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Speaker wants NEWS evidence that an oil spill can leave Guyana bankrupt AIETEUR

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Wednesday Edition March 16, 2022 - Vol. 17 No. 11 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 81,929

Govt. bypasses critical oversight provisions Yog Mahadeo in NRF Act Peru oil disaster…

Company fined for under reporting quantity of crude spilled, areas affected

Two killed in C’tyne highway smash-up Marcus Bisram walks free after CCJ rules against DPP

Guyana’s Treaty obligations can be adjusted if necessary - Datadin ...CARICOM nationals cannot take precedence over locals in oil sector

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday March 16, 2022

Govt. bypasses critical oversight provisions in NRF Act

By Rehanna Ramsay The Government of Guyana has bypassed critical oversight provisions in the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act, with its move to allocate some $126 billion to this year’s national budget.

This is an observation made by businessman and transparency advocate, Yog Mahadeo.

Mahadeo, who is also a founding member of the civil society group Article 13, told Kaieteur News during a recent interview that the absence of critical oversight committees raises concerns about transparency, control and accountability of the government’s use of the oil funds.

The transparency advocate pointed to the NRF

Act which makes provisions for a Board of Directors, an Investment Committee, and a Public Accountability and Oversight Committee –none of which were in place to help steer the allocation of the $126 billion for the national budget.

government has acted on presumption by allocating the oil monies in the 2022 budget before the team that helps determine the spending is in place.

And that is what I believe civil society is concerned about, that the budgetary

“My question is how can you plan to spend the monies without the planning and management team? Then it will leave questions about the systems of control, management and accountability of the Natural Resources Fund. As it stands no one knows what the monies will be spent on.”

He noted too that the supplementary budget allocation from the NRF makes it difficult for citizens to track and understand how exactly they are benefiting from the oil funds.

He said, “I think the

a llocation is in place but these boards are not, because it threads on management, accountability and transparency.”

Continuing he said, “My question is how can you plan

– Yog Mahadeo to spend the monies without the planning and management team? Then it will leave questions about the systems of control, management and accountability of the Natural Resources Fund. As it stands, no one knows what the monies will be spent on.”

His comments come just weeks after President Irfaan Ali approved the selection of members of his party to sit on the Board of Directors for the NRF. T h e g o v e r n m e n t ’s belated selection of members of the board was criticised by the opposition and members of civil society alike.

It was amplified that government already had a plan in place to include $126 billion from the NRF in the budget before putting in place the necessary infrastructure to guide the process.

According to the NRF Act, the Board of Directors of the fund, which shall be appointed by the President, shall be responsible for the overall management of the fund. For reviewing and approving the policies of the fund, monitoring the performance of the fund and ensuring that the general oversight of all aspects of the operations of the fund are managed in compliance with the law.

The Board of Directors is also responsible for preparing the investment mandate to include the items specified in Section 27 of the Act, which states that, “The investment mandate shall be prepared, in accordance with this Act to include directions relating to the management o f c r e d i t , l i q u i d i t y, o p e r a t i o n a l , c u r r e n c y, market and other financial

Businessman and transparency advocate, Yog Mahadeo risks.”

The investment mandate in Section 27 states further that the mandate should be made with “directions regarding ethical investment, including policies standards; and procedures for avoiding prejudice to Guyana’s reputation as a responsible member of the world community.”

According to the Act, the mandate “shall guide the percentage of the fund that shall be invested in each eligible asset class; relevant indices for investment; eligible treasury bills and eligible commodities…”

Further, the Act provides

Wednesday March 16, 2022

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Guyana’s Treaty obligations can be adjusted if necessary ...CARICOM nationals cannot take precedence over locals in oil sector – Datadin t h e p r e v a i l i n g circumstances. This may be sought for a period of years deemed sufficient for the Guyanese sector to mature and be able to compete with foreign businesses.”

The attorney-at-law said it is well known that Bahamas has taken itself out of the CARICOM Single

By Kiana Wilburg When Guyana’s Local Content Act (LCA) came into being on December 31, 2021, major private sector interests in Trinidad and To b a g o w e r e v i s i b l y worried. Fears of losing lucrative market share here translated into discussions in the upper echelons of the Trini business grouping about the ways in which the new law could be challenged for violating the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC).

In fact, it was less than two weeks after the passage of the law, that a leaked email quoted Chairman of the CARICOM Private Sector O rg a n i z a t i o n ( C P S O ) , Gervase Warner, as stating that Guyana’s Local Content Law contains several provisions that are in contravention with the Treaty of Chaguaramas.

Warner had allegedly said the CPSO will raise its concerns with the Guyana Government and then ultimately with CARICOM. Warner who is also an Executive Director of Massy Holdings and the President and Group CEO of the Massy Group, had said Suresh Beharry, Chairman of Edward B. Beharry and Company Limited, will assist with the communications strategy to be ferried to the government.

While Beharry has since distanced himself from this arrangement, the divisive comments continue on G u y a n a ’s l a w w h i c h demands that locals be given first consideration in its oil sector.

One key observer of this worrying development since January has been PPP/C Parliamentarian and attorney-at-law, Sanjeev Datadin.

In a comment posted on his Facebook profiles on Tuesday, Datadin said the introduction of the LCA has indeed brought with it “whispers of resistance,” mainly from Trinidadian businesses.

Datadin said these “whispers in the shadows” recently made a bold entrance into the light Sunday last in an article portrayed as a legal opinion of sorts published in a Trinidadian newspaper about the legality of the LCA; with detailed focus on its compliance with treaty law.

The attorney-at-law added, “The sense of entitlement was un-

PPP/C Parliamentarian, Sanjeev Datadin surprising in the article. The implied portrayal of Guyana’s oil resources as CARICOM’s oil resource (as opposed to Guyana’s) was most significant and interesting. The attitude in some quarters seems to be that Trinidad’s involvement in Guyana’s oil sector, by virtue of them being a historical oil producer, was somehow pre-ordained and unstoppable.”

Datadin was keen to note however, the writer of that article ignored, entirely, the mood and sentiment of the Guyanese people and the resolve of the Government of Guyana on this issue. He said it was ignored that the people of Guyana are firm that they must benefit more than tangentially or on the fringes; their benefit must be real and substantial. The lawyer stressed that this involvement is seen as the path to lift an entire nation from a poor developing nation to a prosperous nation. Datadin who is a key representative of the government on such policy issues, said too that it ignores totally, the determination of the present Government to deliver on its promises.

M o r e i m p o r t a n t l y, Datadin said it is useful to note that every CARICOM Member State can issue a reservation and/or opt out of treaty obligations at its discretion. Expounding in this regard, Datadin said the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in an Advisory Opinion (AOOJ2019/001) in an examination of opt-out powers as set out in Article 27(4) of the RTC made clear that a reservation to any treaty obligation can be unilaterally done whilst to opt-out of treaty obligation it required consent of the other Member States.

The lawyer said, “The reality is that Guyana can enter a reservation to the relevant part of the RTC and/or opt out; depending on

Market and Economy (CSME) and therefore does not allow free movement of CARICOM Nationals. He added as well that Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts and Nevis have opted out of the free movement of skilled labour (security guards and agricultural workers) in 2019.

In concluding his argument, Datadin who has been on the frontlines of the government’s local content fight said, “It is inescapable, that it is the fair and right thing to do to allow Guyanese to benefit from her oil resources in a preferential manner. This is not to say that our CARICOM

neighbours are not welcome; everyone is, but respect must be had to the LCA in this regard. The benefit to our CARICOM brothers can’t be at the expense or marginalisation of Guyanese nationals and companies.”

The Parliamentarian said those who seek to challenge Continued on page 16

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Wednesday March 16, 2022

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

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

EDITORIAL

Crime in the city

W

e didn t say it or share it. Some people bigger than we did. Those who are held at a much higher standing than us locals. But what they said is sharp and telling. The release from the United States Embassy on Monday to its citizens here was about crime. There was no mincing of words, and perhaps because it came from within such a mighty and wellregarded fortress as the United States Embassy, Guyanese of foreign or local citizenship (or both) may be prompted to listen more closely, and pay more attention. It was a Security Alert that came just after midday on Monday.

We extract directly from the Embassy Release to convey the gravity of the situation, compliments of American minds and eyes. Guyanese know this very well, because they live with it daily. Now for the extract: “The city of Georgetown is rated “critical” for crime.” To emphasise the U.S. Embassys urgency and concern, we bold and capitalise that key word CRITICAL. We say nothing, other than if we had ventured to employ such a word for crime in the city of Georgetown, we would have heard and been accused of sensationalism or exaggeration or engaging in scaremongering, even some kind of character aberration. Today, we let the U.S. Embassy go in front of us, and speak not just for us, but for all Guyanese, be they residents or visitors to this countrys capital city, Georgetown. Things are considered so rough and endangering that the Embassy has put a restriction on its own people (“U.S. mission personnel may not independently visit Stabroek Market”). We think that makes for good sense in its abundance of caution and regard for the reach and power of Guyanese criminals and their exploits. Sadly, ordinary Guyanese do not have the benefit of the Marines to accompany them, in one of their regular or random passages through the Stabroek Market square. For thousands of Guyanese, being around, whether using or passing through, the Stabroek Market area is absolutely necessary. But in this revealing U.S. Embassy Security Alert to its people, regarding how serious things are, the anxieties are not limited to the Stabroek Market, but also to the one at Bourda. Again, we quote from the Embassy release: “Mission personnel have been advised to use extreme caution when visiting Bourda Market during the day and may not independently visit Bourda Market at night.” In other words (ours), follow orders, dont be stupid, and be safe. It is a powerful testimony of how human rodent infested and dangerous two of our most congested areas in the capital have become, the state to which crime conditions have deteriorated. If Americans are prevented from being around two of our busiest thoroughfares, without accompanying assets, then the everyday crime outlook for rank-and-file Guyanese has to be stark. They have to brace the odds, and confront the dangers that lurk in every nook and cranny. As we present this state of the city (not to forget or minimise the country as a whole), this is how Georgetown appears to those not born here and who doesnt live in the trenches here. This does not say much about those broad comforting statistics trotted out by the Guyana Police Force cleverly skilled Communications outfit. There are those helpful crime statistics, which have some politics in them and which are not of much help when Guyanese stare at the wrong end of the barrel of a gun, or the business side of a knife.

In such instances, numbers mean nothing. Just ask those who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people nearby and about to pounce violently and almost at will. The reality is that Guyanese are plagued by crime, and wearied by its unrelenting assaults, now almost routine. Citizens have progressed (or plunged) from the frightening to the numbing.

Sincere attempts to table those issues of great concern for Guyanese are too often greeted with the equivalent of we know everything, others know nothing, so shut up and stop impeding progress. Some rich progress this is, in one of the richest lands around, where our own people (and foreigners) fear constantly for their safety.

Let us all pursue liberation, love and togetherness DEAR EDITOR, Today I recall two things, which in a puckish way are lessons for us.

Lessons that should help our leaders and those they lead from making missteps that lead to disaster.

Albert Einstein, considered one of the greatest scientists of this period, was born 14 March, 1879.

Working as one of the lead scientists in what is known as the Manhattan Project, he developed the atomic bomb, the first mighty nuclear weapon,

first used by man against man in August 1945, killing scores of thousands of fellow human beings.

This brought to an end the war in the Pacific, with Japan’s capitulation.

They say out of evil cometh good.

This of course, Dear Editor, depends on our interpretation of human history.

The other date I remember is the same 14/15th March described as the ‘Ides of March.’

I recall that the Great

Roman Emperor, Julius Caesar was warned by the soothsayer, not to venture outdoors on the ‘Ides of March.’

He ignored the warning of an ordinary man and was assassinated by his own kith and kin on that day.

This is found in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, my favourite play, but again, those who read it will understand that the minds of men remain as constant as the Northern Star. This is in spite of geographic location, race, colour or creed.

Another lesson today for those led and our leaders while accepting that this is the world in which we live.

This weekend, let us all wish each other a Happy Phagwah, as our Hindu Brothers, celebrate the festival seeking the triumph of good over evil, good harvest and fertility and therefore liberation.

Let us join with them in this pursuit for liberation, love and togetherness.

Regards.

Hamilton Green Elder

Don’t cut your nose and spoil your face DEAR EDITOR, With the expected increases at gas pumps transportation operators are demanding increase in fares.

Not to be excluded from this demand are hire car operators in Berbice (GT Mar 15).

Private operators hold fast to the view because they are unregulated they can increase fares as they see fit.

While their strong clamour might not be unrea-

sonable, in view of the prevailing circumstances, however, what might be viewed as unconscionable and unreasonable is the unilateral. unofficial structure demand for increases to become effective immediately, which have been met with resistance from commuters.

Instead of trying to find compromise the operators have resorted to parking their vehicles.

The comment by one operator that should their demand not be met then they will be ‘forced to park our cars and everyone will have to walk’ is most unhelpful.

Don’t cut your nose and spoil your face, is my response to that comment, for while commuters will be inconvenienced by having to walk, operators too will feel the consequences of their actions - no work, no in-

come Price increases must be approved and authorized by the relevant agency and commuters, without whom operators can generate no business, should be given some advance notice.

It serves no good purpose to resort to undemocratic means and every effort must be explored in arriving at a mutually agreeable outcome.

Regards, Shamshun Mohamed

Legalising the illegal: President Ali must be dreaming DEAR EDITOR, This is like ‘Have a Laugh, please.’ I am referring here to the “Police’s communication apparatus should be proactive” challenge thrown out by President Irfaan Ali. The Head of State issued this call to the Guyana Police Force, asking it to operate the Public Communications Unit, in a manner that is proactive to relevant issues in the country.

Now, I have tremendous appreciation for His Excellency, especially when it comes to his aggressive yet unobtrusive style of leadership.

However, he needs to accept the embarrassing reality that Guyana is suffering from an almost defunct police force.

In support of my take, I will use just one scenario (even though the country has loads of areas I can bring up).

Now let’s go.

I bring to mind a most symptomatic and well entrenched phenomenon, at times, legally endorsed by the Guyana Police Force, that is, the ‘noise nuisance’ culture in this land. The letter, “Soesdyke residents up in arms against “Chill Spot” for noise nuisance,” dated Mar 13, 2022 is a case in point.

The details are that a group of residents are being totally ‘put-off’ because of

Ron’s Chill Spot, a small business place, located at the Soesdyke Junction, on the East Bank of Demerara. This spot is wreaking havoc, redounding in sleepless nights.

This “Ron’s Chill Spot” can be dubbed “All Over Guyana Chill Spot.” Noise is now a defining feature in this land.

It has become the standard by which people elevate themselves.

Rich young drivers, aspiring to emulate the Jamaican lingo, noise competition from boom boxes in car, house revelries, minibus boom-boom and taxi chutney and rap etc. have overwhelmed the society. Visit the majority of the radio stations, and it is predominantly a ‘shout out’ and ‘big-up’ with screaming ‘Jamaican imitators deejays’ shouting vacuities non-stop.

Wedding house run for a week, liming on the roadside and blasting music from car trunks are standards that have to be maintained.

What is so terrible is that the police are sometimes a part of this mix. Calling them to intervene is now a silly thing to do. When I think of what the noise culture has become, I feel for the elderly, the sick, the babies and the students.

With this culture of noise even on the increase, Guyana is saying ‘to hell’ with listening to the news, studying at nights, having a family con-

versation etc.

I mean noise nuisance is so obvious and the police cannot handle or are not handling it. So why this talk about “… adopt a proactive approach in educating the public.” The crime is obvious.

It cannot be hidden and the criminals have no fear in flouting. In fact, the buses and cars are so equipped with the noise-making gadgets that to talk about noise from vehicles without stripping them of these gadgets is to play the fool. It smacks of the ludicrous.

I note that the President stated that “I wish to bring into focus, the Public Communication Unit of the Guyana Police Force. It should not be a reactive unit.

It must be a proactive unit aimed at continuously educating the public, aimed at continuously positioning the work of the Force, bringing issues that are relevant to the execution of the mandate of the Police Force to the floor.”

Like LOL. The force knows. I know.

Everyone knows what are the rules being broken and who are doing the breaking, so, like I said it is a big LOL. Let me illustrate how noise is now law in Guyana and to report is to be endangered.

In August last year, an innocent, law-abiding 60-year-

old pandit, Rishi Bharrat, was beaten to death by a group of men consuming alcohol in front of his lot 10 Grant 106 Crabwood Creek, Berbice property.

This is now forgotten history. This incident took place around 02:15 hours when Bharrat confronted the drunken men to remove from in front his premises.

People are actually saying the pandit was stupid.

Well, he tried earlier to get police help, and I guess the police need to safeguard themselves and with good reason too, as was noted in the press a few days earlier. I refer here to the Parika, East Bank Essequibo family, who assaulted police ranks who responded to a noise nuisance report this incident occurred between 21:00hrs and 21:30hrs.

Now, I will not belabour the point.

From observation, I have to posit that noise-nuisance is legal and is fully fostered by the government and the police force.

In closing, let me add that speeding, beating the traffic lights, illegal manoeuvres, parking to block traffic etc. are all ‘right’ and are fully encouraged and endorsed.

President Ali needs to ‘rain check.’

Yours truly, P. Mann

Wednesday March 16, 2022

Former Chancellor Kennard also helped saved democracy in 2020 DEAR EDITOR, It is with great sadness that I read of the passing of former Chancellor of the Judiciary Cecil Kennard. He served the nation with distinction even after retirement and not holding any official title or responsibility. The nation and I have held enormous respect for the legal luminary, a man of impeccable integrity.

Many kind words, all deserving, have been uttered about his role in the judiciary and in public service commission.

But I also know another side of him that few are aware of — he helped rescued democracy or protect against fraud during the attempt to change the verdict in the 2020 elections. A few giants, unknown to the public, played behind the scene roles in securing the democratic outcome in 2020. Cecil Kennard was one of them. Only a handful of individuals knew of their unsung, unknown quiet but critical role in the five months election saga. They are heroes in their own right.

Since we are observing the second anniversary of the attempted rigging, a tribute to the Chancellor is apt. Regrettably, because I swore confidence, I am circumspect in giving much details for fear of exposing the roles of others in securing free and fair elections in Guyana when an attempt was made to rig the elections. I do not know if he would have approved of this expose in the media of his role in securing the right count of the vote. His role needs to be in the public domain.

While I knew of and read about the former Chancellor and his rulings during his reign as a judge, it was during the 2020 election fiasco that we interacted a lot. This was facilitated by an engineer businessman from the East Coast who also played a major role in deterring electoral fraud. The engineer businessman appealed to me to engage the Chancellor who, the businessman felt, held sway over

key election staff who would resist incentives to rig. The businessman also funded anti rigging activities unknown to political actors and was a critical source of vital information to expose and deter rigging. I was not a recipient of his funding; I volunteered my skill and also contributed financially to free and fair elections. The businessman and I worked as a team without public knowledge to expose the strategies of attempted fraud which I did skillfully in the public domain without compromising anyone. I utilized my limited PR skill to expose and stymie aspects of the strategies of rigging. I also passed on information to observers and key election staff. Another prominent businessman in Georgetown offered me encouragement in my interaction with the Chancellor and with an influential foreign observer; this businessman has been very supportive of several charitable causes and with helping youngsters with their education. But it was the Chancellor who helped in ensuring that the final declaration of the results reflected the will of voters. He had his own way of doing things. I appealed to him with suggestions what to do. I didn’t ask how he would do it or what he did. I was only interested

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in the end result, the outcome, free and fair elections.

Chancellor Kennard was always very pleasant in conversations and related how he looked forward to reading my countless outpourings in the media over the last several decades. He came alight whenever we spoke and looked forward for the exchanges with me, and we spoke regularly during those five months of attempted rigging and several months after. The conversations were often long. Post August 2, 2020, following declaration of results, the interactions were about governance. He was disappointed with a few appointments especially a few who previously served as Ministers. (I wont mention their names).

Justice Kennard was very concerned about electoral fraud in the 2020 elections, and he expressed this fear in our very first conversation right after the delay in declaring the outcome of the March 2 vote. He experienced riggings between 1966 and 1992 and the resulting authoritarian governance during which the judiciary was compromised. He wished not a repeat. Who would? No one who respects and desires freedom would want to live through such hard times again between 1966 and 1992.

The East Coast engineer businessman nudged me to have an ongoing interaction with the former Chancellor appealing to him to use his influence with election personnel (with whom he enjoyed good relations) to do the right thing. Mr. Kennard would play a key role in the declaration of the right outcome as reflected in the certified vote count.

In our very first exchange, Chancellor Cecil Kennard and I agreed that the will of the voters must prevail and that we must do all we could to ensure that the vote count was an accurate reflection of the way the nation voted. We both resolved and were determined to prevent rigging and to ensure that the people involved in managing the elections would do the right thing and not allow the bed sheet count to prevail. We wanted every vote to be accurately counted and that the right winner declared and accepted by the political parties and population.

Both the Chancellor and I worked behind the scenes confidently engaging associates involved in election management. He was well respected among election staff.

We succeeded in convincing key personnel to follow the election law, respect court (Continued on page 6)

Trotman must face the nation and answer who told him to sign the “stink and dutty” oil contract DEAR EDITOR, It’s good to see Mr. Trotman emerging as he has been lying low since the attempted rigging of the 2020 election by the APNU+AFC. Trotty had two recent letters in the papers, one critiquing the Government’s “One Guyana” initiative. Shouldn’t Mr. Trotty be writing instead about how “One Percent Oil Royalty” became “Two Percent”? That’s what all Guyana wants to know, Mr. Trotty.

Please tell us the “billions of US dollars” question, “Who told you to sign” the contract as it has been reported that you said you were “told to sign.” Mr. Trotman, you were a nationalist leader of the AFC that changed Guyana’s politics in a historic way. The AFC proved that “thirdforce” politics was a viable option in a polarized, divided polity. However, the collapse of the AFC after it teamed up with the PNC, does not mean “third force politics” is now dead. It has been harmed by what the AFC did, but not killed. New people will emerge because we cannot afford to continue rotating between “the devil and the deep blue sea.” With all the wealth we have, Guyana must rise for the working poor! It’s “Our Wealth, Our Country.”

So Mr. Trotman, as some-

one who loves Guyana and its working poor, and whom could have become our President, please come clean to the nation – Who told you to sign the “stink and dutty,” rottenest, worst oil contract in the world? As an Attorney, does this make you proud or sad that you signed it, and essentially gave the oil companies a contract that is more like a “deed of gift” that conveys our national patrimony to the neocolonialists?

Sir, the people of Guyana want to know: 1. Who told you to sign?

Was it the President or the Chief of Staff? Or other person?

2. Did you read the document before you signed?

3. When you signed the rottenest oil contract in the world, did anyone give you anything to eat or drink that may have impaired your judgment, and thus your “capacity to contract?” If the answer is “Yes,” we can have the contract overturned. Or did you sign of your own free will?

4. Who were the other attorneys, if any, that reviewed the contract before you signed?

5. What was the amount of time between when you received the document and when you signed (Continued on page 6)

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Wednesday March 16, 2022

Former Chancellor Kennard also...

From page 5 rulings, not to support or encourage electoral fraud, not to violate the constitution, and to certify the original SOPs (the Recount SOPs).

Because of the enormous respect election personnel had for him, he succeeded in prevailing upon them not to rig the election outcome. Some staff were determined to rig the election but other key staff were stumbling blocks to rigging. In the end, the election personnel that the Chancellor and I engaged did the right thing. They gave us an accurate recount of the ballots which the Chair of GECOM accepted as the basis for the declaration.

I am grateful for the role played by the former Chancellor in outcome of the 2020 elections. I am sure the nation is also grateful that democracy prevailed. I would like to think that in his own way he helped saved our democracy in 2020 as did the diplomats,

observers, ABC countries, the East Coast businessman, among others. I think the nation owes Cecil Kennard a debt of gratitude for whatever role he played in 2020. Had the Chancellor or Engineer businessman or international community not been involved, would the outcome of the 2020 election been the same? The Chancellor did complain to me about some appointments in the new administration. He asked me to relay his complaint to one specific person. He emphasized, you say to (name of the person mentioned) that I am dissatisfied with the appointment of (name mentioned) and should be revoked”. I did not convey the message fearing a backlash.

I bid farewell to this gentleman former Chancellor of the judiciary, a fellow warrior who helped to save Guyana’s democracy.

Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

Trotman must face the nation and answer who...

From page 5 the document?

6. Were any inducements or goodies provided to you that influenced your signing?

7. Did the Cabinet approve the contract before you signed, or did you sign on your own, based on the instruction of the person who told you to sign?

8. Did Ministry officials cautioned you that the contract was bad, and you ignored them?

9. At the time you signed, we knew oil was found. Why did you agree to the clause that Guyana should pay the oil companies’ taxes, a paltry profit share, and hefty payments to the oil companies for all their expenses?

10. Why did you agree to what is called the “Stability Clause” that subjugates the Parliament of Guyana to this business contract that says Parliament cannot make laws affecting this contract? The “stability clause” is stability for Exxon and friends but instability for our working poor.

11. As a leader of the AFC, was your signing in keeping with the AFC’s vision for Guyana?

12. Mr. Trotman, do you support the renegotiation of this oil contract?

13. In doing penance, and as a show of your repentance (if any), are you now willing to say to the nation you are sorry for signing away our

wealth, and you will commit the rest of your life to joining withz Glenn Lall to secure a better deal for Guyana?

14. Would you be willing to join and advise the Glenn Lall legal team to fight the case filed about Guyana paying the taxes of oil companies and their affiliates? Can you bring in some other “amicus” attorneys too?

15. If you signed the contract under duress, would you be willing to go to court and testify about it?

16. Would you advise the PPP Government to side with the oil companies to defend the “tax case” in court against National Hero Glenn Lall and the people of Guyana?

Mr. Trotman, as you have re-emerged, I implore you to clear your conscience and that stain on your character and work by joining the movement for the renegotiation of the oil contract.

As our Pastors, Pandits and Imams would say, there is redemption, salvation and forgiveness, when we confess our sins.

Can you come to the altar now, as I make this altar call?

Mr. Trotman, please come clean with the nation on this oil contract, and give Guyana the full disclosures. After all, it’s “Our wealth, Our Country.” We want a better life for all, now!

Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall

Wednesday March 16, 2022

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Wednesday March 16, 2022

Marcus Bisram walks free after CCJ rules against DPP

By Rehanna Ramsay The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Tuesday ruled against the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali Hack, SC, in the case for which she had ordered that GuyaneseAmerican businessman Marcus Bisram be committed to face a trial in the High Court for murder.

Bisram was facing a murder charge for the death of Berbice carpenter, Faiyaz Narinedatt. He was discharged twice by a Magistrate for the murder but was recharged at the directions of the DPP. The matter ended up in the Guyana Court of Appeal last year and after a decision that he must face a complete trial for the murder, Bisram and his team of lawyers took the matter to the CCJ. At the CCJ, Bisram’s a t t o r n e y, D a r s h a n Ramdhanie, QC, had asked the CCJ to strike down Section 72 (1) and (2) (ii) (b) of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act which empowers the DPP, to, inter alia, direct a Magistrate to commit an accused person to stand trial in circumstances where said Magistrate, after conducting a Preliminary Inquiry, discharges that accused person.

In the decision, the CCJ made the order that “Until the National Assembly makes suitable provision, Section 72 is modified to excise those provisions permitting the DPP to direct the Magistrate. In lieu thereof, a DPP aggrieved at the discharge of an accused by a Magistrate after the whole of the proceedings at a PI, may apply ex parte to a judge of the Supreme Court for an order that the d i s c h a rg e d p e r s o n b e arrested and committed, if the judge is of the view that the material placed before the judge justified such a course of action.”

In delivering the ruling, the President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders u p h e l d R a m d h a n i e ’s contentions and allowed the appeal. The CCJ also ordered that the decision made by the Magistrate to dismiss the murder charge against Bisram be restored.

It was ordered that Bisram not be committed for trial only on the evidence led before the Magistrate.

Justice Saunders emphasised nonetheless, that nothing prevents the DPP from re-arresting and

Guyanese-American businessman, Marcus Bisram charging Bisram if fresh evidence is found.

“The Court also found that it would be unjust, in all of the circumstances, for Bisram to be made to answer any charge of murder in this case on the same evidence as was presented to the M a g i s t r a t e . H o w e v e r, because Bisram, at least in terms of the law, was never placed in jeopardy, nothing prevents the DPP from having him re-arrested and charged again if fresh evidence was obtained linking him to the alleged murder,” the CCJ judge said in the decision.

The CCJ also declared that Section 72 of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act violates the separation of powers and is also inconsistent with articles 122A and 144 of the Constitution.

The CCJ noted that if the DPP wants to instruct a Magistrate in the future to commit any accused person to stand trial , the DPP will have to move to the High Court first.

On June 1, last, the Court of Appeal handed down a ruling in favour of the DPP who had asked that the decision by High Court Judge, Simone MorrisRamlall, be overturned.

Morris-Ramlall had acquitted Bisram of the murder charge despite orders by the DPP that he be committed to face a murder trial in the High Court.

Bisram was extradited from the United States to face charges for the 2016 crime, and had previously faced a preliminary trial in the Magistrates’ Court.

Magistrate Renita Singh, after a preliminary inquiry, had ruled that there was insufficient evidence to send him to the High Court for trial.

The DPP had, however, invoked her powers under Continued on page 14

Wednesday March 16, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Dictatorship represents a threat to trade unions It is bitterly ironic that among those who wanted to squash the outcome of the general elections of March 2020 were elements from within the trade union movement. Having been a victim of political repression during the Burnham dictatorship, it was ironic that certain elements would adopt the position they did in relation to the 2020 elections.

During the 24 years of political dictatorship between 1968 and 1992, workers’ rights were trampled upon. And the dictatorship sought, at one time, to even assume the role of both employee and union.

In 1977, the government was supposed to sign a Minimum Wage Agreement with the Trade Union Congress (TUC). The TUC however, signed a multi-year agreement for the payment of wages which was not what it was mandated to do by its Congress. Based on this agreement, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) signed an agreement with its workers for the payment of increments and issued letters to this effect. However, by the time 1979 came, the country was almost bankrupt and the government could not honour the wages agreement.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) was also

pressuring the government to freeze wages. This was during a time of great hardships, occasioned by shortages of basic food items. The government in response to the crisis issued a circular in which it told the workers that they would not be able to pay the increase.

One of the workers, represented by NAACIE, challenged the edict in Court. His name was Teemal. He was a timekeeper employed by GuySuCo and his case became known as the Teemal vs GuySuCo case.

Like Tuesday’s ruling at the CCJ, it was a landmark decision for workers’ rights in Guyana.

The Court ruled that the corporation could not arbitrarily adjust a contract of employment. It concluded that Teemal was entitled to his increments. The decision revolved around contract law.

The PNC government appealed the decision to the Court of Appeal. It lost. One of the Appeal Court judges in his decision said, “It would be an alarming situation for an employee to be told by his employer that no matter what they had set out as the terms of employment, they [the employer] would reduce his salary at any time they thought and if he [the employee] did not like what was done, he

could seek employment elsewhere.” One of the lawyers representing the government had sought to suggest that the government’s decision was paramount. But the Court rejected this pointing out that it was the Constitution which was supreme. This decision represented a victory for NAACIE, the union of Teemal, but it also delegitimised the doctrine of the paramountcy of the party.

Burnham, however, was a bully, as most dictators tend to become. GuySuCo refused to pay. As such NAACIE took industrial action and one week later the Labour Amendment Bill was tabled.

That Bill sent shockwaves down the spine of the trade union movement. Under the 1980 Constitution, if the government appropriated property, they were required to pay compensation. The government, via the Labour Amendment Bill, sought to remove wages and increments from being treated as property. The intention was to deprive the sugar workers of compensation.

This decision to pass a law to override the Court decision and thus deny payments to Teemal and others, came against the background of the United States Department of State, long an ally of

Burnham, issuing a damaging report on the local human rights situation. According to Thomas Spinner in his book, “A Political and Social History of Guyana 1945-1983”, the US Human Rights Report accused Burnham of using wiretaps, mail interception and physical intimidation against his political opponents.

The Labour Amendment Bill would add to his government’s dictatorial powers. It also sought to deprive workers of representation by their union when it comes to bargaining for wages. The Labour Amendment Bill sought to appoint the Trade Union Congress as the sole

bargaining agent for public sector workers. It was hurriedly passed in the National Assembly. Through this Bill, the dictatorship was placing itself above the Constitution and handing collective bargaining for wages to the PNCcontrolled Trade Union Congress. This is what dictatorship does. It behaves like a bully and has no regard for the court or for the workers.

This is why it was so surprising that persons who ought to have known better, including persons active in trade unionism, should have spoken out against the attempt to steal the elections and return Guyana to those dark days of political dictator-

ship. It is not fair to say that those persons were not concerned about the threat of dictatorship.

But it needs to be asked: what was the factor that prevented them from condemning the attempt to return to a period of political excesses?

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

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday March 16, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Lunatic fringe, usual suspects, Creole middle class and the PNC in 2025

O

ne of the most intriguing signals of what is to come from the world of the PNC was made last week by its leader. Aubrey Norton on a visit to the US said he welcomes coalition politics, happy that the WPA will soon return to the APNU and will work with the AFC in the coalition. But there was a big but.

The PNC leader said, but the PNC in its relation with coalition partners will not be held to ransom. This is definitely a statement that needs analytical treatment.

What does he mean? What is he getting at?

Simply put, this is a graphic statement on realpolitik.

The PNC was being realistic on two fronts. One is that the PNC has nothing to lose by having others join the PNC in APNU and in the grand marriage of APNU+AFC. The small partners, the PNC leader believe, can contribute to credibility. What this means is that the marriage demonstrates that the PNC is an accommodating entity.

The other front is that the PNC leader is virtually saying that if you are a partner of the PNC, then you cannot make demands on the PNC. Why not? Because realpolitik

doesn’t include generosity and moral purity.

The PNC has not renounced electoral politics. Until it does that, then partners have to bring something to the table.

What can the units in APNU and the AFC in the current marriage to the PNC bring to the electoral table? The answer is not simply nothing but absolutely nothing. If one examines the dialectics in Guyana, both the WPA and the AFC cannot sustain themselves on their own. This is what is meant by the PNC’s statement, “will not be held to ransom.”

Since the PNC and AFC came to power in 2015, the dialectics have pushed Guyana into a brand new era. The five months of election mayhem in 2020 have crystallised class forces that will severely weaken the PNC’s prospects in 2025. The PNC will be on its own for the following reasons.

The lunatic fringe (TLF), though not residing within the PNC, supports the PNC overtly but TLF are crazy people that alienate decent African Guyanese. “Black pudding maan”, “trench crapo maan”, “run dem off the road maan”, “Henry the narcissist”, “trade union dictator”, “Bensoup

maan” and “the Sage” do not have access to any constituency that the PNC is excluded from. In other words, the votes TLF will bring in 2025 are votes the PNC will get and will always get, so the PNC does not need these lunatics hurting their chances with moderate African voters.

The usual suspects (TUS) will go on an anti-PPP blitz during the 2025 campaign but because of their mouldy character and morbid hypocrisy, they will not root openly for the PNC. TUS do not want a PPP victory in 2025 but because of the very nature of these people, they will back off from public endorsement of the PNC in 2025.

TUS was more comfortable with the previous leader of the PNC. Many in the TUS knew the personalities that dominated the physiology of the old PNC leadership. I am not sure they view the current leader of the PNC in the same positive way they did his predecessor.

The Creole middle class (CMC) will not support the present PNC leader in 2025 but a formidable, frightening dilemma faces CMC in 2025. The question staring them is: “if we do not give succor to the PNC in 2025, then the PPP is now a permanent fixture that has eventually won the war we fought with Indians for over a century.”

This is a continuation of the long ironic relationship CMC has had with the PNC. I have dealt with this aspect of Guyanese

h is to ry in Frederick Kissoon th e column of Friday, December 24, 2021, titled: “PNC election results 2021, Part 2: Norton faces colour and class,” and Wednesday, March 3, 2022, captioned: “Lunatic fringe, usual suspects, Creole middle class: The interactions.” There is no need to repeat these analyses here.

CMC is going to be split into four factions near the 2025 election. One group will continue the love/hate relation with ordinary African Guyanese and the PNC and support the PNC in 2025.

Another section will preserve the AFC and remove it from the union with the PNC or form a new middle class party to oppose the PPP. Another dimension will be a subtle acceptance of the PPP government which will be done through courting the dynamic women in power in the PPP. The fourth group will surrender its interest in Guyanese sociology and simply move on.

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

Wednesday March 16, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday March 16, 2022

EEPGL scouring Kiru Kiru-1 Well for more oil

By Davina Bagot ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) is currently hunting for more oil in the Kiru Kiru-1 Well, located in the Stabroek B l o c k o f G u y a n a ’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

In a notice published in Tuesday’s edition of the Kaieteur News, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) said that the exploration activity commenced on March 14, 2022.

The regulator body also

explained that the MODU Stena Drill Max will be engaged in the drilling activities which will conclude on July 30, 2022.

In addition to this, some 25 vessels will be used during the operation. These are Gary Rook, Russel Bouziga, Robert Adams, Seacor Congo, Sanibel Island, Jack Edwards, Holiday, C-Installer, Kirk Chouest, Roger White, Charlie Commeaux, Ted Smith, Paradise Island, Seacor Demerara, Clarence Triche, Island Performer, Horn Island, Russell Adams, Seacor Murray, Seacor

Amazon, Seacor Mixteca, Emily Day McCall, Michael Crombie McCall, Guyana Hero and Seacor Tarahumara.

This publication understands that the well site is situated some 115.297 nautical miles or 213 kilometres from the Coast of Guyana, and covers an area of 0.29 nautical miles or 1 square kilometre.

All mariners are required to stay clear of these vessels and navigate with extreme caution when in the vicinity, MARAD noted.

Exxon’s Public Relations Officer, Janelle

Persaud, briefly explained on Tuesday that the operator is also conducting drilling activities in other Wells of the Stabroek Block. These include Patwa, Lukanani and Barrel Eye. At the beginning of this year, Exxon added two more discoveries to the 10 billion barrels of oil already found in Guyana. Both discoveries, the Fangtooth-1 and Lau Lau-1 Well are located in the Stabroek Block.

Guyana in 2016 inked a Production Sharing Agreement with Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)

Exxon’s PRO, Janelle Persaud and their partners Hess Guyana Corporation and China National Offshore Oil

C o m p a n y. U n d e r t h a t agreement, the operator EEPGL—commonly referred to as ExxonMobil Guyana—is allowed to recover up to 100 percent of its exploration and other costs by deducting proceeds up to 75 percent of the cost oil from the Stabroek Block.

This, therefore, means that the country is paying the US oil giant to scour for oil and must pay even if the search is in vain.

The matter of bills being paid in relation to exploration and other expenses out of cost oil was Continued on page 14

Wednesday March 16, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday March 16, 2022

Govt. bypasses critical...

The Management of the Guyana/Suriname Ferry Service regrets to inform the general public that the M.V. Canawaima will be out of operation for two days, Wednesday, March 16 and Thursday, March 17, 2022. This is to facilitate emergency repairs to the vessel. At this time, management wishes to apologize for any inconvenience this closure will cause.

For further information please contact the office on 339-2744/339-2787.

From page 2 for the establishment of an investment committee which is responsible for advising the Board of Directors on the investment mandate.

The investment team is also expected to take into account the overall objectives of the fund as outlined in the Act, which includes the current conditions, opportunities and constraints in the relevant financial markets, the need to ensure sufficient funds are available for withdrawal from the fund and international best practices in the investment portfolio management.

In the meantime, the law also makes provision for the public accountability and oversight committee, in which once appointed, some members of civil

society will be responsible for providing nongovernmental oversight of the fund. The list of duties of this committee includes preparing and submitting quarterly reports on the management of the fund to the Board of Directors and later to the Speaker of the National Assembly as an annual report.

During a previous interview with Kaieteur News, Chartered accountant and Attorney-at-law, Chris Ram noted that Article 13 of the Act itself, clearly states that, “withdrawal from the Fund can only be used for national developmental priorities and essential projects related to natural disaster.” However, Ram pointed out that based on the Estimates, the drawdown this year is purely budgetary support.”

Marcus Bisram walks free...

From page 8 Section 72 (1) and (2) (ii) (b) of the Criminal Law Offences Act, and directed the Magistrate to reopen the inquiry with a view of committing Bisram to the High Court for trial. Her directions were complied with but Bisram challenged the DPP’s right to instruct the Magistrate. In a subsequent decision Justice Morris-Ramlall quashed the DPP’s orders.

Justice Morris-Ramlall also ordered that the DPP be prohibited from instituting the charges against Bisram again.

It is this order that the DPP challenged in the Appeal Court.

Bisram through his attorney, Arudranauth Gossai, had crossappealed challenging the DPP’s right to order the Magistrate.

EEPGL scouring Kiru Kiru-1...

From page 12 flagged by the International watchdog body—the Natural Resources Governance Institute (NRGI)—as an area for which Guyana must pay keen attention given the prevalence of corruption found in contracts between suppliers and International Oil Companies.

In fact, NRGI research and analysis conducted on this matter, “found that 64 percent of petroleum projects reviewed in over 40 countries was over budget due to incidents of corruption.”

One area that saw such high cost overruns was exploration costs, said NRGI. To this end, the international body has since pointed out that exploration costs for Guyana pre-2020 are estimated to be US$4.58B based on estimates provided by Rystad Energy, a Norwegian Consultancy.

G i v en what it has observed from its research, NRGI, which is headquartered in the USA, advised that Guyana should check these costs, which were racked up with suppliers to ensure they are

correct.

According to Exxon’s schedule of exploration activities for the Stabroek Block, the company is currently engaged in an aggressive 25-well exploration campaign that started back in June of last year. That drilling campaign is expected to last until the end of 2025.

Additionally, the US oil major is also gearing for two 12-well campaigns in the Canje and Kaieteur Blocks.

Those permits are presently p e n d i n g a t t h e Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

During the recently concluded International Energy Conference and Expo, ExxonMobil Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Darren Woods, lauded the unprecedented achievements in Guyana.

With this in mind, he told conference delegates that the oil company was still to explore in a significant portion of its concessions that could lead to further discoveries beyond the more than 10 billion barrels of oil equivalent that would mean future development opportunities.

Wednesday March 16, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Guyana’s Treaty obligations...

From page 3 the LCA in Court do so at their own peril while adding, “They would be underestimating or not understanding the sentiment across Guyana on this issue; across all ethnic, cultural, class and political lines.”

He further noted that in his interactions with those in Government, there is a quiet but firm resolve on the issue. He said the resolve is so strong that a treaty reservation/opt out or even a withdrawal; are all possible. “Make no mistake, Guyana will assert her sovereignty and right to choose in coming days and, likely, if necessary, adjust her treaty obligations to remove any possible conflict, real or perceived,” the lawyer concluded.

The M.V Canawaima

Wednesday March 16, 2022

Guyana/Suriname ferry docked for repairs The M.V Canawaima that operates at the Guyana/Suriname border will not be working for the next two days, March 16 and 17, in order to facilitate emergency repairs.

This is according to the Management of the Guyana/Suriname Ferry Service.

Wednesday March 16, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday March 16, 2022

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Wednesday March 16, 2022

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PERU OIL DISASTER…

Company fined for under reporting quantity of crude spilled, areas affected More sanctions have been initiated against Spanish oil giant, Repsol, this time for the underreporting of the quantity of crude that was spilled from one of the company’s refineries and for allegedly reporting false information about the areas that were affected by the oil spill in Peru.

According to reports, the Environmental Assessment and Control Agency (OEFA), which is an agency attached to Peru’s Ministry of the Environment, has notified the oil giant about the new administrative sanctioning procedure for the alleged submission of false information in the Preliminary Report of Environmental Emergencies as a result of the oil spill that occurred in the Ventanilla Sea on January 15, 2022.

The January 15 ecological disaster occurred at one of the La Pampilla refineries off the coast of Ventanilla in the region of Lima, Peru. It was reported that the spill was caused by shock waves from an undersea volcanic eruption near Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean. At the time of the undersea eruption, Suezmax tanker, Mare Doricum, was offloading a shipment of Brazilian crude oil at one of La Pampilla refinery’s offshore mooring buoys, and as such, a quantity of the cargo was released.

R e p s o l h a d underreported the quantity of crude that was spilled to the OEFA stating that only 0.16 barrels of crude was spilled, and affecting an area of 2.5m2. However, later investigations by Peru’s OEFA revealed that more than 10,000 barrels of crude had spilled – more than double the amount initially reported by the company and the affected area reaches a size of 11,061 hectares.

For this type of administrative infraction, the oil giant can be fined up to US$1,232,417 - for reporting false information to the OEFA. In a recent press statement, the OEFA, an environmental monitoring authority, reaffirmed its commitment to continue to carry out daily monitoring and impose the respective sanctions when detecting non-compliance by Repsol.

To date, the OEFA has initiated administrative sanctioning proceedings against Refinería La Pampilla S.A.A. (Repsol), whose fines could exceed 59 m i l l i o n s o l e s (US$15,849,562) for the following violations: failure to comply with the administrative measure to identify areas affected by the spill; failure to comply with the administrative measure to clean-up all the affected areas; failure to comply with the administrative measure for the containment and recovery of hydrocarbon; and presentation of false information in the Environmental Emergencies Report.

Administrative sanctioning procedure is to determine whether there is administrative responsibility for non-compliance with an environmental obligation that can be audited, the consequence of which is the imposition of a sanction.

In previous reports, P e r u ’s M i n i s t e r o f Environment, Modesto Montoya, had stated that Repsol was not fulfilling its obligations in relation to the cleaning and remediation of the aftermath of the spill, specifically in the islands off the coast of Peru. As a result of the oil company not fulfilling its obligation in Peru, the Minister pledged that the Peruvian government will use all of the State’s power to prevent irresponsible companies from polluting their environment.

In light of the difficulties the Peruvian government is having with Repsol, to cleanup the oil spill that contaminated their shores and water, the Minister had also cited the importance of legislative reform to adequately deal with companies after oil spills.

Kaieteur News reported that following the devastating oil spill, several Peruvian officials had called for the oil company to offer compensation for the disaster.

The first action taken against the company was by Peruvian judge, Romualdo Aguedo, on Friday, January 28, 2022, who granted the o r d er to p r ev en t f o u r Repsol’s executives from leaving the country. Peruvian media reported that Judge

Aguedo imposed an 18month ban on the grounds of the potential risk that the officials might leave Peru.

Among them were: refinery manager, Jaime FernándezCuesta Luca de Tena; terminal manager, Renzo A l e j a n d r o Te j a d a Mackenzie; environmental Continued on page 26

Images from the aftermath of the oil spill.

[Photo credits: Getty Images, AFP, and Reuters]

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday March 16, 2022

Two killed in Corentyne highway smash-up

By Malisa Playter-Harry Two persons are now dead following an early morning smash-up along the Borlam turn public road, Corentyne, Berbice.

Dead are Yujisteer Puran, c a l l e d D a n n y, 2 6 , o f Crawford Street, Rose Hall Town, Berbice, a security officer attached to the Food Court and Bar at Albion, Corentyne, Berbice and Latchman Sukhan, 20, of Ankerville, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice.

Kaieteur News was informed that Sukhan was driving a red Nissan blue-

bird car with licence plate PSS1682 and Puran was in the front passenger seat.

They were reportedly racing with another car that was driven by Karran Sukhan, brother of Latchman, when the accident occurred.

Latchman reportedly lost control of his vehicle at approximately 03:00hrs on Tuesday, 15th March, 2022 and slid into the path of a paddy truck bearing licence plate GZZ 4440 which was travelling in the opposite direction.

When Kaieteur News arrived at the scene on Tuesday, the mangled car

Suresh Matthews, the porter who was on the truck at the time of the accident.

The vehicles that were involved in the accident.

was moved to one side of the road while the truck was parked on the other side.

Debris from the two vehicles could be seen scattered across the road and the parapet, and there appeared to be blood stains on the road surface. A porter, Suresh Matthews, who was on the truck when the accident occurred, was still present at the scene but he appeared to be in shock.

According to Matthews of Johanna South, Black Bush Polder, Berbice, the truck he was in had left the Black Bush Polder loaded with paddy destined for Mahaica. He said, “all the time we were heading up and two cars was racing on the road coming down and when dem swing the turn, the black fielder wagon pass first and this one (driven by Latchman) set crossway

from till halfway on the road and he run into the truck.”

Matthews said when the cars were observed coming in the opposite direction at a speed, the driver of the truck was already pulling into the corner when the car hit the front right side of the truck.

He said when the car hit, residents ran out and they all helped to remove the driver and the passenger from the mangled car. He said, too, that when the car hit the truck, the driver of the black fielder wagon turned back and approached them and said that the person driving the other vehicle was his brother.

“Two buddy (brothers) bin ah race and after he see this one knock on the truck, he turn back and come and he start holler hard, hard that this is he buddy that run into the truck and he hustle tek he out and carry he hospital,” Matthews said.

At the home of the Purans, Yujisteer’s mother, Bibi Puran, tried to fight back tears as she recalled receiving a call from s o m e o n e o n Tu e s d a y morning who informed her

Dead: Yujisteer Puran, called Danny

Dead: Latchman Sukhan that her son was involved in an accident.

She said that her son had worked on Tuesday and his shift ended around 00:00hrs.

He had then dropped his brother and father home – the two were out having a Continued on page 30

Wednesday March 16, 2022

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Wednesday March 16, 2022

Speaker wants evidence that an oil spill can leave Guyana bankrupt The Speaker of the N a t i o n a l A s s e m b l y, Manzoor Nadir, has made it clear to Opposition Member of Parliament and Shadow Oil and Gas Minister, David Patterson, that his Motion on full coverage insurance has been reduced as it is not based on facts.

In fact, the Speaker is reported to have also told Patterson that evidence must be provided to the House, to substantiate the claims he made in his Motion calling for the Government of Guyana to include full unlimited liability coverage for oil spills and other

disasters related to petroleum production, as a condition for granting approval for ExxonMobil’s fourth project, the Yellowtail development, and all other future petroleum development.

The Motion is also seeking an independent analysis on the possible ill effects of an oil spill and for this report to be submitted to the Parliamentary Committee of Natural Resources, to be used as a reference for all other future oil development submissions, among other things.

It was submitted to Parliament by the former Infrastructure Minister on February 16, 2022 and was later responded to by Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Sherlock Isaacs on behalf of the Speaker, on February 28.

In the letter seen by Kaieteur News, the Clerk said, “His Honour the Speaker has asked me to remind you that preamble clauses must be based on facts and has therefore disallowed the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th ‘whereas’ clauses And

Whereas Clauses.”

Patterson said the Speaker is requesting that evidence be submitted by him to establish his points highlighted in those removed clauses.

The second clause, in the insurance Motion states, “And Whereas worldwide offshore oil production operations show a high likelihood of an oil spill occurring offshore Guyana, and that such likelihood of a spill increases exponentially with the rapid increase in offshore production activities,” and the fourth clause reads, “And Whereas

the emergency response and cleanup of the British Petroleum, Macondo oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico have so far cost more than $70 billion USD.” Even though these details have been widely reported on, and are moreover available for verification through quick research, these clauses were removed as the Speaker concluded they must be based on facts.

When this publication queried from Isaacs the reason the clauses were thrown out, he reminded that the Speaker has the authority to do so, without offering an explanation.

He said, “The standing orders give the Speaker the right to alter any Motion or question without giving the member or members a reason.”

But, when pressed further by this publication to explain why these specific clauses were removed since they can be verified easily, the Clerk reminded that it was the Speaker who made the decision, using his authoritative seat.

This newspaper was unable to get the Speaker to respond, as it was told he was out of the country on official duties.

It must be noted that removal of these vital clauses from Patterson’s Motion mean that they will

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir not be debated in the National Assembly, once it reaches the order paper.

A total of 13 of the 20 clauses in Patterson’s Motion have been disallowed, while two of the ‘whereas’ clauses were also amended.

On the other hand, the Speaker also suggested that Patterson reword one of his clauses as the information included was “inaccurate”.

With regard to the clauses amended by the Speaker, this newspaper understands that the sixth and seventh clauses have been adjusted, although the Speaker said it was the “fifth and sixth clauses”.

The document from the Clerk of the National Assembly detailed, “Further, the Speaker has amended the 5th ‘And Whereas Clause’ Continued on page 29

Wednesday March 16, 2022

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Wednesday March 16, 2022

Jury trial for alleged Tucville serial rapist to start on Monday A mixed 12-member jury has been empanelled for the trial of alleged Tucville serial rapist, Thurston Semple, which will commence next Monday in the Georgetown High Court.

Semple stands indicted for allegedly raping a Venezuelan woman who was identified as a sex worker.

He is set to face a trial before Justice Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown High Court. The case is

being prosecuted by State Counsel Nafeeza Muntaz Ali and Latifah Elliot.

Semple is not yet represented by a lawyer. His trial is scheduled to commence next Monday when the court resumes.

Semple a taxi-driver of Lot 5A, Tucville Terrace, Georgetown was committed to stand trial in the High Court for that offence last April. Prior to this, he had been placed before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty at

the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court who found that there was enough evidence for him to stand trial in the High Court for the alleged rape of the Venezuelan woman.

Kaieteur News understands that the summary stage of the matter was done in the form of a paper committal which lessens the time for determining whether there is evidence at the preliminary stage of the proceedings.

According to reports, on March 5, 2021, Semple was slapped with his fourth rape charge and was remanded to prison for that offence. Kaieteur News had reported that he was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which alleges that between February 24, 2021, and February 25, 2021, at Lot 5A, Tucville Terrace, Georgetown, he engaged in sexual penetration with a woman, without her consent.

Alleged serial rapist, Thurston Semple

Wednesday March 16, 2022

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Wednesday March 16, 2022

Company fined for under reporting quantity...

From page 19 manager, Gisela Cecilia Posadas Jhong and production manager, José Gregorio Reyes Ruiz. In taking additional steps, Peru’s former Minister of the Environment, Rubén Ramirez on Monday, January 31, 2022, revealed that the government had taken the VEHICLE FOR SALE One Honda CRV,fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage 3.3M negotiable.

Contact:649-0956.

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

Pitbull,Minibus-BAB series AC,camera's fully loaded,14 seater.Great condition 3.2 Mil neg.Contact:698-6205.

Massages and Rehabilitation physical preparation personalized training. Bachelor in Physical Education and Sports: Kirenia Ballard Bell.Call:669-6910.

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design,Advertisements, Wedding decorations & Elderly grooming: Hair,Nail etc.Tel:626-7040.

Person to cook and manage restaurant in Charity Essequibo.Accomodation provided,attractive salary.

Call:223-5273/223-5274.

One(1) housekeeper/nanny to work 4 days weekly. Call: 624-8597.

LAND FOR SALE

SERVICES

WANTED

48 acres of transported rice land situated in Goodhope, East Bank Essequibo. Contact:1-917-807-6424/688-9077.

In Elaine’s Ville,next to the Providence Stadium, E.B.D, size (100x135) gated community. Contact Sarge:659-4333.

Two(2) housekeepers to work at guest house,age 25-45 shift system.Call:668-0306/6557405.

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

Call:231-2250.

ENTERTAINMENT

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

Swimming Pool family fun & Picnic-Crystal Clear pool, kids & adult sections. Safe Aracari Resort.Tel:264-29469.

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

Drivers/Porters wanted urgently! 25yrs or older,3-5 yrs experience,police clearance & motor lorry.Call:639-1240.

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

6-Cement Mixer Truck,1-New loader.Contact650-0402/6329929 or 260-4115.

Prime Business Spot, located at Zeelugt public road,3 storey building & 1/2 acres at Parika.Call:650-0402/6520251/260-4115.

200g phagwah powder for sale wholesale & retail,best price on quantity at Dharme ndar Variety Store.

7-9 Avenue of Republic Georgetown.Tel:227-5068/ Cel:684-5063,675-3440,6965220.

2-1 acres land@ blankenbu rg W.C.D. Contact:650-0402/ 652-0251.

1-40 acres land@Linden Highway.Contact:650-0402/ 652-0251.

FOR RENT Restaurant-WBD,(Aracari Resort,between Harbor Bridge and Vreed-en-Hoop, turn key business. Tel:2642946,626-5290.

TO LET Aracari Hotel,WBD(Ver sailles-between Harbor Bridge and Vreed-en-Hoop) All amenities,breakfast included from $45US,264-29469.

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

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

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

Keyfood Trading, Mc Doom village.

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

One industrial electrician.

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

Need one female shop assistant to work in the interior between the ages 20-30yrs old.Call:698-5526/689-4461.

Masoner& Labourers. Please contact Damion on 681-9554.

Riders must have valid license for Bike & Car. Contact:600-4497.

One male able bodied clerk.Tel:225-2313/226-1497.

Kitchen Chef,Kitchen Assistant cook, Waiter.Send appli caton to hibiscusresta uran tgy @gmail.com,tel:231-5857/ 231-5866.

Security to work with mining firm in G/Twon.Contact:6322234.

One experienced Welder/ Fabricator and one female cashier.Call:231-1408/6429191.

Accounts Clerk,Counter Clerk,Graphic Artist,I.T personnel,5 Subjects & a maid.

Apply at Trophy Stall Bourda.

Male Clerical Asst,age 25-30 yrs.Must have Secondary Education & license is required. Tel:225-8131/223-6488.

decision to suspend the company’s hydrocarbon loading and unloading activities. In other words, Repsol’s operation in the country was halted until it can substantially prove that another oil spill will not occur again in its waters.

However, in an update it was revealed that a fuel shortage in Peru had forced the country’s OEFA to lift the suspension on Repsol’s operation temporarily.

However, the company was only allowed to continue its

operations for 10 days and under supervisionfromtheOEFA.That10 days period has since come to an end and the Peruvian government has signalled that it has other alternative sources to obtain fuel.

The clean-up and remediation of approximately 12,000 barrels of crude that contaminated the shores and waters of Peru is expected to cost some US$65 million – this was announced by Repsol’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Josu Jon Imaz. As the Government of Peru takes action to protect its people and

its environment, Guyana in contrast, continues to give American oil giant, ExxonMobil, permission to operate without full coverage insurance to cater for such a disastrous oil spill. In February, last, ExxonMobil announced that it has commenced oil production at Guyana’s second offshore development area called Liza Phase Two in the Stabroek Block. Among the oil companies working in Guyana’s backyard is the very oil company –Repsol – that caused the oil spill in Peru.

Wednesday March 16, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 27

Police capture customer who stole from shop A customer who had been on the run for almost two weeks after he was caught on camera stealing from a shop at Meten-meerZorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD) was finally captured by Region Three Police on Tuesday. This newspaper was told that the suspect was playing “cat and mouse” with ranks but they finally managed to apprehend him on Tuesday.

The suspect is accused of stealing cash, lighters and half carton of cigarettes on Thursday March 3, last, from a shop which is owned and operated by Ramela Bisram.

Surveillance camera reportedly captured him in the act. He had reportedly visited the woman’s business place four times that day before finally invading and stealing the items around 17:00hrs that afternoon.

He had first visited the shop to purchase mints then left. He returned and on that occasion he purchased cigarettes, but instead of leaving, he stood outside under a shed and waited for Bisram’s daughter – who had sold him the cigarettes – to go inside.

The camera captured him sneaking in and prying open the door of a small opening on the counter and forcing the upper half of his

body through it. After apparently scanning inside the shop, he left, but returned moments later and crawled behind the counter by carefully opening a grill door. He stole the items then quickly escaped.

Police had attempted to arrest him before but somehow he managed to escape the lawmen and hid from them for almost two weeks.

PAGE 28 Continued from previous edition Ministry of Education Rehabilitation of FSS & FEH- UG Turkeyen.

Bidder A. Orgasein & Sons Memorex Enterprises Satar Mohamed & Sons Construction & Hardware Supplies S & K Construction Consultancy & General Supply Inc. Hope Family Construction Service Trevor David Construction Kawal Ramdeen General Construction & Office Furnishing Four J’s General Construction Service Emerald’s General Contracting & Distributors Vishal Contracting Co. R. Persid Construction Engineer’s Estimate

Amount Tendered $50,316,998 $53,073,122 $56,384,147 $53,011,445 $57,986,854 $53,395,335 $51,361,569 $47,853,435 $48,598,463 $56,049,735 $52,069,089 $55,160,000

Supply and delivery of multi-function printer Bidder PBS Technologies Guy. Inc The Hardware Depot

Amount Tendered $24,018,090 $ 24,760,800

S&K Construction & Consultancy Service & General Supply Inc.

$ 31,200,000

Wednesday March 16, 2022

Kaieteur News

Public Works Ministry to oversee $2.9B more in road projects Rehabilitation of Law Building Bidder Four J's Construction Service Emerald's General Construction & Distributors R. Persid Construction Construct It VNV Construction &Supplies NK Engineering Services Memorex Enterprises S & K Construction & Consultancy Service & General Supply A. Orgasein & Sons Trevon David Construction Service JR Engineering Solutions Engineer’s Estimate

Amount Tendered $ 29,926,229 $ 29,086,627 $37,658,408 $33,712,612 $35,961,985 $29,908,489 $37,904,690 $28,729,943 $27,929,170 $28,789,709 $30,000,000

Extension of building at the South Ruimveldt Nursery School

Bidder JPM’s General Construction Engineering Service NK Engineering Services Caribbean Construction Consultancy & International Supply Inc. Trevon David Construction Service A. Plus Consulting & General Service Inc. Campton Bess Construction Enterprise J & A Lumber Yard Civcon Engineering Contractors N & S General Engineering & Contracting Services Four J’s Construction Service Anil Lalsa Construction R. Persid Construction VNV Construction & Supplies Kawal Ramdeen General Construction & Office Furnishing Engineer’s Estimate

Amount Tendered $19,130,320 $22,636,334 $20,749,840 $13,108,000 $22,676,400 $14,250,600 $20,685,640 $21,172,500 $23,041,200 $21,597,340 $22,350,400 $18,107,880 $14,990,940 $14,714,020

Construction of sanitary block at the Agricola Nursery School Bidder A. Orgasein & Sons Trevor & Son General Construction Service A. Plus Consulting & General Service NK Engineering Services OB General Construction Supply JPM General Construction & Engineering Service Caribbean Construction Consultancy & International Supply Inc. K. Kusial General Contractor Trevor David Construction Services Four J’s Construction Services Andre Engineering & Construction Clean Star Construction Service Bacchus Construction Campton Bess Construction Enterprise Civcon Engineering Construction SA General Services M & K Civil Works Felician’s Contracting & General Service Eclipse Construction N & S General Engineering & Contracting Services Webster’s Engineering & Consulting Ishrie Persaud Contracting Kawal Ramdeen General Construction & Office Furnishing

Amount Tendered $7,108,035 $7,355,260 $11,042,790 $7,667,412 $6,800,000 $5,822,564 $7,535,105 $6,690,398 $6,965,211 $7,857,619 $7,303,898 $8892,741 $6,500,912 $7,033,241 $9,253,035 $7,150,000 $7,485,070 $7,668,204 $11,658,460 $11,320,045 $18,703,366 $6,969,228 $8,279,062

Construction of chemistry lab at the Essequibo Technical Institute Bidder Mahinda A. Ramkisson Construction M. Ali Contracting & Engineering Service Hope Family Construction Quality Home Construction Technocon Investments Procurement & General Contracting Solutions Narine’s Construction & General Supplies Iman Bacchus & Sons Limited K & J Persaud Contracting Service Golden Key Construction & Supply Satar Mohamed & Son Construction Hardware Supply NK Engineering Services Payless General Store Trevor David Construction Service Ican Engineering & Construction TRL Lumber Yard Four J’s Construction Service Mohammed S. Ramjohn Contracting Services Builders Engineering & Architecture Consultancy Kawal Ramdeen General Construction & Office Furnishing Engineer’s Estimate

Amount Tendered $19,458,320 $15,968,580 $27,792,890 $18,667,000 $17,817,420 $19,339,600 $18,674,420 $17,495,640 $186,371 $20,106,422 $19,047,017 $18,856,880 $17,749,970 $18,355,820 $17,961,300 $18,458,760 $1,750,748 $19,490,160 $18,748,040 $19,990,699

Wednesday March 16, 2022

Speaker wants evidence that an oil spill...

From page 22 by deleting the words, ‘and economic bankruptcy’. He has approved the other part of the clause.” Before the adjustment was made, the clause stated, “And Whereas a major oil spill offshore Guyana would result in the environmental devastation of Guyana and its neighbouring countries, obliteration of the areas fishing industry, aquatic vegetation, and economic bankruptcy, including possible lawsuits from neighbouring countries.”

Since 2015, ExxonMobil Corporation, the parent company of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), has steered clear of being tied to full coverage insurance for its Stabroek Block projects, which are certain to deliver multi-billion dollar profits on an annual basis.

Instead, its subsidiary (EEPGL) will be officially on the hook if such an eventuality occurs offshore. This is the state of affairs with its Liza Phase One, Liza Phase Two and Payara Projects.

ExxonMobil on February 28, last, in a statement to the press, said it wished to categorically state that it has insurance coverage that meets

international industry standards for all of its petroleum activities in Guyana.

Exxon explained that its subsidiary, EEPGL, the Operator of the Stabroek Block, was established since 1998, and had, as of year-end 2020, almost US$5B in assets, which is a primary form of financial assurance. The oil company was keen to note that this is separate from the assets of the other Stabroek Block co-venturers who also have substantial assets and share any liability for response activities.

In addition, Exxon said it was working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its co-venturers, to put in place a combined US$2B of affiliate company guarantees. Meanwhile, a United States news agency, NOLA.com, reported in 2020 that more than $71 billion has been spent for clean-up activities, following the British Petroleum (BP) Macondo oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. https:// www.nola.com/news/business/article_ca773cc0-80f411ea-8fbe-ffa77e5297bd.html The report said that the vast majority of the tab – about $69 billion – has been

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

picked up by BP, while the remainder has been split among Transocean, which owned the Deepwater Horizon, and BP’s drilling partners, Anadarko and MOEX. However, BP’s tally could still rise. A number of large business claims are still pending in federal court. The company’s settlement with individuals who filed medical claims immediately after the accident requires BP to pick up costs well into the future. And more recent lawsuits filed by hundreds of individuals with lateoccurring health effects are still pending. BP also agreed to pay $4.9 billion to five states over 18 years for economic and other non-natural resource losses, and another $1 billion for claims of more than 400 local government entities. The oil company, British Petroleum, had a blowout a mile under water, which sent oil and gas surging up to the Deepwater Horizon exploration rig, setting it on fire, sinking it and even killing 11 crew members.

The well leaked for 87 days, pouring at least 3.19 million barrels of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico.

4 patients in COVID-19 ICU - 10 new infections recorded In its daily update, the Ministry of Health on Tuesday reported that there are four patients receiving treatment in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit.

According to its latest COVID-

19 dashboard, the Ministry recorded 10 new infections in the last assessed 24-hour period, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 63,157. The dashboard

shows that a total of 13 individuals are in institutional isolation, 175 are in home isolation and 15 are in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 61,740 persons have recovered from the virus.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday March 16, 2022

Russia steps up bombardment of Kyiv, civilians flee Mariupol KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia stepped up its bombardment of Kyiv on Tuesday, smashing apartments and a subway station, while civilians in 2,000 cars fled Mariupol along a humanitarian corridor in what was believed to be the biggest evacuation yet from the desperately besieged seaport.

On the diplomatic front, another round of talks began between Russia and Ukraine via video, and the leaders of three European Union countries — including Poland, a NATO member on Ukraine’s doorstep — planned a visit to the

embattled capital in a bold show of support.

With the number of people driven from the country by the war eclipsing 3 million, l arge explosions thundered across Kyiv before dawn from what Ukrainian authorities said were artillery strikes, as Russia’s assault on the capital appeared to become more systematic and edged closer to the city center.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said barrages hit four multi-story buildings in the city and killed dozens of people.

The shelling ignited a huge fire in a 15-story apartment building and

spurred a frantic rescue effort.

The strikes, carried out of the 20th day of Russia’s invasion, targeted a western district of Kyiv, disrupting a relative calm that returned after an initial advance by Moscow’s forces was stopped in the early days of the war.

The U.N. said close to 700 civilians in Ukraine have been confirmed killed, with the true figure probably much higher.

Fox News video journalist Pierre Zakrzewski was killed when the vehicle he was traveling in was hit by fire Monday on the outskirts of Kyiv, the network said.

He was the second journalist killed in Ukraine in

two days.

The leaders of Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovenia set out for Kyiv by train despite the security risks, in a visit EU officials said was not sanctioned by other members of the 27-nation bloc.

“The aim of the visit is to express the European Union’s unequivocal support for Ukraine and its freedom and independence,” Czech Prime

Minister Petr Fiala said in a tweet. He was joined by fellow Prime Ministers Janez Jansa of Slovenia and Mateusz Morawiecki of Poland, as well as Jaroslaw Kaczynski, Poland’s de facto leader.

New efforts to bring civilians to safety and deliver aid were underway around the country.

The Red Cross said it was

working to evacuate people from the northeastern town of Sumy near the Russian border in about 70 buses.

One of the most desperate situations is in Mariupol, the southern city of 430,000 where officials say a weekslong siege has killed more than 2,300 people and left residents struggling for food, water, heat and medicine.

Two killed in Corentyne highway...

From page 20 few drinks earlier.

She said he then left in the company of Sukhan saying he was going to visit his girlfriend but he never returned.

The woman said that her son is the father of a five-year-old daughter and was a friendly and loving individual.

Over at the home of Sukhan, the grandmother of

the deceased, Kowsilla Sukhan told reporters that Latchman only lost his father a few months ago to COVID19 and that he has been driving his father’s car ever since.

She revealed too that he drives for his brother’s Karran Sukhan’s taxi service and had left on Tuesday for work. She added that she received the call from Karran who informed

her that Latchman was involved in an accident. He had noticed the accident scene and had recognised the car Latchman drove.

Kaieteur News was informed that both the driver of the black fielder wagon and the truck driver were arrested and released on station bail.

An investigation is in progress.

Wednesday March 16, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday March 16, 2022

Wednesday March 16, 2022

Kaieteur News

Boldon expects big things from Williams at World Indoors SportsMax - If Ato Boldon’s words are anything to go by, we should expect big things from his pupil Briana Williams at the World Indoor Champ i o n s h i p s in Belgrade.

Williams, who was selected on Jamaica’s team for the 60m, started her season on January 14 at the Purple Tiger meet in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with times of 7.20 in the preliminaries and 7.18 in the final.

On January 29th, the Olympic 4x100m relay gold medallist ran 7.22 to finish fourth at the Millrose Games in New York.

She returned to New York

Jamaica’s Briana Williams will rep Reggae country at the World Indoor Championships in Belgrade.

a week later at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix running 7.09 in the preliminaries,

a personal best, and 7.11 in the final.

“The Briana that ran

Wednesday March 16, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) If you look carefully today, Aries, you're apt to notice aspects of people that you never noticed before. There could be a frenzy of activity that catches you in its net and takes you away.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You may find it hard to connect with your emotions today, Libra. It could be that it's difficult to find a bit of quiet time when you can really sit down and listen to your inner voice.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Be careful about becoming too stubborn today, Taurus.

This is one of those days in which you're asked to build a structure in a very windy area.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You may find that your heart is bouncing back and forth like a tennis ball today, Scorpio. One minute you could be drawn one way.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) It's a good thing you have a flexible attitude, Gemini, especially today. Your adaptive powers could be put to the test as you find yourself surrounded.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your energy level is high today, Sagittarius, but don't let this turn into a head-inthe-clouds attitude. Keep one foot firmly planted on the ground.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You could be frustrated by others' lack of commitment today, Cancer. You could try to make plans with people but they keep changing their minds about what they want to do.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You could think that your life is too boring for anyone else to care about, Capricorn. Don't fall into a well of self-pity and convince yourself that there simply isn't enough excitement in your life and never will be.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You should be feeling emotionally strong today, Leo, although you could find that an idea runs through your head that asks you to slow down and take things once step at a time.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Make the effort to get to a body of water today, Virgo.

Whether it's the ocean, a river, or lake, the sense of expansion and comfort that you'll find there will be extremely healing.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) In an effort to be the brightest and best star on the stage, Aquarius, you might actually be driving away the most important members of your audience.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Go ahead and make a list today, Pisces. Powerful emotions are likely to lure you from your current path unless you have some sort of concrete plan to fall back on.

7.19 in January and 7.09 in February has improved steadily and I think she’s r e a d y to be a factor in Serbia,” Boldon, the four-time Olympic and two-time World Championship medallist, said in an interview with Sportsmax.

Tv.“Is there another 60m PR coming? I believe so.

That’s why we are going,” he added.

T h e Wo r l d I n d o o r Championships w i l l b e held from Friday, March 18Sunday, March 20 in Belgrade, Serbia.

Ewa Swoboda (6.99), Marybeth Sant-Price (7.04), Mujinga Kambundji (7.05), and Mikiah Briscoe (7.07) are the only participants that have gone faster than Williams this season.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday March 16, 2022

Badosa’s title defence meets Fernandez challenge; Azarenka, Kvitova exit (Reuters) - Reigning champion Paula Badosa outlasted friend and fellow Spaniard Sara Sorribes Tormo 7-6(4) 6-1 at Indian Wells on

Monday to set up a mouthwatering fourth round clash against U.S. Open finalist Leylah Fernandez. After edging Sorribes Tormo in the

tiebreaker during an 82-minute opening set, Badosa cantered through the second to remain on course to become the first woman to defend the Indian

Wells title since Martina Navratilova won in 1990 and 1991. Next up for world number seven Badosa will be Canadian 19-year-old

Paula Badosa (ESP) reacts after winning a point in her third round match against Sara Sorribes Tormo (not pictured) during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

(Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports)

Fernandez, who arrived at the Californian desert after defending her WTA title in Monterrey, Mexico.

Fernandez, who went down to Emma Raducanu in last year’s final at Flushing Meadows, defeated American Shelby Rogers 6-1 3-6 6-3 to close out Monday evening’s action at the WTA 1000 event at Indian Wells. “It will be a very tough one. She’s the defending champion. She has a lot of good matches under her belt.

I’m very excited to play against her,” Fernandez told reporters. “I’ll just try to focus on my game and see what my dad (coach) has in store for me to execute.”

Earlier in the day, former major champions Victoria Azarenka and Petra Kvitova were ousted in the third round.

Greece’s Maria Sakkari, who reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros and the U.S. Open last year, fired off five aces in a strong service display to make light work of Czech Kvitova 6-3 6-0. The world number six won all of her first-serve points in the first set and dropped just one in the second, as Kvitova struggled with her serve, producing five double-faults across the 66-minute affair in California.

Two-times Wimbledon winner Kvitova ceded break point in the eighth game of the first set

and never regained her composure, as Sakkari fended off two breaks to close out the frame and ran away with the match in the second set. It was the second time that Sakkari has reached the round of 16 at tennis’ unofficial “fifth major,” after she reached the fourth round in 2018. Two-time winner and 13th seed Azarenka fell to Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina 6-3 6-4 after a malfunctioning serve saw her produce eight double faults.

An in-form Rybakina produced a pristine first set, launching four aces without dropping a single first-serve point to claim the early momentum. With her right shoulder heavily taped and a sleeve placed on her right arm, two-time Australian Open champion Azarenka grimaced, crouched down on the court and wept after a double fault in the fifth game of the second set. That prompted the chair umpire to approach Azarenka to ask if she needed medical attention.

Azarenka, who lost in the final last year to Badosa, apologized and continued but Rybakina converted the critical break point in the seventh game of the second set. Elsewhere on the women’s side, Czech Marketa Vondrousova knocked out Estonian fourth seed Anett Kontaveit 3-7 7-5 7-6(5).

Wednesday March 16, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Fortress Bridgetown beckons after Antiguan appetizer ESPNcricinfo - Reset, and refocus. After five days of hard toil on an unforgiving Antigua deck, the series swings south-east to Barbados, where the surface - to judge by a run of seven consecutive results since a tense draw against India in 2011 ought to offer more for the bowlers on both teams to get stuck into.

If England’s recent experience at Bridgetown is anything to go by, that might not be the most uplifting of prospects.

It was on this ground three years ago that they were blown away for 77 in their first innings, a catastrophic derailment that set them on their way to yet another failed Caribbean campaign.

And if they wanted a reminder of the Kensington Oval’s fortress qualities, a quick recap of January’s T20I series would suffice - West Indies emerged as 3-2 victors, with the home-town hero Jason Holder’s final sign-off being the small matter of four wickets in four balls.

For the time being, however, the events in Antigua did at least inbue two very flaky batting line-ups with some rarely encountered optimism.

After failing to reach 300 in any of their ten innings of the Ashes, England passed that mark in both innings of the first Test - and in so doing they recorded three centurions in a Test match for the first time since Rajkot on the tour of India in 2016-17.

The best of these belonged to Jonny Bairstow - a man with the red-ball bit between his teeth right now, following a similarly superb century in his previous Test in Sydney in January. An eter-

nity has passed since Bairstow’s annus mirablisin 2016, in which time he has gone on to become arguably England’s most important ODI batter, and so all manner of caveats are warranted when discussing his sporadic Test form in the intervening years.

But having arrived at the crease at a familiarly bleak 48 for 4 on the first morning, Bairstow was hugely impressive in first rebuilding the innings in partnership with Ben Stokes, then kicking on after lunch and beyond to lay down England’s first big marker of this postAshes era.

Zak Crawley in the second innings followed suit with a performance of similar self-denial, before Root put the bow on an encouraging display with his 24th Test century, and his first of 2022.

West Indies, however, found resolve of their own to claim an equal share of the batting plaudits.

Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell posted fifty stands in each innings, slim pickings by most teams’ standards but an important marker for this outfit, before Nkrumah Bonner’s tour de force dragged West Indies to a first-innings lead of 64 - a non-issue in the final analysis, but the sort of advantage that might have proved vital had the pitch ever threatened to deteriorate.

In the bowling stakes, it was a case of two forward, two back and one almighty setback for England.

Sadly for Chris Woakes and Craig Overton, their alliance lived down to most expectations, particularly while West Indies were romping along at four runs

Guyanese wins Pools...

From page 40 could hardly walk around the table but I played well against higher ranks. I ended up playing the finals against my hubby and I won. That was indeed a win to remember. It gave me hope during my struggles with my healing process,” posited Vanie who along with her husband participates in Obstacle Course Racing. The playoffs should have been held in 2020 but because of the pandemic it was held this month. “I was very excited and nervous this solo event was all about my abilities and I wanted this win so badly! I beat all my opponents and secured the win to Vegas. Yes, it my first time and I am looking forward to this in April 2022!

I also had an excellent Fall

2022 session where in my tire level I secured 1st place in 8Ball to earn Top Gun Champion title and second in 9-Ball.

I love 9-Ball because it’s more defensive play. However, recently my 8-Ball seem to better my 9-Ball win. Pool has become such an important aspect in my life. I want to win every time I go to the table. I am a very competitive player even though I’m just a low rank player. I am willing to learn and grow. Someday I want to become maybe skill level 6-7…. That’s where the hard work is required. Pool takes up a lot of your time and can become a bit costly but I won’t have it any other way for I love the game. See you soon Vegas … I am hoping for some big wins,” Vanie declared.

an over with the new ball.

A n d w h e n M a r k Wo o d went lame with a deeply worrying elbow injury, one that has opened the way for Saqib Mahmood’s Test debut, that lack of 90mph threat was all the more exposed.

And yet, out of adversity surged the inevitable Ben Stokes - a man who had been expected to ease his way back to fitness after the side strain that had so hampered his Ashes display.

He ploughed through 28 overs in the first innings, his heaviest innings workload for seven years, and 41 overs all told for the outstanding figures of 3 for 66.

He is not quite back to his 2019-20 peak, but these are his most encouraging signs since his career break last summer.

And then there was the spinner Jack Leach, whose best effort in an England shirt yielded match figures of 5 for 136 in 73.4 overs, including three of the four breakthroughs on West Indies’ final-day wobble.

In the end he could not surmount either the pitch or

the resistance led by Bonner and Holder over the contest’s final session.

But his poise and control was revealed by the concurrent struggles of his opposite Veerasammy Permaul, who was never permitted to settle in either innings.

Ultimately, however, if it’s an England tour of the Caribbean, then the calibre of the hosts’ fast bowling is sure to be the final factor.

In the most helpful conditions of the contest, Holder, Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales ripped open some very fresh wounds in their visitor’s batting, while Alzarri Joseph earned late reward in the second innings for some diligent old-ball work.

Pound for pound, and with Wood’s injury factored in, that quartet had the edge over their England counterparts. In a series where both teams are prone to moments of chronic batting malfunction, the race to 20 wickets could be well and truly on this week.

In the spotlight

Can Nkrumah Bonner back up the masterclass that he produced in Antigua?

For more than 12 hours across two innings of the first Test, West Indies’ most fascinating late bloomer racked up 161 runs from 493 balls for once out - and even that flicker of weakness, at eight-down in the first innings, came via a leg-side strangle from the part-time allsorts of Dan Lawrence.

His innings were unrepentantly one-paced, and perfectly tailored to meet West Indies’ needs, as he first ground his team into a dominant position, then bailed them out just when it seemed their old batting frailties were set to burst forth.

Bonner’s Test average is now just a nudge below 50, and like Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the man whose unflappability he most resembles, while he endures, his team has a solidity at odds with their recent reputation.

Amid the furore about the dropping of England’s Big Two, and the subsequent

injuries that have scuppered the other two lead members of the Ashes attack, Wood and Ollie Robinson, there is a treat in store for fastbowling purists on We d n e s d a y w i t h t h e maiden Test appearance of the thoroughbred Saqib Mahmood.

With a rip-roaring action that is as much Waqar Younis as it is Brett Lee, Mahmood looks the part and can touch the part too, with the ability to push the 90mph barrier that England so yearn with the blunting of so many of their previous spearheads - including, of course, Jofra Archer, who has been training with the team during his comeback from elbow surgery.

However, Mahmood remains a work in progress, and one that England are obliged to handle with care - in terms of workload as much as expectation.

His penultimate match in Barbados was a demoralising one, as Akeal Hosain spanked him for 28 runs in an over to lose a remarkable T20I by one run.

PAGE 36

Kaieteur News

Wednesday March 16, 2022

Ruthless favourites Australia crush West Indies at World Cup AFP - Australia routed the West Indies by seven wickets in Wellington Tuesday to

maintain their perfect record at the Women’s Cricket World Cup.

The tournament’s red-hot favourites produced another ruthless display to race to a

4-0 winning record at the oneday showcase, highlighted by an unbeaten 83 from Rachael Haynes.

The win puts the six-time champions at the top of the standings with a healthy run rate, virtually guaranteeing a semi-final spot.

The West Indies have won two of their four matches and remain in with a chance of making the top four in the round-robin standings.

The West Indies won the toss and elected to bat but were stunned when Ellyse Perry took two wickets

in successive balls to leave them at 4-2.

“Early wickets up front made a difference in the game that really out us in front and put them under pressure,” Australian captain Meg Lanning said.

Perry clean bowled Hayley Matthews for duck then coaxed an edge off the first ball faced

by Kycia Knight.

It could have been worse but Deandra Dottin and Staphanie Taylor were both given reprieves by the third umpire. West Indies skipper Taylor made the most of her chance by battling on

to 50 but could not find any support with Shemaine Campbelle the next highest score on 20.

Perry finished on 3-22 and Ashleigh Gardner took 3-25 as the West Indies were skittled for 131 in 45.5 overs.

The paltry total was never going to be enough against the strongest batting line-up in women’s cricket, but the West Indies did well to make Australia work for 30.2 overs to reach the 132-run target.

Taylor said the West Indies needed a total of about 250 to defend but she was heartened by

Wednesday March 16, 2022

PAGE 37

Kaieteur News

Guinness Nat Squash C/ship continue today with ladies Semis Seven Males advance to Main draw tomorrow

Defending National Senior Female Squash Champion Ashley Khalil, former Caribbean Squash queen Nicolette Fernandes, Taylor Fernandes

and Gabrielle Fraser all won their matches on Monday evening to qualify for today’s ladies Semi-final of the Guinness NationalSenior

Ashley & her brother Jason-Ray made local history when they won the female & male Open respectively in 2019 KFC Nat Snr Squash Championship (3)

Nicolette Fernandes Squash

Port Mourant, Cotton...

From page 38 off 5 overs respectively. In reply Achievers was bundled out for 43 in 18.2 overs with Gavin Kisten picking up 5 wickets for 6 runs off 6 overs and M. Ramsammy 2 wickets for 3 runs off 4 overs.

Port Mourant Prem Kennard trounced Edinburgh Cricket Club by 210 runs at Port Mourant Community Centre.

Batting first the hosts totaled 272 for 5 from 35 overs with Navin Budwah 114, Vishal Williams 35, Ravin Budwah 27 not out and extras 58. Bowling for Edinburgh; J. Archer grabbed 2 for 55 off 7 overs. In reply Edinburgh were bowled out for 62. Excellent performances with the ball saw Ravin Budwah grabbing 4 wickets for 20 runs and he was supported by Navin Boodwah and R. Mohan who grabbed two wickets each.

Rose Hall Canje Arborsmarts

defeat Mt. Sinai CC made a massive 317 runs at the Welfare Centre on Sunday last.

Batting first they amassed a mammoth 348 for 1 from their allotted 50 overs with Adrian Hetmyer 145 not out and Romario Ramdeholl 135 being the principal scorers.

Extras contributed a healthy 63. In reply, Mt. Sinai were bowled out for 31 in 11.3 overs with Nicholas Hall taking 4 wickets for 10 runs from 3 overs and Sharvesh Isberan 3 for 18 from four overs.

The Semi Finals are set to be played on Saturday 19th of March with Cotton Tree Die Hard playing Port Mourant at the Port Mourant Community Centre and Rose Hall Canje Arborsmarts taking on Tucber Park at Welfare Centre, Matches are set to bowl off at 9:30 am sharp.

Squash Championship at the Georgetown Club from 6:00PM. On Monday Evening, Nicolette beat Tian Edwards 11-1, 11-5, 11-3, Taylor Fernandes got the better of Ashely DeGroot 11-5, 11-4, 11-8 and Khalil beat Larisa Wiltshire 11-5, 11-3, 9-11, 11-5.

In the lone Male contest on Monday, Javid Rahaman beat Joshua Abdool 12-10, 711, 5-11, 13-11 to qualify for today’s plate game.

Seven Male players have advanced to tomorrow’s main draw after Peter-Michael De

Groot beat Demetrius De Abreu, Michael Alphonso beat Javid Rahaman, Mohryan Baksh beat Ian Mekdeci, Steven Xavier beat Javid Rahaman and Deje Dias beat Joshua Abdool to advance to tomorrow’s main draw.

The National Senior Squash C h am p i o n s h i p s were held in 2019 when history was made when the pair Ashley and Jason-Roy Khalil became the first siblings to win the Male and Female titles in the same Championships.

(Sean Devers)

Taylor Fernandes

PAGE 38

Kaieteur News

Wednesday March 16, 2022

Port Mourant, Cotton Tree, Rose Hall, Canje Arborsmarts and Tucber Park advance to semifinals of BCB/ Telenec Under 15 Tournaments For the first time in close to twenty-five years, Berbice Cricket powerhouses Albion and the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS have failed to reach the semifinals of a Berbice Junior tournament together. Albion failed to make it out of Zone D, while RHTYSC suffered a shock defeat versus Cotton Tree at the latter venue in the quarter finals. Cotton Tree were joined in the semifinals

by Rose Hall Canje, Port Mourant and Tucber Park.

Highlights of the quarter finals were three centuries by Adrian Hetmyer, Romario Ramdeholl and Navin Budwah, shining with the ball

were Gavin Kisten, Ravin Budwah, Nicholas Hall, Winston Hartman and Arif Khan.

Cotton Tree Die Hard overcame Rose Hall Town Farfan Mendes by 61 runs at Cotton Tree Ground in spectacular fashion. Batting first after being inserted by their opponent, Cotton Tree scored 126 all out in 47.5 overs with Shoaib Gaffoor 18, David Alfred 11 and extras contributing a mammoth 77 runs. Bowling for Rose Hall Town Farfan Mendes; Akash Sooklall, Dave Prettipaul and Roshan Crandon picked up two wickets each. In reply Rose Hall Town were bowled

out for 65 in 25 overs with Arif Khan grabbing 5 for 17 from 7 overs, Shoaib Gaffoor and Arif Khan also grabbed two wickets each.

Tucber Park thumped Achievers by 142 runs at Welfare Centre on Saturday last. Batting first, Tucber Park scored 185 all out in 35 overs with Gavin Kisten scoring 85 and Gilbert Griffith 25. The pick of the bowlers for Achiever was Winston Hartman who claimed 5 for 43 off 9 overs, he was supported

by Fawad Baduila and Keyshawn Grant who grabbed 3 for 40 off 9 overs and Keyshan Grant 2 for 37 (Continued on page 37)

Century makers Adrian Hetmyer (Left) and Romario Ramdeholl.

Wednesday March 16, 2022

Kaieteur News

ECB benefits from GCB CDC Assistant Coach of the Guyana Harpy Eagles Ryan Hercules through the Guyana Cricket Board’s Cricket Development Committee, made a timely donation of some vital cricket coaching equipment to the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) at the Imam Bacchus Learning Resource Centre, Affiance, Essequibo Coast on Sunday.

Receiving the equipment was President of the ECB Deleep Singh and other Executive members.

The ECB head ex-

pressed immense gratitude for the valuable equipment, since it will aid in bringing the county’s cricketers to the level of fitness required for competitions.

Young National Coach, Hercules, said he is elated to make the presentation and further stated that this is a start of many more to come and urged the coaches to use the equipment to develop young players in becoming good ambassadors and role models of Essequibo.

Hercules, a former Essequibo Inter-County

cricketer reminisced that during his time in the early days of coaching, he was not privileged to have so many equipment and he expects that it should be treated with utmost care, respect, pride and dignity since it is a stepping stone for the development of players from the county to one day represent at the National level.

Also present at the event was Essequibo’s Coach Rayburn Gonsalves who also expressed appreciation for this assistance.

He acknowledged that it will enhance his coaching programmes and promised to use it in best interest of the players.

PAGE 39

National coach Ryan Hercules presents the coaching equipment to president of ECB Deleep Singh while other board members look on.

PAGE 40

Kaieteur News

Wednesday March 16, 2022

Guyanese wins Pools C/Ships in Canada Ready for Vegas - Says Vanie Coonjah Robins

By Sean Devers Vanie Coonjah Robins, Guyanese-born Canadian, won the CPA Top Gun 8-Ball 2/3 tier Pool Championship in Canada last month to win a trip to compete in the 2022 APA Pool players Championships in Las Vegas Nevada, USA. The 49-year-old Vanie, who grew up in Annandale on the East Coast of Demerara, occasional went on girl’s night outs or with her son to play at Blue Iguana years ago.

She said playing pool in Guyana meant going to bars that had pool tables and that

didn’t create a good reputation for women.

In the league there is a mixed culture and lots of Guyanese. There are many very good female players and it’s a very competitive sport.

“I hope that this sport can be promoted more in Guyana and women be encouraged to participate. I plan to return one day and run some competitions.

In Guyana I rarely saw women playing pool, most times they were onlookers to men at the tables.

In Canada we have a ladies’ league tournament

along with other leagues which consist of men and women. There are no more men than women, I would say it’s pretty much a balanced ratio,” revelled Vanie who was involved with cricket as a scorer, both in Guyana and Canada.

Vanie said it was a funny story behind how she played her first competition.

“I was dating my husband who plays for the Canadian Pool League. His team had a spot for a low rank and I was asked to join.

I was super excited to join and petrified at the same time

of being the worst ever player.

Later I understood why lowranking players were so much in demand and the team was very happy to have me,” informed Vanie who left for Canada on March 2015.

Vanie explained that Teams have a maximum points system of the ratings of their players and low ranks are needed to allow the high ranks to also play. I was told I just need to have fun and I will learn as time goes by.

“Canadian Pool Players Association (CPA) is run by the American Pool Players Association (APA) …. And in this league the big win is the chance to play in Vegas. I play with 3 teams currently on different nights,” continued Vanie who worked in the Banking Industry in Guyana.

“My husband is a very skilled and knowledgeable player who helps to coach our teams. We play together two nights a week in Double Jeopardy which means both 8 and 9 ball games.

After a few months of playing our team won Vegas in 2018, unfortunately I was unable to travel because of

Vanie is crowned Champion & shows her hardware.

personal reasons,” added Vanie.

In 2020, two weeks after her brain surgery, she accompanied her husband to a pool tournament where he was playing in the singles regionals.

“I sat looking and was so

sad I didn’t bring my cues.

After hours of being there the guy who was running the tournament, Stephen Romita, went to his car and lent me his cue.

That tournament I will always remember because I (Continued on page 35)

Kaieteur News

Wednesday March 16, 2022

PAGE 41

2022 AAU Indoor Track & Field Championships…

Medas-King sisters, young Kitt impress at Nationals

G

uyana has a few beautiful prospects for the future in the track arena who competed over the weekend in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Indoor National Championship that took place at the Virginia Beach Sports Center, USA. Born of strong Guyanese descent, the three young athletes that made a mark at the event were 10-year old middle distance athlete, Kunusasha Medas-King, her older sister Kcaysha and seven-year old Sean Kitt.

Kunusasha was the most outstanding as she snagged two Gold medals in the 800m and 1500m but narrowly missed the podium finish in the 400m.

Competing unattached, she won the Girls 800 Meter Run (10 year old) with an impressive time of 2:37.90s, following an intense battle near the finish to defeat Alexandrea Fraser who ran 2:37.99s.

She added 1500m Gold to her medal tally when she clocked a time of 5:26.82s, whisking away the closest competitor that ended in a time of 5:29.47s.

In the shortest distance she competed, the 400m, Kunusasha missed the podium finish when she stopped the clock in a time of 1:08.81s to finish fourth. The top three competitors in this race were Fraser (1:05.58s), Sophie Day (1:06.64s) and Gabrielle Wright (1:07.63s).

Kcaysha also turned in commendable performances at the three-day event. The sprinter’s 15-16 age group was quite competitive in the 60m, 200m and 400m events.

Of the 41 athletes registered for the 60m event, the fastest preliminary time was 7.92s while the eighth and final spot was taken in a time of 8.17s. Unfortunately, she turned in a time of 8.88s and missed making the cut.

What is also important to note, is that a

total of 24 athletes missed that final qualifying spot by a margin under a second.

The 200m was much of the same but Kcaysha ranked quite high in the prelims with a time of 27.98s and missed the final spot which was grasped in a time of 27.36s.

The top prelim time for this event was 26.14s.

In the 400m, she came the closest to qualifying for the final when she clocked 1:05:09s which was the tenth best time in the prelims. The fastest prelim time in this race was 1:00.72s while the eighth finalist ran 1:04.12s.

Meanwhile, the youngest of the lot was Kitt, who competed in the 7-8 year old category and lined up for the 60m, 200m and 400m events. For the 400m race, his age group’s top finishers were decided by the final-by-time system.

Representing the Dashing Dons and Divas Athletic Club, Kitt was first in one of the seven 400m races with a time of 1:20.36s, but his time was 12th overall. The top finisher in this event was X-Factor’s Cale Ivery who ran 1:11.60s.

The 200m event had a total of 99 competitors that were divided into 13 prelims. Kitt’s time of 34.87s landed him in 29th while the final seed stopped the clock at 32.30s and the top time was 30.84s.

The 60m races were also very lively with 89 competitors staking their claim for gold.

Kitt turned in a time of 10.35s but missed the final qualifying spot. The fastest qualifying time in this race was a scorching 9.13s while the eighth finalist made it to the next round in a time of 9.50s.

Andy Medas-King, the father and coach of the sisters was very delighted with their performances. He posted, “Once again thanks to the most high for letting both my daughters finish injury free. Proud of you my

7-year-old Sean Kitt of Dashing Dons and Divas Track Club of New York in action in the 400m.

Sean Kitt with his medals.

Kcaysha Medas-King display her medals.

daughters. You really worked hard to be in the position you’re in right now, only the heavenly father knows the hard work you put

Kunusasha Medas-King on the podium.

in. Thanks for your guidance father you sent positive thoughts and prayers to help us get here.”

Stafanie Taylor made a half century in a losing cause for the Windies ladies against Australia © AFP via Getty Images

Ruthless favourites Australia crush West Indies at World Cup

Australia’s Beth Mooney (left) with teammate Rachael Haynes high five teammates after their win during the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup match between the West Indies and Australia at the Basin reserve in Wellington on March 15, 2022. (AFP/Marty MELVILLE)

Rachel Haynes’ unbeaten knock saw Australia cruise to victory.

(ICC via Getty Images)

ts r o p S

Guyanese wins Pools C/ships in Canada ‘Ready for Vegas’ - says Vanie Coonjah Robins

Fortress Bridgetown beckons after Antiguan appetizer

Jason Holder looks on during a nets session. (Getty Images)

Vanie Coonjah-Robins in action on the Pools table.

Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Paul Collingwood chat during a nets session in Barbados. (Getty Images) Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.