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AIETEUR Guyana approves Saturday Edition NEWS ‘blacklisted’ Chinese Contractors to bid for p.2 new Demerara River Bridge

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March 20, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 11

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India’s logging company shows gross disrespect for Guyana’s Labour Laws * Subjects workers to inhumane conditions p. *Fails to comply with COVID-19 rules, etc. 18 Observers urge Guyana, Suriname EUGuyana p. to heed 21 should partner on recommendations shorebase to cut costsp. after contentious - Suriname’s New Oil Boss 13 2020 elections A decade later…

K/News’ security Weak Liza 1 & 2 Renovated US$160M guards charged Environmental p. are “an and counting CJIA 3 with murder of p.Permits p. abomination” 12 15

now 95% complete homeless man

- VP Bharrat Jagdeo

APNU+AFC spent more money on drugs in 5 yrs than PPP did in 23 p.

17

…broken supply chain led to expiration of $10B worth in drugs, massive shortages Hear how countries lose Power Plants, Airports, Shipping Ports and other assets to China in debt traps on Kaieteur Radio (99.1/99.5FM) @11:00hrs

Saturday March 20, 2021

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PAGE 02

Guyana approves 'blacklisted' Chinese Contractors to bid for new Demerara River Bridge G

uyana has prequalified nine contractors to build the new Demerara Harbour Bridge but a number of the companies cleared by government have either been debarred over corrupt practices by the World Bank or would have been involved in money laundering scandals.

The Ministry of Public Works yesterday identified the companies that have been prequalified, namely; China State Construction Engineering Corporation, Ballast Needam Infra S u r i n a m e B . V, C h i n a Geizhouba Group Company Ltd, Joint Venture (JV) partners China Railway International Group Co. Ltd, China Railway Major Bridge Eng. Group Co. Ltd, Reconnaisance & Design Inst. Co. Ltd, JV partners China Road & Bridge Corp

…will design, pay for and operate new structure - Public Works Ministry a n d P e u t e s y CalzadasInfrastructuras SLU, OECI S.A. and Odebrecht Engenharia E. Coonstrucao S. A. OEC, China Railway Construction Corporation (International) Ltd., China Railway Construction (Caribbean a) Co. Ltd, and China Railway Construction, Bridge Engineering Bureau Group Co. Ltd, Boskalis Guyana Inc Eiffage Genie Civil, and Rizzani de Eccher S. p. A & Preconco Ltd. Checks by this publication have since found that several of the companies have been involved in illegal practices in the past, including China's State Construction Eng. Corp

which was sued for fraud in the Bahamas. That company reportedly submitted sham billings and diverted monies to other projects and was subsequently disbarred by the World Bank.

Geizhouba Group Co. Ltd also out of China was also debarred by the World Bank for similar financial malpractices.This company too was prequalified by the Guyana Government.

Another of the companies that Guyana prequalified to bid for the multi-million project is Ballast Needam Infra Suriname B.V. That company had also found itself in legal troubles after it was found that Ballast

The aging Demerara Harbour Bridge that is to be replaced Nedam paid millions to Saudi and Surinamese officials and politicians in order to obtain favourable considerations for projects.

Another of the Chinese companies selected by the G u y a n a Government—China Railway International Group

Co—was also debarred by the World Bank for alleged gross financial malpractices.

China Railway (continued on page 15)

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 20, 2021

PAGE 03

A decade later…

Renovated US$160M and counting CJIA now 95% complete G

uyana may be closer to seeing w o r k s completed on the modernized Cheddi Jagan International Airport albeit a decade later.

This was made known during a tour of the facility yesterday where Public Wo r k s M i n i s t e r, J u a n Edghill disclosed that ongoing works are at 95 percent completion and are on track for the agreed December 31 deadline.

During the tour, Minister Edghill expressed clear satisfaction at the pace with which the renovations have progressed since Government penned the new agreement with the Chinese contractor, China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC).

After expending more than US$160 million, Government had reached its wits end with CHEC since it was not receiving favourable results with the contracts.

“From all indications, we can express some degree of satisfaction that most of items, considered critical for the functionality of the airport are almost completed. That I can say represents a significant improvement from before and I can say to you that the travelling public will be well served,” Minister Edghill said.

Guyana's new and modernized airport will receive a facelift complete with a superstructure to house restaurants, duty free stores and other amenities for travelers along with the two additional aerobridges to accommodate more aircrafts.

Minister Edghill revealed that Cabinet has approved $53 million in

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill with Project Manager, Clarissa Goodings and CJIA's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramesh Ghir (right) on the tour of the facilities yesterday funds to complete needs repairs to the taxiways and international apron along with an additional $150 million to renovate CJIA's office space – outside of the works to be completed by CHEC. While concerns have been expressed on the issue of bonds for the project, Minister Edghill clarified that Guyana remains protected with a US$13.9 million performance bond intact along with a $6.9

retention bond to be cashed in when the project is completed.

Shoddy works coupled with years of delays led to the new agreement in February, which outlined that CHEC would bear the US$9 million to complete outstanding works on 71 items on the project.

Those included an extension of the airport's boarding corridor in order to accommodate two more passenger boarding bridges,

Arrest Warrant issued for alleged plantain thief

S

enior Magistrate, L e r o n D a l y, yesterday issued an arrest warrant for a man who allegedly stole 12 bunches of plantains.

The arrest warrant was issued for Devon Persaud, after he failed to appear in the Georgetown Magistrates' Court yesterday to answer to a simple larceny charge.

It is alleged that on

March 17, 2021, at Water Street, Georgetown, Persaud stole several bunches of plantains valued $12,000 property of Nandram Khiratia.

After the Magistrate was notified that Persaud was not at court, she issued the arrest warrant.

The next hearing of the matter is scheduled for March 26, 2021.

providing the airport with a total of six boarding bridges capable of servicing aircraft such as the Boeing 777, Dreamliner, the AirBus and similar trans-Atlantic aircraft.

It will also entail the terminal building being extended to provide accommodation for additional commercial space, including food courts and duty-free shops. The extended building will feature a modern airport façade covering the full length of the Departure Terminal.

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Saturday March 20, 2021

Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

Pointed lessons for Guyanese It is the bloody story unfolding before a horrified modern world of people putting their bodies before official brutality and the bullets of the military state. In Myanmar, it was 51 citizens gunned down by security forces over the weekend, and many more in the days leading up to what is an intensifying slaughter (New York Times, “Dozens of killings and defiance in Myanmar, with neither side relenting” - March 14). This is heavy-handed government, that of entrenched generals, whose only logic is that of lethal force; it is the kind of compelling reasoning that they place before an incensed and determined civilian population that in its numbers and passions is showing no signs of pulling back from the carnage.

Myanmar is in a real fight for real democracy. It has been going on for decades in the face of harsh military crackdowns, which leave a trail of the dead and litanies of devastation in the aftermath. It is of ethnic minorities long fed up with the marginalization of their presence, the suppressions of their aspirations, by one military strongman after another. A Nobel Prize winner of their own took the world by storm, but she, too, was forced to yield before the unrelenting juggernaut of the country’s military madmen. So, thousands of members of the civilian population, once again, are taking a fearless stand via a nationwide civil disobedience campaign in an attempt at forcing matters to a pass from which there is no return. That is, other than for those returning dead. The numbers are mounting, the world is protesting, America is squeezing. But there is no give by the well-ribboned men in uniforms, who love power and the plunders that it brings for them and their families and cronies. The record is there, and it is barbaric and ugly; it is a 21st century version of cruel oppression, with second class citizenship being the norm for minorities. So far, the indications are they do not have the stomach for much more of the same.

It has been over a month and half since the nationwide action started on February 1. The military triggered the protests when it ousted the civilian government. This was what used to happen with some regularity, over a half century ago, and with more frequency in Latin America than most other places. Africa has had its share also, but for a military coup to raise its violent head in this day and age, and with such disdain for world reaction, is almost unheard of, simply not put into motion so unheedingly. But the military junta is not backing down. In the district of Yangon, dozens are dead, and there is much destruction. But instead of recognizing the furies unleashed, the military has decided to fight fire with fire and declared martial law. This was an attempt at restoring some control after the Chinese Embassy formally called for the government to take resolute action to “stop all terrorism activities.” There is the likelihood that many more will die, more property torched. The people are enraged, and they will neither be intimidated nor deterred. Governments must be more of partners and not oppressors and slave masters, and who mislead them either through trickery or the terrors inflicted. In this, there are pointed lessons for Guyanese, who are content to stand on the sidelines and let government after government here walk all over them, and trample upon whatever little dreams they may have had.

According to the New York Times article referenced above, there was a call from the leader of “a self-declared government formed in hiding” to ethnic rebel groups fighting against the army for the longest while to join in the struggle for “a federal democracy to replace military rule.” And to which he added the heavy reality and this comforting thought, “the darkest moment of the nation and the moment that the dawn is close.” The former Speaker of Myanmar’s House, Mr. Mahn Win Khaing Than, also noted to his countrymen that “This revolution is the chance for us to put our efforts together.” However far he gets on that score, the going is going to be hard and uphill, because military governments do not readily raise the white flag.

As history has taught us, from Spartacus to South Asia to South Africa, whenever the people put their heads together, overwhelming forces either give way or get going.

There is a lesson for Guyanese there.

I’d like to represent the PNC in Canada Dear Editor, Where can I get updated, factual information on the PNC Party of my childhood?

Not PNC/whatever alliance you wish to add. The real PNC Party.

I scoured the Internet and could find nothing. Leaders names, yes. No contact points. Christ, there’s not even a “Donate” link. I hope it’s because I’m a feeble Network Navigator, and not because you’ve tucked your

tails between your legs!

I’m anticipating an Election in four years. I’m Canada-based, and willing and able to spend the next two years canvassing North America for the PNC party and the PNC vote. I can provide minimal funding for certain activities, and I would do so willingly.

There’s a lot wrong with Guyana. Always has been a lot wrong with my homeland.

But, when I look at the PPP,

all I see are enough Doctors to staff GPHC, yet not one of these “Doctors” are on the Covid front line.

They all bought their “doctorates” to confirm their parents objectives, truth be told.

When I look at the Covid front line all I see are Guyanese, under paid and under protected front line nurses/heroes. I don’t see any oil revenues flowing their way.

Hell, I don’t even see rice or bauxite money flowing their or any other Guyanese public servant’s way.

In closing, if there’s a PNC party member charged with the responsibility of appointing a North American Advocate, I’d appreciate your nomination. If there isn’t, and anyone with any vestige of power left chooses to work with me, I’m here.

Yours truly, Michael Ali

The Guyana Police Force should pursue those who assisted the escaped prisoner Dear Editor, It was reported in the News Media that Phillip Jhagroo, who was incarcerated for allegedly killing a friend on the Island of Leguan, escaped from the Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara. He was caught some four months later

stealing chicken from a poultry farm at Ruby, a village on the East Bank of the Essequibo River. At the time of his arrest, he was accused of murder and will apparently be additionally charged criminally for escaping from lawful custody.

While on the run, Jhagroo

was assisted by many people in his travels (Demerara to Essequibo), boarding and lodging. It is a criminal offence for any person to aid and abet anyone fleeing from justice. Therefore, the Guyana Police Force should not only ensure that Jhagroo is tried for all his alleged

crimes, but also actively pursue and find all those people who connived and assisted him to evade justice, while he was on the run and was able to continue his penchant for the criminal activities he is accused of.

Yours truly, Charles Sohan

Our leaders and our youths must decide which path is the best one for them Dear Editor, There was a time when we did put country and solidarity above all else to achieve a common goal and fulfill a common purpose. We lived a bit more comfortably then and had a share of the good life that came from the prosperity of the sugar industry and the large amount of investment being made by the British. In speaking with many who had experiences before independence, one thing that stands out is their insistence that things were better then.

Low levels of crime; a strong currency, where a little would buy a lot in stores with shelves filled with all kinds of goodies from overseas; and access to an excellent education.

It is interesting that since independence and the decline of the sugar industry that our country has been continuously striving to achieve a return to the standard of living that was in place before independence.

Infighting and division has made it quite difficult over the years to make such an achievement possible. Then came the nationalization of foreign investments; embargoes due to political philosophy; the resulting brain drain; and then the influx of drugs and other illegal activities. All of which took place in an environment where division increased between key segments of our population.

Today, over 50 years later, our country is still struggling

to achieve the higher standard of living which was once in place.

Crumbling infrastructure and an environment/global climate that has changed for the worse, where infrastructure has not kept pace, becomes more evident with the passing of the years.

Our oil wealth may come and go without achieving what once was and is still sought.

The increasing conflict between races hasn’t changed, but gets worse as more resources are unlocked.

The fear of exclusion grows and with it the fear of increased racism. Who and what should we thank for this spiral that leads to an unwanted outcome? Is it the lack of selfless leadership and the lack of solidarity?

Where are the leaders that say I will not increase my wage more than I will increase those who help build this nation? If we can afford 5% at the top then we can afford 5% at each other level. Seems easy enough, but yet in practice it remains a myth for the most part.

We should seek solidarity, irrespective of party and political affiliation or belief; solidarity irrespective of race; solidarity irrespective of thirst for wealth and riches. The last one may be what has achieved a shift in traditional alliances, but it is a very shallow foundation upon which to build. Health and family do and should take precedence over everything

else and in some instances we do witness this. The virus has been a wake-up call to many.

However, beyond that realm, what we achieve together is impacted by how we view and interact with each other. Pre-independence the feeling of solidarity, the joint resolve to achieve a goal, was greater than the will of an individual, greater than the desire of a single village or a single town. Our country’s men and women achieved a level of solidarity that brought with it an accomplishment that touched the hearts and desires of us all.

There is a missing purpose that unites us in Guyana today and it is hindering our country from attaining that higher level of achievement that resources and riches alone will and cannot accomplish.

We must seek it out and attain it. Is it our nation’s motto that will bring with it the goal of solidarity between all Guyanese? Will it unlock the greatness of our sleeping nation?

The alternative is quite dire. Look to the examples of other nations created by those who care not for each other ’s presence. Even though they fought united against a common enemy, their deep seeded hate, the hate between an old master and a freed slave, continues to drive the wedge of animosity between them.

Usually displayed in sabotage, arguments and conflicts during simple daily interactions. Is this the future

of Guyana which we seek?

We must do better than the examples before us if we are to be competitive and achieve peaceful coexistence as a nation of one people. Yes, that may lead to the oneness that is spoken of.

Otherwise your people will not be my people and vice versa. Making us a nation of one’s people instead of what our motto desires us to achieve.

Historical betrayal, animosity and bloodshed can remain in our history if we so choose, or it can destroy our tomorrows if historical resentment is embraced. Some may differ and prefer a path without resistance, where peace is easily attained and to each his/her own makes for a more pleasant life.

Is there a different path that is possible or is Guyana’s destiny fixed and unchangeable due to its history? Our leaders and our youth must decide which path is the one best for them and those they lead. Then and only then can a true and sincere conversation backed by actions lead us to what is decided. Maybe one people is better or maybe one’s people is better. Whichever is decided as a nation must be backed by the way we govern, the way we cooperate and the way we interact. The recent display in Parliament does beg the question, is our motto one in which our leaders of today believe in. Neither path, (Continued on page 5)

Saturday March 20, 2021

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

The issue of the trawler licences has been settled Dear Editor, Although the Ministry of Agriculture has put forward its best efforts to answer questions about the issuance of two seabob licences last year, o n e particular newspaper continues to bombard the Honourable Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, claiming that his decision to issue the said licences was ‘an act of corruption.’

At this point, it is unclear what more is expected to be said on the matter.

It is clear that the editorial section of this newspaper has taken a special interest in the matter and might even have a vendetta against someone involved in the matter.

Requests were made by the press, stakeholders, and interested parties for information on the matter to be made public. The

Honourable Minister and the Fisheries Department made every effort to answer those questions in keeping with the Fisheries Act of Guyana. In the editorial section of the Friday March 19, 2021 edition of the Stabroek News, the issuance of these licences was once again criticized.

It must be made clear that since news broke of the issuance of the said licences, Minister Mustapha and the M i n i s t r y ’s Fisheries Department have engaged the Guyana Association of Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors ( G ATO S P ) o n s e v e r a l occasions. At the time, the identity of the new licence holder was questioned.

The Ministry subsequently made that information available to the public. The individual’s photo was published in some sections of the newspapers, along with his

background and experience in the industry.

Although the GATSOP had initially indicated that they were not satisfied with the way the licences were issued, or the fact that the licences were issued in the first place, the Ministry had made every effort to assure the GATOSP and the public that the issuance of the two new licences would not threaten the sector or jeopardize G u y a n a ’s Maritime Stewardship Council (MSC) certification.

At the time the licences were issued, only 80 other licences were active. The quota caters for 87 licences.

The editorial stated that the matter has been extensively carried by that particular news outlet.

That remains a fact.

What also remains a fact is that the editorial in question does not entail

Have the Opposition Region Five RDC Councillors set an example for Parliament?

Dear Editor It was reported in a recent news item on national television (NCN, March 18),

...Our leaders and our youth From page 4 united or divided, requires unnecessary conflict and hostility if an understanding is reached and clear expectations are set. South Africa and the USA took very different paths to where they are today. Guyana must be honest with itself and choose.

Never before in my life have I seen such division as there is today within Guyana. We all know what our motto instructs us to achieve. Is it still believable and reachable?

Only we, the Guyanese people, can make our motto a reality. We must all truly need it, want it and desire it to become our way of being.

Yours truly, Mr. Jamil Changlee

the opposition councillors of Region Five RDC, realized it is fruitless and not in their best interest to not work and cooperate with the government side of the Council. They have now publicly stated they will work for the benefit and interest of and for the people of the Region. As it should be. Could this be interpreted

as a move of giving recognition to the government, something the higher echelons of that side of the political divide have refused to do? Could the willingness to work for the benefit of the people be replicated in the highest forum of our country - Parliament?

Yours truly, Shamshun Mohamed

any new information on the matter.

The GATOSP has since engaged the Ministry by way of a letter dated February 19, 2021, stating that they will abide by the decision of the Ministry.

Vi c e P r e s i d e n t , D r.

Bharrat Jagdeo, was also questioned on the matter and maintained that there must be equity in the industry.

The VP also suggested that there should be a periodic review of the issuance of seabob licences to avoid a monopoly in the industry.

The author of the piece asserted that when the Ministry was confronted about the issue last November, the licences should have been suspended, as that is what good governance requires.

I b e g t o d i ff e r. A f t e r

concerns were raised, Minister Mustapha met with the GATOSP. He listened to their issues and was determined to come up with a solution that would see the issue being resolved amicably. In my opinion, that is good governance.

If governments rescinded every decision made because a section of the population didn’t agree with it, no policies would be in place.

I can say with the utmost certainty that within the coming weeks another article will be written on the matter. I am also confident that the writer will make good use of a few journalistic jargons to disguise the reconditioned information, as he did in this piece.

As was previously mentioned in my response,

the GATOSP has decided to abide by the decision of the Ministry. The matter should therefore be seen as resolved.

The Ministry will continue to engage all stakeholders of the fisheries sector, and all other stakeholders in the agriculture sector as their views and opinions remain of utmost importance to the Ministry as it works towards building a resilient and sustainable agriculture industry.

The Ministry also remains unbiased in its modus operandi and steadfast in its efforts to ensure the government’s development agenda for the agriculture sector is realized.

Yours truly, Janell Cameron Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Agriculture

Where was the lament when Press Briefings were held for a chosen few?

Dear Editor The lamentation that certain media houses and reporters are excluded from assignments is noteworthy. It seems it has been forgotten

how this came about, during the five months attempted heist of democracy, when some press conferences and briefings were held with the chosen few.

Was this lamented on then, much less condemned as an attack on press freedom?

Yours truly, Shamshun Mohamed

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Saturday March 20, 2021

Kaieteur News

Election 2020 showed malfeasance beyond the pale of ordinary imagination Dear Editor, Democracy is undoubtedly the most enduring desideratum in human civilization. The concept is all pervading, allowing for all members of society to participate in the affairs of their lives.

Fast forward from imperialism and colonialism.

Slavery and indentureship denied this basic right. The ‘enslaved’ people were not considered equals; they were categorized as the ‘others’ – not like ‘us’ – not humans. In the United States, for example,

Black African people in particular (but also other people of colour, especially the First Peoples) suffered wretchedly. Lynching of ‘Negroes’ was practiced, commonplace, and a spectacle for all the white people – inhuman and

abhorrent indeed, yet acceptable as a norm!

Basic human rights for the ‘others’ was not normative – they were not accepted as equals, not human enough. If we fast-forward again, it was the era of the beginning of civil rights in the US that augured change, albeit slowly – in the West. Rosa Parks stood out for courage. Martin Luther King Jr. bravely, indomitably, forcefully, dangerously to his life, and non-violently, embarked on the movement for civil rights and voting rights. There were many others whose names are not mentioned now – with apologies. Many suffered physically during this basic struggle; many died for this right, including the assignation of the great Martin Luther King Jr. This right to vote goes beyond partisanship. It is the quintessential foundation of democracy.

Eventually common decency and measured success triumphed, and basic democracy saw a guiding light in the horizon – with a “promise,” a “dream” and hope for “equality before the law and its implicit purpose to guarantee the rights to life, liberty….”

Despite this, there were/ are undemocratic upheavals occurring episodically around the world. In particular, I like to reference Guyana and the United States of America.

Guyana witnessed one of the most egregious displays to thwart the democratic process during the general elections in 2020. In the United States there were/are many who

want to subvert the outcome of its most recent presidential election – still.

Why? The simple and probably best answer is they have power, yes; power to do things for the already powerful and their kith and kin – family and friends.

Power gives prestige and aggressive kudos. It gives ‘power’ to do things that circumvent the normal process of the democratic process. Power makes people into demi-gods, bypassing the ordinary. People with such power dictate access to anything in society – for personal gain, and for their families, friends, and cronies.

Corruption becomes commonplace, and eventually becomes a new norm, and acceptable behaviour.

The recipients of the corrupt system, having tasted the sweetness, succumb and acquiesce to the growing cancer of corruption — fraud, sleaze, malpractice dishonesty, etc. The circle gets more enclosing and the web of corruption more constricting. The snare too good and the tightening trap too difficult to escape!

This preamble is meant to draw attention to the inviolability of the sacrosanct right to vote – the democratic right.

The 2020 elections in Guyana witnessed the most flagrant resolve by the government of the day to take that right from the populace.

The world witnessed this deliberate systematic brazen attempt by one party to curtail that right; yet there were/are

deniers who perpetuate the big lie as the basis for subduing the right.

People in power and their underlings were hell-bent to employ any and all the dirty tricks to steal an election – by any means necessary – deceit, falsity, and blatant and barefaced rigging.

Malfeasance epitomized beyond the pale of ordinary imagination! In particular, officers of GECOM (and they know who they are, and we know who they are, and the world know who they are) committed acts that may be deemed prejudicial, seditious and downright criminal.

These officers are yet to face appropriate punitive sentence by the judicial system. In fact, they are still receiving and enjoying handsome salaries and perks.

When petty crimes are committed, justice is swift, and the guilty are punished, often with jail term. Not so for those in high places – the rich and powerful who know how to roll the dice, and ‘who know who.’

To the contrary, these socalled big shot ‘white collar’ criminals should have appropriate punishment meted out to them swiftly.

The sentence must fit the crime. Further, because of the egregious nature of the acts, the guilty should be jailed, with no salaries, no pension, or other benefits. For those who were/are vocal out bidders, and for those who were consciously and intentionally silent, history will not absolve them.

Yours truly, Gary Girdhari

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Saturday March 20, 2021

Kaieteur News

We know that Guyana is in need of infrastructure to revolutionize transport and build roads to its neighbours, but it cannot be to the cost of Guyana's patrimony.

The Belt & Road Initiative is NOT THE WAY. Guyana's children must not be allowed to become indentured to China and its debt trap diplomacy.

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Saturday March 20, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

University of Guyana kicks off historical Calypso, Chutney and Soca convocation for Monarch Competitions to academic year kick off in one week 2019/2020 A The University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus

T

he University of Guyana (UG) yesterday began its convocation for the academic year of 2019/2020.

It has been dubbed as a historical moment for the tertiary institution given that the ceremony was conducted virtually due to restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic Guyana is currently battling.

Yesterday's ceremony saw students graduating

from the Faculties of Agriculture and Forestry, Engineering and Technology, and the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation.

The ceremony also saw students from the Turkeyen, Georgetown Campus and Tain, Berbice Campus graduating simultaneously.

This year's convocation is the 54th for the Turkeyen Campus and the 19th for the Tain Berbice Campus.

Giving remarks were His

Excellency, Mohammed Irfaan Ali; the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand; UG's Chancellor, Prof. Edward Greene; Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Paloma MohamedMartin, Pro-Chancellor; Major General (retd) Joe Singh, its Registrar Dr. Nigel Gravesande and many other notable figures.

The convocation will see three more ceremonies, one today, one on March 26 and another on March 27.

s the nation braces for a recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports has indicated that plans are moving apace for hosting the Calypso, Chutney and Soca Monarch competitions, which are held every year in observance of Guyana's Republic Anniversary. The competitions are expected to kick off later this month.

The upcoming competitions, which will all be live streamed from the National Stadium, will see a total of 28 persons participating in the 592 Soca Monarch Competition (Adult) and 14 participating

in the Chutney Monarch Competition (Adult). Both events will take place on March 27.

The Banks Calypso Monarch Competition will see a total of 25 participants in the adult category performing, while in the junior category, a total of six persons are slated to perform. Both competitions will take place on March 29.

Meanwhile, on the same day in the Junior Soca Monarch Competition, nine singers are expected to perform and for the Republic Bank Steel Band Panorama, a total of 32 entries are listed to take centre stage.

For the Senior Monarch Competition, a sum of $1.5

million is up for grabs for the first place winner, $800,000 for second place, $500,000 for third place and $300,000 for fourth.

A total of $100,000 goes to the best new contestant of the competitions. In the Junior Competition, a total of $700,000 is awarded to the winner, $400,000 for second place, $250,000 for the third place winner and a sum of $50,000 for the best new contestant. For the Steel Band Panorama Competition, the sum of $2.435 million in prizes is up for grabs.

The tables below illustrate the names of some of the participants who will be performing in the respective competitions.

Entries for the Banks Calypso Monarch Competition (Adults)

Entries for the 592 Soca Monarch Competition (Adult)

Entries for the Junior Soca Monarch Competition

Entries for the 592 Chutney Monarch Competition (Adult)

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 20, 2021

PAGE 09

Jagdeo is out of touch with reality V

ice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, continues with this charade that oil production has a narrow window of 20 years. This narrow window; has become the PPP/C's justification for effectively allowing Exxon and its partners free licence to determine the rate at which and the volume of oil extracted in Guyana.

It is also the excuse for not having a National Hydrocarbon Depletion Policy. Such a policy usually dictates how much and how fast oil is extracted. In the absence of any such written policy, the oil companies are free to determine Guyana's production levels. This is not only reckless but it is also outsources Guyana's sovereign right to dictate such levels.

Jagdeo is not fooling anyone, except himself, that fossil fuels have a limited shelf life. He now narrows this down to 20 years which would be by 2040. It is said that if you repeat something over and over people will eventually believe it. Jagdeo will find it a difficult sell however to have people accept the nonsense he is peddling about a narrow window for oil production before it is displaced by renewable energy.

In his desperation to make his non-case, fingers are pointed to the decisions made by US President, Joe Biden. No doubt, Jagdeo takes his cue from Washington's to rejoin the Paris Agreement, halt the Keystone pipeline project

Dem

boys seh...

D

em Boys selling it how dem buy it. Dem hear a story about a husband and he wife who went shopping in de supermarket.

Now everybody knows dat when it comes to shopping, men and women gat different tastes. De men does like browse de section wah gat de liquid refreshments. De women gat dem own sections wah dem like.

and stop oil drilling in the Arctic Refuge. He no doubt infers from these developments that the days of oil are numbered. Or it simply provides him with the justification for his outrageous belief that Guyana should adopt the slogan “Drill Baby, Drill! As fast and as much as you can!”

What Jagdeo omits to mention is that Biden has not debarred fracking. This is a method which is used to release shale gas from rocks.

The gas is not considered as a clean energy source.

Therefore, while Jagdeo may have been conned into believing that America is on a great push towards replacing fossil fuels, Biden policies are just a smokescreen.

Biden is not on the mission to put the oil companies out of business.

The oil companies wield tremendous influence and it would be foolish of Biden to risk the oil companies becoming his enemies.

Jagdeo forgets or does not know that it was the oil industry more than the environmentalists that raised a firestorm about the Keystone project, which it feared would have led to job losses in the industry.

Biden's Executive Orders earlier this year was merely an attempt to reverse Trump's anti-environmental stance rather than a major push for renewable energy.

But that is a distinction that Jagdeo will never understand.

Jagdeo must have forgotten how the very US

Administration under which Biden served, which jettisoned his hopes for an agreement at Copenhagen. If what Jagdeo hoped had materialized at Copenhagen, he would have been walking in air since his imperialiststyled forest accord with Norway would have made him a global superstar. That star however pitched after Copenhagen, reducing Jagdeo to obscure environmental champion.

He ought to know that the targets under the Paris Agreement are not going to be achieved. And he should ask himself where is the promised funding which the developed countries promised for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

If the backsliding on those commitments is anything to go by, it should force Jagdeo to be cautious to accept on face value any commitment or target made by the US in relation to the global climate crisis. If anything, the US backtracking on its financial commitments to support reduced emissions, does not sit well with the present promise to use its influence to reduce and to put the Paris Agreement back on track.

The Paris Agreement is dead and buried. The world is not in the mood to revive the Paris Agreement. And if Jagdeo does not understand this, then he is at odds with reality.

The United States by itself cannot force the agreement back on track. It requires cooperation with other major emitters,

Shopping can be hazardous fuh yuh health De husband and de wife go in de supermarket. De husband head fuh he favourite corner. He pick up a case of beer and put it in de cart.

De wife was nearby. She run up to him and seh, “What are you doing?”

He points to de $10 price and says, “They are on sale.”

“Put them back!” she orders. “We cannot afford them.”

Later on she puts a $20

jar of face cream in the cart.

“What are you doing?” shouts de husband.

“It is my face cream. It makes me look beautiful,” she replies.

“So does the case of beer.

And it's only half price.”

De husband was last seen in de Accident Ward of de hospital.

Talk half and careful wah yuh put in de cart when yuh go shopping with yuh better half!

especially India and China.

At present the United States is locked in vicious exchange of words with China. But the key to reducing emissions has to involve an agreement with China. Without China on board, there is little chance of any real impact on global emission levels.

As ambitious as Biden's

climate policy may appear, it will not affect fossil fuel production. It is a pipe dream for anyone to assume that the thrust towards renewables threatens fossil fuels.

By the way, why would Jagdeo, who feels that there is only a narrow window of 20 years for oil production; want the country to be investing in a gas-to-shore

plant which will require natural gas to be sourced from the very oil which he believes is going out of business in 20 years' time?

What is Guyana building, another white elephant?

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Saturday March 20, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Angela Davis speaks tomorrow on Walter Rodney T

he Walter Rodney Foundation, headed by Rodney's wife, Patricia, has announced that the featured speaker for the 2021 annual Walter Rodney symposium to be held tomorrow is global icon, Angela David. She is certainly one of the most influential women in the second half of the 20 th century.

She has to be seen as one of the most dynamic woman activists the United States has produced. She must be seen as one of the great icons in the Black American struggle.

The 2021 symposium has come at a time when the rigging of the March 2020

general election has exposed the betrayal of Rodney by some of his closest comrades in the revolutionary struggle.

Those personalities must have been close to his wife too. One wonders what goes through the mind of this Guyanese feminist when she sees how her husband's trusted lieutenants have become figures of hate in Guyana and the Caribbean.

Now here is the aspect of the symposium that will create immense curiosity in Guyanese minds. The theme that Davis will speak on is: “Democracy Under Stress.”

At the beginning of 2020, two democratic countries in the western hemisphere

suffered threats to its democratic survival – Guyana and the US. One does not know the contents of Davis' delivery, but her countenance should be fascinating to see if she is shown the videos of how Walter Rodney's comrades attempted to remove Guyana's democracy in the fateful first five months of 2021.

There is an incident in those five months that threatened Rodney's legacy in Guyana, not so much by the man who mouthed off the sick vocabulary but by Rodney's personal revolutionary friends who refused to denounce the man

who uttered the insanities.

M a n a g e r o f Wa l t e r Rodney House, the name given to the WPA's office (now in a complete state of dilapidation), Desmond Trotman, a PNC GECOM commissioner, wrote in the newspapers of June 20, 2020 that as a PNC commissioner his action in the election drama would have found approval by Walter Rodney.

And then he went on to name Rodney's closest comrades who also would have approved his behaviour in GECOM. His list included Dr. Clive Thomas, Eusi Kwayana, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, Dr. Nigel Westmaas, Moses Bhagwan, Dr. Maurice Odle, Jocelyn Dow, among others.

For a denunciation of Tr o t m a n ' s s h a m e l e s s desecration of the heroism of Rodney see the following two columns of mine Friday July 10, 2020, “Conversation between Wa l t e r R o d n e y a n d Desmond Trotman,” and Sunday July 12, 2020, “Desmond Trotman and the congenital danger in Homo sapiens.”

There are two panel themes at the symposium in addition to Davis' keynote address. As with other years'

panels, none of those associated with the remnants of the WPA are invited. The y e a r l y symposium is in commemoratio n of the birth anniversary of Rodney (March 23). Rewind the tape to prior to 2015 and people like Roopnaraine, Thomas and Kwayana Frederick Kissoon would have gone on stage at Atlanta Donald, has never accepted University and “pampaset” the merger between the PNC themselves piggybacking on and the WPA. Rodney's phenomenal name.

I was at the vigil of Thomas and Roopnaraine Donald Rodney, protesting did not testify at the Walter the injustice being done to Rodney Commission of him with the appeal against Inquiry. Roopnaraine as a his trumped up conviction, WPA parliamentarian with instigated by President, t h e A P N U + A F C Forbes Burnham, of government voted against participating in Walter's the release of the report. d e a t h . T h e r e w a s a n Roopnaraine as Minister of energetic disagreement Education was not present at between Donald and Tacuma any of the annual death Ogunseye over the merger of anniversary of Rodney for the WPA and the PNC. After the five years the WPA was p r o s t i t u t i n g i t s e l f i n part of the APNU+AFC masochistic ways in the government. In 2018, 2019 APNU+AFC regime, 2015and 2020, the event was not 2020, the remnants of the held. In those years cited, the WPA has pulled out of the WPA was part of the marriage. government.

The morally right thing to There is no need to do is to offer the Rodney's mention that the wife of this family and the world where international icon from Rodney has a large image, an Guyana must have been apology. It should not take emotionally riveted at what many words. Just simply say the really intimate friends of that the marriage was done in her husband have become. I the interests of Guyana's know Rodney's brother, future, it did not work out and the WPA regrets its mistake. Mrs. Patricia Rodney had the last laugh.

She is still a Guyanese icon, while the image of Roopnaraine, Kwayana, Thomas, Bhagwan and Odle here and abroad is dead.

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

Saturday March 20, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Saturday March 20, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

AG asks Appeal Court to dismiss elections petition case A

ttorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, has filed a motion to strike the elections petition appeal by Monica Thomas and Brennan Nurse - supporters of the APNU+AFC opposition party.

The duo had moved to the Appeal Court challenging the dismissal of one of the election petition cases by Chief Justice (Ag) Roxane George-Wilsthire SC. Justice George-

Wilsthire had ruled in favour of an application filed by Nandlall in which he asked that the election petition be thrown out for noncompliance of effecting service on former President David Granger in accordance with Section Eight of the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act and Rule Nine of the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Rules.

However, both Thomas and Nurse have asked the Appeal Court to have the

Chief Justice's ruling reversed and have costs awarded to them.

In their appeal, the duo contends that the Chief Justice misdirected herself by dismissing the entirety of election petition No. 99-P of 2020 on the reason of non – service of Granger.

They argued that the case should not have been dismissed since the former President notified the court that he will not oppose the said election petition.

Nandlall has however asked the Appeal Court in a

motion to strike down their request and uphold the decision of the Chief Justice.

In an affidavit in support of the motion, Solicitor General attached to the Attorney General's Chambers, Nigel Hawke said that the CJ was in order when she dismissed the petition as a nullity for noncompliance with the strict rules for service.

Among other things, Hawke questioned whether the Court of Appeal has the jurisdiction to entertain the appeal brought by the

Coalition since the High Court has exclusive jurisdiction to deal with election petitions.

He contends that if the Court of Appeal entertains the elections case, it would be unlawful, irregular, and unconstitutional.

In the motion, Hawke notes inter alia that the Election Petition jurisdiction of the High Court is sui generis (one of its kind) and should be regarded as such.

Further, the motion points out that the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal to hear an appeal from a decision of the High Court in an Election Petition must be founded in the Constitution or statute.

“The High Court has no inherent jurisdiction regarding its adjudication of an Election Petition. There is no statutory or Constitutional instrument granting jurisdiction to the Court of Appeal to hear an

appeal of an Election Petition dismissed for procedural impropriety, or any other reason not stated in Article 163 (1) of the Constitution,” the motion added.

Further, it stated that “the decision of the CJ (ag) was not, and did not involve a determination of a question referred to in Article 163 (1) of the Constitution, or any Order made in the consequence of such determination.”

Additionally, the motion notes that Petition 99 of 2020 (99/20) is based on allegations of several irregularities in the conduct of the elections including: “Widespread voter impersonation; widespread noncompliance with documentation; flawed voters' list; and several other irregularities”. Those issues, it stressed should be dealt with in an elections petition, not an appeal.

Weak Liza 1 & 2 Environmental Permits are “an abomination” - VP Bharrat Jagdeo

B

ecause they failed to address the fundamental environmental issues relating to oil and gas production, local oil boss and Vice President (VP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo referred to the Environmental Permits granted to ExxonMobil for its Liza One and Two projects as “an abomination.”

Appearing on a virtual discussion on oil and gas contracts alongside Professors Paul Tennassee and Floyd Haynes on Globespan 24x7 on Wednesday evening, Jagdeo proclaimed that Payara Permit approved shortly after his government took office comes very close to international standards, putting it above the others.

“Payara is not perfect but it is close to international standards than the Liza Permits were. The Liza Permits were an abomination that did not address the fundamental issues,” he said.

Defending his pronouncement, Jagdeo stated that the Payara Permit differs vastly from the Liza Permit and included strengthened provisions to

better safeguard Guyana.

These include a prohibition on flaring along with the institution of “significant” penalties for same.

The VP added that because penalties were not included in the Liza Permits, the country is now “suffering” due to ExxonMobil's present increase in flaring as a result of a damaged gas compressor for the Liza Destiny vessel.

Also included in the Payara Permit Jagdeo outlined were strengthened provisions to mitigate the dumping of toxic produced water into the ocean.

“We g o t E x x o n t o commit to a cradle to grave management of waste which is crucial,” the VP continued.

Along with that, Jagdeo revealed that Government got ExxonMobil to commit to expending $2 million for a safety audit, enshrined in the Payara agreement.

So far, only one major amendment has been made to the Liza Permits following a High Court ruling passed down by Justice JoAnn Barlow which effectively reduced them from 20+-years to five – the correct time as prescribed by law.

Saturday March 20, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Guyana, Suriname should partner on - Suriname’s Shore Base facilities to cut cost New Oil Boss W

ith the aim of cutting the costs on a state-of-the-art shore base facility, the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director of Suriname's Staatsolie, Annand Jagesar, says that Guyana and Suriname should partner on this project.

Jagesar made this call during his presentation at the Guyana Basins Summit – a virtual three-day Oil and Gas conference. This conference, which concluded yesterday, was aimed at delivering networking opportunities and valuable insight into the region's potential, along with its challenges and the road ahead.

For the readers' enlightenment, a shore base is an onshore support facility

operations. These services include handling waste management, chemical storage, warehousing, construction, berthing of s u p p l y v e s s e l s , c a rg o marshaling area, loading and offloading, supply chain management, expatriate management, and custom services.

The acting CEO indicated to listeners that the shore base is very important, and implored President, Irfaan Ali, to hold a discussion on this project with the Surinamese government.

CEO and Managing In highlighting one of the Director (Ag) of Staatsolie, needs for the partnership on Annand Jagesar this project, Jagesar explained, “This is the that provides services to the problem with Suriname and o i l c o m p a n i e s d u r i n g Guyana, we have all these drilling, development, mud banks that come out of maintenance and producing the Amazon river, and just to

reach water depths of ten meters or more, you have to go about 30-40 to even 60 meters out of the coastal areas.”

Due to this, it makes it very expensive to construct a shore base, Jagesar said, and if Guyana and Suriname work together on it, both countries would split the costs by two.

“We're really looking forward to talking about this in the future,” the acting CEO said, “This is also an opportunity for interested parties to look at the shore base development and the most likeable is that we do it together with Guyana.”

Jagesar's comments come on the heels of Staatsolie's former CEO, Rudolf Elias, who had first called for Guyana and Suriname to partner on establishing a shore base.

Elias, during a January interview with Kaieteur Radio, had warned that if the two neighbouring countries fail in building these shore bases together, then it would lose local content to countries like Trinidad and the United States.

Notably, Guyana's Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI) located at Houston is unable to handle the Liza One demands. The former Minister of Natural

Resources, Raphael Trotman, had revealed this in 2018, in a parliamentary sectorial committee.

He had said to that committee in 2018, “What we have at Muneshwers Limited, now, which is already causing major traffic accidents and traffic jams every day, is only to service the Liza One field.

The Liza One field has approximately 1.8 billion barrels of oil because it is going to be tied with another field, Payara. We are still talking about another two to three billion barrels of oil that would have to be developed.”

PAGE 14

Saturday March 20, 2021

Kaieteur News

Guyana's COVID-19 case toll increases with 44 new infections

T

he Ministry of Health via its daily dashboard update reported an increase in Guyana's COVID-19 case toll following 44 new infections being recorded yesterday. The total number

of confirmed cases now stands at 9,486.

The dashboard also shows that nine patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, another nine are in institutional quarantine, 45 are in institutional

isolation and 767 are in home isolation. Additionally, the total number of recoveries has pushed to 8,543 with 23 new recoveries recorded yesterday.

The COVID-19 death toll remains at 212 deaths.

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 20, 2021

PAGE 15

K/News' security guards charged with murder - as autopsy reveals homeless man was lashed to head

T

News' security guards for questioning. Both men were subsequently charged with murder.

Kaieteur News had reported that Singh has been homeless for some 25 years due to his drug addiction.

According to Singh's

wo of Kaieteur News' security guards were last evening charged for allegedly killing a homeless man. The post-mortem examination was yesterday conducted by Dr. Nehaul Singh, who gave the cause of death as brain haemorrhage due to blunt trauma to the head.

As a result, the security guards were charged for the d e a t h o f 5 8 - y e a r- o l d , Mohabir Singh, popularly known as 'Emile.'

According to reports, Singh's body was found dead under a shed at the Kaieteur News' Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown office. His body was found on Tuesday last around 08:30 hr.s by a Kaieteur News employee.

The employee had gone to remove a truck, when he

saw Singh's body lying in its tray.

As a result of the discovery, the matter was reported and the police arrested two of Kaieteur

From page 2 International is also the company that was selected by the Guyana Government to rehabilitate the East Coast Demerara (ECD) highway in addition to controversially obtaining large plots of land in Guyana. That company was also debarred and blacklisted by the World Bank for reportedly breaching procurement guidelines.

According to a public missive released by the Ministry of Public Works yesterday, the prequalified bidders will now be expected to submit their bids in three months—following receipt of bid documents—in order for a Preferred Bidder to be selected.

Construction of the project is expected to commence in the last quarter of this year.

According to the Ministry, bidders were advised that they will be required to bid on two options: namely a DesignBuild and Finance option, or a Design-Build-Operate and Finance Option.

The pre-qualification of bidders, according to the Public Works Ministry, followed Government advertisements last September inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) and Pre-Qualifications.

According to the Ministry, it initially received expressions from 54 firms which led to the shortlisted

nine being selected.

It was noted that 44 firms originally completed the registration process and were provided with the EOI/PreQualification documents but only 21 firms submitted the documentation by the December 4, deadline.

An interagency group has since been established by President Irfaan Ali under the chairmanship of substantive Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill. That group, according to the Ministry, includes key agencies that would have inputs in the new bridge.

Construction of the new bridge is expected to commence in the third quarter of this year with a construction period of two years.

Government in December last had begun an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the construction of a new bridge across the Demerara River, commissioned by the M i n i s t r y. T h i s c o m e s following an application by the Public Works Ministry's Work Services Group.

The proposed four-lane, high-span fixed bridge, which is commonly referred to as a “flyover bridge,” is set to be built with the lifespan of 50 years, and will not require opening or retraction to allow for maritime traffic.

Notably, no costs for the project have yet been established.

Dead, Mohabir Singh called 'Emile.'

Guyana approves 'blacklisted'...

son, Mohinder Singh, his father was a wealthy gold smith who owned his own business at West Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

However, because of a drug addiction, which he developed in his 30s, Singh ended up losing everything

and eventually became homeless. He was placed in rehab twice, and came out a “brand-new man,” but soon returned to his old habits, Mohinder said.

The son also revealed that his father had even spent some time in jail, where he

wrote the CXC exams and achieved distinctions.

According to the police, Singh's body has been handed over to relatives for cremation, while the two security guards are expected to make their first court appearance on Monday.

Saturday March 20, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Torginol Paints Inc. lends support to modernization of Indian Arrival Monument

D

evelopment works at the Indian Arrival Monument at Palmyra, East Berbice, Corentyne, received a timely boost on Tuesday, with Torginol Paints Inc. making a significant financial contribution to help with efforts to convert the facility to a modern public park.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Charles Ramson Jr., was on hand at Continental Gr o u p o f Companies, the home of Torginol Paints, to receive the company's generous donation from Chief Operating Officer, Fenton Persaud.

Persaud, in brief remarks, applauded the Ministry on its initiative to develop the facility, noting that it will enhance the spirit of the community and provide a much-needed recreational centre for leisure and relaxation.

“Torginol has been in Berbice from the inception and we're known throughout the county. We hope that

this contribution will help to complete successfully this project. We hope that in the future we will be able to see the community enjoying the much-needed leisure and relaxation in the centre,” Persaud said.

Torginol Paint Inc. has enjoyed decades of close relations with Berbicians, with many of its dealers and customers located across the region.

The company said in a statement: “We consider this contribution a privilege to support t h e s e v a l u e d patrons, who have allowed us to use as our marketing slogan: “Berbice is Torginol county.”

Minister Ramson Jr., expressed gratitude to the company for fulfilling its “promise to support the modernization of the Palmyra Monument.”

“The intention as we had said a number of months ago was to turn this monument space into a public park and a cultural centre as well, so that the people of Berbice can have a space for

The Indian Arrival Monument

them to be able to go, and it's safe and they're able to

practice their cultural activities,” Ramson Jr. said.

He added, “Continental Group of Companies had indicated their willingness to support when I made that announcement; today is the day that we have the realization of that commitment.”

The Minister added that government is moving in the direction of making public spaces a lot friendlier for leisure, cultural, sport and community-based activities.

“So you will see a lot of this happening throughout the country, and this is one of the steps we are taking, so government and private companies can partner together, so that we can create a lot of benefits for people all across the c o u n t r y, ” t h e C u l t u r e Minister explained.

At an outreach in Berbice last December, Ramson Jr. told the media that the enhancement plans will

see playground e q u i p m e n t a n d Wi -Fi infrastructure installed to provide free internet access to the public.

More seating areas will also be provided and the visitors' gallery will also be used for cultural activities.

“It will be managed in a way which the public will have far more access and usage for it, and so in the next few months to come, we will be executing the programme so that we get everything I have mentioned completed so that the people in Berbice can get access to better facilities and this is the first of many,” Ramson Jr. said.

Commissioned in 2019, the G$160 million monument features six bronze statues donated by the Government of India to Guyana in 2017.

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 20, 2021

PAGE 17

APNU+AFC spent more money on drugs in 5 years than PPP did in 23 …broken supply chain led to expiration of $10B worth in drugs, massive shortages

T

he A Partnership For National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration during its five years in Office, spent more money on the procurement of drugs and medical supplies than the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) expended during its 23 years in Office.

Compounding the situation is the fact that the previous administration's broken supply system led to the expiration of more than $10B worth of medicines.

The damning allegations were laid out by former Minister of Health, Dr. Ramsammy, who in a recent missive, penned that “The present medicine and medical supply shortages is a consequence of a broken supply chain system that the present PPP Government inherited from the previous APNU+AFC Government.”

He disclosed that in August 2020, there was a greater than 80 percent shortage in the health sector.

Dr. Ramsammy has since credited the Irfaan Ali led administration with bringing down that rate to less than 55 percent in December 2020.

A c c o r d i n g t o D r.

Ramsammy, “We expect to reduce this down to 0 to 5 percent by end of June 2021.” He did underscore that because of lengthy tendering and international procurement and the COVID-19-related shipping delays, “The stabilization period is lengthier than we had hoped.”

The former Health Minister under the PPP/C administration was adamant, “Let us be clear: even though the country expended more money between 2015 and 2020 ($35B) than it did the previous 23 years ($30B), the country suffered from chronic medicine shortages since 2015.”

He said “Single-sourcing of medicines and medical supplies were rampant, Guyana significantly overpaid for medicines, sometimes as much as three to five times the

international reference price and Guyana had a record, scandalous and criminal expiry problem.”

A c c o r d i n g t o D r.

Ramsammy, the PPP/C administration was forced to dump more than $1B worth of medicines and medical supplies when it took office.

“In spite of monthly disposal of expired medicines since then, the MMU (Materials Management Unit) continued to have mounting expired medicines and medical supplies.”

He disclosed too that two weeks ago, the Ministry of Health completed a total physical audit of the MMU and verified that more than 75 percent of the physical space within the MMU consisted of expired medicines and medical supplies.

“The MOH is actively disposing of these expired

Some of the expired drugs purchased by the Ministry under the APNU+AFC administration supplies, disposing of more than $1B so far. It is estimated that over the last five years, between $5B to $10B of expired medicines have been disposed of,” he said.

Compounding the situation, Dr. Ramsammy noted that “Even for those supplies that are still active, a

significant amount is of very short shelf-life.”

He added further that additionally, “The modern warehouse management information system (MACS) was never kept up-to-date.

This is the legacy of the previous APNU+AFC's administration. Make no mistake; this scandalous

situation is one that is criminal.”

Dr. Ramsammy noted too that “At this very moment, the MOH is in the process of disposing medicines and supplies worth billions of dollars, already disposing of more than $1B worth of medicines in the last week.”

A c c o r d i n g t o D r.

Ramsammy, once these expired medicines are disposed of, the MMU at Diamond will be virtually empty.

Highlighting the state of affairs, Dr. Ramsammy noted that “At present, there is an emergency selective (continued on page 19)

Saturday March 20, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

India's logging company shows gross disrespect for Guyana's Labour Laws - Subjects workers to inhumane conditions - Fails to comply with COVID-19 rules, etc.

T

he Ministry of Labour (MOL) has highlighted the blatant disregard for Guyana's Labour Legislation by India's logging company, Vaitarna Holdings Private Incorporated (VHI), following a meeting that was held with the company's representatives on Thursday.

The Ministry's Labour and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Officers recently conducted a visit to the Wineperu worksite located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) where VHI was flagged for inadequate living conditions for employees and some health and safety violations; however, the Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton was so concerned over the inhumane company standards that led to a meeting being held.

It commenced with Hamilton denouncing the “poor working conditions and environment”, which

was seen at the worksite upon his visit.

There were also clear violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Labour Legislation, specifically on overtime payments for workers according to the release. The human rights conditions were also described as poor and there was a complete absence of the gazetted COVID-19 Protocols being practised.

Speaking with Kaieteur News yesterday, Minister Hamilton expounded on the company's infringements.

As it relates to the poor human rights conditions at the worksite, Hamilton explained that it was mainly centred around the substandard living quarters. He disclosed that the employees' houses were like “logies”, with an entire family sharing a very confined living space.

He said that husbands, wives and children are sleeping in the same area and beds are clumped together with

The Minister engaging with VHI's representatives on Thursday kitchens nearby.

He described it as hazardous because there is no separation in the event of a fire, thereby putting everyone at risk.

Outlining the health and safety violations, the Minister highlighted that the company has high tension power lines three feet from the ground, meaning that anyone could walk into them which is a risk. It must be noted that both workers and their family, which include children, walk through the worksite.

He also said that there are several sawmilling facilities onsite and “water and electricity (facilities) are married” [meaning that they are very close], despite the active presence of workers in the area.

Hamilton lamented that there seems to be no concern for safety on the worksite, adding that wood shavings four or three feet in height are dumped on the roads leaving them completely covered. “There's no cleaning up at the site,” the Minister recalled.

Further, he revealed that the company has no medical facility or medics on-site, and the workers are not trained in mere first aid administration. In light of that, he asserted, if any worker were to have severe injuries, there is a possibility that they could suffer a fatality. The nearest medical outpost in the area is several miles away from the site.

Regarding the lack of overtime payments, Hamilton said it was found after the Ministry accessed some of the company's

books.

He added that the law allows for labour officers to request VHI's books to see if its workers' National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and tax payments through the Guyana Revenue Authority are being fulfilled. This is still being verified.

The company was also guilty of giving inconsistent figures regarding the number of workers it has employed.

Wi t h a l l o f V H I ' s

highlighted violations, the Minister revealed that it could offer no defence for them. He dubbed the company as a “tragic place to be working”, stating that he is relentless and will bring its infractions to an end.

Given that the company's position was indefensible, at Thursday's meeting, the representing officials committed to remedying the breaches. Hamilton will be visiting the site in the second

quarter of this year and in the meantime, the MOL's labour officers are expected to make monthly visits to guarantee that such is being done. The officials' also stated that a progress report will be given within the next six weeks.

Hamilton's recent visit to VHI was due to a robust OHS campaign currently ongoing with the intent of ensuring maximum compliance across all sectors countrywide.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, and his technical team during their recent inspection exercise. (Photo Credit: DPI)

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 20, 2021

PAGE 19

Region Four records highest reports via 914 toll-free hotline for abuse cases Minister said that 914 Emergency Unit has been receiving reports from several parts of the country.

In an overall breakdown of the figures, Minister Persaud said that 39 were child protection-related cases and 158 were domestic violence-related cases. In addition, for the reporting period, 22 callers requested counselling, while eight cases were reported to the police for further

Minister of Human Services, Dr. Vindhya Persaud at the 914 toll-free hotline

S

ince its launch on December 10 last, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security's 914 emergency hotline for cases of violence, has received a total of 197 calls—113 of which were from Region Four.

During a press conference held at the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security's Office yesterday, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, made an appeal for more persons to utilize the toll-free emergency number to get help and intervention

for persons in situations of abuse and violence.

“We would like the media to engage with the Ministry in promoting 914, so that more persons can be aware of this hotline and also more citizens could make use of it…” she said.

The Minister disclosed further that 94 of the 113 calls in Region Four were domestic violence-related and 18 were child care protection-related.

In addition, she divulged that 15 of the callers had requested counselling, while four were referred to the police for further action. The

APNU+AFC spent more money on drugs in 5...

From page 17 tender (10 selected suppliers) that has been evaluated and the MOH is awaiting an award to begin the procurement of a twomonth supply of medicines and supplies.”

Additionally, “There are also two open tenders - one for a four-month supply and one for a further 10-month supply” and “We are hoping that with the rapid delivery from the two-month supply,

we will attain some stability in the supply chain.”

He was adamant that while APNU+AFC almost exclusively single-sourced medicines, the PPP/C has not single-sourced essential medicines since it assumed office and that the present emergency procurement is a selective tender, with ten suppliers asked to bid.

The other tenders, he said, are all public.

intervention.

Meanwhile, speaking on reports from the other Regions, she revealed that 14 calls were received from Region Two - of which five were child protection-related cases and nine were domestic violence related cases. One caller requested counselling.

A c c o r d i n g t o D r.

Persaud, thirty–six calls were received from Region Three; of which nine were

child protection-related cases and 27 were domestic violence related cases; four callers requested counselling.

One report to the Police was made.

Further, it was revealed that five calls were received from Region Five; all were domestic violence-related.

Eighteen calls were received from Region Six - of which seven were child protectionrelated cases and eleven

were domestic violence related cases; two callers requested counselling.

Minister Persaud added that three domestic-violence related reports were made to the police in Region Seven.

She went on to note that five calls received from Region Nine were domestic violence-related. Likewise, in Region 10, she said that the three calls received were all domestic violencerelated.

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 20, 2021

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 20, 2021

PAGE 21

EU Observers urge Guyana to heed recommendations after contentious 2020 Elections Representatives of the EU EOM: Press Officer, Evan Eberle; Chief Observer, Urmas Paet; and Deputy Chief Observer, Alexander Matus.

By Kemol King

T

he European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) yesterday addressed reporters one year after the 2020 general and regional elections on the purpose of its visit to Guyana – to help kick-start reforms pivotal to ensuring the smooth process of future elections.

Notably, the final report was released on June 5 last year. However, at that time, the mission was not in the country. It had left in March 2020.

This time, it is back to meet with stakeholders to talk about those recommendations. It has already met with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairperson, Ms. Claudette Singh; the Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire; Attorney General, Anil Nandlall; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd; Speaker of the House, Manzoor Nadir; and members of the Government and Opposition.

Chief Observer and Member of the EU Parliament, Urmas Paet, told reporters “Now is the time for decisions and actions. For election reform to be effective, its implementation needs to begin well before the next elections are called.

Inclusive and transparent reform processes help build confidence in elections and their results.”

Paet noted during an

interview after the conference, that there is a lack of direct contact between the two sides.

H e s a i d t h a t

they are not always in agreement, talks, especially at the parliamentary level, should be had.

“For the most important

Asked what the most concerning part of the electoral process last year was for him, EU Ambassador to Guyana,

The EU EOM’s eight priority recommendations are: * Review and consolidate the fragmented election legislation. * Launch a consultation process to overhaul the composition and functioning of the Elections Commission. * Develop effective legislation to regulate political finance. * Foster transparency and accountability in online and offline campaigning. * Transform the state-owned media into a genuine public service broadcaster. * Adopt clear written procedures for transmission and tabulation of election results. * Accompany any declaration of results by simultaneous publication of detailed polling station results and digital copies of all Statements of Poll. * Establish a comprehensive election dispute resolution system.” communication is essential if the two are to appropriately reform the electoral system for the country’s benefit.

He added that though

issues in the society, it would be always good if [government] and opposition at least can talk to each other, to discuss together, some issues.”

US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch; EU Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz-Cantó; and High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa.

Fernando Ponz-Cantó, said, “For me, the moment when the count stopped, and everything had gone so well until then, that was without any doubt, the most

concerning moment.

As a friend of the country, and having seen personally how people were actually working well in the voting stations and all the things, during voting, they had gone so well, in the sense that the procedures were followed. Then, the count stopped, it was a bad moment.

But I’m very happy and I think it is to Guyana’s merit that you the Guyanese managed to finally put a greater democratic and almost completely peaceful solution (in place).”

He noted that there were some incidents, but that it was mostly peaceful and democratic.

“I think that now is the moment actually to look to the future – not to the past – to the future. You will see that the recommendations are very future oriented.”

Speaking to Kaieteur News after the press conference, Ponz-Cantó

said that it is entirely up to Guyana and its people to decide whether the EOM’s recommendations would be helpful.

What we do is to put at the disposal of Guyana, a set of recommendations and then it is entirely up to Guyana and to its authorities, to decide whether some of them, or all of them, or none of them, are going to be helpful.

“The delegation will continue the work after the mission leaves, in the sense that we will continue to be at the disposal of Guyana, if Guyana decides to go ahead w i t h s o m e recommendations.

Then we can see what we can do to help if eventually we can mobilize some kind of assistance.

Again, the bottom line is that it is entirely up to Guyana,” Ponz-Cantó said.

The EU EOM’s final r e p o r t l i s t s 2 6 recommendations, with e i g h t p r i o r i t y recommendations: “to review and consolidate the fragmented election legislation; launch a consultation process to overhaul the composition and functioning of the Elections Commission; develop effective legislation to regulate political finance; foster transparency and accountability in online and offline campaigning; transform the state-owned media into a genuine public service broadcaster; adopt clear written procedures for transmission and tabulation and tabulation of election results; accompany any declaration of results by simultaneous publication of detailed polling station results and digital copies of all Statements of Poll; and establish a comprehensive election dispute resolution system.”

PAGE 22

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LEGAL NOTICE

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TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the 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 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.

JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO.: FD- 225 BETWEEN: (CLARKE) MARCIA VANESSA nee JEREMIAH Petitioner/Applicant -and- (CLARKE MORTIMER ALEXANDER Respondent To: MORTIMER ALEXANDER CLARKE (Last Known Address) Lot 157 South Sophia Block E, Greater Georgetown TAKE NOTICE that on the 18th day of February, 2021 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by MARCIA VANESSA CLARKE nee JEREMIAH, 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 3rd day of March, 2021, 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 and around Guyana and on the World Wide Web. 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 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 final publication of this Notice.

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 3pt day of May, 2021 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry in Court lA via Zoom Meeting IO: 503 218 16789 and Password: court 1a of the High Court at Georgetown.

IN DEF A UL T 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, DemeraraJ. The office is open to the public between Dated the 8th day of March, 2021

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Kaieteur News

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LEGAL NOTICE 2020-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-I031 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISiON PETITION NO.: FD- 1031 (LEEWONG) JEWELANN nee MCGARRELL Petitioner/ Applicant -V- (LEEWONG) DENZIL DEON Respondent TO: DENZIL DE ON LEEWONG (Last Known Address) Lot 304 Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara TAKE NOTICE that on the 10th day of December, 2020 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by JEWEL ANN LEEWONG nee MCGARRELL, 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 12th day of February, 2021, 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 and around Guyana and on the World Wide Web

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must tile an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice .

Wednesday the 12th day of May, 2021 at 9:15 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry in Court 1A via Zoom Meeting ID: 746 86477396 and Password: Court 1 a of the High Court at Georgetown.

IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of ServicelNotice 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 16th day of February, 2021

2021-HC-DEM-CIV -FD-225 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL

2020-H C- D EM -CIV -FD950 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO. FD- 950 BETWEEN:(SQUIRES) ERROL YOLANDEE Petitioner - and(SQUIRES) ANNELLA AMANDA nee ALLICOCK Respondent TO: ANNELLA AMANDA SQUIRES nee ALLICOCK (Last _Known Address) 18 Ashley Drive New Castle, Delaware 19804, United States of America DIvorce was filed against you by ERROL YOLANDEE SQUIRES, 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 2yd day of November, 2020 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 Kaietcur News, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guvana 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 Attorney-at-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

Saturday March 20, 2021

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

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 second and final publication of this Notice.

TAKE NOTICE that the Directions Hearing be and is hereby extended to Thursday the 15th day of April, 2021 at 9:30 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry via Zoom Meeting ID: 503 218 6789 and Password: court!a in the High Court lA at Georgetown .

IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of ServicelNotice 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 k’ day of March, 2021.

‘Only chance they would have of winning’ - CWI president brands ethics complaint as ‘wishful’ attempt to disqualify him SportsMax - Cricket West Indies (CWI) incumbent, Ricky Skerritt, has dismissed threats from presidential candidate Anand Sanasie as part of a ‘hopeful’ strategy designed to disqualify him from seeking re-election.

Earlier this week, Sanasie admitted to beginning procedures to bring Skerritt before the CWI Ethics Committee. If the complaint is ignored at the regional level, the Guyana Cricket Board Secretary has not ruled out instructing his attorneys to bring the matter before the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Sanasie has accused Skerritt of improper conduct after alleging that a meeting between the latter, other

board members of CWI, and Guyana Minister of Sports Charles Ramson Jr was not only illegitimately convened but that the decisions stemming from it, namely a quickly convened Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) election, were specifically designed to keep him off the ballot.

Ramson Jr has flatly rejected the assertions.

In response, Skerritt painted Sanasie’s actions as more of a desperate ploy than anything else.

“He is creating an illusion that somehow I will be disqualified from the election,” Skerritt told Sports Grill.

“It is his dream and his hope that I will be disqualified from the election because it

Ricky Skerritt (right) and Anand Sanasie. is the only chance they would ever have of winning,” he

added.

The CWI presidential

elections are set to take place this Sunday.

Pallekele to host two Sri Lanka-Bangladesh Tests starting April 21 ESPNcricinfo Bangladesh’s two-Test tour of Sri Lanka is set to begin on April 21, with both matches scheduled to be played in Pallekele.

The series had originally been slated to be played last October, but was postponed after Sri Lanka’s health authorities insisted that the touring team needed to spend 14 days in quarantine, to which neither the Bangladesh Cricket Board nor the Bangladesh players agreed.

Sri Lanka’s government has since relaxed their quarantine rules for international cricket teams, however, so long as those teams have entered a biosecure bubble ahead of their departure. Bangladesh are likely to arrive on April 14 and are due to play an intra-squad warm-up in Katunayake on April 17 and 18. The series is almost certain to be played behind closed doors.

This would be the third major men’s cricket event Sri Lanka hosts since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with last year’s Lanka Premier League, and the England Test series in January having come before. On both those

Bangladesh drew their last Test series in Sri Lanka 1-1 in 2017. (Associated Press) occasions, players were allowed to undergo only a brief quarantine, before they began training with their teammates several days after arrival. No

international women’s matches have been hosted in Sri Lanka during this time.

The second Bangladesh

Test will begin on April 29, with a three-day break in between the games.

Bangladesh drew their last

Test series in Sri Lanka 1-1, winning the second Test of their 2017 tour, at the P Sara Oval in Colombo.

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 20, 2021

Saturday March 20, 2021

Lara, West Indies Legends fall short - Tendulkar lifts India to Road Safety World Series final

Former West Indies star batsman Brian Lara.

Saturday March 20, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) If you wake up this morning and feel glued to the bed, perhaps that's where you should spend the day, Aries. You've been working hard and long these past few weeks.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) It's strange how past incidents can still cause such pain in the present. Today you may feel overwhelmed by memories of a particularly traumatic incident.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Pay attention today. There may be some unethical behavior occurring at work, and it could trigger some long-buried anger. You may have difficulty keeping your emotions in check, but you need to.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) It's apparent that something underhanded and unethical is occurring at your job today, Scorpio.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Check and double-check any information that comes your way today, Gemini. There's deception and discontent in the air, which is an unfortunate combination under any circumstances.

CANCER(June21–July22) Don't take your bank or portfolio statement at face value today, Cancer. Financial errors are likely. Someone may want you to see things from his or her viewpoint, which may not be based on fact.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You won't feel particularly social today. You'd be happiest at home with a good book, a good meal, and no contact with the outside world. Alas, such solitude isn't always possible.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) All isn't quiet at home today, Virgo. There's tension in the air. You can't shake the feeling that someone is lying.

You're a peacemaker by nature, so your inclination is to suppress your suspicions.

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Don't trust anyone today, not even people you consider friends, Sagittarius.

There are indications of deception all around, especially at work.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Don't trust anything related to money or contracts today, Capricorn. This isn't a good day to enter into any kind of contract, whether it's starting an investment program, negotiating a salary.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) This isn't the day for contracts or legal work of any kind. You may think you understand everything about a document, but it's likely you don't. The atmosphere is ripe for misinformation and misunderstanding.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) rust your instincts regarding anyone you meet today.

There are unethical people around, and one of them may enter your circle. Entering into legal contracts or business or personal partnerships of any kind is absolutely out of the question.

SportsMax - The West Indies Legends were denied in their bid to reach the inaugural final of the Road Safety World Series (RSWS) T20 after losing by 12 runs to the India Legends.

India batting great Sachin Tendulkar led the way with 65, as the host team posted 218 for 3 after facing their 20 overs. Earlier, the match was lit up by a cameo from Virender Sehwag who made 35, while Yuvraj Singh cashed in with three sixes in his brisk 37 off 20.

In pursuit of the target, a 99-runs second wicket partnership between opener Dwayne Smith and Narsingh Deonarine got the Windies off to a strong start. While Batting icon Brian Lara’s 46 from 28 balls brought the Windies to within 24 runs of the target with two overs remaining. However, a stifling spell from Indian seamers Vinjay Kumar and Irfan Pathan scuppered the regional team’s run chase. It was Kumar who accounted for the dangerous Lara in the 19th over and also removed bowler Tino Best at a crucial juncture. The West Indies finished on 206 for 6. Best claimed two wickets, including that of Tendulkar in the first innings. Kumar claimed two for the India Legends who were down to face Sri Lanka Legends in yesterdays final.

...Failure to follow rules led From page 30 were staying, although not all teams staying in these hotels posted positive cases,” European Athletics said in a statement.

“There have been no positive cases reported by member federations, or event staff, officials, volunteers or guests staying in the other hotels.

“Unfortunately the investigation also uncovered that the aforementioned strict sanitary protocol that should also have been followed in team hotels was not always fully respected.”

The governing body of European athletics said it has a moral duty and obligation to provide a safe environment for athletes and staff at events it organises, but respect for health and safety rules is the personal responsibility individuals.

“European Athletics will now fully review and revise our sanitary procedures and protocol based on the experience of Torun in order to enhance and improve the protocol for future European Athletics events,” it added.

...National & SA Championships From page 31 of the pandemic, Hutson anticipates that their will be a decent turnout of athletes in a last ditch effort for qualification.

In addition, the administrator further stated that it may be the end of the road for many but the promising performers will be selected by the executive committee and coaches’ body to respect the Golden Arrowhead at the South America Senior Championship in Argentina, May month.

The South American Games that is scheduled for mid-May will be the absolute last chance at qualification for Olympic hopefuls.

Former South American games Silver Medalist, Leslain Baird, who is Guyana men’s javelin record holder, will be hoping that the knee ligament tear he sustained is not too serious so he can be fit to compete at both the National & South American meets to make the 85m Olympic Standard.

Meanwhile, Archibald,

who is vying to make the cut for the men’s 100m and long jump events, remains confident that he can break into the 8.22m olympic standard distance, while citing a stronger finish in the signature sprint to crack the 10.05 qualifying mark.

Chance has been doing well in the indoor circuit, resetting the 400m mark twice in the past two years while qualifying for the world indoor championships that has been postponed due to the pandemic.

However, Chance, who won the 400m men’s final at the 2019 Aliann Pompey invitational in Guyana, divulged to Kaieteur Sport that he has not contested the 400m sprint in the outdoor arena in over two years but he is confident in his training and his body that he can make the Olympic time of 44.9s.

Chance will warm up for Guyana’s senior championships next week with his professional debut at the Weems Baskin at the University of South Carolina.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 26

Saturday March 20, 2021

NBA roundup: Bradley Beal pours in 43 as Wizards beat Jazz

B

radley Beal scored 43 points on 16-of-24 shooting to lead the Washington Wizards to a 131-122 victory over the visiting Utah Jazz on Thursday night.

R u s s e l l We s t b r o o k tallied 35 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists for the Wizards, earning his 13th triple-double of the season.

Rui Hachimura chipped in 12 points and seven rebounds and Robin Lopez s c o r e d 11 p o i n t s a s Washington snapped a fivegame losing streak.

The Wizards forced 17 turnovers and turned them into 24 points.

Donovan Mitchell scored 42 points and Joe Ingles added a career-high 34 points for the Jazz. Ingles matched a franchise record with eight made 3-pointers.

Rudy Gobert chipped in 10 points and 13 rebounds.

Minnesota Timberwolves 123 - Phoenix Suns 119 Rookie Anthony Edwards scored a seasonhigh 42 points and KarlAnthony Towns added a

season-best 41 to lead Minnesota to a victory at Phoenix. Towns made five 3pointers and also contributed 10 rebounds and eight assists as the NBA-worst Timberwolves won for the third time in their past five games. Edwards knocked down four 3-pointers and collected seven rebounds as Minnesota improved to 5-17 on the road.

Devin Booker recorded 35 points and six assists for Phoenix, which lost for just the fifth time in the past 23 games. Mikal Bridges notched 17 points and eight assists, and Chris Paul added 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals.

Los Angeles Lakers 116 Charlotte Hornets 105 LeBron James welcomed LaMelo Ball back to town with a 37-point performance, lifting Los Angeles to its fourth straight win at the expense of Charlotte.

Shooting for a third straight and 100th career triple-double, James contributed eight rebounds and six assists to the Lakers’

Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) stands on the court during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Capital One Arena. (Brad MillsUSA TODAY Sports) fourth consecutive win. Ball, the former standout at Chino Hills High in the Los Angeles suburbs, put on a nice show in his Staples Center NBA debut. He led the Hornets with 26 points while also finding time for

five rebounds and seven assists.

Schroder backed James with 22 points and a teamhigh seven assists for the Lakers, who were facing the Hornets for the first time this season. Terry Rozier added

20 points for Charlotte.

Portland Trail Blazers 101 - New Orleans Pelicans 93 Damian Lillard scored 36 points as host Portland beat New Orleans for the second time in three days and a sweep of their three-game season series.

Lillard also had 50 points and 10 assists in a 125-124 home victory two nights earlier and 43 points and a career-high-tying 16 assists in a 126-124 victory on Feb. 17 in New Orleans. Enes Kanter added 16 points and 13 rebounds and Carmelo Anthony netted 15 for the Blazers.

Zion Williamson had 26 points and 10 rebounds, Brandon Ingram scored 19 and Lonzo Ball put up 15 to lead the Pelicans.

Atlanta Hawks 116 Oklahoma City Thunder 93 Bogdan Bogdanovic came off the bench to score a season-high 23 points and help Atlanta rout visiting Oklahoma City.

The Hawks own a sevengame winning streak for the first time since 2016-17 as

they kept Nate McMillan’s record perfect since he became head coach on March 1.

Atlanta also got 23 points and nine assists from Trae Young, who was rested during the fourth quarter, and 19 points and three blocks from John Collins. The Thunder got 19 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Reserve Ty Jerome made a career-high six 3-pointers to finish with a career-best 18 points.

New York Knicks 94 Orlando Magic 93 Reggie Bullock scored 20 points and came up with a big steal with 5.9 seconds left as host New York held on for a victory over Orlando.

Alec Burks led the Knicks with 21 points and added 10 assists. Julius Randle posted his third triple-double of the season with 18 points, a career-high 17 assists and 10 rebounds.

Evan Fournier scored 23 points for the Magic, who lost their ninth straight game.

Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vu c e v i c a d d e d 1 7 apiece.(Field Level Media)

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 20, 2021

Mike Tyson says he’ll be back in the ring in late May.

PAGE 27

Mike Tyson plans boxing return in late May, wants to ‘go all out’

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MA Junkie - The former boxing heavyweight champ, who took part in an exhibition with Roy Jones Jr. last November, says his next bout will take place on Memorial Day weekend at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The likely date is Saturday, May 29.

Tyson, 54, made the announcement informally when he was speaking to guests Canelo Alvarez and Eddy Reynoso on his “Hotboxin’” podcast.

Tyson didn’t mention an opponent.

He and Evander Holyfield reportedly have been in talks, and he would be a natural choice given their historic rivalry.

Tyson was last in the ring with Holyfield in June 1997, when Tyson was disqualified for twice biting Holyfield’s ear in one of the most infamous incidents in sports history.

Holyfield later forgave Tyson.

Holyfield had taken Tyson’s heavyweight title by a stunning 11thround knockout in November 1996.

Tyson recently said he held back in his bout with Jones, which ended in an unofficial draw.

“I felt better than I anticipated,” Tyson, referring to the Jones fight, said on his podcast. “I thought I would be a little more nervous than I was, but I was relaxed.

I felt like, wow, I could do some more, I could punch more combinations, I could do this and do that. I said, ‘Wow, this is interesting.’

And I want to do it again, and I want to do it against someone I could go all out on. It made me interested in wanting to do it again.

“I wanted to go the distance. I didn’t want to knock anybody out. That’s what people expected, but I wanted to go the distance.”

Kaieteur News

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Saturday March 20, 2021

GCB/ECC launches Speaker’s T20 Club C/Ships - tourney set to commence on April 3

By Zaheer Mohamed The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) in collaboration with the Everest Cricket Club yesterday launched the Inaugural Speaker’s T20 Club Championship which is set to commence on April 3.

The tournament which is geared to promote talent for this format is seen as another positive step by the GCB and it will be used as a ‘feeder’ into the local franchise system.

The competition involves 20 teams and it is expected to be keenly contested as clubs will vie for the country’s top T20 1st Division title.

Speaking at the launching ceremony at the G C B ’s B o a r d R o o m , Speaker of the National Assembly and President of the Everest Cricket Club, Manzoor Nadir, said the National Assembly has a programme to promote the

duties of members of parliament and to build democracy among people. “ We h a v e a n a n n u a l programme to work with children and a youth parliament every year. Two versions of the youth parliament happens; One among secondary school students and the second for university students. These are all initiatives the parliament is engaged in to promote the objective of building a democratic culture among our people.”

Nadir reminded that the law making function of the state is called Parliament and that comprises National Assembly and the President.

He noted that sport is one of the most effective media to bring messages to people and wants to work more among sporting personalities. “I see a regional club competition evolving. Sport can do much in bring cohesion among the people.” He indicated that

the cost to run the tournament is close to G$15,000,000.

Secretary of the GCB and CWI Presidential hopeful Anand Sanasie expressed gratitude to the sponsors and said it has been some time now that they have been planning to host a national competition.

“Sponsorship is one of the biggest issues and the GCB is always ready to partner with every opportunity we have to get cricket playing across Guyana. Today fills another slot in our cricket calendar that we can see repeating every year as the tournament grows.”

“I guess clubs will understand that as you develop players you can also get benefits in the future. We will host matches in a safe environment and no fans will be allowed in keeping with the covid guidelines. There is great interest and there will be great competition.” He lauded Nadir and the ECC

and said they are looking forward to a long and fruitful partnership. Sanasie also congratulated the teams for taking the necessary steps to ensure their participation in the tournament and feels the tournament is expected to lift the bar of Guyana’s Cricket and that of domestic cricket in the region.

Orson Ferguson, Chief Marketing Officer at GTT said they believe that sports play an important role in the development of the nation especially the youths. “Any effort to further sports we will support. We do look forward to an intense competition in a very responsible way.”

Latoya Garraway of Digital Media management company, Technify, said they are privilege to be part of the

tournament and lauded the organisers on the venture.

She added that they do look forward to a successful competition and shared with the audience, briefly, the scope of their responsibility for the tournament.

“Managing the online presence of the tournament meant Live scores and streaming of competitions, Sponsorship and teams’ information and much more available at Cricket.gy.”

Troy Peters Banks DIH Banks stated that they are extremely delighted to be part of this tournament.

“Banks DIH has always been supportive of sports but has a special place for cricket.”

He wished the teams well and asked all to be safe.

Matches will be played across the country at venues

yet to be named. Teams will vie for over $1,000,000 in prizes. The teams have been divided into groups of five and the top two teams from each group will progress.

Albion, Rose Hall, Canal No. Two SC, Cornelia Ida and Everest CC have been drawn in group A. Group B comprises UG, Mc Gill SC, Malteenose SC, Bel Air and New Wales. Group C contains Bel Vue, DCC, Bacchus Bulls, Tucber Park a n d We s t B e r b i c e .

Lusignan, GYO Regal, GCC, Canal No. One Rising Star and Police are in group D. The Sponsors include: Banks DIH, GTT, Eniath P r i n t e r s T N T Vi r t u a l , George Subraj Foundation NY Virtual, MD Assuria, Techlify and Trophy Stall.

‘No silver bullet’: torch relay struggles highlight hurdles for pandemic Olympics TOKYO (Reuters) Gold medal Paralympian Rina Akiyama pulled out of the Olympic torch relay at the eleventh hour this month, worried about drawing crowds that might spread the coronavirus, the latest in a series of cancellations that have plagued the event.

The withdrawal by Akiyama and more than a dozen celebrities from the relay, which starts Thursday, underscores the challenges facing organisers of one of the world’s most complex events, hosted by a nation where vaccinations have barely begun, in the midst of a yet-untamed pandemic.

“I’m a former athlete and know how important the Olympics and Paralympics are, but life should be prioritised above everything else,” said Akiyama, 33, and a swimmer who won gold in London in 2012.

“I’m no medical expert, but it doesn’t look to me like the situation will end in just three or four months,” Akiyama added. “We have no silver-bullet medicine or enough vaccine to go around in Japan.” The combination of the pandemic and an u n p r e c e d e n t e d postponement of the Games has forced local organisers to scramble to pull things together. Three infection surges and lockdowns have slowed final arrangements, prompting media reports of busy singers and actors complaining about late

notifications.

Hiromi Kawamura, who oversees the relay at the Tokyo 2020 organisers, apologised for delays, but said they were juggling vast amounts of fast-changing information, a shifting pandemic situation and negotiations with national and local governments.

“We had to make a comprehensive plan as the first wave, the second wave, the third wave came,” she told Reuters. “That took a lot of time, we can’t deny it, and I do believe that it made people in the local areas concerned.”

The relay will run for four months, taking the torch across all of Japan’s 47 prefectures, including farflung islands, and will involve about 10,000 runners.

COME WHAT MAY The government pledged to carry out the Games come what may, but officials on the ground said there were lingering fears it could be cancelled anyway. The Games were postponed last year two days before the torch relay began.

“We knew everything would depend on the infection risk, so cancellation again was a possibility,” said Kosei Shoji, an official in Fukushima, where the relay begins.

The starting ceremony and the first section of the relay will not be open to fans.

Elsewhere, spectators need to wear masks, socially distance, and the relay could be halted if the course area becomes too crowded.

The governor of the western prefecture of Shimane has threatened to cancel the relay altogether, saying he would decide only a month before the event arrives there on May 15.

“The sense is it will probably be called off, but we’re preparing,” said a Shimane official, declining to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue. “If it comes off, we’ll only have a month to do it, so that probably means working through the night a lot of times. And we’ll have to pull in people from other offices to help.”

Tokyo 2020’s Kawamura acknowledged that it was hard to balance the celebrations usually accompanying a torch relay with the tough circumstances of the pandemic.

“I think there is a feeling about whether it’s all right to be having fun, when there are people who are suffering,” she said.

“On the other hand, this isn’t the kind of fun you have riding a rollercoaster. It’s having people who have contributed to the local areas as torch runners,” she added.

Kawamura pledged to “do it safely, and the fun will be appropriate to having it take place during the coronavirus.”

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 20, 2021

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FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Golden Jaguars continue to blend as training continue

Golden Jaguars players involved in a gym session in Santo Domingo. (Franklin Wilson)

Golden Jaguars players involved in a gym session in Santo Domingo. (Franklin Wilson)

By Franklin Wilson in the Dominican Republic, compliments of Secure Innovations & Concepts, Fazia’s Motor Spares and GFF

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s the ‘Golden Jaguars’ squad continue their preparations for the start of the Concacaf Zone of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

qualification campaign, the second practice session was held yesterday morning at Barca Academy in Santo Domino, Dominican Republic.

In the afternoon, the players were taken through a physical core balance session by Assistant Head Coach, Wilson Toledo who, in explaining what the morning session entailed,

reminded that they do not have a lot of time to prepare the way they would have liked to with the overseas based players and their local counterparts.

“So we try to maximise as much as possible our session and then the physical part we try to work with them about their agility and speed, little bit power because we need to use this in both

games.”

The gelling process Toledo stated has been going very well and the Technical and Management staff is confident that the players will apply themselves accordingly given the fact that all the nations have been affected due to the covid-19 pandemic which has drastically limited their time to prepare.

“The guys have been doing well so far and have been exhibiting very good condition so far which will serve us well for these two very important matches.

The kick off of the competition is the key point because if you get good points in both games, six or four points is very important for the rest of the competition.

We hope to play very competitive, when we do so, we increase our chances to win.”

Training will continue today from 08:00 to 09:30hrs with the focus continuing to be on physical, technical and tactical soundness while this evening, another video analysis session will take place at the Hotel.

Sports Minister announces Europa League quarter-final draw: Manchester United to play Granada, new date for GCB elections Arsenal face Slavia Prague

The Minister of Sports, C h ar les R ams o n J r, yesterday put out a statement indicating that March 29th will be the day the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) elections will be held. These elections were initially set for February 26th last, but due to an issue they were not held.

Minister Ramson Jr informed that after the initial problem and subsequent contact with the Cricket West Indies (CWI) and discussions with the Cricket Ombudsman the decision was taken to have the event held on March 29th.

Here is the text of the statement from Minister Ramson Jr.: “Having just concluded the required consultation with Cricket West Indies (CWI) (formerly West Indies Cricket Board), the public is

Charles Ramson Jr Minister of Sports hereby advised that the date for the Guyana Cricket Board election is hereby appointed to be the 29th March, 2021 pursuant to the Guyana Cricket Administration Act. The public will note that the GCB election, previously appointed to be the 26th February, 2021, did not occur because of concerns raised with the duly appointed Cricket Ombudsman by one of the

three stakeholders for the election. A meeting was convened and held with the Cricket Ombudsman, the Attorneys-at-law for the stakeholders and the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport.”

“The Ministry maintains its confidence in the Cricket Ombudsman, Mr. Kamal Ramkarran, Attorney-atLaw, as a professional and as someone with the highest integrity capable of executing his function thereunder.

The Guyana Cricket Board election must be held as required by the Guyana Cricket Administration Act and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport holds firm to this position.”

Honourable Charles S. Ramson MP Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport.

BBC Sport - Manchester United have been drawn against Granada in the Europa League quarterfinals, while Arsenal will face Slavia Prague.

Ajax have been drawn against Roma, while Dinamo Zagreb play Villarreal.

In the semi-finals, the winner of the Granada v Manchester United tie will play Ajax or Roma and Dinamo Zagreb or Villarreal will play Arsenal or Slavia Prague.

The two-legged quarterfinal ties will be played on 8 and 15 April.

The semi-finals are scheduled for 29 April and 6 May. The draw means Manchester United and Arsenal could play each other in the final, which will take place in Gdansk, Poland

on 26 May. The Gunners were involved in the last allEnglish Europa League final against Chelsea in 2019, with the Blues winning 4-1 in Baku.

Granada are playing in Europe for the first time and their last-eight tie against Manchester United will be their first meeting with English opposition.

The Red Devils are one of only two previous winners left in the competition along with 1992 champions Ajax, who United beat in the 2017 final.

Slavia Prague meanwhile have been drawn against a British club for the third time this season having beaten Leicester and Rangers in the previous rounds.

Croatian champions

Dinamo Zagreb reached this stage after a remarkable 3-2 aggregate victory against Tottenham.

Europa League quarter-final draw Granada v Manchester United Arsenal v Slavia Prague Ajax v Roma Dinamo Zagreb v Villarreal Europa League semifinal draw Granada/Manchester United v Ajax/Roma D i n a m o Z a g r e b / Vi l l a r r e a l v Arsenal/Slavia Pragueÿþ

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Kaieteur News

Saturday March 20, 2021

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 20, 2021

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ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2022 takes centre stage Thorough bid process to identify venues as West Indies prepare to host global event ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) is undertaking a thorough regional bid process for Caribbean countries wanting to host the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, which will be held in the West Indies at the start of next year as the countdown to the event begins.

The tournament will feature 16 teams competing over a one-month period starting in early 2022. This is the first time the West Indies will host the event and it is likely to be staged across three host countries and will include the game’s future stars competing in 64 matches in the 50-over format.

The teams will battle for one of the eight spots in the Super League stage before having the chance to win the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Trophy. The remaining eight teams will fight for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Plate.

West Indies have won the tournament once before, in February, 2016 when they

beat India in the final in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Ricky Skerritt, CWI President said: “Our Caribbean region now has another opportunity to host an ICC Global Tournament, with the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2022.

This particular Under-19 cricket event has been growing in popularity because it puts on show the top teams and the future star players of world cricket. The expectations for a high standard of performance by our own Under-19 Rising Stars has elevated, and we have to do all we can to help them get well prepared.”

He added: “Most importantly, such a major undertaking reminds us that the people of the West Indies care greatly about cricket and are happy to welcome visiting cricketers, their families, and fans alike to our shores. Fortunately, three such major ICC world events have been successfully hosted by the Caribbean before, including the Men’s Cricket World

Ricky Skerritt, CWI President

Johnny Grave, CWI CEO Cup in 2007, Men’s and Women’s T20 World Cups in 2010; and the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2018. In spite of the challenges that will be faced, our past successes give us the confidence that our people are highly professional and competent and are more than capable of delivering a world-class event, despite having less than a year to deliver it.”

Countries have been required to demonstrate their

Double birthday Golf classic goes down today at Lusignan

Lusignan Golf Club members at the launch of the Birthday Classic - From left; Paton George, Hardeo Ganpat, Pandit Ravindranauth Persaud, Robert Hanoman and Maurice Solomon.

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wo long standing members of the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) will have birthday celebrations to remember when the inaugural Robert Hanoman and Pandit Ravindranauth Persaud birthday classic tees off today at 12 noon.

Hanoman, a Lifemember and Pandit ‘Ravi’ have opted for the unique celebration among their golf buddies.

A l a rg e t u r n o u t i s anticipated for a full round of

golf among members and new comers with a number of prizes at stake.

The tournament will utilize the Stableford points system and will award the w i n n e r, s e c o n d p l a c e finisher, third place winner, fourth place winner, best gross, closest to the pin, longest drive and best new comer.

In a unique twist, the birthday classic will have a strategic refreshment break at the ninth hole.

This is expected to give

members the drive needed for a brisk finish.

A lavish trophy presentation is expected to bring the curtains down on the celebrations at Guyana’s only golf course.

The LGC is reminding members of the public that are desirous of watching golf that the course is open with all Covid-19 regulations in place.

The tournament is expected to be an annual fixture on the LGC’s official calendar of events.

ability to stage the matches by providing adequate match and training facilities, undergo a venue inspection, provide immigration, customs, medical and security support, as well as other operational and logistical requirements including accommodation for the members of the teams, match officials and broadcast crew.

Once all bids have been reviewed the successful host countries will be announced, which is expected within the next month. Those selected will have the opportunity to promote their country to over 75 million people who will be watching from all over the world. This tournament will also inject an estimated US$10 million into the economy of each

host nation.

Johnny Grave, CWI CEO said: “Cricket West Indies is once again extremely proud to host an ICC Global event.

The West Indies has provided a platform for teams across the world to showcase their talent, skills and hard work in our worldclass facilities, driven by professional and hospitable people while being immersed in our Caribbean culture.

The success of the last ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2018 that we hosted was testament to this, where CWI provided the stage for the cricketers to set new standards on the field and attract record-breaking crowds and television viewership.”

He added: “Our recent hosting successes have set the bar high for all future ICC tournaments in the region, and I am confident that CWI will continue to live up to those high standards when we host the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2022.

We w i l l u s e t h i s tournament to inspire our young men and women to work hard to attain their goals in sports and academia and to one day represent their region on the global stage.

We will leverage this tournament to improve the cricket facilities available at the age-group level and to continue to strengthen and build our relationships with governments, local cricket associations and businesses.”

National & SA Championships last chances for Olympic qualification The Tokyo Olympic Games is just a few months away and so far only one Guyanese athlete in 400m star, Aaliyah Abrams, has qualified for the prestigious quadrennial event.

Guyana is desperate to get its first medal in the event but first the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) will be looking to have a decent amount of athletes qualify for the event, which the ‘land of many waters’ has only gained a lone bronze medal.

Among the Olympic hopefuls are Emanuel Archibald, Arinze Chance and Leslain Baird.

During an invited comment with the head of the AAG, Aubrey Hutson, the administrator has revealed that with the revamped qualification system for the Olympic

Aubrey Hutson, AAG President Games, athletes gain more points by participating in their National and area championships.

He mentioned that, “Any athlete that is serious about qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics must participate in our national championship that runs off next month.”

Arinze Chance T h e A A G ’s S e n i o r national Championship is slated to run off on April 17 & 18 at the National Track & Field Center (NTFC) on the West Coast of Demerara, pending any regulation by the National Covid-19 Task Force, and despite the threat (Continued on page 25)