Kaieteur News

K

AIETEUR NEWS

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

Disrespect for Monday Edition Guyana’s Labour Laws not costly March 22, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 12

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Price $80

- $100 to $46,000 fines for non-compliance

Online readership yesterday, 94,146

Gold dealer executed in front of club with 15 bullets Dead: Ricardo Fagundes

- Shooters escape in waiting white wagon In light of energy transition…

Developing countries must team up to fortify their oil sectors for

the years to come - African Oil Expert Pensioner Guyana needs Guyana accidently to expand shore speeding burns self to base capabilities to 10,000 death with outside G/Town COVID-19 cases - as leader silent for months “kero stove” - GYSBI General Manager

APNU+AFC slowly falling apart

Payara licence could have been better but Govt. was

- VP Bharrat Jagdeo

under “enormous pressure” 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

Monday March 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

ExxonMobil now sees Guyana operations as profits for shareholders

The Liza Destiny FPSO moored offshore Guyana in the Stabroek Block

…as bulk of Liza 1& II front end spending completed

W

ith the bulk of the initial C a p i t a l Expenditure for the Liza Phase One aspect of the ExxonMobil led operations in the Stabroek Block completed, the company is now looking to Guyana as one of its key drivers of revenue in the short term, in addition to its assets in the Permian in the US. The projection takes into account the fact that the Liza Destiny Floating Storage and Production (FPSO) has reached full capacity along with its defunct flash gas compressor repaired.

Analysts have since pointed out that “a great deal of the capex (Capital Expenditure) for the first few phases have already been spent and those phases will begin to throw off significant

cash flow.”

It was noted too that with the project now operating at full capacity, capex on the Liza Destiny will now be minimal.

Additionally, the Liza Unity FPSO vessel for the Liza Phase II Project in the Stabroek Block has had its topsides installed.

With wells drilled, the ship and infrastructure built and installed on the ship, all that remains on the FPSO is integration and commissioning work, and then to sail from Singapore to Guyana and tie-in.

While production is not expected until 2022, the vast majority of the expensive work for this phase has also been completed.

The company had also sanctioned its third phase in Guyana as well, which is

scheduled to come onstream in 2024. According to reports, the company’s cash flow from Phase One and Two will begin to cover the capital costs of future phases, especially given the current oil prices.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Darren Woods in his most recent investor day conference had also noted that ExxonMobil’s supply cost in Guyana is only $35 per barrel of oil—which is said to be dramatically below current prices.

This publication understands ExxonMobil, which is the operator for the 6.6 million acres Stabroek Block, is in fact now gearing to a development plan for a fourth project offshore, by the end of the year.

Furthermore, the

company recently announced that despite challenges associated with the pandemic, teams working on projects such as Liza Phase Two and Payara have been able to remain on schedule, which will allow for the timely completion of the FPSO units being constructed in Singapore.

“Liza Phase One achieved nameplate capacity in 2020 with reservoir

performance above expectations.

The hull for Liza Phase Two, the Liza Unity, is in Singapore for the topsides installation and is on schedule for startup in 2022.

The Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel is expected to arrive in Guyanese waters in the second half of 2021.

Payara achieved Final Investment Decision in 2020

with plans to commence production in 2024,” Senior Vice President of Upstream, Neil Chapman, told investors in March last.

It was at this time he reminded of additional exploration successes at the Yellowtail and Redtail prospects and said the company is “confident that this area will progress as our fourth major development on the block.”

Why explorers are not targeting more gas in response to the energy transition? - Analyst asks

A

nalyst with Global E&A, Jamie Collard, says that, there has been much talk about natural gas as a transition fuel, primarily in helping to lower emissions and pollution.

But is there any evidence that explorers are now targeting more gas in their exploration programmes? “Not yet,” Collard wrote in a March 18 article. “In fact, 2021 is expected to see the lowest proportion of high impact exploration wells targeting gas in more than a decade.”

Collard indicated that overall, 32% of high-impact wells targeted gas prospects in 2011-2019, with the highest proportion was in 2019.

He explained that this was due to drilling campaigns by BHP in deepwater Trinidad; BP in Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and GuineaConakry (MSGBC) and Exxon/Eni in the Eastern Mediterranean.

“There were also slight increases in 2014 and 2015 as East Africa was drilled out; however, oil has remained the primary target throughout the period accounting for 2/3s of high-impact exploration

[From left to centre] High-impact wells drilled annually for 2011-2020 and a projection for 2021. These phase target is as reported by the company or interpreted by Westwood [Right] High-impact discovered resource 2011-2019 and 2020, and the risked estimate for high-impact wells expected in 2021. Source: Westwood Wildcat Service wells,” Collard said.

He added that 2020 saw a number of, primarily European, exploration companies changing their strategy in response to the energy transition. This included commitments to reduce emissions from combustion of their products and emphasizing the role of natural

gas.

Collard explained, however, that these changes in strategies are yet to be reflected at the exploration drill bit. He stated that in 2020, 71% (52) of high impact wells targeted oil prospects, with the focus on offshore Brazil, Suriname-Guyana, the Norwegian Barents and the US

Gulf of Mexico. Only the Nile Delta saw more than three highimpact wells targeting gas, he highlighted.

“So why is gas exploration not proving more popular during the energy transition?” the Analyst asks.

Firstly, he explained that most

of the world’s exploration and production companies have not yet committed to reducing their scope three emissions. Therefore, these companies not specifically targeting natural gas exploration as part of energy transition strategy.

He noted too that the focus is still (Continued on page 8)

Kaieteur News

Monday March 22, 2021

PAGE 03

Developing countries African must team up to fortify their oil Oil sectors for the years to come Expert …

n o i t i s n a r t y g r e n e In light of

“Now, more than ever before, countries blessed with petroleum resources need to cooperate and collaborate to find the best means of benefitting from their God endowed resources. They need to come together to explore how best to elongate the life of petroleum by promoting the development of technologies that make petroleum more environmentally friendly.”

That sums up a recommendation made by Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO), Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim during his feature presentation on the first day of the Guyana Basins Summit on Wednesday.

The African oil expert is adamant that, as the global energy transition progresses, egged on by global commitments to the Paris Climate pact, countries that intend to continue getting

value from the petroleum industry must collaborate and cooperate with each other.

“Unfortunately,” he said, “the countries now championing the end of fossil fuel use, are the very ones with the capacity to develop the technology to mitigate the environmental hazards of oil and thereby elongate the life of petroleum.

But as we all know, they are determined not to do this, even if we are ready to fund the project.”

Ibrahim, who is Nigeria’s former Governor for the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said that the group had offered seed money for the development of carbon capture technologies more than a decade ago, but that this was not to the interest of institutions that had the capacity to do that.

He hopes that, moving forward, oil-reliant countries

Childcare to conduct Region One outreach to address sexual abuse of minors The Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), is planning to have a sensitisation outreach in Region One communities, due to the rise in sexual abuse of minors that were reported for the year so far.

For last week alone, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) reported three rape matters of girls below the age of 16.

Kaieteur News understands that two of the alleged victims are pregnant and the police are still to apprehend two of the three suspects.

When Kaieteur News contacted the Head of CPA, Ann Greene, she stated that the recent upsurge in child sexual abuse in Region One, has grabbed her agency’s attention, as such, a special sensitisation session will be conducted.

Greene said, “We must stop the rape of children in this community and in all other communities.

Community members must react to this depravity by standing up for children and sending a strong message that any perpetrator of violence against children will not be tolerated in their communities. (They must

also) demand swift action to bring perpetrators to justice.”

Greene stressed that the alleged perpetrators must not be held for 72 hours and then released. In fact she said, “The charge must come within 72 hours or go to the courts to hold longer.

Enough is enough; we must declare war on child sexual abuse.”

The most recent report by the GPF, of child sexual abuse in Region One, stated that a teenage girl was allegedly raped during November 2020. The teen was medically examined and it revealed that she is five months pregnant.

Kaieteur News understands that the teen was allegedly raped by a 17year-old boy.

Last Wednesday, the GPF had reported another alleged rape of a child. An investigation was launched and the child was medically examined. The medical examination subsequently revealed that the child is four months pregnant.

The name of the suspect was provided to the police but no arrest has been made.

APPO Secretary General, Omar Farouk Ibrahim

would team up to promote the technologies needed to prolong the life of the oil industry. In order to do this, he posits, countries will need to establish the energy infrastructure, refineries, petrochemical plants,

pipelines, transport systems, etc. “The West Africa gas pipeline running from Nigeria through Benin Republic to Togo and Ghana is a good example of regional collaboration in the provision of energy

infrastructure,” Ibrahim said. “Plus we are on the way to extend that project to all West Africa, including the landlocked countries of Mali and Burkina Faso in the next few years.”

With similar endeavours, Ibrahim wants to make sure Africa weans itself off of a relationship of dependency on the developed global North, where those markets are sought after for crude, and foreign exchange is sought after, so they may purchase manufactured goods and services.

He said, “Some people have posited, in reference to the efforts by the developed countries of the world, to end fossil fuel use, that perhaps, this is a blessing to African oil producing countries.

They posit that when African oil producers do not get markets for their crude oil, from which they get foreign exchange to buy manufactured goods and services from the developed

economies, and thereby entrench the dependency syndrome, they will be forced to find some use for that crude oil in their own countries. And what better use than provide modern energy to the over 600 million people living in that continent without access to modern energy?”

To bring about the kind of change he said is needed, Ibrahim noted that developing countries have to come together. “We in APPO came to this realization decades ago. And that is why our member countries are championing cooperation and collaboration, especially in the establishment of cross border and regional energy infrastructure.”

He said he is pleased to h e a r t h a t G u y a n a ’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has noted cooperation and collaboration with its neighbours as critical for the development of his country’s economy.

Lusignan prisoner beaten for ‘snitching’ on other inmates An inmate at the Lusignan Prison was beaten on Friday for reportedly “snitching” on other prisoners.Recovering from the assault is Ceylon David popularly known as “Tallman”. He is currently on remand for murder.

Acting Prison Director,

Niclon Elliot said that David was beaten by two prisoners who attacked him during the evening hours. They reportedly used improvised weapons to inflict wounds to David’s face, hand, foot and other parts of his body.

He was rescued and taken to GPHC where he

received treatment for his wounds and sent back to the prison.

Based on investigations, Elliot said the prisoners had beaten David because they believe that he snitched on them, resulting in a number of prohibited items being seized from inmates.

Elliot said that those items were confiscated during a raid at the prison last week. He noted that 34 improvised weapons were seized along with five cell phones, lighters, SIM cards, fermented wine, pieces of broken of mirror and seven bottles of oil.

The items seized during the raid

PAGE 4

Monday March 22, 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

Harmon’s letters In recent times, as clearly part of some strategy deliberated and agreed upon by the finest minds in his orbit, Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon has taken to writing letters to the international community, complaining that his political opponents in government are not playing nice with him and the political machinery, which he purports to lead.

One such example is a letter, which he sent last month to India’s External Relations Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in protest of the Irfaan Ali administration’s posting of former APNU+AFC parliamentarian, Charrandass Persaud, as Guyana’s High Commissioner to India. Persaud’s ‘yes’ vote in accordance with the PPP’s No Confidence Motion (NCM) in December of 2018 would have technically seen the fall of the David Granger administration except that a mixture of legal battles and delay tactics would see elections being held not three months after the NCM as is constitutionally required, but in March of 2020. Even then, there would be no change of government until August 2020 due to what has been internationally recognized and condemned as David Granger’s attempt to steal the elections of 2020. In that letter to Jaishankar, Harmon – who was front and centre of the months attempted coup – idiotically referred to Persaud’s NCM vote as “treasonous”, despite that vote being unsuccessfully challenged as even illegal all the way up the Caribbean Court of Justice. That the Indian government did not dignify that letter with a response should have been seen as instructive and an embarrassment to Mr. Harmon.

It was clearly not. In the Opposition Leader’s latest letter, this time to the current Chair of CARICOM, Dr. Keith Rowley his petulance and false opprobrium is even more heightened: “I have written a number of letters pointing out Guyana’s slide into a state of dictatorship under the PPP. I regret to advise that rather than an abatement, there has been a deliberate intensification of this slide. To date, President Irfaan Ali has adamantly refused to meet with the Parliamentary Opposition on the spurious grounds of ‘recognition by the Leader of the Opposition and the supporters of APNU+AFC’… This Honourable Chairman, is, without question, inflammatory, unacceptable, undemocratic and a cop out. It is also the antithesis of the spirit of inclusive and consultative leadership.”

A year ago, Harmon was second in command of the same APNU+AFC that signed off on an agreement between Guyana’s two main political parties brokered by the then CARICOM Chair, and then went and sought to invalidate that agreement within days. And after failing in that regard, still went ahead to legally challenge the outcome of the process that the agreement governed. Now, Harmon still second in command of APNU+AFC, is not only asking for CARICOM’s intervention in brokering dialogue between Guyana’s two main political parties and in doing so cites his support for a single recommendation coming out of the report on the process that not only did he seek to invalidate but the outcome of which he has currently legally challenged as invalid. Were Rowley inclined to take the charges made in the letter (indeed letters since this seems to be latest of several unacknowledged missives sent to CARCOM), neither Harmon individually nor institutionally has demonstrated the integrity worthy of response.

Even the general tone of the latest letter to CARICOM and the person to whom it is addressed to represent a great deal of cognitive dissonance on the part of Harmon and the opposition leadership in general, and this is not just one but two fronts. Firstly, a year ago, when then President David Granger, Harmon’s boss then and now, ostensibly invited CARICOM to intervene and signed off on a recount, and then indecently sent APNU+AFC candidate Ulita Moore to challenge the legality of the recount, Rowley himself was personally incensed since he had assigned his country’s Chief Elections Officer to participate, only to be accused in essence of engaging in illegality and interference. As Rowley would relate to questions from his own Parliament about him washing his hands clean of dealing with the Granger administration after that indecent subterfuge: “It was my view and the view of this Government that being the outcome of that altruistic approach, that the Chief

There is a lot of history to be proud of in Leguan Dear Editor, Leguan, our island of birth, has recently been in the news often but the inspiration of these thoughts is not the stelling but a picture on Facebook page of the Leguan Neighbourhood Democratic Council cleaning up an area for a cremation site. The posting has attracted many comments from those as far away as Iceland where the Guyana flag was recently flown outside a school with grandchildren of former Leguan residents. Some has already indicated that they plan to return to be cremated there when they die but this should not be an excuse to delay the project which has been long overdue.

There is a lot of history to be proud of for those associated with this seagull shaped land in the mouth of the giant Essequibo. Around the time that slavery was abolished there were 23 sugar estates and three coffee plantations there suffering from labour shortages.

Those interested in some history can Google INDENTURESHIP-GUYANA SUGAR BURNING to listen to an interview with Moses Rampershad who was born at Blenheim on February 26, 1897. His parents were indentured to Henrietta estate. In 1906 they left for India only to leave again for

Trinidad and eventually for Blenheim, the village that now boasts what may be the tallest Hanuman structure in the hemisphere.

The Anglican Church at Enterprise stands majestically as a landmark since the early 18th century. Others have heard stories of Muslims from the island paddling across the river to attend religious ceremonies at Philadelphia East, on the East Bank of Essequibo, the site of the first masjid not only in Guyana but in South America, established in 1860.

Our ancestors of all religions continued to practice many aspects of their culture which enabled them to survive many hardships.

However cremation was not one of them for it was illegal until 1956. Credit must be given to the late Jung Bahadur Singh who was the first to be cremated at Ogle beach at a time when the Bill he initiated was not yet law so special exemption had to be sought from the Governor. This ancient practice is now widely accepted as it also has numerous benefits. Land is limited for burials which are more expensive, requires a tomb and regular maintenance. There is no doubt however that more sites are needed across the country. The poor for example can rarely afford this final

Stiffer penalties are needed for labour infractions Dear Editor It seems a slap on the wrist is the outcome to the foreign logging company’s numerous labour infractions unearthed and leveled against it.

While the MoL must be commended for its work in

this regard, it is felt though stiffer penalties should have been imposed, to send a strong message to other companies and potential investors.

Yours truly, Shamshun Mohamed

Elections Officer of Trinidad and Tobago ought not to be in that situation at any time to be accused in that way, in a CARICOM country. So we did not send back our Election Officer there because we want to preserve our pristine position in these matters of the conduct of free and fair elections.”

Secondly, Harmon in addressing Rowley as CARICOM Chair is addressing an office which former holders of political machinery has not had the best relationship with postelections, from Mia Mottley excoriating the APNU+AFC attempts at rigging, to Rowley’s predecessor St. Vincent’s Ralph Gonsalves having to put Harmon to his place calling him “a mere utensil” when the now Opposition Leader sought to lash out petulantly at Gonsalves for condemning the rigging and suggesting that Granger should accept the results and take his “licks like a man.”

Harmon has to know at some fundamental level that – notwithstanding the fact that the face of the rigging, Granger himself, remains in hiding – the deficit of credibility that the APNU+AFC awarded itself from the NCM to its attempts at rigging the election is its current brand, and not even better executed sophistry than he is clearly capable of as evidenced by his letters is going to remove that tarnish. Additionally, he should recognize that personally, considering the central role he played in the events of last year, he has zero respect among the regional leadership that labelled his superior a

ceremony if they had to take a deceased body from Bartica to Ruimzight on the West Coast of Demerara.

There are hundreds of well-wishers who express themselves on the face book page FRIENDS OF LEGUAN ISLAND set up by Hans Buer.

This friend of the island travelled the world from his birth land Germany and found peace, quiet and meaning in this paradise. He keeps us informed as if he is the Minister of Information for which we are grateful especially in announcing deaths of loved ones who may live and die in our own city unknown to us. It is also an appropriate place to let all those who say RIP or condolences know if the family of the departed one needs any temporary assistance. Sorrow and flowers are not always enough.

Hans has also been generous to the extent that should embarrass the rest of us. Last year he alone donated five bicycles to the best students on the island leaving one to wonder why others could not contribute.

There is need for continued support for graduating secondary students who cannot afford a university education. The schools, religious and social organisations, sports groups all need to communicate with, and reach out to former residents when necessary.

Many outside Leguan are paying attention and some are willing to participate in partnerships with those locally providing there is proper organising, reporting and accountability. We recall post 1992 when every school had at least three trustees, who were not active in any political party, to receive and account for funds, and materials donated from overseas when the entire

country was in serious financial difficulties. SIMAP and Canadian Organisation for Development through Education (CODE) with help from former residents abroad repaired schools and established the library that now sits outside the secondary school. Most of the books for this and other schools came from Canada.

While the financial situation has improved today and while Government at every level has basic responsibilities they should not be involved in every human activity. To expect this is to limit the freedom of the individual and stifle initiative and motivation.

A few many recall men like Mr. Lowe who operated a rice factory in Blenheim in the 1950s. When transportation was a problem he built his own boat. As children we swam around it speculating how he was going to get it from the land to the water. It was a time of manpower but also of volunteerism and cooperation. Men grab hold of ropes and with sheer muscle pulled this masterpiece on logs rolling it over the sand until it floated.

Getting a free ride among the rice bags as this vessel manoeuvred the Atlantic waves from the koker where it was docked straight to the wharf at the Rice Marketing Board in Georgetown was one of the indelible memories of childhood.

It is disturbing to read that this once oasis of peace and tranquility is now marred by excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs leading to serious crimes. Likewise we wonder why a Minister must visit the island to learn that newspapers are not being distributed there.

There is room for improvement but with the internet, souls like Hans Buer (Continued on page 5)

sanctimonious gangster and he “a mere utensil” of said gangster.

As occurred when it governed and was far more substantial than it is now, the APNU+AFC coalition, its primary partner the PNC in particular, clearly has no overarching plan and is far more interested in petulance, the blind projection of its incompetence, and meaningless postures of leadership. With the PNC suffering its greatest crisis in leadership in decades as it faces a disappeared Leader and a Party Chair before the court on election fraud charges, with APNU no longer the even tenuous ‘partnership’ that it once was, with the AFC haemorrhaging its already decimated leadership on a monthly basis, Harmon’s letters to the same international community that the Coalition insulted and alienated itself from for five months last year in defiance of international pressure against its rigging are just nonsense, in that he is simultaneously accusing the international community of having illegally installed the Ali administration and then asking that community to intervene in bringing Ali to the table to discuss an agenda that is a primarily fictional list of grievances as concocted in whatever fugue that has descended upon Congress Place. Harmon’s letters have zero strategic political value and represent not the objective reality of Guyana, not any sense of real politik but of the APNU+AFC’s echo chamber.

Monday March 22, 2021

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

We are now to restructure NIS with an eye on the futuristic development Dear Editor, I am not in the habit of responding to any individual’s writings, because I lay down the facts as it is; the problem is the analysis of the said facts that I’ve set forth and putting it in its right perspective which creates some difficulty for some of my readers, Rudolph Singh being such an individual. Having said that I shall respond to one Mr. Rudolph Singh who commented on my article “Restructuring the National Insurance Scheme” in the Kaieteur News of March 21, 2021.

In my article I highlighted several areas where the NIS can address to bring the organization into the modern world of economics and make it into a viable institution, chief of which is raising the age of retirement.

For Mr. Singh’s information and record, the age of retirement in most of the progressive

Caribbean territories is 65. I say “the progressive Caribbean territories” because whereas I am advocating a system of gradualism in Guyana to age 60, the official age of public servants retirement in the rest of the Caribbean is 65 years, so there you have it.

In the Guyana situation it is even more severe in the sense that there is an intervening period of 5 years before someone is eligible for NIS; I am talking about the five year waiting period between ages 55 to 60. Now if you are not re-employed, what will your economic standing be like during the period of waiting? In this case it makes the situation even worse, as it increases the hardships for men and heads of households; however, when you increase the age to 60 you effectively and efficiently lessen the time of waiting whilst building up a

more robust NIS by way of contributions. In the final analysis either party will go away in a more happy and contented position.

The second point I would like to bring to our attention is the fact that at retirement a percentage is worked out, that is, years of service by the number of contributions made to the NIS and a lump sum is paid out at that stage.

From that point onwards that public servant is paid from the percentage arrived at from the NIS and not from the central treasury. This is how it is done in St Lucia and it all goes back to the point I was making all along, where provisions have been put in place due to the restructuring of the NIS and the building up of a robust saving’s scheme.

My final point addresses the subject of government having the NIS as one of the investors in the Berbice

All small steps to ensure proper ballot counting should be considered Dear Editor, The EU Election Observation Mission made several recommendations towards ensuring that future elections in Guyana end with the actual results based on votes cast.

As polling station scrutiny by the two main

...There is a lot From page 4 together with those who now cherish memories of once living there we can all help to reshape the future of the island before we make our final trip to the crematorium grounds.

We live all over the globe but Leguanites we remain.

Yours truly, Ram Sahadeo, O.Sharma, D. Persaud, V. Teekah, M. Rampershad, R. Gomes, W. Armstrong and others.

political parties on election day has proven to be very effective, perhaps the suggestions below should be added to the list of recommendations.

GECOM departments dealing with voters’ lists, identifying polling places, boundary settings etc, and other E-Day issues, should to be staffed with equal numbers of PPP and PNC nominated members working

in self-checking teams. This should ensure year-round scrutiny.

In Guyana’s election context, any and all small steps which will assure every voter that their ballot will be properly counted should be given consideration no matter how crackpot they may sound. The end result is what matters.

Yours truly, Muhammad Alli

Bridge. Mr. Singh sees this as the government of the day coercing the NIS into an investment, well, I must say that I am vehemently opposed to that suggestion, for the simple reason that that an investment in national development is well worth the effort. For starters, it was an above board and sound economic venture, beneficial to both investors and the Berbice Bridge Company itself. What Mr. Singh is not telling us is that the problem was brought on by a backward, visionless political

directorate at the time.

The Berbice Bridge fiasco was an election gimmick that the PNC Led Coalition foisted on the people. Again I say that move lacked economic foresight and had all the trappings of persons in an economic backwater. Such foolishness would not stand the test of time in a modern developing economy. Further, we are no longer burdened by an economically handicapped government and with visionless ideologies, we are now forging ahead with renewed vision in an upward

trajectory.

We are now to restructure with an eye on the futuristic development of the NIS and of our country on a whole. Now, I would not be so naïve to expect that every aspect of the highlighted proposal will be wholly accepted into the Guyana situation, judging from the peculiarities we are faced with here in this country. However, the salient points raised can be utilized towards the happiness and prosperity of our dear land of Guyana.

Yours truly, Neil Adams

PAGE 6

Monday March 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

Pedal cyclist succumbs to injuries Car stolen after owner following accident with bus loses keys at football game A black Volkswagen PYY 2919, was stolen on Monday February 8, after its owner eportedly misplaced the keys while attending a football match at Buxton, East Coast Demerara.

The owner, who wishes to identify herself only as Lily, said that on Saturday, she had parked her car on Sideline Dam, Buxton and proceeded to attend the football game close by.

H o w e v e r, w h e n s h e exited the ground later that day, she could not find her keys. She was forced to leave the car there for an entire day as she sought other means to open and remove her car.

“It remained parked there safely all day Sunday (February 7)”.

However, when she

The stolen Volkswagen. returned the following day to remove the car, it had disappeared.

Anyone who might have

seen Lily’s car is asked to make contact by calling 671, 4934, 225-8473 or the nearest police station.

A pedal cyclist who was involved in an accident with a minibus has succumbed to his injuries on Saturday at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Identified as Wilfred Stephen, 80 of Lot 19 Vigilance North, East Coast Demerara, the pedal cyclist was struck down on Friday by a minibus along the Strathspey Public Road, ECD. According to police reports, Stephen was riding east along the northern side of the road when he suddenly decided to dash across to southern side of the road.

This decision proved fatal as he ended up in the path of a minibus that was also travelling east.

Stephen received injuries to his head and body and was

Screengrab from the video, which showed Stephen riding into the minibus’ path. picked up in an unconscious state. He was rushed to GPHC and doctors there diagnosed that he sustained severe head injuries and a

broken right leg.

He was admitted but never regained consciousness until he died on Saturday.

T N U L B . . .

T B N U T L N T B .

U .

L .

L T B .

N .

U .

N U T L N B .

U .

T .

L N T U N B .

N U .

L U L LUNT. B .

T . .

T T N N B U B .

U .

L .

L T B .

B . .

N . . .

T U T L N N T U U L N L B U .

B . .

L . . .

T B T . .

N .

N T U L N LU B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

NT LUNT...B NT...BLU N U L B . .

B .

U . .

T L .

N T B . .

U N .

L N T B U N . .

L .

U T L B . .

N B . . .

T U .

L N T B U . .

L .

UN T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L B U UN .BLUNT. . .

L .

T B . .

N .

T U .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

LU ...BLUNT LUNT...B NT...BL T B U . .

L N .

T B BLU T...BLUN BLUNT... UNT...B . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B U . .

L N .

T B BBLU T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU .

T .

N .

N T T U L U L N L B U T...BLU U B .

L .

N .

B T . . .

N T U N N N L U U U B L .

L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Monday March 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

There is great irony in the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, observing International Day of Forests yesterday, while ExxonMobil’s toxic gas flaring is allowed to occur without recourse and counter to the very reason forests are conserved.

He tells you that our deforestation rate has never exceeded one percent, but not that Exxon’s flaring last year equates to the removal of over four percent of Guyana’s forests.

He tells you that Guyana’s forest loss in 2019 was only 12,738 hectares, but he doesn’t tell you that Exxon’s flaring last year equates to 130 times that.

These are the things Minister Bharrat does not want you to know.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Monday March 22, 2021

Report elderly neglect, abuse M

inister of H u m a n Services, Dr. Vindhya Persaud is urging the public to regularly report instances of abuse or neglect of elderly persons.

Speaking at a recent press conference, Minister Persaud noted that elderly abuse happens far more often than people would like to admit.

She said that the cases of elderly abuse is either swept under the rug or not reported at all even when it is seen.

The Minister suggested therefore that the 914 emergency hotline numbers for abuse can be used to shed light on the issue.

“We have been bringing attention to elderly abuse because this is something

- Human Services Minister urges that really happens and often times, it is not spoken about.

Therefore, I want to say to elderly persons out there, that 914 is also available to you, it is not just for children or women. It is for reports on violence and violence against the elderly is very much out there. Senior citizens suffer from acts of neglect to actual physical violence and sexual violence,” Minister Persaud said.

She noted that there are a number of cases where many elderly persons are being left without money, food and shelter while adding that these acts are often perpetrated by their family

members or close connections.

“There are many instances where elderly persons tend to will their money and bequeath the homes to younger people while they are alive and sometimes what happens after is that they are thrown out on the road. If you check Georgetown Public Hospital, many persons have been abandoned there,” Minister Persaud disclosed.

She explained that Human Services Ministry has been actively engaging the relevant agencies on how to address the issue of abuse or neglect for the elderly.

It should be noted that

elderly abuse has been on the rise within the recent years.

A report by ChildLink Guyana in 2018 highlighted the plight of the vulnerable groups, who are often incapable of defending themselves and breaking out of the abusive environment.

The report specifically mentioned that the abuse of the women, children and the elderly has been on the increase.

For real change to occur, the group recommended regular reporting and an improved sensitisation campaign to help the victims.

According to the report, “a massive education

Minister of Human Services, Dr. Vindhya Persaud.

campaign needs to be embarked upon to educate persons, particularly young people, that violent

behaviour towards the elderly is wrong, unacceptable and a breach of (Continued on page 22)

The Ministry has been urging the regular reportage of elderly abuse.

Why explorers are not targeting more ...

From page 2 on near term targets of reducing Scope One and Two (operational) emissions to maintain a licence to operate.

Secondly, Collard wrote that more than 60% of the discovered resource in 20122020 was gas, even though 70% of high-impact wells were targeting oil.

This, he says, was due to a number of giant gas

discoveries, as well as the industry discovering gas in plays where oil was the primary target.

“In fact,” Collard details, “the industry has already found more natural gas than it needs or can commercialize in current market conditions.

Thirty-six billion barrels of oil equivalent of gas discovered 2008-2016 remain in the ground with no

current plans for development. The exploration for gas that is happening now is focused on plays where the route to market is clearer, but big gas prospects with access to an attractive gas market that can be commercialized quickly are hard to find.”

It is until this equation changes that explorers will still tend to favour oil, the Analyst concluded.

Kaieteur News

Monday March 22, 2021

PAGE 09

Guyana is in a bad way This last weekend, persons descended on the Miami Beach in droves with many not wearing masks and many more not practising social distancing. The result is now that a state of emergency has been announced for that area over fears that the weekend throng at the beach was a super spreader event.

Immediately an 8am to 6pm curfew was announced.

Even if it is for a mere three days initially.

The BBC report on the incident noted that one man said he felt that he was at a rock concert. And we know what that means – people packed tightly and celebrating with abandonment.

Finally, some sort of responsible action is being taken in at least one area in the State. But elsewhere in the United States, the reaction by the authorities leaves much to be desired.

This is the sort of decisive action, which is needed to stem the pandemic.

Coronavirus deaths have declined over the past two weeks. And while cases have fallen from their previous highs, what we are seeing is more a plateauing of cases rather than a steep decline.

It is obvious that the vaccination campaign, in which about 20 percent of Americans have already been vaccinated with at least one dose, is yielding some results. This despite authorities being cautious considering the threat, which is being perceived from new variants and the uncertainty as to the effectiveness of the vaccines on these new variants.

Dem

boys seh...

Meanwhile, 2000 miles away in a backwater country called the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the authorities appear unbothered by the steep rise in cases over the past three weeks. Guyana’s death rate per case load is far higher than the United States which has one of the worst records in the world since the pandemic started. And while Europe is now experiencing what they refer to as a ‘third wave’, Guyana has had one long wave for one entire year.

The numbers may provide the full picture of the rate of infection and deaths because of low testing during the first five months and the too rapid easing of restrictions over the following seven months.

The number of active cases, which was looking hopeful not so long ago, has now more than doubled in a short space of two weeks.

And if it keeps rising, as is expected, it will only be a matter of days before a record number of active cases are recorded.

But it is not only the government which appears indifferent to the rising deaths and cases. The populace also appears unperturbed. This may have to do with the lack of confidence in what the authorities are saying.

From the first day of the local epidemic, the public has had reservations about deaths and cases. And the recent spike in cases is bound to fuel speculation and further conspiracy theories.

Many Guyanese were adopting a wait-and-see

approach. But many are also adamant that they are not taking the vaccine. And this is worrying since even though herd immunity is not likely to arise from vaccination alone, this immunisation process will save lives and reduce the spread.

As is shown in the United States, the vaccine is no silver bullet. That country is still recording more than 40,000 cases daily even though deaths have fallen to below 2,000 per day over the past week.

At the present rate of newly confirmed cases and the existing death rates, it is likely that at least two additional persons are going to die this week. This is terrible considering the size of the population and the fact that there are a sufficient number of vaccines now available for most of the over-60 population. But from the numbers being reported, it does appear as if there is massive vaccine hesitancy.

People do not appear to be coming forward to be vaccinated in the numbers, which are needed to stem the high death rate. After almost two weeks of vaccination, only 15,000 Guyanese have been vaccinated.

The Ministry had indicated that about 7,000 persons could have been vaccinated daily. And even if one accepts that it is quite prudent and normal for the initial roll out to be very low and cautious, 15,000 cases after almost 10 days of vaccination is pitifully low.

And it is all the more worrying considering the fact that we are in what

Tekkin’ chance does cause yuh to prance

Prezzie trying he best. De Prezzie is still a young man. But he trying he best in a difficult situation. Is nuff weight pon he shoulders. He doing wah Jaggy was good at: begging, borrowing and buying.

De Prezzie begging fuh vaccines. India, China and Russia hear he plea and help out with enough fuh dem old people.

De man trying fuh end dis pandemic so be also borrowing vaccine. Mia send 3,000 doses fuh kick start de campaign. And she get back 5,000.

De Prezzie nah waiting pon COVAX. Dem bin promise more dan 100,000 vaccines but it nah come yet. And Uncle Frank nah know when it gan come.

So de Prezzie decide dat he gan buy. And it look like he successful because Russia seh

dem gan supply 20,000 doses.

Dem boys see Aunty carry de vaccination by she church. In some countries, people woulda seh dat is conflict of interest. But when yuh doing good, people in Guyana does look past dem thing.

People tired of wearing mask and not getting to socialise. And dem tekkin’ chance.

But is dem chance does mek yuh prance. Is dem chance does mek yuh gat fuh dance outside of dem hospital and morgue. So don’t tek chances!

Dem boys see wan man wah bin in de news long ago fuh wan high-top laptop. Dem boys wan know if de government couldn’t find a younger person fuh be de face of dem vaccination push.

Talk half and wait fuh get vaccinated!

appears to be a surge of infections and deaths, something which should encourage people to be vaccinated.

The people who are being vaccinated at present are the same people who generally would have been taking precautions by wearing masks and social

distancing. They are protecting themselves further.

But there are tens of thousands out there who are walking around without regard for the COVID-19 regulations. And who, if given the chance, would attend any super spreader event which is held in

Guyana at present.

(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

Monday March 22, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Mrs. Holder-Cush and thousands like her must put country first

L

ast Saturday morning, as I entered my car just outside the entrance to Massey Supermarket, and turned on the ignition, a former student of mine, Mrs. Dawn Holder-Cush (HC), engaged me. Mrs. HC was the director of the Consumer Affairs Commission in the APNU+AFC government.

She had an intestinal smile when she told me that I had written about her. She was obviously referring to my column of Saturday, October 17, 2020, “Where are Dawn Cush, Karen Abrams and Mellissa Ifill?” Just in case you missed that piece, it commented adversely on the three names listed above in support of GECOM chairperson, Claudette Singh. I also did make reference to the action of these ladies in two more columns.

Still with the narrow smile, she made a cynical yet subtle statement. I know

where she was coming from and where she was coming from was fundamentally flawed and showed complete lack of understanding of why people put country above personalised feelings.

The implication of her statement appeared in front of me larger than the 83,000 square miles of Guyana.

Once more I was confronted with the question faced since 2015 when I saw the disintegration of the APNU+AFC on the horizon and began to condemn the APNU+AFC for being more corrupt that the previous government.

Mrs. HC is not the first and will not be the last to be confused as to how I could have been mistreated so badly by the PPP yet took the stance I did from March 2020. Let me delineate a theoretical position here which I will defend intellectually in front of the w o r l d ’s m o s t l e a r n e d scholars. There is no connection between the role

of the PPP government and the condemnation of rigged elections. A theory that argues for such a connection cannot hold and will be easily demolished.

I told Mrs. HC that what I did in March was for my daughter and people of her age; in other words, my country. It is about the right to vote.

My voice was beginning to rise when I told her, I lived under rigged election and I don’t want that back again in Guyana.

I remember telling her I am unapologetic about my stance during the five months of election rigging and I will gladly do it again.

Then I said something to Mrs. HC that got her annoyed. It was a mistake I made before (I have written it in my column) and senior reporter at Kaieteur News, Kiana Wilburg, spoke to me about it and I apologised to her. I am apologising to Mrs. HC. I know she reads me so she will see the withdrawal

of the emanation.

I conveyed to her what I think could have been her reason for supporting a rigged election. I told her maybe it was the race factor.

She showed annoyance about that. She walked away telling me as a media person, I need to get my facts right. There are hundreds of reasons why someone on March 4 wanted Mingo to be successful in rigging the election.

To my mind, ethnic domination tops the list. I make no apologies for saying that such a mind-set came out with pellucid largeness in persons like David Hinds, Eusi Kwayana, etc. Mrs. HC did not write about the elections in the same vein as Hinds, and others.

So I accept that I cannot say race was her reason. But I think in the short conversation we had, I used the word, “maybe.”

The human mind is

complex and humans have esoteric ways of behaving.

Maybe a person simply wanted Granger to be

Frederick Kissoon president. Maybe someone didn’t care about race but didn’t want the PPP back in power.

I know from the way my own mind operates, race does not feature. I confess that I would like to see President Ali do good in his quest to change Guyana and leave a legacy in the league

of the top historical figures of the past.

The President is Indian. I am Indian. But my attitude to him is completely devoid of ethnic input. I simply have no reason to wish that he falls. He won power after five months of failed rigging by the APNU+AFC. Let us give him a chance.

When Bharrat Jagdeo became president, Eusi Kwayana wrote a letter in the newspapers urging Guyanese to give him a chance. In closing let me repeat for the benefit of people like Mrs. HC. On the night of March 4, 2020 when Mingo’s intention became Draculean, thoughts of what the PPP did to me were never evoked. Saving my country from permanent power became my obsession.

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

Monday March 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Monday March 22, 2021

Six homeless as fire destroys Aurora home The rubbles that remain from Saturday’s fire

S

ix persons are now homeless after their Aurora Village home went up in flames on Saturday last.

Based on reports reaching Kaieteur News, the double flat home was owned

by Sharifan Gafoor, who is believed to be in her midfifties.

The woman reportedly lived with her daughter and son-in-law, her grandchild and her son.

Sources told Kaieteur News that the fire occurred

sometime between 16:30hrs and 17:00hrs. Azeez Gafoor, who is a close family member, said no one was at home at the time of the fire, except for one of the woman’s grandchild, who was sitting outside when it started.

The man told the media yesterday, that when he observed smoke coming from the roof of the home, he immediately rushed back to see what had transpired.

“Nobody really was at home. And I see the black

black smoke coming from the house. My sister run upstairs to see what really happen but by the place had a lot of smoke, she couldn’t get in the house.”

The man said that neighbours attempted to extinguish the fire using a pump, but their efforts were futile as the house was completely destroyed within some fifteen minutes.

Family members told Kaieteur News that losses are estimated to be seven million dollars.

Kaieteur News

Monday March 22, 2021

PAGE 13

Disrespect for Guyana’s Labour Laws not costly - $100 to $46,000 fines for non-compliance

I

n light of India’s logging company, Va i t a r n a P r i v a t e Holdings Incorporated (VHI) being flagged recently for blatant violations of Guyana’s Labour Laws, it has come to the attention of Kaieteur News that the fines for such infringements are minuscule and do not serve to deter non-compliance.

This was first highlighted by the Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, as he spoke with this publication about VHI’s infractions last Friday.

Following that,

independent research conducted by Kaieteur News revealed that the fines for breaching Guyana’s Labour Regulations do not surpass $46,875 with the lowest fine being a mere $100.

Given that the value of these fines may be seen to companies as “chump change”, non-compliance across all sectors of Guyana’s labour force may be the result.

Section 15 (1) of the Labour Act outlines that Labour Officers have the power to enter the premises of any employer and demand

Pensioner accidently burns self to death with “kero stove”

their wages sheet or any record of their wages, or record of payments and if any person refuses to provide such, they are liable to a fine of $100.

Adding to that, if the person knowingly makes or causes changes to be made to these records and proffers them to the labour officers, they are liable to a fine of $200 or imprisonment for three months.

Employers may also be fined $100 for failing to display abstracts of the Labour Act and Regulations at the worksite or failing to display them in a place where they are visible to employees.

Furthermore, Section 11 of the Act outlines that every employer is mandated to keep a record of prescribed wages.

The failure to do so may result in a $15,625 fine and for every day in which that default continues after the employer’s conviction, a fine of $625 will be imposed.

For breaches such as failing to pay employees their wages in accordance

with prescribes rates or agreed rates, employers could be made to pay a fine totalling $15,625.

This is also clearly outlined in Section 13 (1) of the Labour Act, which states that “Where in any occupation rates of wages have been prescribed, an employer shall in cases to which the prescribed rate is applicable, pay wages to the person employed at not less than such rate clear of all deductions save as in this Act prescribed and if he fails to do so, he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of fifteen thousand, six hundred and twenty-five dollars and on a second conviction to a fine of fortysix thousand, eight hundred and seventy-five dollars.”

Despite the law catering for both local and foreign companies, it must be noted that over the years, many foreign companies have displayed outright disrespect f o r G u y a n a ’s L a b o u r Regulations.

VHI, for example, was flagged for not paying their workers overtime salaries

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton

and subjected them to poor living conditions and working environment.

Further, the company could offer no defence for its infractions.

Minister Hamilton has since pronounced that he will be pushing for harsher fines for these breaches.

L a s t y e a r, h e a l s o announced that his Ministry is reviewing the laws to further safeguard the rights of workers in Guyana.

While appearing on the Kaieteur Radio’s – ‘Wake Up Guyana Show,’ he said, “We are reviewing the Labour

Laws and Regulations, seeking to strengthen them and amend what is outdated, and to add new legislation to what we already have.”

Once the review of these laws and regulations are completed, the Ministry will present a legislative agenda to the Attorney General’s Chambers.

To ensure full adherence, the Minister had said that approximately 40 Labour and Occupational Safety and Health Officers would be trained and placed in all of the sub-districts within the 10 Administrative Regions.

Murder suspect admits to killing -But hesitant to reveal Kuru Kururu man where he disposed corpse

The upturned “kero stove” and the spot where Bissoondai was found engulfed in flames.

A female pensioner, 79, might have accidently burnt herself to death, yesterday, at her home with a “kero stove”.

At least this is the theory police are working with after Bissoondai called Seema of Zealandia Estate, Wakenaan Island, was found lying on her floor engulfed in flames.

An upturned kerosene stove was also seen lying on a table not too far from where she was.

A burning Bissoondai was discovered around

06:30hrs by her son who lived next door to her.

The man told police that he last saw his mom alive in her room around 05:45 hours. Approximately 45 minutes later, he saw smoke emanating from her house and rushed over to see what was going on.As he entered, he was greeted by the gruesome sight of his mother on fire. Efforts were made to extinguish the flames and she was rushed to the Wakenaam Cottage Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Murder suspect, Leon Waddle, 30, has admitted to killing the missing Kuru Kururu man, Answar Stoll, 46, but he is hesitant to reveal where he disposed the corpse.

This was related to Kaieteur News by the Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum.

Blanhum said Waddle led cops to an area, yesterday, where they spent five hours searching along with a sniffer dog but all they found was a bedsheet with bloodstains.

Waddle has confessed too that he stole Stoll’s cell phone and other valuable belongings.

As detectives treat the case as murder in the furtherance of robbery, Blanhum has assured that Waddle will be further interrogated.

Waddle had been eluding the cops for more than two months until his luck ran out on Friday afternoon. He was captured by ranks from the Major Crimes Unit (MCU) hiding out in a fowl pen. Police had issued a wanted bulletin for him a few weeks after Stoll had disappeared. Stoll went missing some time after November 15. Relatives had lodged a missing person’s report a few days later.

They had become worried after they

Murdered but remains yet to be located, Answar Stoll.

Leon Waddle, the murder suspect who admitted to killing the missing Kuru

could not locate him. Calls to his cell phone did not go through either.

A subsequent visit to his house located at Dadrima Savannah, Kuru Kururu, Linden-Soesdyke Highway, had raised eyebrows after it was found ransacked and with blood stains on the wall.This caused detectives to intensify their search and investigation, which led them to believe that he was murdered by

Waddle.

Family members had said that Waddle was Stoll’s roommate and was always abusive towards him. They even said that Waddle had threatened to kill him.

It is believed that Stoll was killed by Waddle between November 15 and 16 during an altercation at a drinking session held at his (Stoll) home.

PAGE 14

Kaieteur News

Monday March 22, 2021

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Monday March 22, 2021

Guyana needs to expand shore base capabilities outside GT- GYSBI GM

By Mikaila Prince

I

n order for the Guyana Shore Base (GYSBI) at Houston to adequately support the oil industry, the company’s General Manager, Sean Hill, says Guyana needs to expand its shore base capabilities outside of Georgetown.

Hill shared these critical points during a panel discussion at the Guyana Basin Summit (GBS), last Thursday. This was a virtual three-day oil and gas conference which concluded on Friday. It was aimed at delivering networking and valuable insight into the r e g i o n ’s p o t e n t i a l , i t s challenges and the road ahead.

For the readers’ enlightenment, a shore base is an onshore support facility that during drilling, development, maintenance and producing operations provide services to the oil companies.

These services include handling waste management, chemical storage, warehousing, construction, berthing of supply vessels, cargo marshaling area, loading and offloading, supply chain management, expatriate management, and

The GYSBI official added, “That needs to be balanced off with the future plans of ExxonMobil offshore, who we know are going to be here for many decades to come.

I do believe that we need to be looking outside of where we are today and expanding the capabilities just outside of Georgetown, and it needs to be done in a sustainable manner so that we don’t risk

customs services.

Hill, in supporting the need for GYSBI to expand its capabilities beyond the capital city, informed the panel of the congestion around Georgetown, and added that Guyana’s oil industry is focused mainly on the Demerara River.

“There is quite a lot of mixing of various, services and products [being] supplied to the oil industry, mixing with residential zoning,” Hill explained.

“We don’t have that differential zoning between an industrial sector and a residential sector.”

In moving forward, Hill states that Guyana now has to balance the current needs of ExxonMobil in its “challenging deepwater

what is currently going on and all the great work that these people and companies have been putting into the industry.”

During his presentation, Hill also acknowledged that GYSBI’s inability to fully support the oil industry is a ripple effect of Guyana’s limited human resources.

Hill indicated that the shore base facility is now faced with a situation where it is “impossible” to grasp all the necessary skills for environment.

Notwithstanding predicaments of congestion and a limited workforce, Hill says that GYSBI will continue to grow and develop Guyana’s local content, while seeking to support the needs of the nation’s oil industry.

GYSBI General Manager, Sean Hill environment” with the current capabilities that exist today for the country. This, he notes, will put the country in a position to compete in an international environment.

Monday March 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

Monday March 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Monday March 22, 2021

Monday March 22, 2021

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

...APNU+AFC slowly falling apart From page 15 first party to speak out against the coalition’s attempts at election rigging, it was not the first party to leave APNU+AFC. WPA had left about two weeks earlier. Much of its grievance with the central APNU+AFC leadership was over non-consultation.

“We have had to live with PNC’s decisions being imposed on the rest of the APNU. Unfortunately, although the Coalition is now out of power, nothing has changed for the better within the APNU,” WPA had said.

Though Granger had claimed all parties were consulted in the decision-making for Opposition parliamentary seats, WPA contradicted Granger in a public statement announcing its departure from APNU+AFC. It had taken umbrage to Granger potentially referring to it as a “cardboard” party.

“For a party without much material resources,” it had stated, “we have endeavoured to compensate in areas in which our strengths are manifest.”

WPA even noted that it spoke out in the coalition’s defence during the five- month post-election standoff. This was even as the APNU+AFC made repeated attempts to rig the elections.

All this, WPA had said in its own defence, while registering its discontentment that it was informed by media reports that APNU decided on its representatives for the next National Assembly, with no prior consultation. It said that it was only informed that its Chairperson, Tabitha SaraboHalley was selected as one of the persons after it wrote the PNCR General Secretary, Amna Ally to enquire about the state of affairs.

“We view this as uncomradely, disrespectful,

insulting, a gross disregard for principle and, therefore, unacceptable,” the WPA had stated.

Despite the fact that WPA requested the persons appointed without consultation be removed, Sarabo-Halley had other ideas. Determined to serve in the National Assembly, she left the WPA and has not announced membership with any other constituent party of the coalition.

Though Sarabo-Halley operates with the APNU, she is not a member of any of its constituent parties. This is unprecedented, in Guyana’s history. AFC – ‘No longer the public’s pitbull, but the PNC’s puppet’ The AFC has faced an exodus of members since the coalition failed to rig the elections last year. Kaieteur News is aware of six such resignations, most of which were made due to the nature of the party’s relationship with APNU, more specifically the PNCR. Region Five Councillor, Abel Seetaram, left the party in October last year. His resignation letter to the party’s Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, stated, “The AFC I join since its formation is no more. The PNC swallows the AFC. The AFC cannot stand anymore to represent its members nevertheless the public. It’s my firm belief that the AFC has lost its footage and strength to continue in the political arena and the leadership seems to be sucking up to everything that the PNC wants.”

Prominent AFC Lindener, Vladimir Glasgow served 15 years with the AFC, including as Executive Member on the National Executive Committee (NEC). In his resignation letter, while stating that the party has lost its way, Glasgow said, “I have seen members of my party that feel as I do, swallow their opposition and pro-

vide their tacit approval” of untoward behaviour and the direction in which the party has gone. He explained that those who do speak out, like him, have had their voices drowned out by “hateful, bigoted, narrow-minded rhetoric” from others.

Kaieteur News is also aware that Leonard Craig, who was a senior member of the AFC, has left quietly. Craig is one of the individuals who interacted with the press on the coalition’s behalf during the national recount. He had attempted to play a role in dispersing the coalition’s attempts to discredit the elections process, including doubling down on claims about ‘migrant voters’ even after the claims were exposed as false.

In the last 30 days, the AFC faced three more resignations: former MP Reynard Ward, former executive Joel Edmonds, and former Chair of the AFC’s Georgetown chapter Michael Leonard.

Ward described the AFC’s relationship with APNU as abusive. In his resignation letter, Ward told General Secretary David Patterson, “The AFC that consumed me, my then young friends, likeminded associates (intellectuals, professionals and others), family and even other party supporters was a political force to reckon with. He said that his best time in the AFC was when it was the “public’s pitbull and not as the PNC’s puppet.”

Edmond also felt that the AFC lost its way. He said he had hoped that the party would regroup after the election loss, but observed that the party’s focus, which it had long lost, worsened after the 2020 electoral saga.

“Everyone is basically scattered,” Edmond said.

Leonard said in his resignation letter that he has contributed as much as he can, and that opportunities should have an opportunity to be part of the process.

“I don’t think my continued involvement will make any significant impact, so let a younger person come in and get an opportunity to make a change like I did,” Leonard said. During a press conference last month, AFC executives had a lot to say about the exodus the party was facing. Cathy Hughes, for one, said that she thought many people were leaving because it is difficult to be in politics.

“We have seen since August of 2020, a clear indication that if you are part of any political party, you are more than likely to lose your job, be denied employment opportunities regardless of your qualifications and how good a fit you are for any particular position, and of course, and there are issues that surround quite often the maligning of your character.”

She and Patterson both believe it is difficult for persons to be publicly associated with the AFC at this time.

However, both Hughes and Ramjattan said that though people are leaving, the executives are pleasantly surprised that “hundreds” of new members are coming on.

The centre of the rigging cabal and the ‘sanctimonious gangster’ Former Barbadian Ambassador to the United States and the Organisation of the American States (OAS), John Beale, had said in June last year that former President David Granger was being described in Caribbean political circles as a “Sanctimonious Gangster”. This label stuck with Granger, as political commentators wondered whether his posturing signaled a return to Burnham-era rigging.

Former PNCR councilor, Lennox Gasper resigned from the PNCR on March 3, and cited the party’s attempt to rig the elections as the main reason for his decision.

“It was indeed an unbearably frightening experience that after 23 years in opposition, the PNCR under the coalition banner was barefacedly seeking to rig the elections in full view of Guyanese and the rest of the world,” Gasper wrote. In response, PNCR executive, Aubrey Norton dismissed Gasper as not a “real PNC”.

But Gasper is not the only one disgruntled with the PNC. Several of its long-time members have publicly criticised Granger for his silence, including James Bond. Former Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge had said that the PNCR is suffering from a leadership crisis.

On March 15, a Facebook page frequently used to propagate coalition messaging posted an open letter to Granger, calling on him to step down. The author agrees with Greenidge’s pronouncement.

“It is time for you to go!”

it said. “There is no role for you in the shaping of the future of the People’s National Congress.”

The APNU+AFC leader has not made a public statement in months, something the author’s of the letter see as cowardice. Credited only to ‘concerned supporters’, the letter states that Granger is incapable of considering any ideas other than his own – a nod to the coalition’s fatal practice of non-consultation.

“This pathetic leadership has set the party back by a generation while demoralizing supporters.” The concerned supporters stated. “Your dictatorial approach continues to damage the party and by extension the psyche of tens of thousands of supporters who you apparently care very little about.”

They posit that Granger has outlived his relevance, and that the right thing for him to do would be to march on to his “permanent retirement.”

Former Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, a key AFC figure during the coalition’s time in government, made some stern warnings to the coalition, which appear to have foreshadowed the AFC’s fate. The son-in-law of former President Granger had warned APNU+AFC against attacking everyone who criticised it.

“I find it regrettable,” Gaskin had said, “that the younger generation of AfroGuyanese politicians, should they choose to further their political careers within APNU or the AFC, will be saddled with the consequences of what has taken place over the last four months. This year, I have seen many bright shining young stars from all the political parties, and it is my sincere belief that those in the APNU+AFC camp will pay the heaviest price for what has occurred.”

PAGE 22

Monday March 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

Guyana speeding to 10,000 COVID-19 cases LAND FOR SALE Size 60x120 at Farm E.B.D cost 12mil Call for more info 6183607 / 621-9023 VEHICLE FOR SALE ONE NZE 2005 $1,150,000 ONE KA MOYOR CYCLE $220,000 EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION PRICE NEGOTIABLE 2160671/ 692-8464/ 622-0267 CAR RENTAL

Land for sale, Berbice, Georgetown, East Coast, East Bank Tel#664-8641, 6822585, office 219- 2815 TO LET Spaces 12x 25ft, entire top floor 25x275. Enmore mall E.C.D excellent commercial spot Call 609-7675/ 674-1705

AIDAN'S CAR RENTAL & TOW TRUCK SERVICE:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE#698-7807.

1- general domestic worker Tel # 226-9492

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Power tools repair friendship East Bank Call 627-7835 House plan drawing and estimate K. Lakeram building contractor Call 216-0671/ 6928464/ Whatsapp 622-0267 PROPERTY FOR SALE Commercial property for sale or rent Providence old road Call 623-3440 / 233-5600

Wanted cashiers, cooks apply @shanta's 225 champ st Urgent: 1 experience kitchen assistant/ domestic live- in available 25-45yrs Tel#6752550/ 656-9313

Hauler truck driver 5 years experience, mimimum apply at A&R Trading & Investment Inc. Contact 661-1254/ 6591771 Counter servers, apply @ Shanta’s 225 Camp Street.

Wanted Drivers must come with a car Tel#653-4318

Live in maid Tel#674-9114

Space to rent in Georgetown for small resturant Call 6238070 Luxury apartment 2 or 3 bedroom fully furnished for rent properties, apartments Tel#664-8641, 682-2585, office 219- 2815 Shop opposite stewartville secondary school Contact 611-4793

Sales assistant 5 subjects cxc experience in stock taking, Paye, Payroll, salesmanship skill keyfood Mcdoom village next post office.

One experienced teacher to teach a grade one and two subject interest teacher can call 623-1615.

Porters, log truck drivers, for TM & AM Gerneral Trucks, live in maid Call 609-7675/ 6741705 Vacancy for night handyman Call 645-5676

One experience domestic to work 3-4 days per week in G/ Sales clerk. Apply at Alabama town excellent salary Tel#226- Trading 65 Robb Street Bourda.

2322

Graphic artist office assistant Tel#233-2725/ 233-2439

FOR RENT

VACANCY

1 Female counter clerk, Creative Jewellery & Pawn shop 46 Boyles place stabroek Brickdam Tel#231-7878, 2238955.

WANTED

SERVICES

With over 800 COVID-19 infections recorded in just two weeks, Guyana is seemingly speeding towards the benchmark of 10,000.

This publication’s analysis of the recent daily infections recorded shows that of the total number of confirmed cases which is now 9,649, approximately 877 cases have been recorded from March 7, with an average of 62 new infections being recorded daily.

1 dental nurse/ assistant apply to, C. Persaud dental 14 Peter's Hall, EBD email: svpersaud25@gmail.com Tel#233-5137/ 5927 or 6932565

FOR SALEFOR SALE

Administrative clerk must have excellent knowledge of microsoft word and excel, filing Tel#624-5734

Body temperature thermometer $7,000, retail wholesale.

Call 624-7155

Maid to cook and clean for the East Bank area Call 6159132

This was revealed in the Ministry of Health’s daily dashboard update, which also shows that the number of persons in home isolation has increased to a whopping 820, with only nine new recoveries yesterday.

Further, it shows 15 patients in institutional quarantine and 57 persons in institutional isolation.

The Ministry also

reported another COVID-19 fatality yesterday via its press release where the deceased was said to be a 70-year-old woman from Region Four.

This has increased the death toll to 215 deaths.

Guyana has also seen a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 fatalities in the past two weeks, however, that will follow in a subsequent report.

One female experience mature to work shop assistant, apply 193 Charlottle st G/town Call 226-2320.

For experience porter apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street Bourda.

Looking for a job & educational services? Contact The Job Centre 43 Croal & Alexander Street or call: 6008457.

Technical services 18-23 industrial site, Eccles 1. Fitter/ Machinist 2. Welder Frabricator 3. Apprentice 3 years experience apply in person.

Excavator operator, hauler operator, servicemen and pitmen for interior. Applicants must be experienced. Call 2312250.

Delivery riders - Country 120 jobs available to ride company o w n e d VACANCY motorbikes.Phone:658-9124 One experience general do- or email jobs@gorchum.com mestic apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street Bourda One female cleaner apply at Live in caretaker for visually Alabama Trading 65 Robb impaired elderly central Street Bourda Georgetown Tel#624-5734

Some of the most notable daily COVID-19 infections were recorded last week, whereas, on March 18, Guyana recorded 120 new cases, which is of the highest numbers ever recorded and another 99 new cases on Saturday, March 20.

With the current case toll being shy of just 351 infections to reach that benchmark, and an average of 62 infections daily, Guyana could very well touch that number by the end of this week.

A similar spike in infections was seen in January after the Christmas Holidays concluded. Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony had given a pre-warning of such happenings in December as he encouraged persons to stay home and observe all protocols published in the Official Gazette of COVID-19 Measures and he further highlighted that persons failing to abide by his warning along with lax behaviours led to the January spike.

He had also commented on the increase in hospitalizations that occurred in January as well.

Currently, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) remains the region with the highest case toll. Of the 64 new cases recorded yesterday, Region Four accounted for 43.

1 able bodied sales clerk ARK Enterprise Tel#227-3580 Experience sales girl apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street Bourda One general domestic Call 623-1615

The Liliendaal Infectious Disease Hospital

...Report elderly neglect, From page 8 their fundamental human rights”.

Further, the advocacy group recommended that religious and other leaders play a role in helping to bring about the awareness of the plight of the elderly.

Some of the recent reports of acts of violence against the

elderly include robbery, sexual assault and murder.

In addition, the Georgetown Public Hospital and the Linden Hospital Complex have been complaining of the number of elderly persons being abandoned at the institution.

This phenomenon has been linked to the fact that

relatives of many of these elderly persons are unable to cope with the responsibility of taking care of them.

In some of these instances, the Ministry of Human Services made interventions to find suitable shelter for elderly by placing them at State-owned Geriatric Homes.

Monday March 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Monday March 22, 2021

Controversial T&T Company gets $365M health contract A company that was blacklisted by the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) for alleged financial malpractices in Guyana has once again been awarded a US$1.6M contract.

It was awarded this past week when the National Procurement and Tender A d m i n i s t r a t i o n O ff i c e indicated to management at the Guyana Hospital Corporation that approval had been given for the procurement of laboratory and pathology supplies.

The award of contract, indicating the tender board approval for the contract, was signed by the Tender Board Administration C h a i r m a n , Ta r a c h a n d Balgobin.

Documents seen by this publication illustrate that the contact includes the supply of hematology supplies to the tune of US$60,635, Pathology supplies valued US$70,832, along with Urology equipment valued US$10,506.

The company was also approved for the supply of microbiology apparatus valued US$7,929.

The contract also included the supply of general accessories to the tune of US$59,436 along with biochemistry supplies totalling US$1,349,804.

This brings the total sum for the medical supplies to US$1,625,144 or G$365,657,400.

We s t e r n S c i e n t i f i c , which did business with Guyana in the past, including supplying items to the Forensic Laboratory on the East Coast of Demerara, was handed a four-year ban by the IDB from March 31, 2016 to October 15, 2020.

One related company and two individuals – SCIMED, Mario Ricard Dell and Edwin Mackoon – were also sanctioned for fraudulent practices and cannot bid for another four years.

According to the IDB website, the firms and individuals sanctioned by its

Guyana, Norway commence talks for ‘phase two’ of LCDS The Government of Guyana has commenced talks with Norway to begin ‘phase two’ of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) which Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat said will enhance communities in the hinterland regions that depend on the forest and forest activities.

Back in 2009, Guyana and Norway signed a US $250 million agreement for the REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF). The agreement sought to ensure that Guyana kept its forest intact, harvested in a sustainable manner, and its decarbonisation rate and carbon sink status were maintained.

That partnership remained until 2015, when the Coalition Government took office and undertook the Green State Development Strategy, which was criticised for its vagueness and lack of direction.

Minister Bharrat said Guyana was considered the “oxygen tank of the world”, and it was that status that led to the pact between the two countries.

“So that is why we entered into that agreement and they were releasing at that time, approximately $250 million, which we have not received in totality

as yet.

We have about $80 million still to retrieve from that fund, and that is quite a lot of money that we can use to enhance the communities in the hinterland regions that depend on the forest and forest activities,” he said.

Minister Bharrat said logging communities benefited from the strategy, as they were required to conduct logging activities in a sustainable manner. The money from the Norway fund was used to provide alternative livelihoods for people in those communities, and equipped the Guyana Forestry Commission to monitor and manage the forest.

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, under whose Presidency the Norway Agreement was signed, said last year that the strategy will be used to guide Guyana’s climate actions.

Under GRIF, projects identified included grants to small businesses, a centre for biodiversity studies, ICT for vulnerable communities and Amerindian Land Titling. The LCDS is in line with the PPP/C Government’s vision of ensuring widespread economic development, while at the same time continuing the fight against climate change. (Modified from DPI)

G r o u p ’s S a n c t i o n s Committee were found to have engaged in fraud, corruption, collusion, coercion, or obstruction in violation of the IDB Group’s anti-corruption policies.

These findings were made through an administrative process that permitted the accused firms and/or individuals to respond to the allegations pursuant to the Sanctions Procedures.

Debarred firms are declared ineligible to be awarded and participate in any IDB-financed contract for the periods indicated.

“Ineligibility may extend to any firm or individual who directly or indirectly controls the debarred firm or any firm which the debarred firm directly or indirectly controls. In the case of a debarred individual, ineligibility may extend to any firm which the debarred individual directly or indirectly controls,” IDB said.

Western Scientific’s troubles were linked to contracts of the Citizen’s Security Programme. A contractor had blown the whistle to IDB of the scheme.

NPTAB Chairman, Tarachand Balgobin

Part of the Citizen Security Programme involved the rehabilitation of community centres.

Drug contracts for the country’s hospitals and its related services amounted to billions of dollars annually.

Monday March 22, 2021

U-21 Sunshine Girls will be kept sharp despite Netball World Youth Cup cancelation SportsMax - Newly appointed Jamaica national U-21 Coach Annette Daley hopes to use the unit to reinforce the senior team in light of the cancelation of the Netball World Youth Cup. The event, which was slated to take place in Fiji, in June, was initially moved to December 2021.

The tournament has, however, now been cancelled because of the coronavirus crisis.

The decision was made in consultation with Fiji’s Government and the Local Organising Committee.

Considerations like travel restrictions, athlete wellbeing, pandemic-related uncertainty and planning difficulties, increased costs,

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

Under-21 Sunshine Girls will be kept sharp despite Netball World Youth Cup cancelation. and Fiji’s low COVID-19 rate all contributed to the decision, organisers said.

Daley was appointed to

the post in February and had just begun preparing the team for the tournament.

“We are going to meet

Monday March 22, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) There's a fiery tone to the day that can't be ignored. You may find that adjustments need to be made in your own plan of attack in order to get on the same page with other people.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You may need a translator to get through to people today, Libra. It could be hard to make decisions, but not impossible. Today's tip is to err on the side of adventure.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) There's an extra spark in your eye that people won't be able to ignore. Today's a good day to get your point across, because you'll find people more open and receptive to new things than usual.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Use your power resources today, Scorpio, as you have a great deal of dynamic energy at your disposal. You have the ability to transform and conquer anything now.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Take yourself on a mental adventure today in which you explore new aspects of your world. Discuss philosophy and religion. Get to the core of a matter that seriously interests you.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You could be asked to make some spontaneous decisions today that you might not feel entirely comfortable making, Sagittarius.

CANCER(June21–July22) Take yourself on a mental adventure today in which you explore new aspects of your world. Discuss philosophy and religion. Get to the core of a matter that seriously interests you.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Be careful that you aren't acting in a way that you dislike in others. You could find that you're slowly taking on the traits of the people you despise.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) The day's general mood should fit quite well with your agenda, Virgo. There's no need to fixate on the negative.

Keep things light and upbeat and worry about the consequences later.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Emotionally, you may feel as if you're running up against a brick wall, Capricorn. It could be that your first reaction is to drown your sorrows in drink.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Your emotions could be extra powerful today, Aquarius, although something may not feel as if it's sitting right. It could be a feeling of manipulation.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Take hold of this day as if it's your own and use it to grow your dreams, Pisces.

You'll find a great deal of power and dynamism in the air urging you to take the adventurous route. There's no need to hold back.

with the ladies officially, but training continues. We are looking at continuing to develop the ladies because for the senior program we do a base that we can pull players from,” Daley told TVJ Sports. She also pointed to the fact that there could still be some international competition that the team can take part in later this year.

“There could be a championship for Jamaica in October where Trinidad and Tobago and South Africa are coming. If that is so at least we will be ready to engage in competition.”

...Nandu narrowly From page 26 yesterday. Resuming on their overnight 172-4, with Nandu on 57 and Amir Khan on six, Everest CC declared on 265-9 to lead by 193. Nandu timed the ball well on both sides of the wicket as he continued to accumulate his runs, while Khan was dismissed for 25.

Nandu struck five fours and appeared set for a century, but was lbw to Jonathan Rampersaud for 96.

Denesh Mangal made 20 as Rampersaud grabbed 4-62, Miguel Parks 2-33 and Mark Cummerbatch 2-64.

Batting a second time, UG were bowled out for 120 in 41.1 overs. Rampersaud made 45, Damion Van Tull got 21, Ray Newton 16 and Keon Roberts 15. Khan picked up 3-20 to finish the match with eight wickets. Dwayne Adams took 3-20 and Richie Looknauth 2-22.

...MP Jermaine Figueira writes From page 30 country. I implore you Sir, to carefully consider these matters with regard to any decision you may be required to make in your capacity as the Cricket Ombudsman,” MP Figueira concluded.

...Tons from Anderson, Sampson & Leitch’s 5-25 give From page 31 in cameo 22 to take Police past the 300 mark before Beaton was removed.

Dwain Dick finished with 4-75 and was supported by Benjamin who had 2-36.

GNIC, needing 191 to make Police bat again, slumped to 50-5 and never recovered.

GNIC began their second innings in horrendous fashion; losing Premchand Sookdeo who was caught at point for a duck without a run on the board.

Police were soon 3-2 when Mark Nicholson fell to National left-arm spinner Anthony Adams and when Beaton, who had 4-21 in the first innings, got rid of Dwain Dick (2) who added 28 with his father David Dick, the Lawmen were 31-3.

Two wickets tumbled with the score on 50 when the elder Dick was run out for 27 and Roshidi Benjamin was LBW to Leith for a duck.

After Lunch, Dexter Solomon (2) was bowled and Quincy OvidRichardson (5) edged a catch to the Keeper Kemol Savory as Leitch struck in quick succession to leave GNIC on 67-7.

Jermaine Benjamin deposited Leitch for six before he was LBW for 13 at 75-8 while Jermaine Grovener (7) was bowled by Adams at 829.

The last pair took the score to 94 before a quicker ball from Leitch, which kept low, bowled Jeffery Blair for 12 to end the contest with over a session to spare.

(Sean Devers)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 26

Monday March 22, 2021

Zverev beats Tsitsipas to win Mexican Open in Acapulco thriller

M

EXICO CITY (Reuters) World number s e v e n

Alexander Zverev recovered from an uncertain start to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 76 (3) in a thrilling Mexican

Open final in Acapulco on Saturday and land his 14th ATP title.

The 23-year-old German

lost the final of the hardcourt tournament to Nick Kyrgios in 2019 and quickly went 4-1 down to the Greek top seed

yesterday, at one point completely missing the ball when attempting an overhead smash.

Tsitsipas was unable to maintain the level of tennis he displayed in the first five games, however, and second seed Zverev worked his way back into the contest, reeling off the last five games to seal the set. Zverev broke for 5-4 in an equally tight second set and served for the title but Ts i t s i p a s s a v e d a championship point and put the contest back on serve when his German opponent double-faulted.

The set tiebreak was again studded with lengthy rallies and Zverev prevailed 7-3 on his third championship point when he pounced on a Tsitsipas drop shot and pounded the ball past the Greek into the back

of the court.

“This week has been one of the most fun I have had in recent months, the tournament showed that the public can attend sporting events,” Zverev said to the cheers of the crowd after receiving the trophy.

“When I have my chances, I need to close it out against these top players because normally they won’t give you a second chance. I thought I played extremely well in the tiebreak, I’m happy with how it went.”

Ts i t s i p a s , w h o h a s reached semi-finals at the Australian Open and R o t t e r d a m t h i s y e a r, conceded that the better player had won in the end.

“I did everything I could, but Alex was superior,” the 22-year-old world number five said.

Germany’s Alexander Zverev celebrates with the trophy after winning the Mexican Open in Acapulco. (Reuters/Carlos Perez-Gallardo)

Nandu narrowly misses ton as Everest CC beat UG by an innings and 73 runs

Amir Khan (left) and Dwayne Adams Mattheu Nandu narrowly missed a century as host Everest Cricket Club defeated University of Guyana by an innings and 73 runs when the Georgetown Cricket Association Noble House Sea Foods second division two-day competition continued (Continued on page 25)

Jonathan Rampersaud

Kaieteur News

Monday March 22, 2021

PAGE 27

Chelsea made to battle against Sheff Utd but move into FA Cup Semis BBC Sport - Eight-time winners Chelsea moved into the FA Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought home 2-0 win against Sheffield United.

The Blues, beaten finalists last season, went ahead in fortunate circumstances as Ben Chilwell’s low cross was steered into his own net by Blades midfielder Oliver Norwood.

Christian Pulisic was twice denied by away goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and Callum HudsonOdoi shot over as the hosts looked to finish off the game.

David McGoldrick wasted a glorious chance to equalise as he sent a close-range diving header wide following John Lundstram’s right-wing cross, before home goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga saved from Oliver McBurnie.

With Sheffield United pushing for a goal to take it into extra time, Chelsea broke in injury time and Hakim Ziyech scored their second with a low strike to take them into the last four for the fourth time in

five seasons.

The semi-finals will take place at Wembley over the weekend of 17-18 April and the draw was shown live on BBC One - during half-time of yesterday’s quarterfinal between Leicester City and Manchester United.

Blues back to Wembley Chelsea lost 2-1 to Arsenal in the 2020 final in August - as Frank Lampard failed to win a trophy in his season and a half in charge.

His last game as manager was the 3-1 fourth-round victory over Luton in January and new boss Thomas Tuchel has steered them to wins over Barnsley and Sheffield United to send them back to Wembley. This victory continues their fantastic record under the German, who is yet to lose in his 14 games, has lifted them from ninth to fourth in the Premier League and also taken them into the Champions League quarter-finals.

Before the game at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea had caused confusion by publishing the wrong

Ben Chilwell’s low cross was turned in by Oliver Norwood for an own goal for Chelsea’s first goal. (Getty Images)

team on their Twitter account.

When they corrected it, it showed they had made nine changes from the side that began Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid as a number of squad players were given the chance to impress Tuchel.

They went ahead in the 24th

minute when the unfortunate Norwood steered the ball into his own goal from Chilwell’s cross and were only denied a second when Pulisic’s shot was blocked by Ramsdale.

Pulisic, starting for only the third time under Tuchel, almost scored in the early stages of the

second half when he superbly dribbled past two Blades defenders but was denied by Ramsdale, before firing the rebound over from a tight angle. Chelsea then had to show their defensive strength for a spell in the second half but Ziyech scored for the second game in a row to seal the victory late on.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 28

Monday March 22, 2021

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Clear player pathway for domestic players on track for sustainable national team programme - TD Greenwood

By Franklin Wilson in the Dominican Republic, compliments of Secure Innovations & Concepts, Industrial Safety Supplies Inc., Fazia’s Motor Spares and GFF Even as Guyana’s Senior M e n ’s N a t i o n a l Te a m (SMNT) forges ahead with their preparations for the Concacaf Zone, Group ‘F’ of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification campaign, Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Technical Director Ian Greenwood has informed that a solid foundation at the local level is being set for the sport.

The GFF’s programme has been deliberate in terms of bridging the gap between local and overseas players ever since 2017 and the investment has been gradually bearing fruits even though there is still some way to go before Guyana begins to consistently hold its own in the Caribbean.

Eleven (11) of the twenty-three (23) players in the current squad here in the Dominican Republic are local based and have been holding their own amongst their overseas based colleagues.

These players, along with others have been hard at work, five days each week since January 5th, 2021 under the watchful eyes of SMNT Head Coach Márcio Máximo, Assistant Wilson

GFF TD Ian Greenwood (right) pays close attention as Manager Rawle Adams chats the Golden Jaguars before another session in the Dominican Republic. (Franklin Wilson photo) Toledo and Charles ‘Lily’ Pollard as well as other local Coaches.

Speaking with Kaieteur Sport, Greenwood stated that they {GFF} are striving to ensure the group is prepared as can be for the matches here against Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday March 25th and Bahamas on March 30th.

“It’s a very difficult time in the world at the moment with the covid-19 pandemic and there has been a lot of lack of football, lack of competitions so we’ve had to do a lot of deliberate work at the national training center (NTC) at Providence.”

The Federation was in contact with two of its sister Associations in the Caribbean to secure three

GFF TD Ian Greenwood (right) and SMNT Head Coach, Márcio Máximo sharing thoughts.

(Franklin Wilson photo)

warm-up or friendly matches to aid the preparation of the team but they all came back at the last moment indicating they would not be able to play.

“So this is also why we’ve come out to the DR a little bit longer so we have an extended period where the two groups can really blend together.”

TD Greenwood further informed that the mandate of the GFF Executive Committee is to always put out the strongest possible team in keeping with the F e d e r a t i o n ’s f i n a n c i a l resources but with a clear player pathway for domestic based players.

“So, since we started there has been a gap between the two groups, so our target in to really bridge that gap between the domestic based players and the international based players.

For sustainable national team programme we have to have a robust base so that starts with the Academy Training Center programmes scattered across the country that started in 2017.”

From that programme, the Under-15 National team won the Soualiga Tournament in St. Marten (2017) and followed that up with a credible performance in the development segment of the Concacaf Under-15 boys’ championship at the IMG Academy in Florida, USA. There, competing in Group F among St. Lucia, Suriname, and St. Kitts and Nevis, the Junior ‘Golden Jaguars’ ended second.

“So players from that group such as Omari

Glasgow, Nicolai Andrews and Shawn Adonis are now in the SMNT. We want to ensure that there is a clear player pathway from the regional centers where they would train every week and then from the regional centers we have the inter-academy competitions and then they come into national team training camps at U-15, 17 and 20.”

Thereafter, Greenwood posited is for the players to push themselves into the SMNT. Looking at the set-up of the coaching staff to achieve set goals, it was disclosed that a few models were taken into consideration.

“We had Coach Johnson before and the model was that he would come in for a period of time, work with the group and reside back in England. After the Gold Cup we had an opportunity to redesign that model and Coach Máximo based in Guyana. We feel that has been working extremely well because he’s able to be on the ground and see the players on a regular basis.

They have been doing a lot of work from a physical and tactical point of view and really understanding the evolving game model of the GFF. So essentially that is how we want to play in the four moments of the game, in possession, out of possession, transition in and transition out. But this takes a lot of time to get it embedded into the group.

The more contact time we can have with the guys and the Head Coach will allow that to come out; we’re still

probably about 18-months away from where we want to be in terms of embedding the game model so it’ll be clear knowledge.

But the idea of the consistent practice is to ensure that can be instilled on a weekly basis.”

Fantastic team spirit in the group Commenting on the current group of players here in the Dominican Republic, TD Greenwood expressed delight at what would have been transpiring thus far.

“There is wonderful team spirit I the group amongst both the players and staff; there’s a lot of new younger players within the group who would have come through the ATC’s, which players have been recruited from overseas through our Head of Recruitment Faizal Khan, so we have Nathan M o r i a h - W e l s h (Bournemouth FC), Bayli Spencer-Adams (Watford FC) and Miguel Scarlett (Unattached) all young players but with great pedigree to add to the group.

There’s been a lot of mingling to understand where people are from, the connections to Guyana but I think the spirit in the group has been fantastic and this will bode well.

We always have the mantra of One Team One Dream and that has really been embedded so far in the days that we’ve been here.”

Greenwood also noted that he’s been impressed with the level of leadership that has been display so far by the senior players, the likes of Captain Samuel Cox, Callum Harriott and Keanu Marsh-Brown among others

which have really helped the younger players to groove in comfortably.

GFF targets for ‘Golden Jaguars’ The GFF has already announced that reaching round two of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification process and progressing to the group stage of the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup are its 2021 targets for the SMNT. The targets are part of the Federation’s strategic plan to set transparent and credible goals for all national teams as it works towards the longterm sustainable development of football. To progress to round two, Guyana will need to top its group, which also includes Saint Kitts and Nevis and Puerto Rico.

For the Concacaf Gold Cup, the team, which made its first appearance at this tournament in 2019, has qualified for the preliminary rounds of this year ’s tournament and must beat Guatemala and then either Bahamas or Guadeloupe to secure a spot in the group stage of the final competition.

The full 2021 performance targets for the SMNT Head Coach are as follows: 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar – Qualifiers • Qualification to round two (as minimum) • Win 65% of qualification fixtures • F I FA r a n k i n g improvement of 20 places 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup • Qualification to 2021 group stage • Improvement on 2019 performance (3rd in group, 1 point)

Kaieteur News

Monday March 22, 2021

PAGE 29

Holder stars as Windies take control against Sri Lanka AFP - Former captain Jason Holder took five wickets to help bowl out Sri Lanka for 169 as the West Indies took control of the opening Test of their twomatch series on the opening day in Antigua yesterday.

Relieved of the captaincy after five-and-a-half taxing years in the job, any suggestions that the allrounder would have been lacking in energy and enthusiasm swiftly evaporated on the way to impressive figures of five for 27 off 17.4 overs.

With new skipper Kraigg Brathwaite sharing opening batting duties alongside John Campbell, the pair negotiated a potentially tricky 40 minutes to the close of play and will resume on the second morning at 13 without loss.

Holder’s eighth fivewicket innings haul in Test cricket included the important scalp of Lahiru Thirimanne during the final session of the day as the tourists’ last five wickets tumbled for just 19 runs.

Thirimanne had offered stout resistance to all the West Indies bowlers for just

Lahiru Thirimanne sets off for a run on the way to reaching a half-century © RANDY BROOKS/AFP/Getty Images short of five hours before he dragged a delivery onto his stumps to depart for 70 off 180 deliveries.

Holder, whose first wicket came on the stroke of

lunch when another former captain, Dinesh Chandimal, was caught behind, returned in that final session to terminate the only meaningful resistance from

the Sri Lankans when wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella was caught at first slip for 32 to end a sixth-wicket partnership of 58 with Thirimanne.

Wicketless and unlucky in the morning session after the Sri Lankans were put in to bat, Kemar Roach grabbed two wickets in the afternoon session and added a third amid the post-tea collapse.

The 32-year-old’s final analysis of three for 47 from 16 overs lifted his haul of Test wickets to 208 in his 62nd match after 12 years in the international game.

Deprived of early success when Jermaine Blackwood missed a simple chance at backward-point off Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne, Roach earned the rewards for his persistent efforts by bowling Dhananjaya de Silva and then having debutant Pathum Nissanka superbly taken by a diving Holder at second slip to leave the visitors languishing at 92 for five.

- Windies ‘break shackles’ “We probably didn’t

Letter to the Sports Editor

Skerrit should resign for ethical reasons Dear Sports Editor, By any corporate standards, the action of CWI President Richard Skerrit, relating to participation in a questionable meeting with Minister Charles Ramson, would be unacceptable.

Reliable sources have confirmed that Mr. Skerrit was reported to the ICC Ethics Committee sometime last year, reference some perceived wrong doing in loan negotiations with the English Cricket Board (online reporting). It should be stated that the matter was dealt with by the ICC ethics committee and Mr. Skerrit was cleared. However, new information may cause the ICC to relook at this complaint as we have since learnt that Mr. Skerrit was nominated and ran for the ICC deputy chairmanship against Imran Khawaja, the Singaporean Associate member director and attorney at law. Mr. Khawaja came out on top of that race by a narrow margin, was there a quid pro quo to tour England and New Zealand at no financial or other benefits to Cricket West Indies? I

guess we may never find out.

It is also common knowledge in the Caribbean that Mr. Skerrit was reported to the CWI ethics committee at least once before, of which the outcome is unclear.

Recent information circulating indicated that an appeal has been filed because the person filing the complaint was never interviewed and a decision was made. The entire CWI may now be involved in a resolution.

In the current instance Mr. Sanasie, challenger to Skerrit, stated on the “Mason and Guess” radio broadcast, after a contributor asked the question, that he would not comment on the issue because certain internal actions have been taken, many suggest that yet another report may have been made against the embattled incumbent Skerrit. If the facts reported in the print and electronic media are correct, the CWI and its president are in for a rough ride as he certainly would have to answer for the haste in which the CWI or its president and a few close

confidantes allowed themselves to be dragged into a hurried decision with the already embattled Minister of Sports in Guyana.

It would be recalled that the very Minister pronounced the GCB as illegal after they objected to his usage of the National Stadium to play football, damaging the international wickets. Some also suggest that the Minister is trying to avail himself with the right to approve or disapprove all sports events in Guyana, something that will not sit well with these independent sports entities.

Mr. Skerrit should have been cautious and represent the position of the CWI shareholder rather than being sucked into the toxic local politics. However, to many local critics, Skerrit may have seen am opportunity to put pressure on his local challenger, a decision which has certainly backfired.

The CWI president may have underrated the deeprooted fundamental issues and the diverse political

undercurrents that were likely to evolve. More importantly, he certainly does not know the audacity and political goodwill of his challenger. Mr. Sanasie is well known to the political hierarchy of Guyana, on both sides of the house, while not being knowingly aligned to any political party.

Although, some may argue he is an operative of the PPP because of his past militancy.

To many, this issue would surely have a bearing on the CWI presidential race as the actions of Skerrit must be explained, if not to the directors of CWI, then to the people of the West Indies.

Recently, Mr. Sanasie made some damning comments on the mismanagement of CWI funds and is likely to reveal more as the campaign heats up. Interesting times ahead as it is believed that if the reports on this matter are proven to be correct, Skerrit must resign.

Yours in Sports, Former Cricket Administrator Krisnchand Mangal.

utilise the new ball as well as we would have liked, but it was good to see myself and Kemar breaking the shackles and getting into their middleorder,” said Holder.

“They have quite a long tail, in our opinion, and it’s something we have at the back of our minds.

“More often than not when you put yourself in this position so early in a Test match you’re in the ascendancy in the latter half of the match.”

Having put Sri Lanka in at the start of the day, Brathwaite’s decision to introduce the off-spin of Rahkeem Cornwall after just

seven overs brought immediate returns when Karunaratne fell for 12 via a smart catch by Campbell at forward short-leg.

Brathwaite’s speed and accuracy then accounted for Oshada Fernando, the new batsman called through for a sharp single but found well short of his ground by the skipper’s direct hit at the striker’s end running in from cover.

Despite closing off the three-match one-day international series a week earlier with a match-winning century, Darren Bravo was omitted from the West Indies final XI.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Monday March 22, 2021

Golden Jaguars confident, urge fans to send “positive vibes”

T

he Senior Men’s National Team has thanked fans for their support so far and asked them to help Guyana roar to victory in this month’s crunch 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Trinidad and Tobago and the Bahamas.

The Golden Jaguars’ squad is in training for its opening Group F first round Concacaf qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago at 19:00 local time on March 25th in the Dominican Republic.

Guyana then take on the Bahamas at 15:00 local time on March 30th.

“We really appreciate your support and we ask you to continue to support us – to send us those positive vibes and to roar with us to victory,” goalkeeper Akel Clarke said in a message to fans.

“Training is going really well – the guys are really focused at the right intensity.

I feel really good about the upcoming matches and excited to put on the country’s colours and to

Golden Jaguars squad in the Dominican Republic. represent Guyana.”

To qualify for the second round of Concacaf qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Guyana must top its group, which also includes Puerto Rico and Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Forward Omari Glasgow said the players were “excited and confident” about the challenge ahead.

“The atmosphere in the camp is very high,” Glasgow said. “I feel very good about the matches and I am very excited to play so that I can help Guyana, the players and coaches to come out victorious. The players are locked in and focused. I want to tell the fans to continue to support us – we will make you guys proud.”

Head Coach Marcio

Maximo said the squad, which features 12 domesticbased players and 11 nondomestic-based players, was already “completely integrated as one group”.

“They are completely focused. Everybody is proud to represent Guyana.

Each training session is being conducted with the same intensity as a match, as it should be, with total attention on what we need to

do,” Maximo said. “We are maximising the time and attacking all aspects.

We are focusing to create balance in the team, focusing on the physical, technical and tactical aspects of the game.”

Guyana’s previous two matches against Trinidad and Tobago have resulted in draws, including a 1-1 tie in the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup.

“It is very important for us to start well,” Maximo said. “These will be different games but each one demands our equal attention.

We will be competitive.

If we maintain the same attitude, we will do well.

The match always reflects what you are doing in training – that’s why all of us are optimistic, while also respecting our opponents.”

GCA’s NBS 40-Over 2nd division cricket MP Jermaine Figueira writes to GCC beat GDF on Saturday, Cricket Ombudsman Member of Parliament (MP) Jermaine Figueira in his capacity as the APNU+AFC Opposition Shadow Minister of Culture Youth and Sport has written to Cricket Ombudsman, Mr. Kamal Ramkarran, Attorney-at-Law, on matters relating to local and regional cricket in the face of the current imbroglio surrounding the sport.

Addressing the issue relating to the registration of clubs in the face of the impending Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) elections set for March 29th, the MP noted in his missive to Mr. Ramkarran, “I am in receipt of information regarding the register of cricket clubs submitted to you from the township of Linden and surrounding areas within Region 10.

I have serious reservations and concerns regarding the veracity of the register submitted to you. As you are aware I am the sitting Member of Parliament for the APNU+AFC Coalition for the region. This is my second term serving in such capacity having previously served in the 11th Parliament.

My work as Member of

Parliament for the past 5+ years along with my social and political work has taken me to all parts of the township and region on a regular basis. I am also very actively involved in promoting sports development within the region.”

“I am unaware that there is a plethora of the existence of active cricket clubs as per the submitted register and I urge you to visit the region on a fact-finding mission to determine the status of cricket within the region and whether the clubs submitted in name in fact exist or are active and functional.”

“I wish to convey Sir, that I am unaware of any structured cricket league existing in the region or of any competitions being played in any form within either the township or region,” the MP informed the Ombudsman.

On the issue at hand pertaining to West Indies Cricket, MP Figueira sited actions of the Sports Ministry and its Minister, requesting the Ombudsman to carefully look at the facts before making decisions that will impact the sport in the negative.

GYO lose to GDF yesterday Javed Karim top scored for GDF with an aggressive 85.

Jermaine Figueira MP “Further Sir, I wish to express my concerns to you regarding the actions of the substantive Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Mr. Charles Ramson. Jr in this alleged collision with the incumbent President of Cricket West Indies, Mr. Ricky Skerritt in holding a secret meeting in an effort to attend to the affairs of the Guyana Cricket Board; A matter Sir, in which a formal complaint was made to the ethics committee of CWI. This action I deem to be disingenuous, mischievous and appears to be geared towards allowing a clear and undue advantage to Mr. Skerritt in the upcoming CWI Presidential election also being contested by a candidate from Guyana.

Quite frankly Sir, its unpatriotic and unbecoming of a serving Minister of this (Continued on page 25)

Yeudister Persaud made 63 and Treatlon Liverpool got 65 in a losing effort for GYO yesterday at QC The historic GCC Bourda was the venue for the return of the GCA’s NBS second division 40-over cricket tournament on Saturday between host GCC and GDF. The contest got to an inauspicious start when the incorrect marking of the pitch delayed the game by 45 minutes and caused a reduction to 35 over per side.

When the match eventually started, GCC were bowled out for 128 as only Bernard Bailey (28), Carlos LaRose (23) and Martin Pestano-Bell (12) got into double figures in a disappointing batting performance.

However, the Soldiers feared even worse being bowled out for 95 with Junior Sinclair, one of several Berbicians plying their trade for City teams over the weekend, top scored with 36 as left-arm spinner Devon Lord had 4-17 and Daniel Seegobin supported with 418.

Yesterday at the Queens College ground, GDF, led by an aggressive 85 which was

decorated with six fours and a six and 18 from Junior Sinclair who returned with the ball to capture 5-22, rebounded from their loss to GCC on Saturday with a 58-run win against GYO yesterday at the Queen’s College number two ground.

The Soldiers elected to bat first on the impressive looking outfield which was rolled and cut and track which kept very low and were bowled out for 248 in 35 overs.

Karim and Sinclair added 34 for the first wicket before Leon Andrews contributed 32, while Zameer Nazeer brought out the heavy artillery to clout four sixes and a four in an explosive 33.

Off-spinner Richard Hoyte had 3-31, while Joshua Ramsammy took 3-42 for GYO who were dismissed for 190 despite half centuries from Treatlon Liverpool (65) and Yeudister Persaud (63).

Sinclair was supported by Keith Simpson who captured 2-31. (Sean Devers)

Kaieteur News

Monday March 22, 2021

PAGE 31

GISE, Star Party Rentals & Trophy Stall 1st Division cricket

Tons from Anderson, Sampson & Leitch’s 5-25 give Cops emphatic victory over GNIC

Kevlon Anderson (Sean-Devers file photo)

Police ensured the shackles were never released on GNIC in the lone Division One encounter over the weekend in the GCA’s twoday GISE, Star Party Rentals & Trophy Stall cricket tournament at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary.

Led by contrasting centuries from the 20-yearold pair of Kevlon Anderson and Quinten Sampson and five-wicket haul from 28year-old off-spinner Kelvin Leitch, Police marched to emphatic innings and 96-run victory over GNIC yesterday.

Scores: GNIC 110 & 94, Police 304.

In sweltering heat, on a slow track which kept low and a heavy outfield, Police resumed the second and final day on 242-6 with Sampson on 106 and Anderson on 97 after they had joined forces

Kelvin Leitch took 5-25 to bowl Police to victory. on Saturday with their team wobbling on the ropes at 686.

However, Sampson, who clobbered nine sixes and five fours in an explosive 106 from just 58 balls, was run out off the day’s third ball to the 177-run seventh wicket stand.

Leitch joined the elegant Anderson who reached his century an exquisitely timed cover driven boundary off Jermaine Benjamin.

But with the score on 260

Sampson on go the during his pugnacious 106 at Eve Leary (photo compliments of Faizul Deo GNNL) and the host in hunt of quick runs, Anderson missed an on-drive and was LBW as Benjamin struck while Leitch (17) flicked for six before Benjamin removed him at 173-9.

Last man Ronsford Beaton and Keston Hardcourt (5 n.o), added 31 for the last wicket with the West Indies ODI pacer, hitting three sixes and a four (Continued on page 25)

PAGE 32

Kaieteur News

Monday March 22, 2021

Monday March 22, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 33