K
AIETEUR Guyanese burdened Saturday Edition NEWS
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
March 19, 2022 - Vol. 16 No.12
with Exxon's legal fees in environmental, tax exemptions cases
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 61,191
Rapid oil spending will strain Guyana's meager - Economist warns human, capital resources; lead to disastrous results After 2 years of COVID-19 restrictions…
Phagwah 2022 celebrations deemed a welcomed stress reliever p. 12 & 13
US citizen goes Businessman missing after found guilty outing with friend of killing teen
Fisherfolk to meet on possible guidelines for ExxonMobil compensation
Citizens demand full debate on Patterson's oil spill insurance motion Every vendor makes a profit but Govt. agencies running at a loss! @11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM
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Saturday March 19, 2022
Kaieteur News
Guyanese burdened with Exxon's legal fees in environmental, tax exemptions cases Based on the provisions outlined in the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) which was signed between the Government of Guyana and an ExxonMobil led consortium, the oil giant is not only able to recover all
monies spent to clean up any environmental mishap that may occur during its work, but it will also have all of its litigation costs met by Guyanese. This is irrespective of whether the country could prove that Exxon caused the mishap or
not. The 2016 Production Sharing Agreement states that, “All costs and expenses of litigation and legal or related series necessary or expedient for the procuring, perfecting, retention and protection of the contract
Concerns exist about environment hazards in oil and gas operations.
area and in defending or prosecuting lawsuits involving the contract area or any third party claim arising out of the activities under the agreement or sums paid in respect to legal services necessary or expedient for the protection of the interest of the parties are recoverable. Where legal services are rendered in such matters by salaried or regularly retained lawyers of the contractor or an affiliated company of the parties comprising contractor, such compensation will be included instead under subsection 3, 1 (B) or 3.1(D) above as applicable.” Apart from this, Annex C of the PSA outlines all costs ExxonMobil is allowed to recover. One of those costs is insurance which is listed on Page 11 of Annex C. It states
that, “Insurance premium and cost incurred for insurance pursuant to Article 20 provided that if such insurance is wholly or partly placed with an Affiliated Company of the parties comprising the contractor, such premium and costs shall be recoverable only to the extent generally charged by competitive insurance companies other than an Affiliated Company of a party comprising the contractor. Costs, losses, and damages incurred to the extent not made good by insurance, are recoverable, including costs, losses or damages resulting from the indemnities in Article 2 of the agreement unless such costs, losses or damages have resulted solely from an act of willful misconduct or gross negligence of the
contractor.” According to the agreement, Guyana would need to prove “gross negligence” on the part of Exxon so that the oil company would handle the environmental mishap without looking to be reimbursed. It therefore means if Guyana decides to take Exxon to court for its interpretation of “gross negligence” or “willful misconduct”, the onus is on Guyana to prove that it was the absolute fault of the contractor. Notably, the information in the 2016 PSA is a major step up from what was agreed originally to in the 1999 agreement signed by former President Janet Jagan. At that time, the agreement had only that (Continued on page 17)
Kaieteur News
Saturday March 19, 2022
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Rapid oil spending will strain Guyana's meager human, capital resources; lead to perverse results - Economist warns By: Terence M. Yhip (Ph.D) Part 1-1 Introduction If you want the perfect analogy in biology of e f f i c i e n c y a n d coordination—vital requirements for the public i n v e s t m e n t s t o succeed—look to the human digestive system for a gut understanding. The body uses nutrients in food for energy, cell repair and growth. But for all of these good things to happen without a hitch, the food must first be converted into nutrients for absorption. Many “actors” with varied skills are involved, each performing a critical role in a long process. Imagine for a moment a Guyanese pepperpot and bread on a joyous Christmas morning, a tasty mutton curry on Eid-ul-Fitr, or hot aloo roti on Diwali. You've just had a meal, but hours later you experience excruciating abdominal pains. Your digestive system is shutting down, no longer able to do its job. The analogy is apt for less developed countries that are attempting to use public investment in social infrastructure (e.g., health and education) and physical infrastructure (e.g., energy, ports and transportation) to drive economic development. But while the investment is necessary, it is not sufficient because other factors affect final outcomes. This is another way of saying that if it is true underdevelopment is just a technical problem, then merely filling the gaps will solve the problem and all will live happily ever after. Absorptive incapacity, broadly speaking, includes all the things that cause public investment to fail: supply bottlenecks, bad governance or planning, bad institutions, bad politics, ethnic divisions, misguided policies, skill shortage, bad management and so on. In the last half a century, we have learned that rapid scaling up of public investment has tended to be counterproductive. The odds may seem discouraging to Guyana that has the means and the determination to develop but it faces a severe handicap due to its limited
About the Author Terence Yhip is the author of two recent books, From Rags to Riches: Is Guyana Ready for the Oil Bonanza, Feb 2021, and The Practice of Lending: A Guide to Credit Analysis and Credit Risk, Palgrave MacMillan, 2020. After a career in banking in Canada and the Middle East, he taught economics and finance at the University of the West Indies, Mona, as a Visiting Fellow. He is currently Partner of IAS (Ideal Advisory Services), Toronto, Canada. E-mail: tyhip@rogers.com. absorptive capacity. To properly examine the circumstances before Guyana, I intend to tackle the explanation of this issue in three parts. Part 1 of this piece gives a brief background of public investment drivers in less developed countries with specific examples of oilexporting countries. Part 2 outlines the problem of absorptive capacity, explains why attempts to initiate or accelerate economic growth have tended to fail. Part 3 focuses on Guyana and provides country examples of success and failure. And the final installment weighs the options to beat the odds of failure and examines the pros and cons for a “big push”. Part 1-2 Background In the 1960s, much of the literature on economic development focused on the baffling question of why foreign aid had failed so badly, an outcome that disappointed the proponents of Big Push theories (major pioneers were Paul Rosenstein-Rodan and Walt Rostow) in the 1950s and 1960s. In a nutshell, these models advocate a big push ─ a government-led, economy-wide and concerted investment drive ─ to lift countries out of poverty by initiating or accelerating economic development. Who can argue against that? However, Big Push with foreign did not generate development. Empirical work found that corruption, lack of good governance, and absorptive incapacity, were the chief culprits. To be fair, a parallel body of literature had argued that the failure of foreign aid was not the assistance itself but the form it took, and the question of whether it was “aid or raid” dominated public discussions for many years. But by the mid-1970s, the “aid or raid” debate
Part 1-3: Cases of counterproductive outcomes after a big push How do we know a big push in public investment failed? Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth per capita slowed or GDP per capita shrunk in the years after the splurge. Keep in mind that real GDP per
in the early 1970s and created a windfall. As you can see from the chart, in all cases, GDP growth per capita worsened after the big push. Growth per capita dropped sharply in Trinidad and Tobago and Ecuador, whilst output per capita even dropped in Venezuela, Nigeria and Bolivia in the period following the investment booms. Venezuela spent 40% of the windfall on public investment. Nigeria stands out because it invested so heavily, saw paltry results during the boom but a big decline after that. Bolivia's investment drive was equally a disaster. The country suffered its first major economic crisis in 1978-1986 that started with external debt default in July 1978. What were the causes of the failures, not only in the 1970s but also in every decade after? This is the subject for Part 2 where we examine various factors that include the scale and pace of public investment and absorptive capacity constraints. Part 2 is the bridge to Part 3, the final installment.
investment in less developed countries, the outcomes have been counterproductive. Part 2 examines root causes, amongst which are scale and pace of public investments, absorption capacity constraints, perverse selection, principal-agency problem and perverse incentive. So: let's begin with scale and pace. Guyana is starting out with a scarcity of public capital ─ power, transportation, ports, telecommunication, drainage and irrigation, sea defence, you name it. Ironically, the low capital stock is a plus, at least in theory, because the actual investment spending, which is the additional capital, is likely to be highly productive; however, as we will explain, if Guyana were to embark on a big push, or attempt to scale up quickly, it will run into various bottlenecks. The actual physical investment of building necessarily takes time and many projects implemented in a short time impose adjustment costs. In order to minimise costs but maximise net benefits, it becomes necessary to spread public
capita is a measure of the standard of living. The chart below gives these perverse outcomes in several countries that embarked on ambitious investment projects between 1975 and 1978 after oil prices spiked
PART 2: WHY ARE PUBLIC INVESTMENT DRIVES COUNTER PRODUCTIVE? In Part 1, we saw that despite a big push in public
investment over time. More isn't always better and, often, less is true for public capital spending because of diminishing returns. In the short term, many critical inputs are fixed in supply.
quickly faded into the background after oil prices surged and the resource windfall filled government coffers ─ particularly in Nigeria and Sub-Sahara Africa─ to overflowing. The windfall set off rampant public spending for consumption and investment, but, after the splurge, the countries found themselves in deep economic crises. The phrase “boom-bust” became the familiar description of these oildependent countries. Public attention quickly turned to the failure of public investment drives to kick start economic growth and development. Echoing the 1960s, the empirical literature found that the culprit was the same Unholy Trinity of (1) corruption, (2) lack of good governance and (3) limited absorptive capacity.
F o r example, it takes 3-4 years to produce engineers. Imagine for a moment a government that is launching a series of big project with an undersupply of project managers, engineers, welders, heavy machine operators and so on. The most likely outcome is that the additional investment dollar spent will yield less and less value. For example, a big problem that Nigeria faced in its investment drive in the 1970s was massive port congestion, leading to rising costs, which is another way of viewing diminishing returns. Nigeria's experience brings us to the general problem of absorptive c a p a c i t y. I n o r d e r t o implement projects successfully a country must have skilled and experienced workers for many varied tasks. In addition, a country must also have effective institutions to guard against corruption, make economically sound policies and decisions, hold people accountable and so on. Right now, Guyana has a severe skills gap that will take time to fill, even with reverse brain drain─ the Guyanese Diaspora going back home ─ and a programme for migrant workers that Kuwait, UAE and other Gulf states with small populations depend on. As for governance institutions it is probably fair to say that Guyana is just starting to have the mechanisms in place, prompted in part by rapid developments in the petroleum sector. What else do we know about what may cause public investment drives to fall? First, the gaps in technical and management skills will hamper project screening (Continued on page 8)
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
We must respect each other On Thursday, we observed Phagwah. We hope that our fellow Guyanese, particularly our Hindu brothers and sisters had a joyous national holiday. It would give us greater pleasure, a deeper sense of satisfaction, if we were to behold the unimaginable. That is, all Guyanese truly joining in sharing a personal and national handshake, an exchange of heartfelt courtesies, befitting what is both a special moment, and time of deep reflection. Phagwah is as good as any time, it may be asserted, perhaps, one of the best that there could be, to think of what brings us together, blends us into what is the immaculate essence of truly ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny.’ There can be no greater Phagwah gift than that, no sweeter blessing to be savoured than such a contemplation such a long-awaited condition, which has always eluded us, mocked our promise. We are individually and collectively responsible, more than anyone else, for our state and our plight. While this should not blight our Phagwah celebrations, it is not the same when it is not much more than a cultural holiday held high and ‘holi’ by only one segment of our national brotherhood and sorority. We can do better, and we must try to do so, to get there, with the best of our energies, the most of our abilities. We have not done so, none of us, when we fail to look at and appreciate the underpinnings of the festival of Holi. We say this because Phagwah is a time of thanksgiving, and forgetting and forgiving, of mending and beginning the sometimes - long process of healing. In times of thanksgiving for what is received, there are no lodgings for the acids and stains and toxins of rancor, of remembrances of past wrongs and ills. That should be our mindset, amid the playing and partnering, the joy and laughter. It is the way it ought to be in and out of Phagwah but regrettably is not. We hold on to too much, and for too long. We may laugh at the lameness of others, but we hide from the lameness that we inflict upon ourselves, both Hindus and non-Hindus, and all of Guyanese persuasion. Our long and durable denials put a damper on what should be grand moments of the national polity that we yearn to be (or say that we do), but of which we distance from doing anything to close the gaps into which we forever fall. We can continue to fool ourselves that we are of one people, but there is that bottom line issue that just will not go away: for how long, and to what destination? At a time when we are poised on the cusp of a national breakout, if not national greatness, we are content to remain in a pathetic and forlorn state of huddled smallness. Together we can move mountains and the mighty; apart we are picked at will, and made into the mince meats that we have become. Thus, we are kicked at will, and made fools of endlessly by those trusted, by those who come from distant shores to teach us what are nothing less than more harsh lessons in what is impoverishing. When we should have the world at our feet, we are delighted to have our hands around each other’s throats. It is why our celebrations at the official levels, always have an air of the artificial about them, a sense of forced gaiety, of things that have to be done, and gotten over with in studied hypocrisies all adorned with bright smiles, brighter ribbons, and the brightest pretenses. Phagwah, like Christmas and Eid, is about what came from above. Yet, we thrill in reaching for what is beneath us, in an endless quest to outrace each other to the bottom. Be it Phagwah or any other national day of peaceful rest from toil, we clap our hands and confess to being impressed with the shallowness of our existence. We can make these times of thanksgiving better, come to mean much more. But only if we start to respect each other as brother, as sister, as genuine neighbor, and as fellow traveller along the road that is Guyana’s destiny.
OIL PRICES DEAR EDITOR, In March 2020, OPEC witnessed a stalemate between Russia and Saudi Arabia, two leading oil producers over the issue of production cut to effectively control crude oil prices on the global market. Of note, Russia refused to cut its production and the impasse caused a steep fall in oil prices coupled by the COVID-19 Pandemic and brinkmanship between the two oil giants, which appeared by complex geopolitical and geoeconomic factors. Fast-track to 2022, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) has raised its 2022 Brent Crude spot price to US$105.22 per barrel this year compare to its earlier forecast of US$82.87 per barrel. Unfortunately, as a result of Russias invasion of Ukraine
and subsequent sanctions on Russia and other actions which created propelled significant market uncertainties about the potential of oil supply disruptions caused oil prices to closed almost US$124 per barrel in the first week in March 2022. The vast majority of Russias oil exports are purcha s e d b y E u r o p e and China, which together account for 90 percent of the countrys export. Russia is the worlds biggest exporter of refined oil to the global markets and the second-largest exporter of crude oil behind Saudi Arabia exporting about 2.85 million barrels per day. Further, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Russias oil customers are varied, and
outside of Europe, most like China and the US. Of recent, Russia has sold oil to India at a discounted price, making its export stronger in the wake of sanctions. On the other hand, the sanctions on Russias oil seem to be ineffective in the shortrun based on Russias global position on the oil market with its customers dependency and new oil trade deals. Although, the EIA reduced Russias oil production in its forecast, it still expects global oil inventory levels will average around 500,000 barrels per day from the second quarter of 2022 up until the end of 2023 being mutagenic with strong expectation to put downward pressure on crude oil prices. However, this forecast is conditional, if production dis-
ruptions in Russia or other oil producing countries - are more than EIAs forecast. In conclusion, if the US really wants to squeeze the Russian oil production and supply on the global market and reduce other countries dependency on Russias oil then the US should be formative to remove its sanctions on Iran and Venezuela oil trade and let these countries in crease production levels as a means to counteract any oil supplies shortfall on global market, regardless of their affiliation to Russia and the perceived political implications. Such a move will, in effect, bring down oil prices well under US$100 per barrel. Truly yours, Paul Ramrattan
The Festival of Colors DEAR EDITOR, Holi or Phagwah is known as the Festival of Colors and is one of Indias and Guyanas grandest and most popular celebrations. This colorful festival is celebrated in many cities and rural areas throughout India, so there are plenty of opportunities for fun and excitement. Over the years, Holi has become an important festival in many regions wherever Indian Diaspora were either taken a s i n d e n t u r e d labourers during colonial era, or where they emigrated on their own and are now present in large numbers such as in South America, North America, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia such as Fiji and Mauritius. Holi, also called Vasant Utsav, falls on the Pratipada during the dark half (Krishna Paksha) of the Chaitra Month as per Hindu calendar. Holi 2022 will be celebrated on March 18th and Holika Dahan on the 17th. The Holi festival traditionally celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is associated with many legends, including the story of Holika. It celebrates the destruc-
tion of Holikathe sister of Hiranyakashipu, both with gifted boons. The bonfire signifies the fire in which Holika (Hiranyakashipus sister) was burnt while trying to eliminate Prahlad. This celebration also warns about the misuse of power, belief in the Lord, having faith and trust. The Festival of Love: Rangwali Holi is also celebrated in memory of the immortal love of Lord Krishna and Radha. Krishna had asked Yashoda why he was not as fair as Radha. Yashoda jokingly suggested Krishna to apply color on Radhas face as it would make her complexion dark too. Lord Krishna, then, played with Radha and the Gopis with different colors. Since then, the day is celebrated as the festival of colors, depicting the oneness regardless of color. Among other Hindu traditions, the legendary significance of Holi is linked to Lord Shiva in yoga and deep meditation, goddess Parvati wanting to bring back Shiva into the world, seeks help from the Hindu god of love called Kamadeva on Vasant Panchami.
GOOD HOPE SECONDARY SCHOOL DEAR EDITOR, Lately in the budget there was mention of more schools to be built across the country but no mention of when the Good Hope Secondary would be completed. Some students were placed at that school in 2020 but none in 2021. How can there be placement of students to an incomplete school? Can the honourable Minister Priya Manickchand enlighten us,
the parents of children placed at that school since 2020 of how and when this school will be completed? Where are the rest of students to fill the classrooms, where are the teachers, where are the furniture and what are these children going to do when the rest of the school opens up soon? I think it is really bad for these students. Thank you, A very concerned parent
The love god shoots arrows at Shiva, the yogi opens his third eye and burns Kama to ashes. This upsets both Kama’s wife Rati, and his own wife Parvati. Ratri performs her own meditative asceticism for forty days, upon which Shiva understands, forgives out of compassion and restores the god of love. This return of the god of love, is celebrated on the 40th day after Vasant Panchami festival known as Holi. The legend of the ogress (female monster) Dhundi says that she was chased away by the people of Prthu owing to a curse from Lord Shiva. The Festival of Spring: In addition to its religious aspects, Holi also celebrates the end of winter and the arrival of spring. The arrival of spring season is taking inspiration from the colors and for many, the start of the new year, an occasion for people to enjoy the changing seasons, make new friends and celebrate the beginning of a good spring harvest season. This festival is also known as Dhulandi, a name popular in the state of Haryana, India. Celebratory Activities:
The festivities of Holi begin close to midnight on the night before Holi with bonfires being lit (Holika). Prior to the bonfires, it is traditionally the job of men and boys to collect fallen wood and leaves to burn in the bonfires. Some of this tradition is changing today with forest trees unfortunately being cut down for burning. One of the most iconic activities of Holi is the throwing of colored water and powder in the streets. This is an exciting activity that is used to show devotion and respect to deities, friends, and family members. The colors of Holi are very special and add to the vibrancy of the day. In the past, the colors that were used on peoples skin were natural but many of them now are man-made and some even of dangerous chemicals leaving some people with skin inflammation. This spring festival of colors signifies unity and love irrespective of caste, class or gender. The Holi festival has a cultural significance among various Hindu traditions of the Indian subcontinent. (Continued on page 5)
Is ‘One Guyana’ replacing our national motto? DEAR EDITOR, It has to be wondered, is the ‘One Guyana’ call replacing our national motto of ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’ one of our symbols of nationhood? The recent competition in honour of the national festival of Phagwah, sponsored by the culture Ministry seems to suggest that as the headline in one of the dailies (‘One Guyana’ motto resonates at Holi rangoli competition GT Mar
18), ‘One Guyana’ is not a motto. It is simply a call to foster unity, peace, harmony and goodwill among the nation. These same themes are also explicitly expressed in our motto. While the call is good it cannot take prominence over or replace our national motto. Of recent our national motto is hardly ever mentioned or heard of in public statements and comments. Shamshun Mohamed
Saturday March 19, 2022
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Kaieteur News
The Festival of Colors... PPP Government’s popularity continues to fall From page 4 It is the festive day to end and rid oneself of past errors, to end conflicts by meeting others, a day to forget and forgive. To many Hindus, Holi festivities mark the beginning of the New Year as well as an occasion to reset and renew ruptured relationships, end conflicts and rid themselves of accumulated emotional impurities from the past. People pay or forgive debts, as well as deal anew with those in their lives. After a day of play with colors, peo ple clean up,
wash and bathe, dress up in the evening and greet
friends and relatives by visiting them and exchanging sweets. Holi is also a festival of forgiveness and new starts, which ritually aims to generate harmony in society. There are a number of inherited customs and traditions still in practice, compliments of our fore parents from different parts of India, who came to the West Indies as
indentured laborers. Indians are scattered throughout Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo, and, have adopted different ways of life, many remaining Hindu, practicing and main-
taining most of the traditions. Sympathy is extended to all who have lost their dear ones due to the pandemic and, all are forewarned to abide by all the required protocols to observe this holiday with the constraints. Shubh Holi to all of Guyana. Respectfully, Jai Lall
DEAR EDITOR, It is amazing how these things only happen in Guyana. A government that literally doesn t have time with the people that voted to elect it to represent them and work on their behalf. Rice farmers are out here protesting, the cost of living is going up as our fellow Guyanese citizens continue to punish. And the government continues to act like its a normal day at the office. An oil producing country such as ours is not far from the poor rundown impoverished countries
in Africa whereby the dictators, their families and friends live lavishly while their citizens suffer. One person that I had expected to speak out about this is Mr. Freddie Kissoon but it seems the struggles of
the less fortunate arent of his concern anymore. I honestly dont see the PPP/C government winning an election come 2025 once a strong third force emerges. I
would happily vote for that third force as Im sure many of my fellow Guyanese brethren would. Kind regards, Brian Clementson
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Kaieteur News
Four patients in COVID-19 ICU, six new cases recorded With no reported deaths in the past two days, the Ministry of Health yesterday revealed that four patients are now in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit receiving treatment.
The Ministry via its latest dashboard reported that they have recorded six new infections, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 63,181. The dashboard data shows that 11
persons are in institutional isolation, 128 are in home isolation and 21 are in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 61,812 persons have recorded from the virus.
Saturday March 19, 2022
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N B T . U . L . L T B . . N . U N U T L N B . U T . . L N N U T B . U . N L U BL BLUNT. B . . T . T T N N U . U L . . L B . T B . . . . N . T U T N N T U N U L L U B . L B . . . . B . T . . T . N N T U N L LU U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B . T L . . N B T . . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B . T . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . B . UN .BLUNT. L . . B T . . . N T U N L . . U B T . L . B . UN .BLUNT. L . . B T . . . N T U N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . . . LU ...BLUN B T . . . N T U N L U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T . U B . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T BB T...BLU U N L U B . L . . B . T . . N N T T L U U N L L U B U T...BLU B L . . N . B . T . . N T U N N N U L U U B L . BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Saturday March 19, 2022
Kaieteur News
Despite the plethora of evidence and research papers that document the irreversible effects and havoc oil spills have had on countries' marine sectors and not to mention their economies, Guyana's leaders still refuse to demand full coverage insurance from ExxonMobil.
Our leaders appear to be so blinded by well-dressed executives in the oil sector that they fall for empty promises and mere assurances that all shall be well if such an occurrence does take place offshore. While countries have been spending tens of billions of US dollars to clean up and compensate stakeholders for losses, here in Guyana, we are being assured by the oil company that they will cover all costs associated with an oil spill. But the people of Guyana deserve more than promises!
The people of Guyana deserve unlimited liability coverage!
It is time our leaders fight for our cause instead of falling hook, line and sinker for the false promises of oil men.
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Saturday March 19, 2022
Kaieteur News
Businessman found guilty of killing teen
Junior France
A 12-member jury at the Suddie High Court on Wednesday found a Lethem businessman, Junior France, guilty of manslaughter for killing a teenager, Dane Jerrick, in May 2020 at the Puruni Landing located in Region Seven. Sentencing has been scheduled for April 11, 2022. France was empanelled
before the jury on March 1, 2022 and had pleaded not guilty. The hearing of the case commenced two days later on March 3, 2022. The judge that presided over the matter was Justice Jo-Ann Barlow. The State was represented by State Prosecutor Tiffini Lyken, while France's defense attorneys were Nigel Hughes
and Ronald J. Daniels. France was initially charged with the murder of Dane Jerrick back on May 23, 2020 but the jury convicted him of manslaughter. France who owned a shop at the Puruni landing had shot Jerrick dead during the late hours of May 17, 2020 with his licensed
shotgun. Investigators had stated back then that the shooting stemmed from a confrontation between the two of them. The businessman did not deny shooting the teen but had accused the victim of intruding in his yard. He had claimed that his son had alerted him that someone (Continued on page 9)
Dead, Dane Jerrick
Rapid oil spending will strain Guyana's... From page 3 and selection. Where political interference is endemic, bad decisions result. But, absent the independence, governments are more prone to downplay risks or costs but overestimate benefits. Second, the lack of an efficient (not top heavy) and effective screening process for public projects can lead to perverse selections, whereby chosen projects yield opposite results to the ones intended. Another cause is principal-agency problem that results in conflict-ofinterest. For example, think of bank mangers submitting extravagant claims for restaurant meals and firstclass travel with family members. Such actions conflict with the interest of the owners (shareholders). Think also of public works projects where government officials and civil servants are filling their own pockets. Principal-agency problem crops up in projects that require many governments ministry working collectively. Human nature is such that when things aren't going well, or when tasks are complex and demanding, the tendency is for people to “pass the buck”. Performance and quality suffer. Finally, principal-agency problem appears in the form of perverse incentive problem where incentives lead to opposite results. For example, an unconditional cash transfer for poor families to spend on health and nutrition ends up in rum shops. Sometimes, governments are the victims of their own incentives. After the oil crisis in 1974 Trinidad and Tobago started to subsidise prices of gasoline, diesel and kerosene to reduce the impact on consumers, but over time the population understood the subsidy as a programme for sharing the country's resource wealth. The artificially low prices encouraged illegal sale of subsidised fuel to foreign buyers. The contraband amounted to billions of liters, billions of dollars and
moreover, imposed a cost for policing the crackdown. What's more, the country can no longer afford the subsidies because of more pressing social demands on the government budget, such as medicine for the hospital, and pensions and grants. PART 3: TOWARDS A STRATEGY FOR LONG-TERM SUCCESS In this final installment, we'll discuss the issue of optimal scale and pacing of public investment: Given the high failure rate in petroleumrich countries, what are the chances of Guyana beating the odds? To answer this question, we must first examine two strategies: Front-loading with a rapid scaling up versus a spreading out the investment in a piecemeal fashion. Let's begin by looking at the main hurdles Guyana must overcome in order to use its oil wealth productively. People who know the country ─ the land, the people, the culture and the history ─ would have no difficulty recognising the following constraints: 1. Capital-poor country; 2. Small population, just under 800,000, scattered over a wide area along the coast that is vulnerable to climate floods; 3. Severe shortage of workers with technical and managerial skills; 4 . I n a d e q u a t e infrastructure; 5. Nascent governance institutions; 6. Ethnic divisiveness and polarisation; and 7. Political dysfunction due to intense political rivalry, exacerbated by ethnic divisions, to manage the oil wealth. Because of the big weight of the energy sector in GDP, even small changes in either the price of oil or in production cause disproportionately big changes in GDP growth rates and government revenue. Thus, the major medium- to long-term risks would include:
1. Exhaustion of oil and gas deposits; 2. Income instability due to wide fluctuation in both oil production and prices due to unpredictable events (e.g., the Russia-Ukraine conflict); 3. Long-term decline in oil and gas as the world moves away from carbon; and the likelihood that oil and gas income will end despite lots of the stuff still in the ground. The late Ahmed Zaki Yamani (1930-2021), Minister of Oil for Saudi Arabia for more than 20 years, is credited for saying in 2002: “The Stone Age didn't end for lack of stone, and the oil age will end long before the world runs out of oil.” Part 3-3 Arguments for front-loading and rapid scaling up of public investment The arguments against piecemeal public investment or for an initial big push by government would include the following: 1. Since we do not know how long oil prices will stay high or how long world demand will last, the best course of action is to frontload and scale up infrastructure spending. 2. In order to bring a quick end to the poverty and the income inequality, Guyana must spend big and as fast as the oil money is rolling in. (Note: Bolivia tried this approach after the mid-2000s on the back of a natural gas boom, significantly alleviated poverty and income inequality, but could not sustain the programmes after the boom ended in 2013.) 3. There are positive spillovers resulting from undertaking many complimentary investments but in order to realise the positive externalities, a bigpush is needed to ignite growth and create momentum. I n v e s t i n g i n transportation and energy infrastructure, for example, lifts productivity and reduces unit costs. Agricultural productivity goes up, output p r i c e s g o d o w n . Wi t h
backward and forward linkages, manufacturing benefits from plentiful and steady supply of cheap inputs. Think of a company making plantain chips or tomato ketchup. Across all sectors, the result is self-generating and cumulative growth. The arguments against piecemeal public investment or for an initial big push by government would include the following: 4. Since we do not know how long oil prices will stay high or how long world demand will last, the best course of action is to frontload and scale up infrastructure spending. 5. In order to bring a quick end to the poverty and the income inequality, Guyana must spend big and as fast as the oil money is rolling in. (Note: Bolivia tried this approach after the mid-2000s on the back of a natural gas boom, significantly alleviated poverty and income inequality but could not sustain the programmes after the boom ended in 2013.) 6. There are positive spillovers resulting from undertaking many complimentary investments but in order to realise the positive externalities, a bigpush is needed to ignite growth and create momentum. Investing in transportation and energy infrastructure, for example, lifts productivity and reduces unit costs. Agricultural productivity goes up, output p r i c e s g o d o w n . Wi t h backward and forward linkages, manufacturing benefits from plentiful and steady supply of cheap inputs. Think of a company making plantain chips or tomato ketchup. Across all sectors, the result is self-generating and cumulative growth. Part 3-4 Arguments against front-loading and rapid scaling up Suitable food, small bites at a time and taking time to chew, aid digestion and absorption. Echoing this fact, these points listed below argue for incrementalism or
piecemeal public investments: 1. Front-loading will strain Guyana's meagre human and capital resources. The absorptive incapacity will cause delays, raise costs, lead to diminishing returns and corruption, and also lead to perverse selection and perverse results. 2. A rapid scaling up of public investment will divert financial capital, physical capital and labour away from other productive uses. 3. To overcome the skills gap, Guyana must attract workers from outside. But the inflow will strain capacity in transportation, housing, medical services, electricity and other essential services, and cause inflation. Unless the exchange rate is freely floating or managed effectively, overvaluation and Dutch Disease are big risks. 4. Trinidad and Tobago launched a version of the bigp u s h i n h e a v y industrialisation, based on cheap oil and gas supplies. Momentum has stalled for these reasons: (a) The exhaustion of once abundant oil and gas,(b) the domestic prices are high (natural gas feedstock is no longer cheap), (c) Dutch Disease has been persistent, and (d) The assumption of backward and forward linkages in the economy has proved to be unrealistic. Part 3-5: The case for a gradual approach So, you've determined that the pressing needs are social development and physical infrastructure; you feel fairly comfortable that Guyana can finance its development without getting into domestic and debt; and now you're faced with the big question: what is the best strategy for long-term success? First off, as a practical matter, we need to define, measure and track success over many years, mindful of the gestation of investment projects and the delayed productivity effects on the
whole economy. Thus, the very first criterion of success is that the investments must make labour and capital more productive, resulting in a steady rise in total productivity of labour and capital combined. Second, the productivity improvements must translate into increased GDP, or higher income per capita and a reduction in income inequality. Third, the economy must be weaning itself from oil and gas, becoming more diversified. Standard indicators for each criterion are easy to calculate and it's a matter of Guyana maintaining the relevant database. British economist J.M. Keynes (1883-1946) wrote that in a world ruled by uncertainty, the future is unknown and unknowable. This underpins our preference for incremental spending over a splurge. Our bias is consistent with a Guyanese proverb, “one, one dutty build dam”─ every little bit adds up. A piecemeal approach makes room for observing and taking corrective actions; for monetary policy to achieve price and real exchange rate stability; for fiscal policy to grow the National Resource Fund, thus complementing monetary policy; for immigration policy to succeed in reversing the brain drain and attracting migrant labour; and, finally, for transparency and accountability institutions to take deep root and spread out. Success on these fronts is certain to boost Guyana's international rankings in Perception of Corruption Index, and Ease of Doing Business Index. In this day and age when information is at one's fingertips, it would be unforgivable if Guyana were to commit the very same errors that so many failed oilrich countries have made. By contrast, Guyana can adopt best practices of relatively successful naturalresource rich countries, such as Chile and Botswana, and beat the odds.
Saturday March 19, 2022
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Kaieteur News
The Speaker is in order T
he Speaker of the National Assembly is perfectly in order to disallow or amend certain clauses of an Opposition members motion concerning the need for adequate insurance coverage for local petroleum-related operations. The motion in question is highly flawed. The Opposition has to be more careful when submitting its motions. Poorly worded motions are not going to pass muster and will either be rejected or amended. Apart from adhering to the nine requirements for admissibility of motions, the motions themselves must be subject to other requirements. In addition, the Standing Orders of the National Assembly confer on the Speaker the authority to either inform the submitting member that the motion is flawed or to instruct alterations. A motion is essentially a proposition which is presented to the Assembly for discussion, or debate, or for the House to express an opinion or a decision. It is usually presented in the name of a member of the National Assembly. As was reported in this newspaper in its edition of March 16th, 2022, a member of the National Assembly submitted a motion calling for the Government of Guyana to include full unlimited liability coverage for oil spills and other disasters related to local petroleum operations. The motion, reportedly, also called for an independent analysis of the effects of an oil spill,
and for its findings to be sent to the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources. According to that the newspaper report, as many as 13 clauses of that motion were deemed to have been defective and thus disallowed. Preamble clauses form the limbs upon which a motion is predicated, and if these are defective, then they can render the motion inoperable. According to newspaper article, the Speaker pointed out that 13 clauses in the preamble of the motion were disallowed and requested that evidence be provided to substantiate the accuracy of the contentions being made in those clauses. Let us therefore examine some of these clauses. The second clause is reported to have read: “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.” Oil spills are not regular occurrences and therefore it is far from accurate to state that offshore oil production activities indicate a high likelihood of an oil spill occurring offshore. That clause should have merely indicated that the possibility of an oil spill cannot be ruled out. Another clause in the preamble was reported to have stated that the clean-up of an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico cost US$70B. There however
is a difference between the clean-up costs and the longterm economic cost. Reports in the foreign media are that the US$71B spent thus far includes both the cost of the clean-up (estimated at US$20B) and the cost of economic compensation. Sometimes all it takes is the use of the wrong word or phrase to render a clause defective. For example, one of the clauses which was disallowed states that: “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.” The use of could instead of would would have been better advised because not all oil spills will lead to the serious devastation and economic effects. A very small oil spill can have only minimal effects depending on the size and location of the spill. It would have also been much better if that particular clause was worded to simply state that an oil spill could have major economic, social and environmental impacts. The more substantive cases about it leading to economic bankruptcy could have been left for the debate on the motion. Words can get in the way of motion. The PPP once introduced a motion in the National Assembly calling for a COI into the assassination of
Businessman found guilty of killing teen... From page 8 was in their yard. France continued that he armed himself with the weapon and when he got up, there was someone attempting to flee from his premises. He then fired three shots
behind the fleeing individual and retired to bed. Eyewitnesses however had challenged his version of events and claimed that Jerrick was never on the man's premises but standing on the road when France opened fire
on him. The following day at dawn a female jogger reportedly stumbled upon Jerrick's body lying in front of France's shop. He was killed from a gunshot wound to his lower back.
Dem Boys Seh…
A decision shake up de legal system We gat nuff legal experts in Guyana. Some ah dem know more law dan de law itself. Dem kan quote legal decision and principle more dan textbooks. Some ah dem so good dat dem kan give you de decision of a case even before de case file. Yet, despite all dem experts we gat, de CCJ had to be de one fuh tell we dat we gat a law pon de book fuh nearly 50 years now and dat de law in breach of de separation of powers. It should have never reach dat stage weh de CCJ should got to tell we dat. Dem
experts should ah done fine a challenge against de unconstitutional law. One man done get free base pon de CCJ decision. But de CCJ seh he gan get charge again fuh de same case only if dem gat new evidence. Dem boys wondering wah gan happen to dat other case in which dem accused did get free at a preliminary inquiry and den de Dee Pee Pee recharge dem. Dem boys wan know wah gan happen deh now, if is de same evidence. But more importantly, dem
boys wan know about all dem people who get lost away in jail after dem too bin had dem charges reinstituted and den being found guilty. Is nuff problems dis decision gan cause. But all of dat could have been avoided if all dem bright boys and bright girls bin challenge dis power wah de DPP had fuh instruct a magistrate fuh reinstitute a charge. Dem boys remember one time a magistrate refuse fuh do so. Now de lady get prove right. Talk half. Leff half.
Dr. Walter Rodney. There was amendment proposed by the then Opposition against the use of the word assassination since it was stating a conclusion. The PPP created history when it abstained from its own motion after the wording had been amended to instead call for a COI to look into the circumstances of his death.
That case illustrated the importance of paying keen attention to the wording of motion. This is necessary to ensure accuracy and, non-prejudicial language. In the present case, the Speaker has done the correct thing. The motion should be corrected and resent.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Saturday March 19, 2022
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
This time, 2 years ago, in Guyana, Mia Mottley created a mystery Two years ago, while the APNU+AFC plus elements in the GECOM secretariat were still involved in conspiratorial action to weaken the legal results of the general election, here is what the Prime Minister of Barbados, Ms. Mia Mottley said: “It was clear that there are forces that do not want to see the votes recounted for whatever reason (and) any government that is sworn in without a credible and fully transparent vote count process would lack legitimacy.” We are into the second anniversary of the massive, relentless attempt to vitiate the scientific results of the election that were reflected in the statements of poll on March 3. There is no more appropriate time to keep the exposure going of the fraudulent efforts that went
into the initial derailing of those results than when the anniversary comes around. It is necessary to write and write and expose and expose because in doing so, you extirpate the cobwebs of fictions and deceits that the losers have implanted in the minds of African Guyanese. Each day as we elaborate on the electoral depravities, we open the eyes of those who have been mercilessly fooled since March 3, 2020. This sordid, degenerate behaviour must be confronted. You cannot go on fooling people so nakedly. PNC personnel, the lunatic fringe and others continue to tell PNC supporters that the government was installed. They attach no intellectual analysis to their shouts because that is all it is – shouting. Here once more is more
proof of the continuous fooling of innocent people. Read the logic in this article here and see if you can square it with the daily exclamations of the losers that the PPP lost the election and committed fraud to acquire power. Here is what happened and to date a mystery was created that has to be solved. I went through all the newspapers – print and online – for the purpose of this article and I cannot find a statement from the then CARICOM chairman, Mia Mottley or any of the four visiting Prime Ministers, who came with her, stating that President Granger requested a recount of all the ballots. I repeat – there is no such statement in print. What Ms. Mottley said on March 14 was that after discussions with President Granger, the
president requested CARICOM to send a highlevel team to supervise the recount. Please note the word, “supervise” the recount. There are no printed or recorded words from the CARICOM chairman, then and now as to how the recount idea came about. The government had issued a statement, which described President Granger as requesting the recount. To this day, there is nothing from an independent source or CARICOM source, which credits President Granger with birthing the idea of the recount. The PNC leadership, the AFC leadership and the lunatic fringe must produce tangible evidence from credible sources that it was Mr. Granger that initially founded the suggestion. As I wrote two years ago (please check my columns for this period in 2020), I have evidence that the idea of a recount came from within the womb of CARICOM. It was put to President Granger who agreed. It was put to Mr.
Jagdeo whose first reaction was why a total recount when the queries are for votes in Region Four only. Frederick Kissoon The PPP leadership then agreed to the mentality of the recount. riggers. The head office of a PM Mottley was shocked bank establishes an aquawhen a PNC regional culture farm in Berbice. A candidate in the election filed Berbice fisherman decides to a court case to stop the stop the operation by filing recount. Then in a bizarre an injunction. The bank's twist, it was the PNC's lead lawyer cannot take the case lawyer who occupies a because he was part of the crucial place in the PNC's d e c i s i o n t o m a k e t h e war room that took her case. investment. The very advice This is what is called jumbie he gave the bank he wants logics and African Guyanese now to overturn. by now should have their Nowhere in real life eyes opened. would the bank allow the The government's lawyer to take the explanation was that it could fisherman's case and if he not stop a private citizen does, they will terminate his from seeking litigation. Fine! contract. On this date, two Nothing wrong with that years ago, what played out reasoning. But let the lady was nothing but a farce. find her own lawyer. Why March to July in 2020 was a allow the party's lawyer to five-month farce. have the court remove a (The views expressed in decision you took with the this article are those of the CARICOM chairman? author and do not A simple hypothetical necessarily reflect the example should expose the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Fisherfolk to meet on possible guidelines for ExxonMobil compensation The Guyana Association of Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors (GATOSP) is slated to meet to discuss the compensation avenue that has been highlighted by oil company, ExxonMobil, for fishermen who have been negatively impacted by the company's oil operations offshore Guyana. This is according to President of the GATOSP, Ruben Charles. Charles in an invited comment told the newspaper that the Association is also making moves to discuss and develop possible guidelines that could assist fishermen in seeking the necessary compensation. ExxonMobil in a press engagement had stated days ago, that it was committed to compensating fishermen and other persons if they can prove losses suffered as a
result of the company's operations offshore Guyana. The company had said too that affected parties would need to make a complaint to the company for it to be investigated before requisite compensation is made. Charles told Kaieteur News however, that while the Association is set toward exploring the avenue opened up by Exxon, he sees the assertions as nothing more than an announcement, “to get people excited.” The Association head said that the oil company has called for fishermen to be able to prove losses, “but that is the problem, because you cannot compensate if you don't know the value of what is lost.” Charles told the n e w s p a p e r, t h a t t h e Association will nonetheless need to meet to discuss the matter and set out possible
guidelines. He said too that the Association is open to reports from fishermen since none has been officially made regarding losses pertaining to Exxon's work. “We are open to reports but we have not received anything officially,” Charles said. On the other hand, the GATOSP President had said that fish operators were experiencing low catches and wanted to know whether Exxon's operations was causing it. He said that the Association is without scientific guidance and said that one of the things the organization would do was mount some kind of investigation to ascertain whether drilling was affecting catch numbers. A request was made to the government to assist in this regard. ExxonMobil Guyana has
noted however that it has a Community Grievance Mechanism for stakeholders in place. This mechanism, the company said would provide feedback related to any issues or concerns, guidance, requests and/or complaints associated with their activities. Exxon said that affected persons would need to submit their queries, following which the company will conduct investigations to verify the claims made. Affected persons would need to submit the complaints via telephone number at (592) 623-1176, in person to an ExxonMobil Guyana employee or representative or via email at guyanacommunity@exxon mobil.com or by sending a letter to its office addresses to Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited,
Local fishermen have concerns about low fish catch. c/o Grievance Coordinator, 86 Duke Street, Kingston in Georgetown. The US oil major said that the objectives of the grievance mechanism is that it can receive and address complaints in a timely and confidential manner as a demonstration of its commitment to meaningful
stakeholder engagement and respect for Guyanese opinions and concerns. A number of local fishermen had contacted the media complaining about lower catches with many attributing the change in quantity to Exxon's oil operations offshore. Some (Continued on page 17)
US citizen missing after leaving for outing with friends Relatives of an American citizen, Rohan Kirpaul Mangra also known as Paul, are pleading with the public to assist them in locating him after he reportedly went missing on Tuesday last. A reward of $1M is also being offered to anyone who might have knowledge of his whereabouts and can assist the relatives in finding him. One of the relatives who spoke with Kaieteur News said that Mangra is 28-yearsold and was last seen around 20:05hrs that day leaving his home located along UG Road, Cummings Lodge. He was reportedly heading out to hang with some friends dressed in a pair of cream pants and a green jersey. A car had reportedly picked him from in front of Zintech Printer, a business place located at the corner of UG Road and Sixth Street Albertown but he never returned home. Calls and texts to his phone went unanswered and no one has seen him since then. A missing person's report has since been filed with police and the American Embassy in Guyana has been notified. Family members related that they are worried because it is unlike Mangra to not call them or turn off his phone. Mangra, they said, had
Missing American Citizen, Rohan Kirpaul Mangra traveled from the United States a few months back to spend some time. He was scheduled to return sooner but had decided to stay a little while longer. During his stay here, he would help around in the family business and for his leisure activities would be to meet up at friends and hang at the Giftland Mall. If anyone knows where Mangra might be, they are asked to contact the nearest police station.
Kaieteur News
Saturday March 19, 2022
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Citizens demand full debate on Patterson's Oil Spill Insurance Motion M
embers of civil society are demanding a full debate in the National Assembly on Opposition Member, David Patterson's Motion which calls for full coverage insurance for oil spills and other disasters related to petroleum production from ExxonMobil's subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL). It was recently revealed that the Speaker of the House, Manzoor Nadir, weakened the Member of Parliament's (MPs) Motion by removing 13 of the 20 clauses in Patterson's Motion, while two of the 'whereas' clauses were also amended. In his defense, the Speaker said that the clauses in the Motion must be based on facts and were therefore disallowed. T o t h i s e n d , Environmental and Human Rights Activist, Ms. Janette Bulkan, Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram, Economist, Ramon Gaskin and Transparency International Guyana (TIGI), are calling for a full debate of the Motion, since they believe that the floor of the National Assembly is where the facts ought to be determined. For instance, the second clause, in the insurance Motion, which was removed by the Speaker 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 read, “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. In this regard, Bulkan in a letter to this publication said she believes that Nadir may be acting outside of his remit by seeking evidence to substantiate the claims made by Patterson in the Motion of full liability coverage, in the event of an oil spill.
The environmental activist in her missive quoted a report produced for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on democracy which highlighted that the executive branch of
gutted with little explanation by the Speaker, the Speaker to allow all the clauses of MP Patterson's Motion 'full unlimited liability coverage for oil spills and other disasters related to petroleum production' to be debated in
He went on to explain that the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) between Guyana and the oil company allows the Minister of Natural Resources to foot the expenses associated with a cleanup and then forward
Economist, Ramon Gaskin
“…all of that about whether Guyana would be left bankrupt or not will come out during the debate, and the government and the ordinary people would have an opportunity to question and understand that particular issue about the possible economic effects of an oil spill” - Ramon Gaskin g overnment is both protected and isolated from outside influence since there is no real ability for the opposition, civil society or the media to penetrate the inner workings of the executive. “Dispiriting as that observation is, Guyanese citizens still expect the National Assembly to serve as a convening space in which Parliamentarians can discuss matters of national interest, in the interest of transparency and so that there is a public record of at least some aspects of the discussion,” she reasoned. In fact, Bulkan said that the partisan actions of the Speaker confirm the low assessment of democracy in Guyana. She pointed out that real and present danger of oil spills to the marine life and ecosystems that line not only Guyana's coast, but those of a huge swathe of Caribbean nations, makes the issue of full insurance coverage urgent and timely. As a consequence, the environmentalist called for a full debate on the issue. Bulkan was keen to note that former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran, who served between 2001 and 2011, on 27 March 2008, clearly outlined that a Member can challenge the Speaker by way of a motion – 'Where a Member is dissatisfied with a decision of the Speaker approving a motion.' “Then Speaker, Ralph Ramkarran, ended his Statement by saying, 'Let me hasten to add that decisions of all public officials, including the Speaker, are subject to critical review by the press and public'… I call on: MP David Patterson to present a procedural motion to allow a full debate on the issues raised in his motion
Environmental Activist, Janette Bulkan
our National Assembly,” the activist said. On the other hand, Economist Ramon Gaskin contended that the Speaker is completely out of order and should be replaced. He argued, “He is not behaving as an impartial Speaker. He is not a PPP Speaker. He is in charge of the business of the National Assembly and he needs to conduct himself impartially and he is not doing that.” Gaskin told this publication that Nadir should allow a full debate on the Motion and further noted that he should not make omissions to the document. “He is totally out of order by calling on the people who are moving the Motion to provide evidence about all of that. All of that about whether Guyana would be left bankrupt or not will come out during the debate and the government and the ordinary people would have an opportunity to debate and understand that particular issue about the possible economic effects of an oil spill,” the Economist reasoned.
same to the oil major, ExxonMobil. However it is his view that such an occurrence can cost Guyana billions. In addition to this, Gaskin said “the Minister has no capability or capacity, technical or otherwise, to deal with no spill so it is a matter that ought to be debated properly in the National Assembly”. Moreover, the Economist explained, “In the first agreement, the 1999 agreement which was signed by Janet Jagan when she was President, she allowed Exxon to have its own 'selfinsurance' on the question of a spill, this means that if the government or the people of Guyana had to make a claim against Exxon they would have to go to Exxon…the one which was signed by Trotman himself is not a great improvement on that. We still don't have proper guarantees on who is going to fix it, who is going to clean up the environment and who is going to pay for it. That is not clear and that is why we need a full debate in the National Assembly and the Speaker should not interfere in it or the text of it,
Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram
but rather allow for a full debate.” Similarly, Christopher Ram argued that Patterson as an elected Member of Parliament should be allowed to present his 'unrestricted' Motion to Parliament. He said, “This is an elected Member of Parliament. Parliament is the forum for debates and here we have an unelected person seeking to restrict that debate. The purpose of Parliament should be to expand and the purpose of the Speaker should be to facilitate and not to restrict any debate, notwithstanding any standing orders or anything like that.” Guyana's transparency advocates also joined in the call for a full debate of the Motion. TIGI President, Mr. Collin Fredericks in an invited comment told this publication that while the agency is not an expert in Parliamentary procedures, it believes that the Parliament of any country has a duty to be concerned about the delivery and fairness of justice.
“We believe that it is the government that has the resources to establish whether the claim is correct or not. We do not know enough about parliamentary procedures to determine whether Mr. Patterson or the opposition would be expected to mount a thorough investigation and research to support his claim…every which way we look at the Speaker's request it does not make sense,” the President added. THE INSURANCE MOTION The Motion on full liability insurance coverage was submitted by Patterson to Parliament on February 16, 2022. The Speaker in a written response to the Member of Parliament (MP), dated February 28, 2022, informed that 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 i n c l u d e d w a s “inaccurate”.The Speaker's response was
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VACANCY 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.
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. 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.
Female domestic maid wanted for housekeeping : $3500 daily,male Labourer: $4000, skilled labourer:$5000 daily Vreed-En-Hoop #682-5230/ 615-4414.
In Elaine’s Ville,next to the Providence Stadium, E.B.D, size (100x135) gated community. Contact Sarge:659-4333.
ENTERTAINMENT
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. 2 professional nail technician & one make up artist,location Grove E.B.D.Call:652-5800.
TO LET Aracari Hotel,WBD(Ver sailles-between Harbor Bridge and Vreed-en-Hoop) All amenities,breakfast included from $45US,264-29469.
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. Security to work with mining firm in G/Twon.Contact:6322234.
Commercial foreign used convection oven, 240V. Call: 681-1312.
EDUCATION Music Lessons - Individual Tuition, Learn to play the Piano & Trumpet, learn to read & write music. Contact:6503686.
VACANCY Driver/Expediter to work with Hardware store. Contact Seema on 226-9416. For auto body work men and apprentice. Contact: 6421070. Pitmen,Serviceman,Hauler Operator and Welder for interior location.Applicants must be experienced. Call:2312250.
Person to cook and manage restaurant in Charity Esse quibo.Accomodation provided, attractive salary. Call: 223-5273/223-5274.
Wanted skilled carpenters, masons & labourers to work in GeorgeTown & Linden. Contact: 657-5800 / 615-7526/ 602-9469/ 660-6385.
SERVICES
Saturday March 19, 2022
Kaieteur News
One experienced Welder/ Fabricator and one female cashier.Call:231-1408/6429191.
FOR RENT
Accounts Clerk, Counter Clerk, Graphic Artist, I.T personnel, 5 Subjects & a maid. Apply at Trophy Stall Bourda.
Restaurant-WBD,(Aracari Resort,between Harbor Bridge and Vreed-en-Hoop, turn key business. Tel:2642946,626-5290.
Male Clerical Asst,age 25-30 yrs.Must have Secondary Education & license is required. Tel:225-8131/2236488.
LEGAL NOTICE 2022-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-136 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATUREFAMILY, DIVORCE AND MAT RIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO.: FD-136 Between:JAMES (GAIL ANNETTE) née TROTMAN Petitioner JAMES (KERTH JULIUS) Respondent to the Respondent KERTH JULIUS JAMESLast Known Address 13 Bare Root East Coast Demerara, Guyana. TAKE NOTICE that on the 3rd day of February, 2022 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by GAIL ANNETTE JAMES née TROTMAN, the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 1st day of March, 2022 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issue of the Kaieteur News Newspapers, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web (Online). AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorneyat-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/ or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the second and final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the
LEGAL NOTICE divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing onFriday the 6th day of May, 2022 at 9:30 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious in the Directions Hearing Room via Zoom Meeting ID: 648 772 9256 and Password: 5hRiHf at the Family Division of the idigh Court at Georgetown. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts[Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.Dated the 3 day of March, 2022.
2022-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-166 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATUREFAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMO NIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO. FD-166 BETWEEN:(LEO) NATASHA LOAL EATER nee REID Petitioner/ Applicant-and(LEO) HARRY RespondentTO: HARRY LEO(Last Known Address) Lot 186 West Minister West Bank Demerara TAKE NOTICE that on the 10th day of February, 2022 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by NATASHA LOALEATER LEO nee REID the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown,Demerara.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part ofan Order made on the 1 st day of March, 2022, the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspapers, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in Guyana.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the
LEGAL NOTICE Petition together with related documents.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice.TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Friday the 13th day of May, 2022 at 9:15 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious via Zoom Meeting ID: 648 772 9256 and Password:5hRiHf.IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.Dated the 3 day of March, 2022.
IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF GUYANA COMMERCIAL JURIS DICTION2021-HC-DEMCIV-FDA-1468 BETWEEN: G U YA N AWAT E R INCORPORATED, a company incorporated in Guyana under the Companies Act 1991 of the Laws of Guyana and having its principal place of business at Vlissengen Road & Church Street, Bel Air, Georgetown DemeraraApplicant -andCOAL POT RESTA URANTRespondent NOTICÊ TO: COAEVO TAUSTÁURANT 130 Carmichael- Street South Cummingsburg G e o rg e t o w n TA K E NOTICE that a Fixed Date Application, was filed against you on the 28th day of
Saturday March 19, 2022 LEGAL NOTICE October, 2021 in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana at Georgetown, Demerara by CITIZENS BANK GUYANA INC. a company incorporated under the provisions of the Companies Act, Chapter 89:01, Laws of Guyana, and continued under the provisions of the Companies Act No. 29 of 1991, Laws of Guyana, whose registred office and principal place of business is at Camp st and south road,gy Guyana in which the applicant claims: The sum of $257,630.00 (two hundred and fiftyseven thousand six hundred and thirty dollars), being the sum due, owing and payable by the Respondent to the Applicant.Interest in the said sum at a rate of 6% per annum and 4% thereafter until the full sum is paid; Costs;Such further or other Order as the Court may deem just. UPON APPLICATION in person to Nigel Niles and/ or Anansa Swain, Attorneys-atLaw for the Applicant, whose address for service and place of business is at’C/o Guyana Water Incorporated, Corporate Complex, Vlissengen Road and Church treet, Bel-Air, Georgetown, Guyana, Tele No. 592-225-0471 ext. 2300/ 2302 Eiñåifr]and anansas@gwi.gy or the Supreme Court Registry, copies of the Fixed Date Application, filed herein, will be delivered or sent to you.AND TAKE NOTICE if you desire to defend this action you must forthwith within twenty-eight (28) days after the final publication of this notice, prepare an Affidavit in Defence in Form IOC prescribed in the Civil Procedure Rules 2016, serve it on the applicant’s Attorney-at-Law, Nigel Niles and/or Anansa Swain, Attorneys-at-Law for the Applicant, whose address for service and place of business is C/o Guyana Water Incorporated, Corporate Complex, Vlissengen Road and Church Street, Bel-Air, Georgetown, Guyana, Tele No. 592-225-0471 ext. 2300/ 2302 Email: and and file it with proof of service at the Registry of the Supreme Court at Georgetown, Demerara, not later than 4 days before the date fixed for hearing of the application, and you or your Attorney-at-Law must appear at the hearing. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you fail to file such ifyoufail appear at the hearing, final judgment may be given agains ypu
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Kaieteur News LEGAL NOTICE notwithstanding Your absence. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that this matter stand adjourned forthe Honourable Mr. Justice Franklin Holder on 26th day of April, 2022 at 9:15 am. Dated this 8 TH day of March, 2022
IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE GUYANA CIVIL JURISDICTION 2021- HC- DEM- CIVFDA’- 1706ESME WILLIAMSApplicantBEFORE THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE NAVINDRA SINGHDATED THE 28TH DAY OF JANUARY 2022 ENTERED THE 11 th DAY OF MARCH 2022Mr. R. Hunte, Attorney-at-law for the ApplicantORDER THIS APPLICATION made by ESME WILLIAMS for An Order that the Registrar of Deeds do pass Transport for one undivided halfpart or share of and in the west three quarters of lot numbered 379 (three hundred and seventy-nine) section B, Victoria, in the Grove Haslington Local Government District, situate on the east sea coast of the county of Demerara,Republic of Guyana, the said lot being shown on a diagram by J.T. Seymour,Sworn Land Surveyor, dated 16th November, 1909, and deposited in the Deeds Registry at Georgetown, on the 23 rd May, 1922. without the building thereon, the property of ALBERTHA BURROWES SAMUELS as more fully described in transport numbered 995/ 1986 to and in favour of the Applicant, ESME WILLIAMS.An Order that the Applicant herein. ESME WILLIAMS be authorized to applyfor, pay and obtain from the Commissioner of Guyana Revenue Authority and Grove-Haslington Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Certificates of Compliance in respect of the said property. Such further or other Orders as the Court mav deem just UPON READING the Fixed Date Application with Affidavit in Suppoft sworn to andfiled herein on the 20th December, 2021 AND UPON HEARING the submissions of the Attorney-at-law for the Applicant.THIS COURT ORDERS that the Registrar of Deeds do pass Transport for one undivided
LEGAL NOTICE half part or share of and in the west three quarters of lot numbered 379 (three hundred and seventy-nine) section B, Victoria, in the Grove Haslington Local Government District, situate on the east sea coast of the county of Demerara, Republic of Guyana, the said lot being shown on a diagram by J.T. Seymour, Sworn Land Surveyor, dated 16 th November, 1909, and deposited in the Deeds Registry at Georgetown, on the 23rd May, 1922, without the building thereon, the property of ALBERTHA BURROWES SAMUELS as morefully described in transport numbered 995/ 1986 to and in favour of the Applicant, ESME WILLIAMS unless cause be shown by any person/s claiming an interest in the property.Such person/s shall appear before the Court on the 29th April, 2022 at 9:00 am. fbSÇOURT FURTHER ORDERS that this Order be advertised in 2 consecutive ues of a Newspaper of general circulation and any person claiming an interest ib rty to enter an appearance within 14 days after the 2nd advertisement. HIS COURT FURTHER ORDERS that this matter stands adjourned to the 29th April, 2022 at 9:00 am.This court further orders that this matter stands adjourned to the 29th April, 2022 at 9:00 am.BY THE COURTISTRARIF YOU FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE TERMS OF THIS ORDER, YOU WILL BE IN CONTEMPT OF COURT AND MAY BE LIABLE IMPRISONMENT OR TO HAVE YOUR ASSETS CONFISCATED.
Guyanese burdened with Exxon's... From page 2 Exxon would provide insurance to cover environmental issues caused by the company, but the insurance would have been covered by its affiliate insurance company with possibilities of being self-insured. Section 20.2 (a) and (b) of the 1999 PSA says that, “The contractor shall effect at all times during the term of this Agreement, insurance as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations and of such type and in such amount as is customary in the in-
ternational petroleum industry in accordance with good oil field practice appropriate for petroleum operations in progress in respect of but not limited to (i) loss or damage to all assets used in the petroleum operations; (ii) pollution caused in the course of petroleum operations for which the contractor or the operator may be held responsible; (iii) loss or damage to property or bodily in-
jury suffered by any third party in the course of petroleum operations for which the contractor may be liable to provide an indemnity pursuant to Article 2.4; (iv) The contractor and/or operator's liability to its employees engaged in petroleum operations. To the extent permitted by applicable laws, rules and regulations, such insurance may be provided through contractor's affiliate insurance company.” It also states at 20.2 (b) that, “Subject to the minister's approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, the contractor, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 20.2 (a), shall have the right to selfinsure all or part of the aforementioned insurances in Article 20.2 (a).” There are currently three ongoing court cases of which Exxon is party to since it relates directly to its oil operations here. One case was filed by Dr.
Troy Thomas, a Scientist and a University of Guyana lecturer and Quadad de Freitas, a South Rupununi Region resident who believe that oil and gas productivity in Guyana would have a negative effect on climate change. The second case involves three courageous Guyanese women, Sinkka Henry, Sherlina Nageer and Andriska Thorington, who through their attorneys-at-law, Melinda Janki and Ronald Burch-Smith, filed a case against Guyana's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) back in January to put a stop to flaring by ExxonMobil aboard the Liza Destiny. The third case involves Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall against the government as he seeks to have the court reverse massive tax exemptions that will exclude Exxon, its affiliate companies and subcontractors from paying taxes ordinary Guyanese companies are subjected to.
Citizens demand full debate on... From page 15 sent by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Sherlock Isaacs. In the document seen by Kaieteur News, Isaacs particularly stated that the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th 'whereas' clauses were removed. 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' by deleting the words, 'and economic bankruptcy'. He has approved the other part of the clause.” However, it was Patterson's clause six, which sought to highlight and discuss the potential financial impact an oil spill can have
on Guyana, by specifically describing the effects as leaving the country in economic bankruptcy. According to clause six, “…a major oil spill offshore Guyana would result in the environmental devastation of Guyana and its neighboursing countries, obliteration of the areas fishing industry, aquatic vegetation, and economic bankruptcy, including possible lawsuits from neighbouring countries.”
Fisherfolk to meet on possible guidelines... From page 14 fishermen had also told the media that they were being asked to remove from certain fishing areas by persons suspected to be affiliated with the oil operation. As it relates to the impact on the fishing industry, the Environmental Protection Agency recently ordered Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), Exxon's subsidiary, to fix its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for its Yellowtail Development
Project in the Stabroek Block. Environmentalist, Simone Mangal-Joly had pointed out during an online EPA consultation that the company's EIA had lacked pertinent information regarding the impact of Exxon's operations on the fisheries sector. It was pointed out that the environmental document failed to highlight the migratory patterns of fish, among others things She said that the EIA also lacked information on the
description, material or financials of the fisheries value chain, quantification of the economic value, direct economic financial value, both in terms of its contribution to the economy and to the subsistence economy. She said, “There is no quantification of the socioeconomic value of that industry in terms of livelihood, family dependency or the importance of fish consumption to the people of Guyana.”
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Wood ruled out of rest of West Indies Test series & IPL (BBC Sport) - England fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out of the remainder of the West Indies tour and the Indian Premier League with a right elbow injury. The 32-year-old began struggling with the injury on the third day of the drawn first Test in Antigua. Scans have confirmed a problem and he will return home next week for “a specialist opinion regarding the management of his injury”. Wood was due to play for the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL. He will take an indefinite break from cricket while waiting for the elbow specialist’s opinion. England will decide later if a replacement will be called up for the third Test, which takes place in Grenada from 24-28 March. They left out James
Surrey stint - West Indies spinner Sunil Narine. (AFP/Jewel SAMAD)
Mark Wood took 1-45 for England in the first Test against West Indies Anderson and Stuart Broad, their top two leading wickettakers in Tests, from the tour of the Caribbean. Neither is understood to be on the list of reserves, with Warwickshire’s Liam Norwell, 30, in contention to be called
up if required. Wood was selected for the first Test of the series but was only able to bowl 17 overs before he began to feel pain on the third day. He bowled in the nets before the start of the final day’s play but suffered “acute pain” and did not feature. He was replaced by Saqib Mahmood for the second Test, which began on Wednesday. Wood has struggled with injury in the past but played in four of the five Ashes Tests in Australia in the winter. One of England’s quickest bowlers, he also featured for the white-ball side in the T20 World Cup and the T20 tour of South Africa. England are in a commanding position in the second Test as they begin day three with a first-innings lead of 436 over West Indies.
Saturday March 19, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Dreams with mixed messages might trouble your sleep tonight. One minute you'll be having a wonderful dream, and the next could be black and gloomy. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) The special person in your life could be working too hard, causing strain for him or her and frustration for you. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you might try to continue or complete a creative project of some kind, but your imagination just isn't working the way it normally does. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Today you might feel especially protective toward all those you love: children, family, friends, pets, and the special person in your life, Cancer. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today you could make the acquaintance of actors, musicians, or other performers, some of whom might be quite well known. Social occasions could bring valuable contacts your way. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Someone who lives far away, someone you haven't heard from for a long time, could give you a surprise phone call today.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Money could be a source of worry today, Libra. You might feel you've spent too much (who doesn't sometimes?) or perhaps some funds you were expecting have been held up. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Too much stress and strain over the past few days could cause you to clash with your partner. While not a disaster by any means, Scorpio, this can put a damper on your day. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Overindulgence last night could have left you feeling a little woozy today, Sagittarius. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Plans for getting together with a group of close friends may have to be called off because of sudden unexpected events. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) The planetary energy has you feeling a bit sluggish today. You'll probably want to stay home, surrounded by your books, pets, and plants. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A temporary separation from someone close to you could have you reflecting on the good times you've spent together, especially over the past few weeks.
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Chelsea to play Real Madrid in Champions League quarter-finals (BBC Sport) - Holders return draw Chelsea will face 13-timeAwinmemorialThe service tomeans honourChelsea the face a reunion with their ners Real Madrid in thelife quarof Shane Warne will be staged former manager Carlo ter-finals of the Champions at the MCG on March 30. Ancelotti, who won the PreLeague. Manchester City will play mier League and FA Cup Atletico Madrid, while double during a two-year spell Liverpool tackle Benfica and with the Stamford Bridge club Bayern Munich take on between 2009 and 2011. The Italian is one of only Villarreal. In the semi-finals, the win- three managers to win the ner of the Chelsea v Real Champions League three Madrid tie will face Atletico times, including with Real in Madrid or Manchester City, 2014, and returned for a secwhile Benfica or Liverpool will ond spell at the Spanish giplay either Villarreal or Bayern ants last summer after leaving Everton. Munich. Chelsea and Real also met The two-leg quarter-finals take place on 5-6 April and 12- at the semi-final stage last season, with Thomas 13 April. The first legs of the semi- Tuchel’s side winning 3-1 on finals will be on 26-27 April, aggregate before going on to and the second legs on 3-4 beat Manchester City in the final. May. The London club have The Stade de France in Paris will host the final on never lost in five previous Saturday, 28 May after it was meetings with Real Madrid. Atletico Madrid have the moved from St Petersburg after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In the Europa League, West Ham will play Lyon in their first European quarterfinal since 1981. Rangers take on Portuguese side Braga, while Eintracht Frankfurt play Barcelona and RB Leipzig face Atalanta. Ancelotti to make Chelsea
Federer to donate... From page 23 as the Swiss was still in the rehabilitation phase. Andy Murray, another former world number one and an ambassador for UNICEF UK, said last week that he would donate his prize money won from tennis tournaments in 2022 towards aid efforts for children affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The USTA said it will be donating 10% of ticket revenue from the best-of-five qualifier against Ukraine to a crisis relief fund, adding that local sponsors will also make donations. “We’re committed to welcoming the Ukrainian team and to making sure they have all the support they need leading up to and during the competition,” USTA chief executive Stacey Allaster said. “Together, we will use this event to continue advocating for peace, along with providing aid and support for the people of Ukraine.” The tie will be held on April 15-16, on an indoor hard court venue in Asheville, North Carolina.
chance to complete a Manchester double after being drawn against Pep Guardiola’s City, with Diego Simeone’s side having beaten Manchester United 2-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals. It will be the first competitive meeting between the sides in European competition as City, who thrashed Sporting Lisbon 5-0 on aggregate to reach this stage, seek a first Champions League title. Liverpool meanwhile have played Portuguese giants Benfica 10 times in Europe, most recently a 5-3 aggregate win in the Europa League quarter-finals in 2010. Jurgen Klopp’s side are seeking an unprecedented quadruple, having already lifted the Carabao Cup and still being in contention for the Premier League and FA Cup.
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Kaieteur News
2022 ICC Women’s World Cup…
Matthews, Fletcher break Bangladesh hearts
West Indies Women’s wicketkeeper Shemaine Campbelle watched on as Afy Fletcher scythed through Bangladesh’s middle order. This is officially the World Cup of thrillers. In the latest instalment, Bangladesh came within touching distance of a famous second win, only for their hearts to be crushed by Afy Fletcher and Hayley Matthews, who ripped through the batting line-up to take seven wickets. Then with five runs needed off four deliveries, Stafanie Taylor hammered the final blow as she dismissed No. 11 Fariha Trisna. At the other end, Nahida Akter, who backed herself to take the game deep and pull off a late heist, could barely hold back her emotions. West Indies had stumbled and stuttered their way to 140 for 9 after being put in. That they got there was mainly due to Shemaine Campbelle’s half-century, which gave their bowlers an opening. And they managed to carve out a thrilling win. At one stage, Bangladesh were comfortably placed at 60 for 2 in 21 overs , with their target just 81 away. But into her sixth over, Fletcher , the legspinner, created a flutter by picking up three quick wickets in the space of seven balls to stun Bangladesh’s middle order. Matthews then more than made up for her sedate returns with the bat, returning her ODI best of 4 for 15 with the ball. That was enough for West Indies to make up for their second batting failure in two games. The win placed West Indies at the third spot in the points table. Needing ten off the final two overs, Deandra Dottin delivered the perfect penultimate over replete with slower balls to give just two runs away. Taylor had seven in the bank to defend. She gave away three before Trisna, who Akter didn’t seem to trust for much of the final few overs, played on attempting a cross-batted swipe.
That she was on strike was only because Akter wouldn’t have managed to pick the two runs off the previous delivery as she would’ve planned when she slapped a short ball into the deep cover region. It was Matthews who started Bangladesh’s slide. In the first over, she trapped Shamima Sultana lbw. The other opener, Sharmin Akhter hit three fours before she tamely gave catching practice to the slips as Matthews had her second wicket. The experienced Fargana Hoque and Nigar Sultana, who had stitched a record partnership for Bangladesh in World Cups against Pakistan, got together to keep West Indies at bay for close to 13 overs. They added 30 off 76 balls for the third wicket, in a bid to give the side a strong base for the chase. However, an attempted adventurous slog by Hoque off Fletcher gave West Indies the desired opening. The legspinner, who is one of the eight mothers in the competition, mock-dialled her seven-month old baby to register one of the sweet moments of the game. Fletcher then had Rumana Ahmed fall to her legspin before leaving Ritu Moni clueless with a googly to have Bangladesh reeling at 60 for 5. Salma Khatun then walked out with an intent to score, hitting a four off Fletcher off the sixth ball she faced. She added 25 in nine overs with Nigar Sultana, who was happy to see Fletcher off. However, Matthews’ return dented Bangladesh further, as she accounted for Nigar Sultana and Fahima Khatun in the three balls. Salma kept Bangladesh’s hopes with her 23-run knock but Taylor ended her stay with Bangladesh needing 31. Akter then tried to narrow the
gap, but it proved to just be a bridge too far. She was unbeaten on 25 in the end. Bangladesh wouldn’t have had a target in excess of hundred, had it not been for Campbelle’s unbeaten 53. Though she struggled to get off strike for a large part of her innings - she faced 72 dots out of the 107 she played - she hung on and added 68 for the last two wickets with Fletcher and Karishma Ramharack. On a dry pitch in sunny conditions, West Indies got their choice of batting first despite not winning the toss. But Bangladesh spinners, led Akter and Salma picked up four big wickets between them to restrict West Indies. Dottin and Matthews were steady before falling as caution seemed to be West Indies’ second line of defence. What then followed against spin was something they wouldn’t have foreseen. Matthews mistimed a halftracker from Akter to midwicket and Taylor was bowled behind her legs in the left-arm spinner’s next over. Salma then had Williams, who had come in for Kycia Knight, caught at cover to have West Indies at 48 for 4 in the 16th over. Campbelle and Chedean Nation only asserted the West Indies’ mindset when they played out close to 13 overs together for just 12 runs. It concluded with Nation horribly misjudging a run to be short of the direct hit at the striker’s end. It then took Campbelle her second halfcentury in this World Cup to help West Indies get to a total that was eventually enough.’ Match details: West Indies Women 140 for 9 (Campbelle 53*, Salma 2-23, Akter 2-23) beat Bangladesh Women 136 all out (Nigar Sultana 25, Hoque 23, Salma 23, Matthews 4-15, Fletcher 3-29, Taylor 3-29) by four runs
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Twin tons to Brathwaite, Blackwood frustrate England (ESPN Cricinfo) - The cool stroll down the pitch, the relaxed smile, the lackadaisical lift of the bat - Kraigg Brathwaite’s century celebration said it all. After a disciplined display which frustrated England’s bowlers no end and ultimately lasted the entire third day, Brathwaite posted a stubborn 10th Test ton, but he knew that plenty of work lay ahead in West Indies’ pursuit of England’s hefty first-innings total. Jermaine Blackwood, on the other hand, started celebrating his century a third of the way down the pitch while still watching the ball trickling beyond the slips cordon for a single, running with his arms outstretched before turning his face skyward and pumping his fist as a relieved grin appeared briefly then gave way to a determined stare, the task ahead not forgotten. And so it was at stumps, with West Indies still trailing by 219 runs but, thanks to their twin centurions, they had taken the fight to England. The pair put on 183 runs
together to grind down an England attack deflated by the denial of Saqib Mahmood’s maiden Test wicket - Blackwood on 65 at the time - because of a frontfoot no ball, and with tensions boiling over in a verbal altercation between Ben Stokes and Blackwood. When Blackwood finally fell for 102 late in the day, shouldering arms to a Dan Lawrence ball which struck high on the front pad in line with the top of middle stump, England had their first wicket since the morning session. But Brathwaite endured, still looking calm and collected on 109 not out, alongside nightwatchman Alzarri Joseph. In sharp contrast to the drawn first Test in Antigua, where he raced to his fastest Test fifty - off 62 balls - but failed to press on, Brathwaite had inched to his slowest halfcentury, off 167 balls, in Barbados, sweeping Jack Leach for four, and faced another 111 deliveries before raising his ton, rocking back to thread Leach behind point for two.
In both instances, Brathwaite’s innings had been what his side needed. During the previous match, he and John Campbell set West Indies’ off to a bright start in pursuit of England’s first-innings score before Nkrumah Bonner ’s century helped them to a modest lead. This time, Brathwaite took it upon himself to hang around... and hang around... in a bit to steer his side into a competitive position. Having resumed on 71 for 1, West Indies lost two wickets before lunch, before Brathwaite and Blackwood mounted their resistance. Leach had found considerable turn in his first over of the day, beating the outside edge of both Brathwaite and Shamarh Brooks, but Brooks was culpable in his own dismissal inside the first half hour. Leach broke through with a shorter, wider delivery that saw Brooks’ attempted cut sail to backward point where Chris Woakes took a good catch low to his right. Brooks and Brathwaite
West Indies Test Captain Kraigg Brathwaite has scored the past 10 centuries by a West Indies opener. (Getty Images) had put on 69 runs for the second wicket but added just 12 runs in 7.4 overs on the third morning as Leach and Matt Fisher kept them well contained. Stokes entered the attack midway through the morning session and struck in his second over, removing Bonner lbw for just 9 to ensure there would be no reprise of his first-innings century in Antigua. Bonner reviewed umpire Nigel Duguid’s decision, UltraEdge failing to shed definitive light on whether he had hit it first and ball-tracking showing that it was clipping the top of middle stump as Bonner trudged off. If Bonner was hard done by, it was a case of swings
and roundabouts a short time later when Stokes pinned Blackwood on the back leg, with England choosing not to call for the DRS, only for replays to show it was hitting leg stump halfway up. Mahmood thought he had his first Test wicket when he struck Blackwood on the boot with a fine reverseswinging delivery and England reviewed the not-out decision, but replays showed Blackwood had got outside the line of off stump. But there was to be greater heartache for Mahmood in an eventful 93rd over when he first beat Blackwood’s attempted drive, narrowly missing the outside edge then nailed a yorker
which clattered into the bottom of middle stump only to have his elation curtailed when the third umpire found he had over-stepped. It would have been little consolation for Mahmood to learn he wasn’t the first England bowler to miss out on his first Test wicket that way. The next ball, Blackwood left, almost to his peril with the ball missing the top of off stump by a whisker. Reverse swing had played a significant part in England’s tactics, but they could not penetrate West Indies’ defences, as Brathwaite and Blackwood saw themselves through to the arrival of the second new ball - and beyond. Brathwaite punched Fisher through extra cover to bring up the fifty partnership and guided Stokes t h r o u g h g u l l y, t o t h e b o w l e r ’s chagrin. B l a c k w o o d p i c k e d o ff boundaries smartly too, cutting Leach crisply in front of square to bring up his fifty, his sixth of 11 fours for the innings, but for the most part it was a gritty, patient performance by both batters. Match details: West Indies 288 for 4 (Brathwaite 109*, Joseph 4*) trail England 507 for 9 dec by 219 runs
GMRSC Quarter-Mile Return… Federer to donate $500,000 to support Ukrainian children Tickets go on sale Wednesday Team Trans Pacific’s Alteeza had an impressive appearance in 2019
Federer has not played since Wimbledon last year after undergoing knee surgery. (Photo Credit: Tennisworldusa)
(Reuters) - Roger Federer said he will donate $500,000 to aid children affected by the war in Ukraine, while the United States Tennis Association (USTA) said it would donate a percentage of ticket revenue from their Billie Jean King Cup tie against Ukraine to a relief fund. The U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said earlier this week that nearly 3 million refugees have fled Ukraine, about 7% of the country’s population, since Russia’s invasion began on Feb. 24. “My family and I are hor-
rified seeing pictures from Ukraine and heartbroken for the innocent people who have been so terribly affected. We stand for peace,” Federer said on Twitter. “We will provide assistance to children from Ukraine who need care, about 6 million Ukrainian children are currently out of school and we know it’s a very critical time to provide access to education and would like to support them to deal with this extremely traumatic experience. “Through the Roger Federer Foundation we will be
supporting War Child Holland with a donation of $500,000 to establish access to continued schooling for Ukrainian children.” Federer, 40, has not played since Wimbledon last year after undergoing knee surgery. The 20-times Grand Slam winner had been looking to make his return for the grasscourt swing this year but his coach Severin Luthi said earlier this month that a return at Wimbledon may be unlikely (Continued on page 21)
Tickets for the highly talked about Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) Quarter Mile Return will go on sale next week at venues across the country. The event, which is set for March 27 at the South Dakota Drag Strip will be the club’s first drag race meet of the year. According to President of the Sports Club, Rameez Mohamed, fans have been in constant contact with the club in an attempt to get tickets for the event. “Every day, we get tons of messages on our facebook page, calls to the office and even people calling our members to ask when the tickets will go on sale and where they will be going on sale. As a committee, we have outlined several places where fans can get tickets in most parts of the
country. We want all our fans to come out for this event.” Tickets will go on sale from March 24 at the club’s Albert Street, & ThomasLands venue, Mohamed’s Enterprise, 29 Lombard Street, Georgetown, Motor Trend Service Center, Area L Foulis Public Road E.C.D, West Coast Customs Wash Bay, Vreed-en-hoop, W.C.D, Massive Audio, Parika, E.B.E, Homeline Furnishing, 592 New Amsterdam, Berbice, Sukhpaul’s Business Enterprise & Auto Sales, Lot 7-8 Strand New Amsterdam, Berbice and Sukhpaul’s Service Station, Corriverton, Berbice. Adult tickets will cost $2000 while children will cost $500. Meanwhile competition is expected from Suriname with
a total of 10 cars so far confirming participation. “We welcome our bothers from Suriname. They were interested since we began planning but with the covid restrictions lifted, we are expecting a lot of competition from there. I think so far, our Suriname counterparts have indicated that there are just over 10 cars that have indicated an interest in coming to the event in addition to spectators and such so I predict it’s going to be a good meet.” “There will be a lot of surprises come Sunday for this event with a lot of Guys brining out some new machines. Of course, the team Mohamed’s cars will be there as well as the Kong Supra so that’s something else the fans have to look forward to,” the President commented.
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Saturday March 19, 2022
Kaieteur News
Guinness National Senior Squash Championships...
Nicolette Fernandes aims to replicate history By Sean Devers Nicolette Fenanades will face defending Champion Ashley Khalil in today’s women’s final and hopes to turn back the clock to 12 years ago when she became the only female to win both the Men’s and Women’s title in the National Senior Squash Championships. Fernandes moved a step closer to replicating her history-making achievement of 2010, when, playing in Men’s category, she defeated Peter De Groot in Thursday night’s action in the Guinness National Senior Squash Championships at the Georgetown Club Courts. However, on a night which saw high quality matches being played in the first National Senior Competition since the Khalil Siblings became the first brother and sister combination to win both titles, all the ‘big’ names advanced. In the most exciting match of the night, Samuel Ince Carvalhal beat Micheal Alphonso 11-9, 11-5, 9-11, 114 as lads executed crafty shots, used angles well and
- ‘Big names’ advance demonstrated excellent retrieval skills. The left-handed Samuel, the grandson of National Squash coach Carl Ince, looked a vastly improved player from two years ago while Alphonso showcase his good all-round ability with the racquet as two pushed each hard before Ince won the opening game. The second game proved to be a battle of attrition and included lengthy rallies and crisp drives as Samuel again won…. this time 11-5. But Alphonso rebounded with some good drop shots and great Court craft as the pair traded shots with Alphonso claiming the next game 9-11. In the fourth game, Samuel turned on the heat and had Alphonso tumbling to try and retrieve well executed shots from the back of the Court. As the talented Alphonso slipped further and further behind, his body language suggested he had given up as Samuel romped to 11-4 to win the game and the match 3-1.
Fernandes, who turns 39 in June, again showed excellent fitness and won the first game 11-6 before De Groot came out with the intent to fight. With a good combination of squash from De Groot and some loose work from Fernandes, De Groot galloped to a 9-1 lead. Although Fernandes responded with three unanswered points, it was too little, too late as DeGroot took the
game 11-4. Fernandes, the only female in the Male Division, got to 5-1 in the next set and in a clinical display, won 11-5, then won the next game 11-4 to take the match and raise hopes that despite her advancing age, she could still be force to be reckoned with in the Caribbean. In the last Senior CASA in 2019, she showed Bajan teenager Megan Best who was best of the Best in the Caribbean by winning her sixth Caribbean title. In the others games
Shomari Wiltshire destroyed Mohryan Baksh, 3-nil. (Sean Devers photo)
Nicholas Verwey defeated Regan Pollard, 3-0. (Sean Devers photo)
played on Thursday night, Alex Arjoon got the better of Jonathon Antczak 11-0, 11-0, 11-2, while Shomari Wilshire, with experience of playing in the US Open, defeated
Mohryan Baksh 11-3, 11-1, 11-1, Nicholas Verwey beat Regan Pollard 11-5, 11-3, 11-3 and Steven Xavier trounced Men’s defending Champion Jason-Ray Khalil 11-9, 7-11, 11-5 and 11-9. English born Daniel Ince, making his debut in Guyana’s Senior Tournament, after winning the Masters in February,
beat the pumped up Dejé Dias 11-7, 11-6, 11-9 as Dias showed plenty of passion and heart but used too much energy in executing shots. Dias’ fight-to-the-end’ attitude and peculiar way of almost creeping in as he prepares to play his shots made him a favourite with largest turn of the tournament so far.
Jagans Memorial cycle road race set for Sunday
C
yclists will vie for su premacy on Sunday when the Cheddi Jagan and Janet Jagan Memorial cycle road race commences at 8:30hrs. The event will pedal off at Schoonard, West Bank Demerara and proceed to Busky Park, East Bank Essequibo and return to the starting point for the finish. The event is being sponsored by Mohamed’s Enterprise and Joe Jagmohaman, and is organized by Coach Hassan Mohamed, M.S. The categories to be contested are open, juniors, veterans and ladies. The top six finishers will be receive prizes.
Jamaul John won the 50-mile road race last weekend
Saturday March 19, 2022
Kaieteur News
PAGE 25
Guinness National Senior Squash Championships...
Nicolette Fernandes aims to replicate history
Team Trans Pacific's Alteeza had an impressive appearance in 2019.
- Big names' advance
Dejé Dias (background) was beaten by Daniel Ince, 3-1.
GMRSC Quarter-Mile Return…
Tickets go on sale Wednesday s t r po
S
West Indies' Captain and Vice Captain kept them in the game on Day 3. (Getty Images)
Twin tons to Brathwaite, Blackwood frustrate England 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.