue why should this be so? After all no right is absolute, and the democratic right to participate in elections ought to be circumscribed by the duty to play by the rules.

If a boxer does not play by the rules and hits below the belt and does this deliberately and repeatedly, that boxer can be disqualified. If you cheat at sports, you can be banned for life. So what prevents the application of this same principle to politics? Why a political party which is engaged in a deliberate attempt to defraud an election, not be disqualified from contesting future elections.

One argument in favour of banning rogue parties and grouping is that even democracy has to be protected. It cannot be left to the mercy of political extremists and vagabonds, including those who supported and cheered the cheaters.

This country was held to ransom for five months while there was a blatant and barefaced attempt to steal the elections. It was so shameless that there was a plan to invent results, and then later, to disqualify arbitrarily, valid votes.

So why then should

We gat fuh try harder to contain COVID by next week.

And still dem people nah coming forward to warn people about dis virus. De best tribute you can pay to de deceased loved ones is to help stop de spread of dis virus.

So dem family should not try to hide dem story.

Dem should let people know how people wah nah go out dem house catching de virus because other persons in de family bringing de virus home.

Uncle Frank seh dat de best way fuh stop de pandemic is fuh every adult

to get vaccinated. Dem boys done calculate dat fuh herd immunity, we need 80 percent of de population vaccinated.

And dat is impossible because dem vaccines only fuh adults and not fuh persons under de age of 18 years. Dis along with vaccine hesitancy gan mek herd immunity impossible.

Dat is why dem boys seh while we getting vaccinated, we also gat to tighten up pon dem people wah partying, and dem people wah walking around de place without mask.

anyone have a difficulty in demanding that the A P N U + A F C b e permanently debarred from holding political office.

Well, one reason for opposing this course of action is because regardless of the compelling evidence which already exists, and which leaves little doubt as to what was afoot, there needs to be due process.

Otherwise, the debarring becomes an arbitrary exercise.

This is why there should be no further delay in establishing a credible

international commission of inquiry.

Once that commission is established and its findings made public, then the necessary steps can then be taken to move a constitutional amendment, which would effectively allow for the legal sanctions against those attempting a coup against democracy.

This is why this column will continue to insist that all those who are complicit in the attempt to rig the elections must face the sanction of the court. And by ensuring that the guilty

are punished would be much better justice than arbitrarily banning the APNU+AFC from any future participation in an election.

U n f o r t u n a t e l y, t h e PPP/C has become a blowblow party. It has made no provision in this year's Budget for the establishment of such a commission to investigate electoral banditry.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Tuesday March 16, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Racism in Guyana: Sharon Osbourne versus Sheryl Underwood Q

uite often people would make a comment to me on how I fell out with persons who the entire Guyana knows I had an enduring camaraderie with.

The latest was diaspora activist, Norman Brown (see my last Sunday and Monday column).

I cannot see how my friendship with Dr. David Hinds, Dr. Nigel Westmaas and one of Guyana's icons, Moses Bhagwan could be reconstructed. These were people I thought were deeply committed to the value of free election, moreso than any other nationalities in the entire world because Guyanese, including all three of these men, fought

valiantly against the emergence of dictatorship on Guyana brought about by rigged election.

My mind is convinced that rigged election is antithetical to individual freedom. I hold the theory deep in my heart that countries like Cuba and Libya, just to name a few would have had a different history if Kaddafi and Castro had to face the electorate.

Facing the electorate compels prime ministers and presidents to do positive things because their opponents are waiting to pounce on them to describe them as dictators so as to replace them. In this age of social media, an elected party can easily lose an

election if it chooses to be insensitive. Isn't this what happened in Guyana in 2020?

The constitutional crisis over the no-confidence vote (NCV) and the political brutalities of the March 2020 election were dangerous times since the first rigged election in 1968. I cannot comprehend how men and women who fought for constitutional rights, political rights, justice and free and fair election since 1968 could invoke the immoral thought of defending constitutional skullduggery and political degeneracy after the phenomenal defeat of both of these poisonous menus after 1992.

Yes, I concede the post 1992 was no glorious blossoming of flowers.

There were tremendous setbacks. But there were serious democratic reclamations that lasted long after 1992. In fact contrary to the polemic that 1992 was a post dictatorship failure, the High Court ruled that the 1997 PPP election victory was illegal. There was no rule of law under President Forbes Burnham.

To see friends endorsing, and some staying silent about the NCV and the March 2020 rigging were mentally painful to me. What has this discussion got to do with the caption above? Two television personalities – Sharon Osbourne, who is white, and Sheryl Underwood, who is Black, host a popular talk show on American television named The Talk.

Osbourne defended Piers Morgan's insensitive exclamations against Meghan Markle asserting her friendship with Morgan.

Underwood told her that she is defending a man whose fulminations were oblivious to the race issues in Markle's criticism of the British monarchy's attitude to her, Osbourne's reply is one that holds untold lessons about life.

Osbourne asked why she is being called a racist when she is simply defending her friend.

Underwood's reaction was philosophical and here is where the comparison with me and

David Hinds comes in.

Underwood told Osbourne that she is defending a friend who is insensitive to race issues. The dispute Frederick Kissoon between the two women is now a election, uncaring attitude to global topic with their employer, the CBS a country that has had network pursuing an c o n s t a n t p o l i t i c a l nightmares since investigation.

Who is right and who is Independence. The sacred wrong? It needs no training values that hold a country in philosophy to answer. together, Hinds turned his Underwood is logical in back on. I cannot see him the claiming that you cannot same way again.

In relation to Dr. Nigel defend a friend who doesn't see how victims of race We s t m a a s a n d M o s e s discrimination feel. The Bhagwan, they were silent. s u b t e r r a n e a n m e a n i n g But in that reticence laid a l u r k i n g a r o u n d t h e certain state of mind that disagreement is that one can p i e r c e d m y m i n d claim that in trying to rescue agonizingly. Both men have Morgan, Osbourne herself is excellent record of fighting racially biased. Simply put; for free and fair elections. if you can ignore your Bhagwan is seen as a greatth friend's defence of others figure in Guyana's 20 who exhibit racial thinking, century political struggles. then shouldn't questions be With that superb record, how asked of your own embrace could you have stifled your voice when Guyana was on of racial bias?

T h e O s b o u r n e - the brink of the return of Underwood conflict I think permanent power that would explains why I have lost my have returned us to the friendship with Hinds. Hinds horrifying days of Forbes claims that the election was Burnham?

(The views expressed in tampered with by the PPP thus it did not win. For me this article are those of the that has several undertones – a u t h o r a n d d o n o t r a c i a l g l o r i f i c a t i o n , necessarily reflect the endorsement of rigged opinions of this newspaper.)

Tuesday March 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Tuesday March 16, 2021

Imported COVID-19 cases force 2-week lockdown of South Rupununi Village A

two-week lockdown has been imposed on Sand Creek Village, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo), following the importation of three COVID-19 cases.

According to reports, two of these cases were imported from Brazil and one from Georgetown, a development that caused the Village Council to swing into action to help curb the spread of the virus.

The South Rupununi village, which is close to neighbouring country Brazil, has a population of just over 800 people.

The lockdown there was first announced in a statement issued on March 11, which stated that it would take effect from Saturday, March 13, 2021. Aside from the three imported cases “...there are reportedly more

COVID-19 cases in the village,” the statement added. It was revealed too that schools will be closed during the two weeks and school meetings with parents have also been cancelled.

Villagers were given the benefit of one last day, Friday last (March 12), to travel out of Sand Creek to do shopping.

Another statement was issued on the day of lockdown outlining additional measures.

It was revealed that an 18:00 hrs. - 06:00 hrs. curfew is in effect and only emergency communication will be allowed after hours, which can be done at the community's Wi-Fi Centre and no buses will be allowed in or out of the community on the first week of the lockdown, except for an emergency.

Moreover, it was noted

The Sand Creek Village.

(Photo Credit: DPI)

that in the second week of the lockdown, transportation will be allowed to leave Sand Creek but only on Monday and Friday. Persons leaving the village are mandated to produce an approval card from the Toshao of the Village. Although Church services are permitted to continue as per norm, it is

mandated that persons attending must observe COVID-19 protocols by wearing a face mask, practising sanitization and social distancing of six feet.

It was announced too that today, March 16, there will be a “COVID-19 VACCINATION DAY” during which persons will be

permitted to receive their vaccines.

To do so, person must walk with their identification cards and birth certificate, according to the statement. Community Policing Groups are also expected to intensify monitoring of activities within the village.

Additionally, it was

stated that after the twoweek lockdown, persons travelling to Sand Creek must have a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID-19 swab test conducted and produce a negative result before entering and persons will also be swabbed upon arrival.

GPA condemns Mashabo families benefit from Giftland's discrimination Food for the Poor hampers against media house - Company apologises

T

he Guyana Press Association (GPA) yesterday condemned an attempt by Giftland Mall to discriminate against a journalist and media house. The company has since issued an apology.

The Mall's marketing manager, Lorenzo Persaud, had early yesterday sent out an advisory, inviting media operatives to a press conference at the office of Roy Beepat, the owner of Giftland Mall.

The purpose of the press conference was to discuss the Mall's reopening, its court case with City Hall, and related issues.

Two hours later, the advisory was followed by a note from Persaud: “Kindly be advised that this invitation excludes Gordon Mosely and News Source Guyana.”

Several journalists took umbrage to the statement, and took to social media to air their concerns.

Shortly after noon, the GPA President, Nazima Raghubir, shared a statement condemning the move.

“The Guyana Press Association condemns the exclusion of any media house

or media worker/journalist from any event. In an email to media houses, Giftland Group of Companies identified News Source and journalist Gordon Moseley as being excluded from its press conference today. The GPA stands by all of its media workers and recognised entities and rejects the targeting of media workers and media houses. This exclusion is a direct attack on a media house and should be rejected outrightly by all media workers and media houses.”

The GPA called on media houses to boycott any event which seeks to exclude media operatives.

By 18:00hrs, Persaud had already sent out an apology.

He said, “Regarding the recent exclusion, I would also like to sincerely apologise to Mr. Mosely and the media houses. For this matter, I meant absolutely no disrespect and I assure all media personnels, that this will not happen again.”

Kaieteur News did not provide coverage for the 15:00hrs press conference, and is unaware whether any other media house did.

A

food-hamper distribution exercise, which was hosted by Food for the Poor (Guyana) Inc. last Friday, has benefitted 110 families who live in the remote indigenous community of Mashabo.

Mashabo is located some three miles inland from the Essequibo Coast in Region Two and is separated from the Huis't Dieren community by the Iritibisi Lake.

According to a Food for the Poor spokesperson, the initiative was part of the organization's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and aims to provide vulnerable families with a safety net to cushion the socio-economic impact of the pandemic.

Kaieteur News was told that each family benefitted from a comprehensive hamper of a month's supplies, which consisted of essential food items such as milk, rice, flour, oil, sugar beans, etc. Also included were cleaning supplies and toiletries.

Reports are that the organization has been actively providing assistance to at-risk and vulnerable families since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. To date, the

The distribution exercise at Mashabo

organization has provided comprehensive hampers to 292 families.

The first 182 families had received hampers once per month for three months.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e organization has continued to provide short term relief packages to families. Just recently, some 600 families from the Kwakwani and Ituni communities benefited from the distribution of these hampers. Other families are also provided with food support through their

community partners in Region Two and across the country.

Andrea Benjamin, Senior Project Manager, stated that the organization remains committed to assisting at-risk and

vulnerable families here in Guyana. She emphasized that their efforts to provide relief to these families during these challenging times, is in keeping with the mandate and objectives of the organization.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday March 16, 2021

PAGE 13

New aquaculture committee to help - technical expertise from India expand production being sought - Agri. Minister The Head of State had said during a recent visit to the Pritipaul Singh Investment Inc. (Providence Facility) that it is his government's intention to improve aquaculture countrywide.

The fisherfolk/farmers who were in attendance

Minister Mustapha and the team who attended the meeting

A

s part of the road to development i n t h e aquaculture sector, Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, along with a team of technical personnel on Saturday met with fisherfolk/farmers at the Albion Sports Complex.

This move was activated as part of President Irfaan Ali's vision of bringing to life an aquaculture master plan.

The meeting with the fisherfolk/farmers saw some issues raised as it relates to the difficulties experienced in the aquaculture sector with the hope that the Ministry will work towards improving it.

Minister Mustapha, while engaging the media briefly, noted that, "the President had said he wants to launch an aquacultural master plan and so we are crafting these plans to ensure that we have an aquaculture industry because we don't have one and we have to develop this industry."

The Minister divulged that he has since written to the Indian Government to assist with technical expertise and in that regard, they have agreed to provide three persons with vast knowledge to assist in the crafting of ideas that will eventually materialise into a

plan on how the industry should and will develop.

He added that in the meantime, "we recognise [that] we have good shrimp production in Region Six and other parts of the country and so we want to enhance shrimp production.”

The Minister noted that currently shrimp is being produced at 150,000 250,000 kg annually but he is looking to increase that within the next five years.

By then production should mount to 500,000 kg of shrimp per year, according to the Minister.

"So that is why we have organised these fisherfolk here to help them in terms of technical advice; help them to produce fingerlings, help them to get feed for it...as it stands now, they are doing it in a primitive way in terms of just getting the water from the ocean, keep it about 6-8 weeks and grow the shrimp a little...they are not feeding the shrimp, they are not doing any technical aspect, so we will be working to improve that," the Minister stated.

Minister Mustapha disclosed that he will be heading the committee that the President will set up and will also include

Anthony Vieira, Pritipaul Singh and others.

The committee will set the groundwork to launch the aquaculture master plan by the President, the Minister said.

It is expected that within the next three weeks, a plan will be in place to be submitted to President Ali.

He had stated then that the plan is to increase production, increase volume and at the same time reduce cost.

Present at Saturday's meeting was the Director

General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj; Regional Agriculture Coordinator, Dennis Deoroop; Vice Chairman, Zamal Hussain, Vieira and others.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Tuesday March 16, 2021

ExxonMobil selecting firms to conduct studies for Guyana’s gas-to-shore project U

S oil giant ExxonMobil has started vetting suitable firms to execute the four necessary studies for Guyana's intended gas-toshore project. This is according to Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat.

The project would utilise associated gas from ExxonMobil's Liza Phase One project, which has been in operation since December 2019.

After facing much flack from the public regarding the project's feasibility and the fast pace at which government was moving, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had informed that four studies would be conducted before moving to

Natural Resource Minister, Vickram Bharrat the construction phase of the project.

T h o s e a r e a n Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA), a Lidar s t u d y, a l o n g w i t h Geotechnical and Geophysical studies.

An EIA analyses the environmental impacts of a proposed project or development, taking into account inter-related socioeconomic, cultural and human-health impacts, both beneficial and adverse.

A Lidar – Light Detection and Ranging —study examines the surface of the earth while using a remote sensing method while the Geotechnical and Geophysical studies examine the earth's physics and structure using mathematical and physical methods and potential geological constraints for a

particular project respectively.

Bharrat informed Kaieteur News as well that Government expects ExxonMobil's vetting process to be finalised by the end of March so that the studies could commence by May. The results of those studies are expected to inform the design of the pipeline. The onshore infrastructure is expected to land at the former Wales Estate.

While it was not the initial location selected, the Government decided, upon assumption of office, that it would not bring the facilities to Region Four in places such as Ogle or the East Bank of Demerara since

Centenarian Ina Beryl Holder passes on

L

ocal centenarian Ina Beryl Holder would have celebrated her 113th birth anniversary on May 20, 2021. However, she passed yesterday two months shy of that milestone.

Relatives of the late Mrs. Holder had fondly referred to her as 'Aunt Ina'.

She was a dedicated employee at the Diocese of Guyana under Bishop Randolph George until she was 100 years old. ‘ Aunt Ina' had retired from Booker's Drug Company in 1969 and went to work at the Diocese of Guyana until 2008.

At the time of her retirement, she was considered the country's oldest secretary and she was arguably the oldest member of the Anglican Community in Guyana.

She is survived by numerous relatives and friends, many of whom acted as her caregivers.

Local centenarian Ina Beryl Holder has died

those areas are set for major development.

Government also took into consideration, in its decision not to bring the facilities close to the city centre and resistance from the public to the establishment of certain chemical facilities on the East Bank of Demerara.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had been considering applications for the construction of five

chemical warehouse facilities in support of the oil sector, all near residential areas and without requirements for an EIA. Government thought it best to explore areas where there are large virgin lands and low population density.

Two areas, Crab Island and the Wales Estate, were being considered. According to the Vice President, the Wales site turned out to be the better option as it is estimated to be less costly.

11 COVID-19 cases recorded at Fire Service's Leonora Training Centre

E

leven persons have reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 at the Guyana Fire Service Training Centre at Leonora, West Coast Demerara. This development was revealed to Kaieteur News by a reliable source over the weekend. The source stated that the facility is being used to train persons from Mabaruma, Lethem and Mahdia.

This publication learnt that last Monday, one of the recruits started complaining that he was not feeling well.

According to reports, his throat was itching and he was having difficulty breathing.

The recruit also revealed that other persons were having the same symptoms and they were called in by the medical personnel at the facility.

In total, 11 of them were found to have similar symptoms and were isolated.

The National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) was informed of the occurrence, which led to a team being sent to administer Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Tests on everyone at the facility. A total of 50 persons were tested.

The tests were

administered last Tuesday and the results started rolling in the very next day, according to the source. The first batch of results showed that 11 persons had tested positive for the virus and another nine tested negative.

The source further stated that on Thursday, they received no results and the NCTF stopped calling. However, there was a sub-officer that works with the Task Force in Region Three who began to convey messages to them.

The sub-officer confirmed with the facility that there were no other positive test results and those who were positive remained isolated.

The source claimed that the Fire Service, however, did not treat the situation as an “outbreak” or case of serious infection. It was stated that the situation is being “treated lightly” and the Fire Service has reportedly made no effort to render assistance with medication, which includes vitamins to boost the immune systems of those at the facility. This is despite them being under the responsibility of the Fire Service, according to the source.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday March 16, 2021

PAGE 15

Murder of 10-year-old boy…

Guyhoc Park man dies Police get extension to days after being keep suspect in custody stabbed by - Hunt continues for two others brother-in-law A n extension was granted yesterday for one of the suspects in the murder of 10-year-old Anthony Cort to remain in custody. Seventy-two hours has passed since cops arrested him.

According to protocol, a suspect cannot be detained by police for more than three days unless an extension is granted by the relevant authorities.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has reported that investigators applied for that extension yesterday and it was granted.

As detectives continue to grill him about the murder, the hunt continues for two others who they believe are responsible for Cort's death.

Cort, according to his mother,

Dead: Daniel Boutrin

T

wo days after he was reportedly stabbed by his brother-in-law, 23-year-old Daniel Boutrin, of Lot 157 Guyhoc Park, Georgetown, yesterday succumbed to his injuries.

Boutrin was reportedly stabbed last Saturday night at 'D' Field Sophia, Georgetown during an argument over a bicycle that he lost. The suspect, his 25-year-old brother-in-law, a mason of Sophia, Georgetown, is still to be apprehended.

According to police, during the latter part of last year, Boutrin reportedly borrowed a bicycle from his brother-in-law but lost the bicycle. Last Saturday around 08:30hrs, Boutrin was at his in-laws home when an argument ensued between him and his brotherin-law over the lost bicycle.

The argument escalated and both men armed themselves with weapons.

Boutrin was armed with a cutlass and his brother-inlaw was armed with a knife.

However, the suspect's parents intervened and that caused him to leave the yard.

Sometime after the argument, as Boutrin was about to enter a taxi, his brother-in-law who was still armed with the knife confronted him and fired several stabs at him. Boutrin was still armed with the cutlass and in return, he fired several chops at his brotherin-law but missed.

The injured Boutrin managed to run for some distance before he collapsed, while his brother-in-law made good his escape.

Boutrin was picked up and

taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was hospitalised in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). He was stabbed to his left side chest.

He remained in ICU until yesterday around 02:48hrs when he succumbed. His body was taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home and a manhunt has since been launched to locate his killer. On many occasions, Boutrin had ran into trouble with the law. At the age of 16, he was among five persons who hijacked three cars and torched one.

On June 29, 2018, Boutrin was sentenced to three months imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to stabbing his sister in the vicinity of her heart. Almost a year after that incident, Boutrin landed before another Magistrate where he was slapped with four charges. Those charges were: two counts of threatening language, grievous bodily harm and escaping from lawful custody.

That was the second time, he was charged for stabbing his sister.

On December 11, 2019, weeks after Boutrin was sentenced to six months imprisonment for escaping from lawful custody, he was slapped with four new charges. He was charged for assaulting a female police officer, using threatening language towards the same officer, assaulting his child mother and unlawfully and maliciously damaging his child mother's windows valued $12,000.

Boutrin only pleaded guilty to assaulting the female police officer and he was fined $20,000.

Denise McPherson, was an aspiring doctor. However, he was tragically killed by bandits on Thursday last during a home invasion at Packet Corner, C Field, Sophia.

The gunmen had entered the bottom of the home and held his mother, her best friend and another woman at gunpoint.

They were stripped of their gold jewellery and their cellphones were taken away too.

Things took an ugly turn when they forced their way upstairs where Anthony was. He reportedly peeped out of a bedroom and one of the gunmen shot him to the chest.

Since his tragic demise, government (continued on page 16)

Anthony Cort was shot dead during the home invasion

PAGE 16

Tuesday March 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

GNBS opens new Bartica Branch

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From page 8 money… These aspects are imperative for business competitiveness and the boosting of consumer confidence.

Therefore, the establishment of this office continues along the trajectory of establishing standards for the provision of goods and services in our nation.”

She further stated that with this opening, all businesses in Bartica will have access to national standards that have become obligatory, if businesses want to compete with international companies.

Karan, the GNBS Executive Director (ag), told the gathering that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting travelling restrictions, the entity had to reinforce the importance of decentralizing the services of the Bureau. In keeping with the strategic plan and vision, and with support from government, the GNBS will continue to develop the National Quality Infrastructure to foster sustainable socio-economic development and consumers protection, the Director pointed out.

He said too that going for-

Police get...

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From page 15 officials, including President Irfaan Ali, visited his relatives and promised that they will do all they can to ensure that his killers are brought to justice.

Georgetown police led by its Commander, Khali Pareshram, visited too and assured that detectives will work assiduously to place his murderers behind bars.

This not the first time that Cort's mother has lost a child tragically. Her late daughter Alicia McPherson was stabbed to death by her jealous boyfriend in 2015. That boyfriend is currently serving a life sentence for the heinous act.

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ward, it is expected that more local manufacturers and dealers will register with GNBS and more measuring devices will be verified, including those in the outlying communities. He is also optimistic that more products and services will be inspected and cer-

tified and transactions that are more efficient will be conducted between the Bureau and stakeholders in the region.

With the opening of the suboffice, residents of Region Seven will now be able to access verification of scales used in markets,

supermarkets, clinics, shops, and hospitals. Officers who will now be stationed in the mining town will provide inspection services and testing of concrete hollow blocks, along with the verification of scales and masses.

Tuesday March 16, 2021

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

Qatar Petroleum, Total forms new company to control shares in Orinduik Block …as Operator gets prospecting licence renewed The Guyana Government has signed off on the transfer of share ownership, with regards to the ongoing working interests (WI) in the Orinduik Oil Block in the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The development comes, as the Joint Venture partners for the Orinduik Block offshore Guyana have had their Petroleum Prospecting Licences renewed.

That agreement had been initially inked on January 14, 2016 with the Guyana Government.

The share ownership transfers, according to Eco Atlantic, provided final approval for the transfer of the Total Exploration and Production Guyana’s 25 percent working interest in the Orinduik Petroleum Agreement, to a new company, jointly owned by Total (60 percent) and Qatar Petroleum (40 percent), named TOQAP Guyana BV (TOQAP).

Accordingly, the Joint Venture partners now comprise Eco Atlantic (15 percent WI), Tullow Guyana BV (the operator, 60 percent) and TOQAP (25 percent).

According to a public statement by Eco Atlantic, the First Renewal Period sees the JV Partners maintain control of the licence through to January 13, 2023 and until the second renewal period.

Colin Kinley, Chief Operating Officer and CoFounder of Eco Atlantic, in his remarks providing an update said, “…as a group, the JV Partners continue with advanced reprocessing of the geophysical data, in combination with the

The Orinduik Block is estimated to hold some 5.1 billion barrels of oilequivalent, according to a recent Competent Persons Report contracted by Eco Atlantic Oil and Gas. The firm, Gustavson Associates LLC, conducted the report, updating the gross prospective resource previously estimated in

Colin Kinley, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Eco Atlantic. additional information obtained from regional drilling results, and further evaluation of the Joe and Jethro discoveries.

The partnership, he said, is focused on its multiple light sweet oil prospects on the Orinduik Block, and “we are high-grading candidates for the next drilling programme, with the Operator expected to select targets later this year. “ According to Kinley, “we will update the market on further drilling plans in due course on our opportunity and prospects in this prolific oil basin” and added “we very much appreciate the Government of Guyana’s continued support of our exploration and expanding partnership on the Orinduik Block.”

Eco Atlantic holds an interest in the 1,800 square kilometer Orinduik offshore block in close proximity to the Exxon Mobil Corporation’s recently announced “Liza” discovery holding multi million barrels of oil.

AstraZeneca vaccine works against Brazilian variant - CARPHA says - Local Health Ministry Advisor advices Guyanese to take their jab once eligible The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) announced on Saturday that it has received a report from the AstraZeneca Company based on a study that was conducted, which shows that their COVID-19 vaccine works against the Brazilian (P.1) variant.

In its statement, it said that “given the nature of the virus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19, variants are likely to emerge, and several have emerged all over the world.”

It further outlined that variants are a natural part of viral infection and replication so the emergence of the three newest ones which include:

Advisor to the Ministry of Health and Former Minister of Health Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy the Brazilian variant, the United Kingdom (B-117) variant and the South African (501.V2) variant are normal (Continued on page 18)

March 2019 to be four billion barrels of oil-equivalent.

Two discoveries have been made so far in the Block, Jethro-1 and Joe-1.

The Jethro-1 well is estimated to hold 208.3 million barrels of oil-equivalent, while the Joe-1 well is estimated to have 104.4 million oilequivalent barrels.

These have been reported

as heavy oil finds, which are more challenging to produce.

Those two finds had formed part of the Block’s tertiary leads, which now amount to an estimated 1.2 billion oil-equivalent barrels.

The joint venture partners have since identified some 22 prospects on the Orinduik Block including 11 leads in the Upper Cretaceous horizon,

with two of the targets in that horizon identified to have in excess of 725 million oilequivalent barrels.

They are the Amaila/ Kumaka and Iatuk-D, which have 31.5 percent and 31.2 percent possibility of success, respectively. The cretaceous leads amount to an estimated 3.9 billion barrels of oil-equivalent.

PAGE 18

Tuesday March 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

Over 6,000 benefit in first Mechanic charged for illegal phase of COVID-19 vaccination possession of gun, ammo A mechanic was yesterday charged for allegedly having an illegal firearm and ammunition in his possession.

The defendant, Roy Millington, 29, of Lot 45 Hadfield Street, Lodge, Georgetown, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before

Principal Magistrate, Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus.

He denied the charges which alleged that on March 13, 2021, at Ruimveldt Public Road, Georgetown, he had in his possession one .38 revolver and three rounds of .38 ammunition when he is not a licensed firearm holder.

Principal Magistrate, Isaacs-Marcus, granted Millington bail in the sum of $100,000 on each charge and the matter was adjourned to March, 26, 2021.

campaign – Dr. Carpen

Charged, Roy Millington

At least, 6,500 people have so far benefited from the roll out of the COVID-19 immunisation campaign since it commenced last month.

This was revealed during a Kaieteur Radio interview with Dr. Mahendra Carpen, Head of Medical Services and Cardiology at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

In his capacity as a frontline health worker, Dr. Carpen was among the first batch of persons to benefit from the roll out of the first dosage of the vaccines.

He told Kaieteur Radio that his immunisation process has been smooth so far with little to no side effects.

He explained that this is normal since after receiving any type of vaccine, a person may experience mild to moderate discomfort.

“This is pretty normal; a slight chill or headache which will generally go away within 24 hours,” Dr. Carpen said.

He explained too that the administration of the vaccine is being done in a very organised way.

According to Dr. Carpen, the vaccines are being rolled out in a phased approach to ensure that the most exposed or vulnerable groups of the population benefit first.

He noted that the first phase is healthcare workers.

The second would be persons over 60 years and those with co-morbidities or underlying conditions “... then others would get in the next stage.”

GPHC Cardiologist, Dr. Mahendra Carpen.

At this point, Dr. Carpen noted, most persons only received their first dose of the vaccines—a second dose is to be administered within the space of three months.

“The second dose is equally as important as the first one as it will complete the immunisation boost against COVID-19…” he emphasized.

So far, Guyana has benefited from thousands of vaccines to ensure all healthcare professionals are vaccinated before rolling out the immunisation campaign to the wider population.

Prior to the roll out of the immunisation campaign, the Ministry started an education drive on the vaccine. At the time, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, had disclosed that the Ministry was explaining to the public the types of vaccines available and how they work.

“The team that is working to do the immunisation, they are well schooled in all the different things relating to the vaccine.

As part of the

immunisation process, there is a very strong education component, so anyone who comes to get their vaccine will first have to go through several minutes of getting the right information pertaining to the vaccine.”

Just recently, it was announced that Members of Parliament (MP) will have the opportunity to be vaccinated from a recent consignment of COVID-19 vaccines.

Dr. Anthony said that, “We are going to consider that during this current run because there are not many parliamentarians, we think we will be able to cover them. So, those parliamentarians who would be interested in getting their vaccine, we will make those vaccines available in this round.”

Guyana received 80,000 doses of the OxfordAstraZeneca vaccine from India. This, coupled with the 20,000 doses of Sinopharm the Government received from China last Tuesday, brings the total number to 100,000 doses. Both vaccines are being distributed across the regions to ensure that every eligible person is immunised.

“They’re both within the same range of effectiveness and they do a good job in protecting people from getting the infection and preventing people from getting the more severe form of the disease so, I think looking at the data, they’re equally effective,” Dr. Anthony said.

...AstraZeneca vaccine works against From page 17 and expected. Further, some variants have been said to be more transmissible and virulent, meaning that they spread and infect faster.

CARPHA stated that with regards to the Brazilian variant, the study conducted by the company showed that the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine works efficiently against it. So much so, that the Brazilian regulatory authorities have already assessed it and are satisfied with the results.

According to CARPHA, Brazil has even approved the vaccine for use in its population where the variant is widespread. Brazil has also ordered over 200 million doses from the company.

The Trinidad based agency further stated that it is awaiting the publication of the full study by AstraZeneca to provide more information on the level of efficacy, which it has against the virus.

CARPHA said, “We are

assured by the scientific research of the results of reduced disease in countries that have vaccinated large percentages of their populations.” It is therefore encouraging the population in the Caribbean Region to be vaccinated.

Meanwhile, Advisor to the Ministry of Health and Former Minister of Health Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, has acknowledged the news of the vaccine’s efficacy against the Brazilian variant, which poses a risk to Guyana’s population given the proximity.

He is therefore encouraging Guyanese to make haste to receive their jab once they are eligible.

He stated that many of the COVID-19 vaccines being produced have proven to be effective against serious illness. “In public health, the first goal of a vaccination programme is to prevent illness,” Ramsammy noted.

He said that all of the

vaccines provide some form of protection against illness and some so far, like the AstraZeneca vaccine, have proven to be effective against the variants that are being circulated.

The OxfordAstraZeneca COVID-19 is currently being used in Guyana’s immunisation campaign, which provides the advantage of protecting citizens against the variant from neighbouring Brazil.

In total, Guyana has received 8,300 doses of the vaccine with more doses expected to arrive from the COVID -19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) Facility.

That quota will cater to 20 percent of Guyana’s population.

The vaccine has been given worldwide emergency approval by the World Health Organisation and Guyana has given individual emergency use approval through the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday March 16, 2021

PAGE 19

Thorough, independent studies critical for gas-to-shore development - US Analyst I

n order for the government to prudently manage the anticipated gas-to-shore development, thorough, independent studies will be critical. Making this fundamental point is analyst at a United States (US) agency, America's Market Intelligence (AMI), Arthur Deakin. His comments in this regard were forthcoming during an interview with Kaieteur Radio in January.

AMI, which is a US management consultant firm, is known for providing its insights which unlock opportunities in Latin America via market intelligence, research and analysis.

During the interview, Deakin was asked whether he believes that Guyana should move forward with the gas-to-shore project and

what steps the country ought to take to ensure that it is financially sound.

In response, the analyst gave his support to the gasto-shore project and said that it would be beneficial for Guyana to peruse it. In giving context to this position, Deakin indicated that he has seen the electricity tariffs in Guyana and noted that these tariffs rank among the highest in the region “That is something that hinders business development; it discourages multi-nationals from establishing operations there,” Deakin said, as he added, “The reason why it is so expensive is that Guyanese businesses rely on generators that use diesel, which is very expensive and isn't as effective as producing energy. So that

KN pressman claims stopped, slapped by police patrol rank

A

fter being stopped by some police ranks on patrol, a Kaieteur News (KN) pressman, Winston Gilkes, has alleged that he was physically assaulted by one of them.

The pressman, who has since filed an official police report, revealed that the incident occurred last week Thursday on Broad Street, Charlestown, Georgetown.

The resident of Lot 17, Broad Street, said that he was stopped by the ranks sometime after 02:00hrs on Thursday, March 11, 2021.

He recalled that he had just clocked out of work at Kaieteur News and was at the time riding home on his bicycle when the ranks in a patrol vehicle pulled up next to him.

Gilkes said that the ranks ordered him to stop and he complied.

“I said, 'goodnight, how can I help you officer?”, he recounted.

One of the officers, he noted, asked if he had seen someone.

“Them ask me if I see the man that gone up suh just now…” continued the pressman, adding that his response was, “No, I did not

see no one, I now coming from work.”

However, based on the pressman's account, this answer did not satisfy the rank. He claimed that the officer started to curse him and dealt him one slap to the back of his head.

“I say officer, 'Why you talking to me like this and why you slap me just suh?' ” he related.

The pressmen said that the officer slapped him a few more times and reportedly shouted, “Because is I talking to yuh and is you I talking tuh.”

The patrol officers, according to the pressman, then drove off and he continued on his journey home. Hours later, Gilkes said, “I went down to the Brickdam Police Station to lodge a report.”

There, he detailed that he spoke with an Inspector called Khan. Inspector Khan, he related, advised him to return the next day to file an official statement, which he did.

Since then, however, the pressman said that he is yet to receive a feedback from Inspector Khan about the investigation.

AMI Analyst, Arthur Deakin high cost is something that is going to be reduced by this gas-to-shore power plan.”

Finding the right split between the government and ExxonMobil's investment in this plant is important, Deakin said. One other thing that is also critical is for “very thorough and

independent studies to figure out what makes sense in terms of the development of the project; making sure that that it is conducted by an independent organisation,” Deakin pointed out.

He continued, “I think that that is very important. I think that using existing infrastructure already in place for the oil extraction; being able to take advantage of any of that for exporting the gas.

That is also going to be huge in making it economically viable, and then just having proper financing either from the government or Exxon or even some other private investors that would ensure that the capital is in place for this gas-to-shore project.”

N o t a b l y, D e a k i n ' s comments on thorough, independent studies on this highly-debated project fit in line with recent news that ExxonMobil will be selecting firms to conduct studies for the gas-to-shore

project.

These studies include LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, which is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges; geophysical and

geotechnical studies; as well an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The government is yet to reveal whether it will pursue a financial study on this project, which will aid in ascertaining its financial feasibility.

Another pensioner dies from COVID-19

T

he Ministry of Health (MOH) y e s t e r d a y reported another COVID-19 fatality. This time it was an 89-year-old woman from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) who died while receiving treatment, the Ministry reported.

In a press release it was stated that the woman was recorded as Guyana's 208th COVID-19 fatality. Her death was not reflected in

yesterday's dashboard.

The MOH also reported 27 new infections via its daily dashboard, increasing the total number of cases to 9,187.

The dashboard revealed that eight patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, another 15 in institutional quarantine, 37 in institutional isolation and 624 in home isolation.

Additionally, a total of 8,311 persons have recovered to date with 23 new recoveries recorded yesterday.

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Tuesday March 16, 2021

Tuesday March 16, 2021

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Copa America to go ahead with 10 teams, say ...GSA hoping to restart CONMEBOL

Brazil celebrate after beating Peru in the Copa America 2019 Final. (Reuters file photo)

Tuesday March 16, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A long phone conversation could take place between you and a romantic partner, Aries.

You could discuss philosophy, current events, the weather, and your opinions.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Creative work could require more focus and concentration than usual today. You might need to do some in-depth research, intricate detail work, or another type of intense process that could strain your eyes and overstimulate your mind.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) ome young visitors may come to your home today, Gemini.

You could unexpectedly find yourself called upon to entertain them.

CANCER(June21–July22) Today you might receive intense telepathic communications from someone you don't know very well, Cancer. This might be symptomatic of strong ESP abilities.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Some intense work you've done in the past that you might have forgotten about could have caught the attention of someone in authority, Leo. Some long-overdue rewards for that work might come your way today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) A strange conversation could take place with someone you don't know well, Virgo. He or she could be an acquaintance from work or someone who's just arrived from far away.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) earning is apt to be your primary concern today, probably metaphysics, philosophy, history, or some other division of the humanities.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Some intense conversations could take place between you and a group of friends, Scorpio.

These people may not be close friends when you meet up with them, but by the end of the day some of them certainly could be.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today you might concentrate on some very close work, Sagittarius, perhaps a drawing or painting, sewing, jewelry making, or creating a new recipe.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) This morning, you could see nothing but piles of papers that you have no use for.

You might go through them like a house afire, wanting to clear out as much clutter as you can.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) A study of a philosophical or metaphysical concept or perhaps an ancient or foreign culture could take up a lot of your time today, Aquarius.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today you might decide to host an impromptu party, Pisces, and a lot of merry and interesting people could attend. You will have a lot of fun, blow off steam, and feel pleasantly exhausted when it's over. Go for it!

(Reuters) - This year’s Copa America will go ahead with only 10 teams, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) said yesterday, as it abandoned plans to replace Australia and Qatar, the two sides who withdrew due to fixture congestion.

“As is traditional, CONMEBOL invited teams from other confederations,” the body said in a statement.

“However, the suspended matches and delays brought about by the pandemic that affected world football impeded other nations from participating.”

CONMEBOL had considered inviting other countries to replace Australia and Qatar but appear to have been defeated by the large number of games that now must be squeezed into an already packed schedule.

This year’s Copa America was held over from 2020 and is the first in its 105-year history to be held in two nations, Colombia and Argentina.

Bolivia, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile and Argentina play in a southern group, with the opening match between Argentina and Chile kicking off in Buenos Aires on June 13.

Brazil, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru and Colombia play in the northern section, with the final taking place in the Colombian city of Barranquilla on July 10.

The top four teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals.

From page 23 when school reopens, citing the Ministry of Education’s proposed plan to resume face to face classes following, “The Easter holiday after government intensifies its COVID-19 vaccination programme during March.”

Meanwhile, Fernandes is very optimistic that Guyana will be able to attend the Junior Caribbean Championships in Barbados this August instead of July where Wiltshire will have the opportunity to defend his title.

Although, Barbados is currently in lockdown, they

have received a large shipment of vaccines which is anticipated to be rolled out soon.

In addition, the Caribbean Senior Championship is slated for Jamaica this November.

Fernandes concluded that while the entire squash fraternity may be itching to get back in action, there are still more important things right now, like ensuring that the fight against the COVID19 virus that has taken many lives will be won, so the GSA will be patient and await approval to restart activities from the task force.

...Assuria Golf Tournament From page 22 their posted score. There are 4 categories open to the general public and players of all skill levels and experience are welcome to participate in the event.

The final day of competition (there is No Entry Fee) will commence at 15:00hrs on March 20th with the presentation of trophies and gifts to be done at the conclusion of the event.

The tournament was run off under the firm hand of Captain/competitor Chen Deo and saw many of

Guyana’s top players led by Richard Haniff displaying their skills, with competitive scores posted by Ryan Ramjit, Leaknaraine Shivraj, William Walker, Carlos Adams, Romel Bhagwadin, Roy Cummings, Robin Tiwari, Joaan Deo and several other seasoned players who were challenged by dozens of newcomers to the sport with excellent performance. For more information, please visit the Nexgen Golf Academy and Assuria General Insurance Facebook and Instagram pages.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Tuesday March 16, 2021

2021 Banks Beer/Maximum Vodka Big Man Cricket T25

Mangali scripts big win for Jai Hind - Other matches rained out BMC Chairman, Raj Singh presenting the MOM award to Permaul Mangali.

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usinessman Permaul Mangali produced a workman like innings of 71 to give Jai Hind Jaguars a comfortable opening round victory against West Dem Vipers on Sunday when the inaugural Big Man Cricket Over-45 tournament got underway.

Playing at the Jai Hind ground in Albion, Mangali took his guard with the hosts in slight trouble at 57 for 4 and immediately started to repair the damage. He added 66 runs for the fifth wicket with Deonarine Rangsammy who was in a destructive mood in smashing 33 with five 6s.

The steady Mangali was then joined by John Percival and they put on a busy 63-run stand for the sixth wicket to help Jai Hind Jaguars reach 206 for 6 from their allotment of 25 overs.

Mangali hit six 6s and a similar number of 4s before he was dismissed. He was later named Man-of-theMatch for his efforts in compiling the first half century of the tournament.

Percival ended on 26 not out, while openers Hasanalli Hussain (22) and Subramani Mangali (21) also chipped in.

In the bowling department, the Vipers were taken to the cleaners but Davenand Sedat (2/36) and Lalta Sukanana (2/51) bagged two wickets apiece.

In reply, the visitors were never allowed to score freely and they were eventually bowled out for 102 in 24.5 overs. Deo Ramdat was the pick of the bowlers with 4/13 from 4.5 overs and was ably supported by Imranalli Hussain and Narine Deonarine with two scalps each.

The other matches of the day were washed out.

However, Real Warriors and West Dem Warriors opted for a friendly at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground, Bourda. The venue was not in the best conditions but the teams made a ‘Big Man’ agreement to play 20 overs per side with smaller boundaries. West Dem Warriors batted first and closed their innings at 180 in 18.5 overs with Anthony Ifill cracking 45 before retiring.

In reply, the Real Warriors were kept in check and eventually ended their innings on 99 for 9.

The tournament is being played in association with Game Xpress, David Persaud Investments, WJ Enterprise, P & P Insurance Brokers, Panko Steel Fabrication, Readymix Concrete & Cricket Zone USA.

Kraigg Brathwaite: Taking over from Jason Holder is a ‘privilege’ West Indies’ newly appointed Test captain has hailed his predecessor for doing a “superb job”

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SPNcricinfo K r a i g g Brathwaite, West Indies’ newly appointed fulltime Test captain, has said it’s a “privilege” to take over from Jason Holder.

Holder, who became captain in 2015, led West Indies in 37 Tests before opting out of the recent tour of Bangladesh amid concerns over Covid-19.

Brathwaite led a depleted West Indies side to an unexpected 2-0 Test series win, following which CWI gave him the captaincy fulltime, with lead selector Roger Harper contending that he “was able to motivate his players to play to a very high level and create the culture we are looking to establish where the team showed a collective determination to fight and a real hunger for success.”

Ahead of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins on March 21 in Antigua, Brathwaite hailed

h i s p r e d e c e s s o r, w h o remains a key member of the West Indies side as one of the world’s premier allrounders.

“I just want to thank god for giving me this opportunity, and also want to say I thought Jason Holder did a superb job leading the Test team for the last five years, so obviously taking over from him is a privilege,” Brathwaite said.

“I was very happy [to be made captain], obviously very proud, and I look forward to the challenge.”

Speaking about the Bangladesh tour, Brathwaite said he had tried to help the young players in the West Indies team back their own ability.

“Well, I really enjoyed that tour,” he said. “For me, I just made sure I let the guys k n o w, t o b e l i e v e i n themselves and believe in their ability. I’ve played youth cricket with most of those guys, and if not, firstclass cricket for a number of

years, so I know the ability they have. Just assured them that they can do it.

“Just trust in your plans and believe in them, and prepare well. The word attitude is always key, and I thought we did that well, and it’s important for us as a team to continue that same attitude.”

On his own batting, Brathwaite said he had been working on his balance against fast bowling in the lead-up to the Sri Lanka series.

“The more you’re balanced, the better your shots, and that was something important for me,” he said. “I also went about planning even better, in terms of how I want to go about my innings, and topping up on power. But mainly getting my balance in order, and backing yourself.

You always have plans, and it’s to really trust them, that was the key for me. Planning was very very important.”

Kaieteur News

Tuesday March 16, 2021

PAGE 23

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury Head Coach Máximo is assuring sign two-fight deal, says Hearn the nation that the Golden Jaguars SportsMax - Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have signed a two-fight deal to face each other for the undisputed heavyweight championship, promoter Eddie Hearn has announced.

British rivals Joshua and Fury have been in negotiations for several months to agree showdowns for the four major belts in boxing’s glamour division.

Joshua (24-1, 22 KOs) holds the WBA, WBO and IBF belts, having successfully defended his title with a ninth-round stoppage of Kubrat Pulev at We m b l e y A r e n a i n December.

Fury (30-0-1, 21 KOs) sensationally dethroned Deontay Wilder to claim the WBC crown in February last year but has not boxed since.

A date and venue for the initial encounter are yet to be confirmed, although Hearn – who promotes Joshua under his Matchroom Sport banner – told ESPN yesterday that both parties put pen to paper over the weekend.

“We’d like to get a site deal confirmed in the next month,” Hearn said.

“The hard part is always getting everybody to put pen to paper. But this was a major effort from all parties to get this over the line. “ Yo u h a d r i v a l promoters, rival networks and rival fighters.”

The hurdles to overcome in getting to this point were not inconsiderable, with Fury working under a copromotional deal with Frank Warren and Bob Arum’s Top Rank, both of whom have rival broadcasting agreements to Hearn’s contracts with Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN globally.

Fury’s most recent bouts have been aired by BT Sport in his homeland and via ESPN in the United States.

The expectation of ongoing coronavirus restrictions makes the prospect of at least the first fight taking place on British soil feel far-fetched, with a return of heavyweight title boxing to the Middle East – where Joshua avenged his only career defeat against Andy Ruiz Jr with a December 2019 points win in Saudi Arabia – appearing most likely.

“I actually feel we’ve done the hard part,” Hearn said. “Speaking for myself, Anthony and his team at 258 management, I know how hard we’ve worked hard these last couple of months and I just feel that this fight is so big it’s not a difficult sell.

“We’ve already had approaches from eight or nine sites. The offers have come from multiple countries in the Middle East, from Asia, eastern Europe and America.

“This is the biggest fight in boxing and one of the biggest sporting events in the world. It will be a major, major win for a country that wants to showcase itself.”

Some typically idiosyncratic interviews from Fury over recent days, where he stated he had no interest in boxing in the UK again, while claiming to have stopped training in favour of “concentrating on getting me 10 pints of Stella”, appeared to cast some doubt upon the Joshua fights getting over the line – especially considering the 32-year-old’s previously well-documented struggles with alcohol and depression.

“You never really know with Tyson,” Hearn said. “It could be mind games. He could be having a bad day.

He could be a little p***** off. Or he could be having a joke.

“One of the fascinations about this fight will be the build-up because they’re two totally different characters, two totally different personalities. The mind games will be on another level for this fight. Tyson is very good at that.

“Anthony is excited by that. He’s so pumped, so focused, he hasn’t stopped training since the Pulev fight. He’s like a caged lion.

The build-up is going to be epic.”

would be competitive

By Franklin Wilson

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s the team wrapped up preparations here at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Center yesterday afternoon, Head Coach Márcio Máximo is assuring the nation that the ‘Golden Jaguars’ would be very competitive against their two opponents come March 25th and 30th, next.

The team and management will jet off to the Dominican Republic tomorrow where this nation will commence its quest in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign which will act as qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Bahamas, Puerto Rico and Saint Kitts and Nevis have been drawn in Group F which will kick off next Wednesday with Saint Kitts and Nevis battling Puerto Rico; Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago will face off on Thursday.

Quizzed on whether Guyana has what it takes to be victorious, Máximo said, “What I can guarantee for the Guyanese people is that you will have a competitive team than we ever had. The mix of young players, experienced

players, local players and international players is a good combination that would reflect on the pitch.”

He disclosed that his charges will exhibit good tactical discipline and commitment as this has been on display throughout the training that they have been going through since the start of the year. The ‘Golden Jaguars’ this time around would be faster in transition as compared to their 2019 performance against the ‘Soca Warriors’ when this nation made its debut at the Concacaf Gold Cup in the USA when the two nations drew, 1-1.

The balance of the Guyana team would be maintained when it comes to local and overseas based players whilst maintaining the competitive level of the team, Máximo stated. Whilst there hasn’t been any warm up matches owing to the covid-19 pandemic which has affected every nation, Máximo posited that the sessions they’ve been going through were intense and is confident that the players would respond well on match days.

Even after this first window of qualifying would have been completed, the team would not be resting as training would continue

every week.

One of the senior players who have been with the ‘Golden Jaguars’, goalkeeper Akel Clarke in an invited comment at yesterday’s session said that he is confident that the training the team has been undergoing will bring good results.

Clarke, who would have been playing with the Professional Club, Mount Pleasant Football Academy which competes in the Red Stripe Premier League in Jamaica before coming back to join the team here, shared that the level of competitiveness among the players is very high and Guyana will represent come March 25th against T&T. One of the young players in the squad, Omari Glasgow shared that the training has been exciting for him and he’s grateful to have been given the exposure and opportunity.

The exciting player said t h a t h e ’s m u c h m o r e confident having been able to rub shoulders with the more seasoned players and has some advice for his peers.

“I would say to keep working hard, stay in school taking in your education and you would be successful some day in life.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Tuesday March 16, 2021

Clubs, young cricketers benefits as BCB launches - West Indies player promises Shimron/Nirvani Hetmyer Trust Fund to assist more in the future

Berbice under 19 MVP G Ramesh poses with REO- Navdinra Persaud West Indies Shimron Hetmyer and BCB Patron Vickram Bharrat.

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h e r a p i d development of cricket in the Ancient county continues to motor along at a fast rate as the Berbice Cricket Board on Sunday last officially launched the historic Shimron/Nirvani Hetmyer Berbice Cricket Trust Fund at the St Francis Community Developers Training Centre.

Close to seventy cricket clubs received a box of red cricket balls, while nine young cricketers from the New Amsterdam/East Bank Berbice and Canje area carried home, an education grant of twenty five thousand dollars to purchase much needed school items. Berbice Under19 player Gourav Ramesh also pocketed twenty thousand dollars after been named the MVP of the recent Guyana Cricket Board under19 tournament.

BCB President Hilbert Foster called the launching of the trust fund as another red letter day in the development of Berbice cricket as it represents the largest ever investment by a

player into the development of the game. The BCB received one million dollars from the Hetmyers for the fund, while the board invested an additional one hundred thousand dollars.

Eight hundred thousand dollars were used to purchase the balls, two hundred and twenty five thousand dollars was shared to the nine students, while another one hundred thousand is for the honoring of Berbice inter county Most Valuable Players.

Foster hailed the West Indies Player for remembering his roots and disclosed that over the last three years he has donated millions of dollars to the development of the game.

For 2021 alone, in addition to his million dollar sponsorship of the trust fund, Hetmyer has sponsored three cricket tournaments and has assisted numerous charity programmes including assisting a ninety eight years robbery victim in Rose Hall Town.

Foster urged the young players to make their educational career a top goal in life and also urged the

The awardees of the Educational grant poses with Hetmyer and BCB Patron.

Representatives of the clubs poses with Shimron Hetmyer, BCB Patron Vickram Bharrat and REO Navindra Persaud. clubs to invest heavily into youth development.

In a comprehensive report, the BCB President informed the attentive gathering of plans for 2021 which includes the hosting of the semi professional league, the visit of two international cricketing superstars, distribution of millions of dollars worth of cricket gears from England and India along with the hosting of at least forty tournaments at all levels.

BCB Patron and Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat in a well received feature address

spoke broadly of the importance of discipline, proper club management, education and the need to give back to society.

The BCB Patron urged the clubs to follow the board guidelines for the Covid 19 pandemic especially the wearing of masks, and allowing no spectators into venues.

He specially hailed the contribution of Hetmyer to Berbice Cricket and pledged that as Patron of the BCB, he would work very hard to make sure that every dream is fulfilled across the county.

Hetmyer in brief remarks,

stated that he was very delighted with the current development taking place in Berbice cricket and felt privileged to give back.

He noted that he clearly remembers his struggles growing up and as such wanted to assist as much as possible, so that other youths can realise their dreams on and off the cricket field. He committed to continue assisting Berbice cricket in the future.

Other speakers at the event included BCB Asst Secretary Ameer Rahaman, Mayor of Rose Hall Town Dave Budhu, Region 6

Regional Executive Officer Navindra Persaud and Regional Youth Officer Omeshwar Srikishun.

Representatives of the club expressed gratitude to Hetmyer and his wife for their assistance and committed to use the donation for the intended purpose.

Among the clubs who received a box of balls were Port Mourant, Achievers, University of Guyana Elites, Scottsburg, Guymine, Mt Sinai, Edinburgh, Kildonan, Bush Lot United, Achievers, Cotton Tree, Hampshire, Albion, Tain and Whim.

Assuria Golf Tournament Extended to March 20th due to Massive Response

Golfers had a practice session after the day’s play was called off.

General Manager of Assuria General Insurance Yogindra Arjune said that the overwhelming response (over 90 players) to their Inaugural 3-Hole Golf Tournament coupled with the loss of a day’s play on Friday due to rain has led to the extension of the event to March 20th.

“We certainly did not expect the numbers and interest in the event to be so high and with more than 70 additional persons registered but unable to participate

owing to the weather, we felt it was only fair to extend by one more day,” said Arjune.

The innovative 3-hole Golf tournament has seen players of all categories and levels of skill turn out for their chance to be named as the First ever Champion in one of 4 categories (Men’s, Women’s, Under 21 and Under 12) played under the new format. Assuria General Insurance has been the most visible promoter of Golf in Guyana in recent years and has taken a strong stance on

the expansion of the game in Guyana’s school system. “ We s e e g o l f a s a n opportunity for our country, especially our children to develop strong social and networking skills, stay healthy and compete on a world stage while adding to their education and mental development,” said Arjune.

At the sponsor’s request, the tournament will allow for the posting of a new card by previous players (time permitting) that will replace (Continued on page 21)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday March 16, 2021

PAGE 25

BCB/Lets Bet Sports 100 balls Tournament -2019

Rose Hall Town emerge as Champions as Anderson impresses - Final played under strict Covid 19 restrictions

The winning Rose Hall Town Bakewell Second Division team.

Man-of-the-finals Kevlon Anderson receives his prizesfrom a representative of the Guyana Lottery Company.

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o spectators were allowed into the Albion Ground on Sunday for the finals of the BCB 2019 Lets Bet Sports Tournament as the Berbice Cricket Board enforced the Government Covid 19 guidelines as it has done since the restart of the 2021 season. Security at the main entrance supervised the entry of players and officials only. Rose Hall Town Bakewell continued their dominance of second division cricket in the Ancient County by defeating D’Edward CC by six wickets to emerge as the overall

Berbice Champions of the Berbice Cricket Board /Lets Bet Sports 100 balls tournament.

The one day finals involved the four Champions from the four inter-zone tournaments that were played in 2019/2020 in We s t B e r b i c e , N e w Amsterdam/Canje, Lower/Central Corentyne and Upper Corentyne. In the first round of matches, D’Edward CC defeated Rose Hall Canje by 15 runs, while Rose Hall Canje had to dig deep to get pass a determined Dukestown Warriors by one run in a super over after their

first round match ended in a tie.

In the final, Rose Hall Town invited D’Edward to take first strike and the West Berbice champions were rocked back early when Altaf Khan was bowled for two at 3 for 1 in the first over.

They never recovered and were restricted to 82 for 9 off their allotted overs. Veteran skipper Jaipaul Heeralall top scored with 33 which included two massive sixes.

D. Persaud supported with 18 as Kelvon Anderson took 3 for 12 and Tyndall 2 for 11 in an impressive spell of fast bowling. Junior Sinclair,

Keith Simpson and Collis Butts took a wicket apiece.

In response, the champions raced to victory at 83 for 4 with ten balls to spare. Anderson returned with the bat to top score with 25 and received support from former national junior player Junior Sinclair 24 and Surendra Kissoonlall 16.

Collis Butts 02 and Keith Simpson 04 were the batsmen at the crease when victory was achieved.

Adbool Sudhan took two for 19, while H. Harilall and Devon France took a wicket each. Anderson was named Match-of-the-Match for his

brilliant all round effort and received a trophy and financial prize.

BCB President Hilbert Foster, at the presentation, hailed the tournament as a remarkable success story and congratulated Rose Hall Town Bakewell on winning the overall championship.

He hailed the support of the Guyana Lottery Company, who invested over a million dollars in the first of its kind tournament in Berbice.

Special thanks were expressed to Rawle Toney, Ian De Barros and General Manager Tracy Lewis. The BCB President proudly

announced that the Lets Bet Sports final was the 17th for the board since the Berbice cricket season started six weeks ago. The BCB, he stated was well on its way to completing over forty cricket tournaments in 2021, the most in its history since been formed in 1939.

The champions took home $100,000, the runner up $50,000, while the two losing semifinalists pocketed $20,000 each.

Each of the teams also received a collection of Let Bet Sports promotional items including sports bags and water bottles.

GSA hoping to restart activities after Easter Shomari Wiltshire - 2019 u-17 Caribbean Champion.

The respective prize winners.

David Fernandes President of the GSA. The Guyana Squash Association (GSA) has been one of the local sports bodies that have been hit harder since the COVID-19 pandemic reached Guyana one year ago but head of the GSA; David Fernandes, during an invited comment with Kaieteur Sport has revealed that his association is remaining patient.

The GSA has not been able to have any activities since last year and their

request to train was denied by the National Covid-19 task force mainly because it’s an indoor sport.

The inability to train and prepare for tournaments will very likely not allow for the association to send a boys’ team to the Junior Pan Am games this year that is scheduled to be contested from June 5-19 in Cali, Colombia.

Fernandes noted that the GSA boys’ team would’ve

consisted of Caribbean Junior Champion Shomari Wiltshire, Nicholas Verwey, Samuel Ince-Caravahal and Michael Alphonso and since preparation usually take in the region of three-four months, it will be highly impossible for the lads to make the tournament.

H o w e v e r, t h e administrator is remaining optimistic that activities would be able to resume (Continued on page 21)

Brian Hackett team triumph at Akamai Trading/Oasis Cafe Golf

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n Saturday last, the Lusignan Golf Club hosted a Ryder Style Tournament sponsored by Akamai Trading/Oasis Cafe.

34 persons entered and were paced in two teams of 17 players each. The team led by cosponsor Brian Hackett of Akamai Trading marked 27 points to win over the team led by William Walker of Oasis Cafe with 20 points.

In the best net category were; First Shenalla London hc 11 gross 78 net 67;

Second - Ravindra Harry hc 11 gross 80 net 69; Third - Patrick Prashad hc 9 gross 79 net 7.

Speaking after the tournament, the victorious Akamai Transformers Captain said, “Well, it is a jubilation to begin with, when we started, when I started yesterday with, well, taking the team, I started a team that I had, I knew we wanted to come out victorious. The guys that I had were pretty serious.