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Linden duo NEWS charged for killing Victory Valley farmer AIETEUR

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Friday Edition March 26, 2021 - Vol. 15 No.13

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Online readership yesterday, 99,655

Guyana to pay for produced water study ExxonMobil may not use New structure Nigerian national, Life imprisonment for Cattle local businessman Rancher who being looked at charged with fraud murdered friend for GEA - VP Jagdeo

Bulletins issued for men who defrauded Deeds Registry Minister Benn Prison escapee Four more wants more tells journalist he die from women to paid for his freedom COVID-19, be upfront in - Acting Prison Director advises death toll him not to fear mistreatment firefighting now at 225 and turn himself in

Ashni Singh instructs GRA to go after businesses charging VAT on exempted items Ashni Singh happy with Exxon’s lopsided deal, says we will settle for the pennies we get, while the Govt. pumping billions into GuySuCo, a dead industry. Listen to Kaieteur Radio (99.1/99.5FM) @11:00hrs

Kaieteur News

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Friday March 26, 2021

Guyana to pay for produced water study ExxonMobil may not use A

ccording to the Environmental Permit that was granted for Payara, ExxonMobil’s third development project in the Stabroek Block, a study is required to be conducted to investigate and determine the feasibility and implications of re-injecting all of the produced water from the project. International best practices dictate that water which is brought up from reservoirs during oil extraction is supposed to be re-injected into separate wells as opposed to being dumped into the ocean.

Re-injection is advised since the toxicity, which varies from one country’s basin to the next, can have a range of harmful effects on marine life.

With this in mind, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has called on Exxon to submit for approval, terms of reference for the conduct of the study, detailing the feasibility of re-injecting produced water in lieu of routine discharge to the ocean,

including implementing for the future installation of facilities for produced water injection, an evaluation of any potential risks to the reservoir from injection, a full cost benefit analysis, and the recommendations of the permit holder.

Within 180 days of the date of the EPA’s approval of the said terms, ExxonMobil is expected to complete the study’s final reports.

The study is also expected to be conducted by an independent consultant approved by the agency.

Following the perusal of the results, the permit notes that the treatment of produced water at the Payara project “may be amended by the agency in consideration of the aforementioned approved study and the conclusions of the EPA, the Permit Holder and the Minister of Natural Resources…” It therefore means that Guyana has no guarantee that ExxonMobil would be forced to re-inject (Continued on page 3)

Location of the Payara Project Development Area within Stabrooek Block Payara Project Development Area

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Friday March 26, 2021

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Linden duo charged for Prison escapee tells journalist he killing Victory Valley farmer paid for his freedom T wo residents of Victory Valley, Linden have been charged for the death of Victory Valley farmer, Samuel De Souza, which occurred on March, 6, 2021.

Appearing before Magistrate Wanda Fortune, at of the Linden Magistrate Court, were businessman Utah Duke aged 26 years of Lot 57 Victory Valley, Wismar, Linden and farmer Orlando Montooth aged 34 years of 70 Victory Valley, Exxon flaring at theirWismar, Linden. They were Liza Destiny operationsj o i n t l y c h a r g e d f o r offshore Guyana manslaughter contrary to Section 94 of the Criminal Law (offences) Act Chapter 08:01. They were not required to plea and were placed on $400,000 bail each. The matter was adjourned to 22nd April 2021. Commenting on the charge, was brother of Samuel De Souza, Jacob De Souza, who had initially urged the police to and not to be afraid of mistreatment.

Alli is serving an eightyear sentence for simple larceny and fraudulent conversion committed on several unsuspecting females, including an elderly woman and schoolgirls. He had swindled them of hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth in jewellery and electronic gadgets.

- Acting Prison Director advises him not to fear mistreatment and turn himself in

A

cting Prison Director, Niclon Elliot, is advising a prison escapee who claimed that he paid some US$5,000 for his freedom, to turn himself in and not fear mistreatment.

The escapee and convicted conman, Mohammed Alli, 34, escaped on Sunday from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). He had been rushed there for treatment after it was alleged that he swallowed a blade from a “Bic shaver”.

According to reports, Ally reportedly had wanted to kill himself.

Following his escape, a prison officer who was tasked with guarding him at the hospital has been dismissed for allowing him to slip out of lawful custody.

Alli however, saw it fit to clear that he did not run away but had paid for his freedom.

The convict made this statement via a phone call, which he made to journalist/editor with Big Smith News Watch, Leroy Smith.

In the recorded conversation, Alli told Smith that he would like the general public to know that he did not escape just like that and that he would have paid US$5,000 for his freedom, adding that he had one more year left behind bars but he was given the opportunity to

Convicted conman, Mohammed Alli.

pay that money and leave the country so he took it.

Alli also detailed that he paid three prison officers the money and that his trip to the hospital was part of plan to give him his freedom. The conman added that he was about to “cross the border” but when Smith asked him which direction he was heading he said, “wherever the wind blows”.

Elliot, who had listened to recorded conversation too that Alli was actually scheduled to be released in June 30 of this year, but now that he has escaped before that date, he will have to spend extra time in jail.

Elliot said that his advice to the escapee is to turn himself as soon as possible

Guyana to pay for...

From page 2 all of the produced water if the study shows that the dumping of the water would be harmful to marine life.

It is important to note that Guyana will also be paying for this study through cost recovery.

It should be noted that as well that no similar study was done for the Liza Phase One or Two Projects, yet Guyana went full steam ahead with approving the permits for those projects.

It is in recognition of this grave mistake that former Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams, had campaigned for ExxonMobil to put systems in place for the re-injection of the produced water for the Payara project.

The official had told this news entity that the Liza Destiny vessel is already dumping 4,000 barrels of produced water into the ocean and in about six years, it will get to about 300,000 barrels.

Dr. Adams had said, “I have worked in the oil fields as a Production and Reservoir engineer and we injected every single drop of water.

If you are onshore, the water would obviously have to be re-injected.

Also, the World Bank has made it clear that you should only dispose of produced water into the ocean when it is not technically feasible.”

The Environmental Engineer had said that in ExxonMobil’s case, “it is more than feasible.”

Deceased: Samuel De Souza. investigate the matter further, since the post mortem results showed that his brother died from hypotension (low blood pressure) and gastritis. The suspects were initially released. Commander Region 10, Hugh Winter, said that the Director of Public Prosecution resent the file to the Division and requested that additional

investigation be done.

Winter said this instruction was followed, the file was returned, and the advice was given to charge the duo with manslaughter.

Jacob De Souza said the family is pleased that charges were laid but is not pleased that the suspects were placed on bail at their first hearing.

De Souza’s lifeless body was found on a track, close to his home. According to the police, the deceased who lived alone, had an altercation with a female who, along with her daughter, confronted him.

He subsequently ran away through the track leading to his home but sometime later, two unidentified males came out the said track and told the woman and her daughter that the victim was dead.

When the police visited the scene, De Souza was observed lying on his back in (Continued on page 24 )

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Friday March 26, 2021

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

Belonging in the Guinness Book of World Records Guyana belongs in the Guinness Book of World Records, but not for the grand reasons that put the names of extraordinary individuals and places in its hallowed pages. In view of what is happening here with this country’s natural resources, and especially with its oil wealth, that Guinness Book is the place for it to be.

The leaders of this country have given away in stealthy, out of sight, arrangements involving the equivalent of billions of barrels of oil worth billions in U.S. dollars to favoured cronies, and one of those leaders had the audacity and smartness to say that ‘no laws broken’. In this society, a man gives away a bicycle or a spanner that is the property of others, and he quickly ends up in jail. Only in Guyana can such secret dealings involving billions of the peoples’ wealth be secretly given away and bartered away (for what we will find out eventually) and someone offers the brainless in the specious defence of no laws were broken. To utter such a statement in public should be enough to attract a jail sentence, a long one. It is how the assets of the people are handed over in friendly and self-enriching quid pro quos to cronies, and the fallback position is no laws were broken. Before our fellow Guyanese, we take this unyielding and unmoving position: that deserves to be in the Guinness Book of Records, and the utterer should have the book thrown at him.

Clearly, the circus is not coming to town; it is already here.

The question is how many clowns are already present in this now booming oil town. A former president of the United States of America, a figure questionable as to his sanity, did say that he could walk in the middle of Manhattan, New York and commit the unthinkable and unpardonable and nothing would come of it, for the laws do not apply to him. We think that this is what is at work here in Guyana with this oil of ours.

It drives men, who were neither clean nor circumspect before, into frenzies of cupidity and sheer insanity. It is so, because they say so, with no questions asked.

It is how the knife is first plunged into the backs of Guyanese, and then stuck into their guts by those who shamelessly call themselves leaders. A parliamentary presence, another believed brainy wise guy on the block, went public to state that information on the nation’s oil is available, and all that the sections of the media that is interested has to do is to ask. On the richest thing ever to hit this country, matters boil down to this sort of childish ridiculousness, this kind of high-grade embarrassment from those who don’t know better and could care less.

In other words, what this supposed chief steward in our natural resources sector is sharing, is the equivalent of this: if the media does not ask, then the media will not get. That may not qualify for the Guinness Book of World Records, but it is definitely a candidate for Ripley’s Believe it or Not. It is like the top bureaucrats that run the public service, or the auditors that conduct reviews of their work, saying that information is on hand about how the business of the people is managed, but all of it will be held in storage, unless somebody remembers (or cares) to ask. To put differently, there will be no voluntary or mandatory minimum reporting, as is routine all over, if those to whom it matters do not manifest either interest or inquiry. Stranger things from the leaders of this nation we have heard with more frequency as of late, but we are struggling to recall the precedents and the parallels. We are going far with this oil wealth, and it is mostly down. And if we play dumb and disinterested, the leaders in government are going to drag us down, too.

History has been very enlightening to those who care enough to spare the time and focus their attentions. When governments are scanty in providing the people in their area of stewardship with information, then they are usually up to something; that something is usually not of anything that can even be termed remotely good. This is not clean governance; it is not transparent either. It is certainly not of trustworthy leadership, which we have never ever really had here. And that, too, is something that belongs in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Concerns about oil and gas waste treatment facility for construction at Coverden, EBD DEAR EDITOR, I was enjoying my period of ‘spiritual renewal’ since the end of February while observing ‘Lent’ and had decided that I was not making any public statements during this period. However, this situation is very close to home, literally.

I read in the Kaieteur News on 25 March, 2021, in an article titled ‘US Logistics Company to set up EBD Waste Treatment Facility.’

This facility will be done by ‘Global Oil Environmental Services’ (GOES) at Coverden on the East Bank of Demerara. The article stated that GOES proposed the construction and o p e r a t i o n o f a Wa s t e Treatment Facility for transfer, storage, treatment and disposal of Exploration and Production (E&P) Oil and Gas Waste and that the facility would be housed at Block ‘X’ TE Huiste, Block I, ‘T’ Hustle Coverden, East Bank Demerara.

What I found alarming in the article was the following s t a t e m e n t , ‘ T h e E PA outlined on its notice that the project would not significantly impact the environment, therefore concluding that it does not require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).’

Editor, I was born and grew up in Coverden. My family owns about a quarter of that village and we have been residing there since 1842, according to official records; over 178 years. I still have possibly about 200 blood-relatives who live there, so this is a very personal matter.

I also feel a sense of duty and responsibility, to look out for the interest and wellbeing of residents at Supply, Land of Canaan, Sarah Joanna, Pearl, Coverden, Soesdyke, Timehri, and those villages on the Soesdyke Linden Highway, such as, Kuru Kuru, Kuru Kururu, Yarrowkabra, etc. These are my villages, where my family and friends live, therefore while I am happy to see the development of these communities, I would also ensure that it is done sustainably and does not adversely affect the residents and their environment physical and social.

Having read the article, I did a quick inquiry on whether the residents were aware of this facility and if community meetings were held to engage them on the implications (challenges and opportunities) of having an oil and gas waste treatment facility in their community, and the feedback I received was that the residents were not aware.

I would therefore strongly recommend that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ensures that an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) is done before this facility is approved and that the community is engaged considerably in this process.

I look forward to receiving my invitation to these meetings.

Here are some of the reasons why an ESIA is absolutely necessary; many of these residents are engaged in cash crop farming, they also have

kitchen gardens as a means of livelihood; as such, when there is high (spring) tide, some of the lands on the western side of the Demerara River, in the community floods, bringing water onto the lands into the farms and kitchen gardens, the residents need to be aware of the potential dangers of this waste treatment facility.

What chemicals will be used and discharged into the river, if any? What quantities will be discharged? What chemicals will be stored at the facility? What is the possible impact on their crops, livelihoods, health, environment, etc.

Additionally, if there is a chemical spill, waste leakage, how would it impact on the 178 years lifestyle of the residents of this community? How will it affect the ground water and surface water? The water from the Demerara River f l o w s i n t o t h e trenches/canals which flows all the way through farmlands to the East Demerara Water Conservancy aka ‘the conservancy.’

I also have several family members and another over 150 years family history, as well as friends and other families on the West Bank of t h e D e m e r a r a R i v e r, immediately behind and obliquely opposite Coverden; in the villages of La Harmonie, Catherina, Bethany, among others, and their only means of access to and from their homes is by speedboat, across the Demerara River.

These are communities that do not have electricity or

portable water; therefore they use the water from the Demerara River for domestic use also, for example washing their clothes. They use water from the canal for drinking and cooking purposes and the water from the Demerara River flows into these canals; some of them also do rainwater harvesting. I grew up washing my clothes in the Demerara River and drinking water from the Canal. The water was also used for cooking.

I support development, and no doubt the oil and gas sector will create enormous economic and other opportunities for the country and its people and for communities, but we have to ensure that this growth and development is balanced by ensuring that the wellbeing of citizens, residents in communities, is a priority.

Perhaps now is the time for the government to expand the all-whether roads on the West Bank of Demerara, for the residents in the villages of La Harmonie, Catherina, Bethany, etc., this would provide them with an alternative means of accessing their communities/homes.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e government can also assist with portable water, even if it is through a rainwater harvesting programme and an electrification initiative for those communities. This will reduce the sole dependence of the communities on the use of the Demerara River and other surface water sources (Continued on page 5)

Friday March 26, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Columnist Freddie Kissoon’s mis-adventure DEAR EDITOR, In a feature article in KN, titled, “The President asked.

I declined. I’ve since changed my mind,” Opinion Columnist, Freddie Kissoon, stated that he had a brief conversation with the newly elected President of Guyana during which he was asked whether he would like to serve his country. Freddie claimed that he pondered on the question and concluded it was a job offer by the President. He therefore

declined the offer on the grounds that he was feeling his age and preferred to see younger people succeed him.

Some eight months later, Freddie somersaulted as it appeared old age rejuvenated him, changed his mind and is now asking the President for a state employment as Head o f t h e H u m a n Right’s Commission with the unfettered space to do as he pleases and with the caveat no high salary and assigned

SUV. In support of his application, he claimed he would bring intensive passion to the job with his personal and intellectual capabilities. On the personal level, he wants to change Guyana, particularly to stop the indignities poor people have been enduring, and the job will give him his last chance as he heads into the sunset to change things around for the good of all. On the intellectual level, he

...Concerns about oil and gas From page 4 for access and domestic purposes.

One of the areas that I am still hoping to work with the government on as a part of my proposed project on, ‘Development Preparedness: Strengthening Crosssectorial Governance in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Maximize Opportunities for Maintaining Rule of Law as Guyana Transitions into an Oil and Gas Society;’ in addition to crosssectorial governance and legal reforms, human rights, etc., is on ‘Community Development Agreements.’

This can either be legislated by the government or included in policy for foreign and local investors to establish community development agreements

with local authorities or communities, so that the development support for communities from investors, could be more structured and make for better community development planning, as well as planning by investors for community development initiatives.

I hope that the EPA will ensure that the ESIA and com-

munity engagements are done before approval is granted for this facility.

If approval is eventually granted, I hope that the investors will be keen to have discussions on a ‘Community Development Agreement’ for mutual benefit for the community and the investors.

Yours faithfully, Citizen, Audreyanna Thomas

would eliminate human rights abuses meted out to poor folks by those with money, status and privilege in the society. By his admission, Freddie realized he

has been a controversial figure for most of his adult life and a gadfly to former PPP Presidents Jagdeo and Ramotar. Therefore, given

h i s t r a c k record it is surprising that the newly elected PPP President Ali had the courage to offer him a (Continued on page 6)

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Friday March 26, 2021

Kaieteur News

...Columnist Freddie Kissoon’s From page 5 job to work with a diverse team to do uncommon things and build an enduring legacy of integrity for the PPP Party.

There is no doubt that Freddie has been a social activist and has provided pro bono services of one kind or another for many people over the years. Unfortunately his

zealousness in doing so by intriguing means has brought him much ill-feelings for which he has suffered grievously and from which he is unlikely to recover and regain the recognition and gratitude he so much yearns for as he has ruffled too many feathers.

Yours truly, Charles Sohan

Friday March 26, 2021

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Friday March 26, 2021

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Friday March 26, 2021

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The Government is mishandling the pandemic

T

he funeral parlours are doing brisk business as a result of the pandemic. Four more COVID-19 deaths were reported in Guyana yesterday.

And still there have been no calls for a lockdown in the c o u n t r y. P e o p l e a r e experiencing a sense of fatalism about what is happening. Many are unbothered by the threat posed by the pandemic locally, while those who are concerned feel helpless that nothing they say or do will be taken seriously by the authorities and even by the media.

A media worker died yesterday. But her death is not going to change the indifference being shown by most local media houses to the spate of deaths and infections over the past two weeks. Not one local media house has issued an editorial or front page comment calling for a lockdown of the country to stem the high incidence of new cases and the rush of new deaths.

It is almost certain that no media house, at present, is going to support the reimposition of previous social restrictions which have long been placed in abeyance.

There is absolutely little support in civil society for a tightening of the social restrictions.

This lack of empathy is appalling. And it is coinciding with a damning report, which suggests that

Dem

boys seh...

hundreds of thousands of deaths could have been avoided in the United States had there been an earlier lockdown. Reuter News Agency is reporting that an economics professor has estimated that COVID-19 deaths, which now stand at 540,000, could have been below 300,000 if the country had earlier adopted social distancing measures, testing protocols and the wearing of masks. Other news agencies have reported on the model which was developed by the professor and which now estimates a further 100,000 deaths.

But the same lesson which is now being touted in the United States can apply to Guyana. When the PPP/C took office there were only 20 deaths. They had to have known that the rate at which they were reopening the economy and the failure to enforce social restrictions would have led to deaths.

This is not a no-brainer. It is hard to imagine the PPP/C pretending that it did not predict increases deaths.

As it stands, we are not yet in to eight months of the PPP/C rule and a further 200 persons have died, or 10 times the amount of deaths which occurred under the APNU+AFC. While it is true that testing was low under the APNU+AFC, if there were indeed massive amounts of unreported cases, the death rate would have been much higher. The PPP/C’s explanation for this is that there was suppression

of data. But where is the evidence of this criminal act? We are yet to see it.

The PPP/C has mismanaged the pandemic.

And it is now going into overdrive to further manhandle the situation. The response to the vaccines has been abysmally poor. Only around 25,000 persons have been vaccinated since the immunization began almost two weeks now. This means that the majority of persons over 60 years have not been vaccinated and this is considered the high-risk group. But instead of trying to get to these persons, the government is now opening up the campaign to a much larger demographic: those above 40 years old.

The 40-50 years age group consists of about 150,000 persons. This would require 300,000 jabs since vaccines have to be saved for the second dose. Even if the first tranche of Russian vaccines arrives, there will not be sufficient to vaccinate all in this age group.

The government is now attempting to vaccinate as many persons as possible since its efforts to target the high-risk groups have been slowed by vaccine hesitancy.

B u t t h e g o v e r n m e n t ’s strategy will lead to more deaths rather than less deaths. And more cases rather than less cases.

The persons who are going to be vaccinated will be those who are likely to be taking precautions and thus have a reduced risk of

An eye for an eye will leave de whole world blind!

Dem boys hear de government studying de feasibility of establishing new rules fuh spend de oil money. Apparently, de rules which de Hap-New +Hay-Eff-See set tun out to be a no-brainer. And suh de government looking fuh change de rules as to how to spend de oil money.

Dis could only mean dem gan change de law fuh suit dem. Dat is why dem boys seh yuh gat to keep a hawk’s eye pon de government.

It remind dem boys about de fisherman who bin suspect dat he wife bin cheating on he. So one day, he decide fuh hire wan private detective fuh spy pon she and report back to he.

De fisherman used to be away a long time on sea but every time he boat come in to shore, he use to go and check in with de private eye. De private detective always

telling he dat there was nothing to report. And after each report, de fisherman would take de private eye out fuh a drink at de local pub.

Dis went on fuh a good time.

Den one day, de fisherman bin navigating he vessel into port when he see de private detective waving frantically at he. When he docked he boat, he went across to de private detective who reported dat indeed he wife had a lover and in fact de two bin together at de present moment.

De fisherman shake he head and said to de private eye, “OK, let we go fuh we usual drink.”

“But what about de man in yuh house with yuh wife?” de private detective asked.

“Well,” said de fisherman, “he can buy he own drink.”

Talk half and nah trust de government with no private eye!

infection and disease. And those who are not coming forward to be vaccinated are those believing the conspiracy theories on social media. They are the same ones who are more likely to be infected.

In the meantime, the numbers keep rising. And like Donald Trump did in the United States, the PPP/C

government is making the same mistakes by not taking early and decisive social distancing and social restrictions.

But then again who cares? Not the media, not the political parties, not the civil society organizations and definitely not the business community.

The voices of those who

care are not being heard.

They are helpless and hopeless in the face of the indifference shown by Big Brother government.

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

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Friday March 26, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Renda Henry hung herself in the psychiatric ward A young Berbician girl in her mid 20s, Renda Henry, hung herself last week with her bed sheet in the ward of the Berbice Psychiatric Hospital. It was rumoured that she was sexually molested by a family member and that brought on depression which later became intense.

Henry’s situation is curious. She went in and out of the hospital over a period of time. It meant that she was not of a condition that warranted permanent supervision. But if she was eventually admitted then her condition did not improve over the time she was being treated.

Secondly, it would be interesting to see what the

hospital authorities found in her case file.

If she was molested and the perpetrator was not investigated then the reality of being a helpless victim could deepen the depression leading to suicidal thoughts.

In a majority of cases when people are sexually violated and their molesters are not prosecuted, the feeling of uncontrollable despair sets in. The victim feels that the world has let them down and they abandon hope. Suicide then becomes a compelling option.

Thirdly, was Ms. Henry given counselling? Fourthly, aren’t psychiatric patients assigned close, constant monitoring?

Even if they are allowed

bed sheets, was there no one in the ward that saw her remove the sheet, tied it to a beam and put it around her neck? Could she have performed all these tasks and no attendee was around?

I was asked to write this column by two Berbice doctors who told me that conditions at the institution need to be highlighted. I was informed that over the years, the hospital has been badly neglected with patients uncared for. In fact, the picture painted to me, if true, would call for the immediate attention of Georgetown authorities.

When I was told about the tragedy of Ms. Henry, my mind went back to the sempiternal theme that has

taken over all my mental horizons – why can’t Guyana increase its modern attachment to the world little by little and slowly and slowly we will get there. But that doesn’t seem to happen.

I have been a columnist writing for 32 years in which I did weekly columns for the Catholic Standard when there were no independent dailies.

All Guyanese crowded the Standard. It brought news to Guyana when there were no private newspapers, private radio stations or television stations.

I got responses from far and wide back in those days. It was the exact repetition when the Stabroek News was born.

I became a weekly columnist there and people would come up to you and there in front of your eyes were the lamentations of the Guyanese nation. In those 32 years, I also did a weekly television interview for a few years and the complaints would pour in. That was long ago. My hair is silver now, my age is advanced. What has not changed is my country.

Would you believe 10, 15, 20 years ago, the complaints I got were about NIS, the Deeds Registry, the Police Force, water and

electricity utilities, sad and painful mistreatment at state hospitals, arrogant doctors in both the private and public sectors, the non-functioning of the University of Guyana, parental headaches coping with the Ministry of Education, judicial inexplicabilities,

Frederick Kissoon impossibility of accessing important governmental officials, non-functioning telephone numbers, horror stories at City Hall and horror stories at GRA. I could go on but the examples will flow into two more columns. Which person in Guyana, be it Cabinet minister, judge, p o l i c e o ff i c e r, p u b l i c servant, has been receiving grievances from the public for 32 consecutive years. I am still receiving them and

they are the same as those which I got when I was a scrawny Catholic Standard columnist wearing an unkempt hair style in the 1980s.

When these two doctors telephoned me about Renda Henry, quietly I spoke to my mind without them hearing. I said, “Gentlemen, tell me something new, give me something new to write about.” I am going to end this column with one of the angriest episodes in my entire life. I will cite the date I wrote the column but I am still going to briefly repeat some of the contents.

In October 2019, my c h e a p , To y o t a Vi t z arrived. There were many customers waiting to be served. GRA officials were on lunch. The GNIC, as distinct from GRA, had only one cashier. Wharf officials couldn’t find my keys. When they found them, a parked container truck was blocking my car. The driver had parked and gone for the day.

For more details see my column of Sunday, October 27, 2019, “Always follow your instincts or you will lose your life.”

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

Friday March 26, 2021

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Friday March 26, 2021

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Ashni Singh instructs GRA to go after businesses charging VAT on exempted items B

usinesses operating in Guyana that continue to impose a 14 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on commodities and services that were zero-rated will be prosecuted and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has since been instructed to go after delinquent businesses.

This, according to the Ministry of Finance, which in a public missive on Wednesday, quoted Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance within the Office of the President, Dr. Ashni Singh saying, “it has come to my attention through various reports from members of the public that a number of hardware stores have since refused to comply and are still unscrupulously charging VAT on several items.”

According to Dr. Singh, businesses that continue to flout the laws and

unscrupulously attach a 14 percent VAT to items on which the VAT has been removed or has been reduced, will face the full force of the law as this is illegal.

Dr. Singh lamented that the “practice is denying consumers the right to ultimately enjoy reduced prices on various commodities including construction materials.”

The Minister in his statement recalled that when the 2021 Budget was passed in the National Assembly on March 4, last, it would have outlined a number of measures including the VAT zero-rating, or reduction of VAT or duty, previously charged on a number of commodities.

It was noted too that Order Number 6 of 2021 of the Value Added Tax Act Cap.81:05 of the Laws of Guyana came into effect immediately for VAT zero-

rating of certain construction materials.

These include stone imported for construction and housing from Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, locally produced pre-stressed concrete piles and locally fabricated mild steel beams for building construction and locally manufactured roofing and PVC products for building construction.

The import duty on industrial grade cement was also reduced from 15 percent to five percent.

Additionally, the VAT zero rate was also restored to basic food items and household necessities that were previously zero-rated up to May 2015 but switched to ‘standard-rate’ or ‘exempt’ over the past five years.These include basic wheaten flour, breads, oats, unflavoured cracker biscuits, cooking oil, locally produced bed sheets and

pillowcases and toothbrushes among other items. According to Dr Singh, prior to this, the emergency Budget was passed in Parliament on September 25, 2020, also stipulated the VAT zero rate or removal of VAT on other commodities including the overall removal of VAT on e l e c t r i c i t y a n d w a t e r.

Therefore, since then, VAT would have also been removed from hinterland travel and data, as well as building and construction materials.

According to the Ministry’s missive, the Senior Finance Minister recalled that all of these measures were intended to benefit consumers and ease

Senior Minister within Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh.

the expense aligned to these previously burdensome tax measures and with their removal or reduction, “the expectancy was that it would have ultimately allowed for the reduction in the cost of living of Guyanese generally.”

As such, “this illegality will not be tolerated” Dr. Singh said, and announced that he has already instructed

the relevant agency—the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA)—to ensure that countrywide checks are made to enforce compliance with the VAT regulations.

According to Dr. Singh, businesses found flouting the laws and continuing to deprive consumers and customers of these benefits will be dealt with according to law.

Friday March 26, 2021

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Friday March 26, 2021

Minister Rodrigues commits to resolving age-old Bee Hive land issue Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Hon. Susan Rodrigues and Bee Hive residents discussing the land matter.

A section of the Bee Hive residents during the meeting.

(DPI) Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Hon. Susan Rodrigues has pledged to pursue a resolution to the land matter affecting over 91 households of Bee Hive, East Coast Demerara since the 1960s.

The Minister made this commitment during a visit to the community on Wednesday to update the residents on the situation regarding them being able to access their land titles.

Minister Rodrigues said the lands are owned by the Kissoon family. However, in 1976, late President L.F.S. Burnham issued a Compulsory Acquisition for the lands to be regularised since it was being occupied by people. The matter was challenged by the Kissoons’ and was in the courts until 2011, when the late Chief Justice Ian Chang ruled that

the Compulsory Acquisition for the lands was lawful.

The matter was then appealed and a stay of execution was granted, preventing the Government from proceeding with regularisation. To date, the appeal has not been heard in the court. Minister Rodrigues said she has sought the assistance of Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Hon. Mohabir Anil Nandlall SC on the matter. The Minister said the Kissoon family was invited to a meeting to resolve the issue outside of the court.

However, they are requesting that persons pay market value for the lands, which the Minister said was immediately rejected.

“We are not going to let that happen so I want to assure you of that. So, we will be (Continued on page 18)

Bulletins issued for men who defrauded Deeds Registry

Wanted, Alistair Michael Mitchell

Wanted, Wazir Mohamed

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) yesterday issued two separate wanted bulletins for two men who reportedly defrauded the Deeds Registry.

The wanted bulletins were issued for 45-year-old Alistair Michael Mitchell, of Lot ‘NN’ D’ Urban Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown, a n d 6 1 - y e a r- o l d Wa z i r Mohamed.

According to the wanted bulletins, Mitchell and

Mohamed committed fraud at the Deeds Registry during 2017.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Mitchell or Mohamed is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers; 2261389, 227-2128, 226-7476, 226-7065, 227-9271, 2271611, 227-1149, 227-1270, 225-6940-9, 225-3650, 2261928, 911 or the nearest police station.

Kaieteur News

Friday March 26, 2021

PAGE 17

Minister Benn wants women to be more upfront in firefighting The Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn is calling for the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) to provide a more welcoming environment for persons coming into the service.

With this, he wants to see the female ranks in the GFS to be more up front in firefighting and rescuing services.

Minister Benn made this disclosure yesterday at the opening of this year ’s Guyana Fire Service’s Senior Officers Conference, which is being held under the theme “Understanding the challenges and working towards improving Fire and Rescue Services”.

Addressing the gathering at the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Training Centre Auditorium, the Minister noted that the women in the Fire Service are mostly sidelined into less active roles.

“We want them more into the job; we want them in on every sphere of activity, and I hope one day, we will have a

female Fire Chief and that she would have come through a system which would have respected her and allowed her to breakthrough, and to lead us on,” the Minister said.

He further pointed out also that the persons coming into the Fire Service shouldn’t be discriminated against and that they should not be preyed upon and also there shouldn’t be accusations of rape. All of these issues, he highlighted, should be reported on early, so that they can be examined and dealt with.

In closing, the Home Affairs Minister encouraged the acting Fire Chief, Kalamadeen Edoo and all the other officers to rise to the challenge and serve with confidence in order for them to have success in their endeavours and the undertaking in the responsibility to the people and to ensure that the risk of fires, the loss of lives, the loss of properties are significantly mitigated and prevented.

Death of Annandale man…

Suspect released on station bail

T

he businessman accused of causing the death of Mohammed Khan 51, has been released on bail for a second time.

H a r r i p e r s a u d Bhagwandin, 62, of Marshall Street Annandale, East Coast Demerara (ECD) had allegedly beaten Khan with a cricket bat on February 10 for breaking his (Bhagwandin) pipe.

Khan had been hospitalised for a few days for multiple injuries, which included a severe head injury.

He was discharged but was found dead a month later.

An autopsy showed that he had died from brain haemorrhage, which resulted from blunt force trauma to the head. Detectives believe that his death was a result of an injury that Bhagwandin had inflicted on him during the beating.

They rearrested Bhagwandin who was out on $50,000 bail for assaulting Khan. Bhagwandin stayed in the police lock-ups for a couple of days but was released on bail again.

According to the Police Commander of Region 4 ‘C’ Khali Pareshram, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) advised that further investigation is needed before charging the businessman. Investigators

Dead, Mohammed Khan. cannot detain a suspect for more that 72hours so they were forced let Bhagwandin walk free on station bail as they continue investigations.

M e a n w h i l e K h a n ’s relatives will be laying him to rest today. His daughters remember him as a wonderful father who had worked hard during his younger years to take care of them throughout their childhood days.

The Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mae Thomas; Advisor to the Minister, Harry Gill; Fire Chief (ag) Kalamadeen Edoo, along with the Deputy Fire Chief, Gregory Wickham and other senior ranks of the Guyana Fire Service.

Friday March 26, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Life imprisonment for Cattle Rancher who murdered friend A 51-year-old cattle rancher was yesterday sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his friend. Munilall Sarjoo made his appearance via Zoom in the Berbice High Court before Justice Simone Ramlal. Sarjoo had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Levan Chanderpaul who was 26 at the time his body was

found buried in the Number 68 backdam, Berbice.

Chanderpaul who was a fisherman of Lot 116 Number 68 Village was found with his hands bound and chop wounds about his body on August 24, 2016 at the Number 68 backlands, two days after he was reported missing.

A probation report

presented to the court by the probation officer stated that Sarjoo was born on the 21st February, 1970 and is the youngest of five siblings. He lived at Number 68 Village and is reported to have grown up under difficult financial circumstances. He was forced to leave school at the fourth level of primary school after his father

suddenly passed. His father was the sole breadwinner of their home so he left school to find a job and assist in the home. Sarjoo who described himself as simple in the probation report had migrated to Canada in 2004 but was deported in 2012 after an alleged altercation with a female in a bar. After returning to Guyana, he lived

Sentenced, Munilall Sarjoo. at his parents’ property and thereafter bought his own property and developed his cattle ranch and did parttime construction.

Up until the time the incident occurred, Sarjoo lived with his wife and his son and noted in the report that after he was charged with the murder of Chanderpaul, his wife left him. The probation officer in the report said family members of Sarjoo were interviewed and they gave mixed reviews. The majority of the relatives said he was “arrogant and rowdy”. His ex- partner said he physically and verbally abused her during their time together and the community in which he lived described him as a “troublemaker, monster and menace”.

The accused according to the report said he shared a cordial relationship with the parents of the deceased since he would assist them with firewood for free on many occasions. He said that time and time again, the deceased had approached him for employment and he occasionally provided him employment by allowing him to feed his pigs at a fluctuation cost of $500-

The deceased, Levan Chanderpaul. $1000. The report said that contrary to what Sarjoo said, family members of the deceased stated that the accused and deceased were friends and spent most of their days in each other’s company “hanging out”.

The report said the accused did not express remorse for what he did and that he maintained his innocence.

Meanwhile, the deceased who was born in December 1989 and was the younger of two was described by residents of the area in which he lived as mannerly but was involved in petty crimes.

Mother of the deceased, Seerani Chandrapaul, told the court after the probation report was presented that “you killed my son; I don’t have sympathy for him. I have my reward. That is my only son”.

Consequently, Justice Simone Ramlall in her sentencing stated that the offence involved the loss of a young life and in considering the circumstances under which the offence was committed, “I have considered that the deceased met his death in a gruesome manner. He was brutally (Continued on page 22 )

Minister Rodrigues commits to...

From page 16 consulting and I am here to consult with you and we will be engaging the attention of the courts and we will write to the court to ask for there to be a speedy hearing on this matter, so that we can put this matter to rest and so that the Government can proceed with regularisation.”

“You can rest assured that we are addressing this; it has our attention. It is a very unfortunate situation and when I heard about it, I could not ignore it. It is not one of those flashy issues that you go and you get big publicity for, but I know it is an issue that is close to your heart and I would like to see this resolved,” Minister

Rodrigues said.

The Minister said there are many other persons in other communities enduring a similar situation as Bee Hive.

The Government understands the importance of people having a roof over their heads, she said, and it is s e r i o u s a b o u t homeownership. As such, matters like this need to be addressed.

Minister Rodrigues told the residents that the matter is in the jurisdiction of the court and that she could not give a timeline for its resolution.

However, she stressed that it is the responsibility of Government to protect the rights of its citizens.

Kaieteur News

Friday March 26, 2021

PAGE 19

New structure Medical and Nursing school students to lend being looked at support to COVID-19 vaccination programme for GEA - VP Jagdeo Casting blame on the David Granger led administration for its failure to implement prudent policies for Guyana’s oil sector, Vice President (VP), D r. B h a r r a t J a g d e o , announced that plans are in the works to devise a new structure for the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA).

The VP made those comments and more on a recent oil and gas virtual discussion on Globespan 24x7.

There, the VP stated, “Every day there are mundane issues, real-time issues that you have to address, which takes a lot of the technical staff’s time because if they don’t fix the p e r m i t n o w, w e l o s e investments, et cetera, people lose money, et cetera. So, it’s a big struggle between the two and the only way we resolve that is by building the capacity.”

A l r e a d y, Government has commenced the process along this line, seeking to build human capacity for the agency.

“So, even now, we’re working on the new structure for the Energy Agency that will manage the sector. We will have to recruit people in aggressively from next week, hopefully you’ll start seeing maybe six ads in the newspapers, so we can start managing the sector better,” he said.

Further, the VP added that the new policies will empower the Government by ensuring that it can hold oil

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. companies accountable for the sums spent here, to avoid Guyana paying exorbitant cost recovery fees.

The Agency’s mandate is stated in the provisions of the Guyana Energy Agency Act 1997, Guyana Energy A g e n c y (Amendment) Act 2004, Guyana Energy Agency (Amendment) Act 2005 and the Petroleum and Petroleum Products Regulations 2004.

Developing a national energy policy and securing its implementation, carrying out research into all sources of energy including those sources presently used in Guyana for the generation of energy, and securing more efficient utilization of energy and sources of energy, monitoring the performance of the energy sector in Guyana, including the production, importation, distribution and utilization of petroleum and petroleum products are amongst those core functions listed.

President Irfaan Ali has announced that medical and nursing students will be lending support to the COVID-19 i m m u n i s a t i o n programme, during his virtual vaccination update on Wednesday. President Ali also disclosed that in the coming days, the Guyana Defence Force will provide support by lending 400 officers to expedite the registration of citizens receiving their vaccines.

The students who

volunteer will also receive a jab of the vaccine, which serves to limit their exposure to the virus, according to Ali. The President also noted that the government is embarking on an integrative approach to immunisation, one that includes Cabinet oversight, local government bodies; civil society, the medical and nursing students, and the medical brigade of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). Currently, those

eligible for vaccination are frontline health care workers, elderly persons 60 years and over and now persons 40 years and older.

The immunisation programme has also extended vaccination to government and opposition members of parliament.

He outlined the government’s plan to have 10,000 citizens vaccinated daily as a means of accelerating the (Continued on page 21 )

President Irfaan Ali.

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Friday March 26, 2021

Police in major drug eradication exercise up the Berbice River The police in Berbice continue their drug eradication exercise up the Berbice River with another successful exercise at DeVeldt. On Wednesday last, between 05:00 hours and 17:30 hours, the police during the raid came upon two cultivated farms measuring about 6 acres in size. In total, the cops found about 300,000 cannabis

plants, ranging from 2 feet to 5 feet in height.

The cops also located 5,000 plants in the nursery. They also found forty (40) kilograms of dried cannabis and three make shift camps and one water pump during the exercise. The dried cannabis and plants were destroyed by fire. No one was arrested during the exercise.

Kaieteur News

Friday March 26, 2021

PAGE 21

Tender Board opens 219 Bids

T

he National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), on Tuesday, opened 219 bids for several government agencies at

their Ministry of Finance (MoF) office on Main and Urquhart Streets. Notable projects included consultancy services for conducting an Environmental and Social

Ministry of Agriculture: Procurement of items for the new Guyana Marketing CorporationLot 1: Three new terrain vehicles; lot two: 13 new motorcycles; lot 3: Two new refrigerators trucks; lot four: two new refrigerator containers

Impact Assessment for the construction of the new harbor bridge; the supply and delivery of material installation of well discharge, transmission/ distribution

network and service connection; as well as the approval for emergency pharmaceuticals.

Below are the companies and their bids.

Ministry of Health: Approval for emergency pharmaceuticals

Ministry of Public Works: Demerara Harbour Bridge - Consultancy services for conducting an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the construction of the new harbor bridge (Nandy Park to La Grange) and approach roads

Ministry of Natural Resources: Supply and delivery of one double cab pickup

Procurement of security services- Linden Complex Hospital

Supply and delivery of three all-terrain vehicles

Ministry of Agriculture: NDIA- Provision of consultancy for the design and supervision of pump stations at Greenwich Park/ Barnwell area, Region Three

Guyana Water Incorporated: Supply and delivery of material installation of well discharge, transmission/distribution network and service connection Construction of trestle at Mountain Foot/ Yawong, Region Eight Supply and delivery of HDPE and PVC pipes, fittings and valves in three lots

Water supply improvement project at Kamarang/Warawatta Region Seven

Supply of irrigation pipes for Mountain Foot/ Yawong, Region Eight

Ministry of Agriculture: Supply of laboratory equipment and supplies

Procurement of mobile pumps for NDIA

Supply and delivery of one 30-seater motor vehicle

Installation of revetment at Endeavor, Canal Number Two, Region Three

Procurement of tractor and fuel bowser

PAGE 22

Friday March 26, 2021

Kaieteur News

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From page 18 beaten to his head resulting in fragmented fractures to his skull”.

Justice Ramlall surmised that the deceased had to have endured tremendous pain and suffering prior to his demise and that his hands were bound and his body was dumped. The evidence she said suggests that it was a premeditated act. Additionally, the deceased is known to the offender and were acquaintances. Justice Ramlall took into consideration that there is evidence that considering that the offender fled from the police during the investigation and was in hiding for several months, “these are all aggravating factors.”

The judge also considered the fact that Sarjoo has a previous criminal record, which led to him being deported back to Guyana and that the conviction is for a violence offence against an-

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other person. She also considered the probation report, which said he was referred to as a menace by residents.

Justice Ramlall noted that the accused “is not fit for social re-adaptation.” She also

took into account that he expressed no remorse but also took into consideration that he had a difficult childhood with economic constraints. In light of those factors and others, the accused was sentenced to life im-

prisonment with possibility of parole after serving 25 years.

The State was represented by attorney-at-law, Tuana Hardy and the accused was represented by attorney-at-law, Rodwell Jagmohan.

Friday March 26, 2021

Kaieteur News

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PAGE 24

...Linden duo charged for killing From page 3 the track in front of his home, and a woodenhandle spear was observed resting on his body with what appeared to be blood.

Three knives and a

Friday March 26, 2021

Kaieteur News

screwdriver were found in the deceased pants waist.

His mouth and right ear had what appeared to be blood oozing from them and there were superficial bruises seen on the exposed parts of his body.

...Medical and Nursing school students to lend From page 19 vaccination programme.

While the programme continues to roll out, President Ali made it clear that “we are not ahead of the curve” as we are still managing the deadly pan-

demic, so all stakeholders and all Guyanese need to be on board. “Guyanese, the pandemic remains a serious national issue, a major global health concern. I urge you to continue to follow the guidelines, I urge you to continue to follow the guidelines, I urge you to continue and stay safe.

I urge you to continue to protect your families and your communities by adhering to the COVID guide-

lines,” he pleaded.

President Ali said that while the government has sought to strike a balance with the economy and the health management of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses must understand that they must adhere to the mandated 40 percent occupancy and ensure that their customers follow the protocols as they use their establishments.

He concluded by say-

ing, “The government is sparing no effort in ensuring that we get vaccinated as quickly as possible but we too, all of us have a responsibility to help in this process. I urge you to take seriously, the guidelines of the COVID-19 Task Force as together we rally to ensure we get out of this pandemic as quickly as possible, continue to stay safe and may God bless all of you.”

Kaieteur News

Friday March 26, 2021

PAGE 25

Four more die from COVID-19, death toll now at 225

T

he Ministry of Health (MoH) y e s t e r d a y announced that four persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID19) have died.

Their deaths now bring Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll to 225.

Those dead are a 61-year-

old man from Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), a 60year-old man, and two women whose ages are 63 and 78, all from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

However the two women’s deaths were not reflected in yesterday’s dashboard.

According to the Ministry’s press release, all

Nigerian national, local businessman charged with fraud

A

Nigerian national and a businessman on Wednesday made their first court appearance to answer to a fraud related charge.

The defendants, Nzube Zkegwuonu, 29, a Nigerian resident at Lot 326 Melanie, East Coast Demerara, and Kevin Smith, 26, a businessman, of Lot 299 Melanie, East Coast Demerara, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

They were not required to plead to the charge which alleged that between February 1, 2021, and March 15, 2021, at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, they conspired with others to obtain $3,000,000, from Denita Bonnet.

Both defendants were represented by attorney-atlaw Ronald Daniels. The lawyer told the court that his clients are innocent and added that they were both released on $100,000, station bail.

The police prosecutor made no objection to bail being granted to the defendants but asked that they lodge their passports and report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters every second and last Friday of each month.

Chief Magistrate McLennan then granted both defendants bail in the sum of $100,000, each with the prosecutor ’s conditions attached. The duo is expected to make their next court appearance on April 14, 2021.

four persons died while receiving treatment at a medical facility. Meanwhile, the MoH also recorded 78 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 9,898.

The dashboard shows that 12 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 49 persons are in institutional isolation, 893 in home isolation and 18 persons are institutional quarantine. To date 8,721 recoveries have been recorded.

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Friday March 26, 2021

Friday March 26, 2021

...No Audited Financials received for CWI AGM From page 28 Drubahadur and Associates, a prominent Audit and Accounting firm, and Mr. Fizul Bacchus are the GCB representatives. Mr. Bahadur is not happy that the CWI accounts, which is for the period of year ending 30th September 2020, stated that he has been attending these meetings on and off for over eight years and this is the first time this has happened. Mr. Drubahadur also served on the CWI Finance committee for some years. It is alarming that after almost six months into the next financial cycle, the accounts are not ready.

The previous chairman of the CWI Finance Committee was Guyanese Director and another Chartered Accountant Mr. Anand

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

Kalladeeen, who is still a CWI Director and current Treasurer of the Guyana Cricket Board and Chairman of Cricket Guy. Inc., Mr. Kalladeen refused to comment.

When contacted Mr. Anand Sanasie, Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board stated that while he has a corporate duty as a CWI director, the situation is alarming and some immediate action must be taken. He further said that it’s been about two years that the Auditors have requested certain action and the current administration appear to be oblivious to them. He noted that the Skerritt Administration hired a consultant at a tremendous cost and under questionable

circumstances, yet the accounts are not ready. He also posited that dismissing your Finance Director after 20 years of service when an Audit has not been completed may have compounded the problem, as traditionally the Audits would have been completed and approved at the December meeting in the preceding year of an AGM. One source revealed that the auditors have been requesting consolidated Accounts since the 1st AGM but the Coolidge Accounts were not done, there may be more in the Mortar than the pestle. An answer needs to be forthcoming from Mr. Skerritt.

It is clear that the CWI AGM of 28th March has another issue to deal with.

Friday March 26, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Reading could take up a lot of your time today, Aries. Books on psychology or the occult sciences might seem interesting, particularly as your intuition is operating on a higher level than usual.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today you may want to spend your free time alone, contemplating various ideas, Libra. Spiritual or metaphysical philosophies from ancient cultures or foreign lands might be more appealing than usual.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Your mind is likely to be on your finances today, Taurus, and you may be searching for previously unknown ways to advance yourself.

Colleagues or friends could help steer you in the right direction.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today, Scorpio, your mind may turn toward deep subjects. You could explore the sciences, psychology, the occult, or metaphysics.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Increased communication with a close friend or lover, more on a subtle than verbal level, could bring you closer and enrich your relationship.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Today you might crave solitude, perhaps for meditation or to contemplate your current situation. You may feel you're at a crossroads and need to decide which way to go.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You might spend a lot of time in conversation with friends who share your interests. Their insights could lead to new insights on your part, and vice versa.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Paperwork involving finances, perhaps personal, perhaps involving your employer's funds, or both, is likely to need some intense attention during the day.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A sudden upsurge in your intuition could have you feeling more in tune to the thoughts, feelings, and desires of others. Your communication is going to be clear and open as a result.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Your mind is strong and focused today. As a result, you're probably feeling especially physically robust.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Expect to spend much of your day alone. Information obtained from books or videos, perhaps involving history, philosophy, or religion, might inspire you to look deeper into a subject and turn it to your own advantage.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Some strange dreams could stimulate your imagination and start you on new avenues of exploration. You might at some point play detective. What you seek is likely to be within your psyche.

STSC 3-a-side football set for Sunday South Turkeyen Sports Committee 3-a-side small goal and p e n a l t y s h o o t o u t football competition is set for Sunday at Vryheid’s L u s t t a r m a c s t a rting at 10:00hrs.

Entrance fee is $1,000 per player. Teams set to take part are Better Hope, Belfield, Sophia, Charlestown, Vryheid’s Lust and Pleasance. At Stake are trophies and medals.

...Bonner’s maiden Test ton Ricky Skerritt

...Big Man Cricket (Guyana) endorses From page 31 challengers failed to achieve fair successes in several areas of cricket in Guyana and Barbados, namely: Super 50, Female and youth (Under 15 & Under 17) cricket. Their historic success at the 4 days cricket and Under 19 cricket levels are noted and can be considered as exemplary. Female cricket is one critical area that needs urgent attention from both teams. Under the areas of governance, stakeholders’ relations, leadership, transparency and accountability, the challengers’ performances can best be described as poor and in need of vast improvement. Such a circumstance shall be counter-productive to both CWI as the governing body of the sport of the region and to the sport itself that so many of us know, play, and love so dearly.

West Indies have been resurgent in their last 3 series, securing series victories in 3 different formats against two different countries, home and away. The team seemingly is in a process of rejuvenation manifesting in their recent performances. Now more than ever, West Indies cricket needs strong and decisive leadership coupled with good governance.

Now is not the time to experiment with ill-advised and ill-timed actions of a few but to unite for the betterment of West Indies cricket. By reason of that which has been expressed in this article, Big Man Cricket (Guyana) unreservedly embrace the CWI leadership team of Mr. Ricky Skerritt and Dr Kishore Shallow to be re-elected for the positions of President and Vice-President.

...Keemo Paul set to turn out From page 33 Internationals, 19 One-Day Internationals, and three Tests to date, and has also played in the Indian Premier League for Delhi Capitals, and the Caribbean Premier League for Guyana Amazon Warriors.

From page 29 through the rest of the day was measured and steady, but confident. He once slog swept Embuldeniya for six, and later in the wicketless middle session that he shared with Mayers, hit the spinner again for two legside fours in three balls.

These were brief moments of excitement in an otherwise obstinate innings.

There was one nervy moment in the 90s, when he was struck on the pad by Vishwa Fernando and Sri Lanka reviewed that decision. The ball, though, was shown to

only be grazing the top of the stumps, and because it was deemed an “umpire’s call” the original decision stood.

Bonner reached his century with a four through point midway through the third session, off the 243rd ball he faced.

This was only Bonner’s third first-class ton in 134 innings, and yet, his Test career has begun in spectacular fashion - this hundred following a Player-of-the-series winning, tour of Bangladesh, where he scored a 86 and 90.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 28

Friday March 26, 2021

No Audited Financials received for CWI AGM Kaieteur Sport has learnt that it would appear that the much touted transparency

plan the Skerrit/Shallow ticket ran on two years ago has encountered another

hurdle. No Audited Financials.

Kaieteur Sport was

reliably informed that Territorial Boards are yet to receive Audited Financial Statements of the Cricket West Indies Consolidated Accounts. It has been confirmed that as of yesterday 25th March 2021 the Skerrit administration was not able to produce the accounts which is a direct violation of the CWI Articles of Association.

Section 111 of the C r i c k e t We s t I n d i e s Memorandum and Articles of Association states “The Board of Directors shall place before the members at every Annual General Meeting of Members (a)Comparative Financial Statements

relating separately to: (1) The period that begin on the date the company came into existence and ended not more than 12 months after that date, or, if the company has completed a financial year, the period that began immediately after the end of the last period for which financial statements were prepared and ended not more than 12 months after the beginning of the period and (2) The immediately preceding financial year. (b) The report of the Auditors.

(C) Any further information respecting the financial position of the company and the results of

- First time in over 20 years

its operations (if any) required by these Articles.

Section 112 went on to state, “Not less than 14 days before each Annual Meeting of Members, the company shall send a copy of the documents referred to in article 111 to each member.

It is now up to the members of CWI, namely the six territorial Boards to waive notice, however, it is understood that while members were willing to do so for a short period it has now become evident that the financials will not be available for consideration by members and boards for the meeting this Sunday.

Mr. Drubahadur, of (Continued on page 27)

Kaieteur News

Friday March 26, 2021

PAGE 29

Bonner’s maiden Test ton helps West Indies salvage draw ESPNcricinfo Nkrumah Bonner blunted the Sri Lanka seamers all day, defused the spin of Lasith Embuldeniya, and batted out 274 balls, as he provided the spine to West Indies’ tenacious resistance on day five. He was unbeaten at the close on 113, with only three West Indies wickets having fallen, thanks to excellent supporting innings from Kyle Mayers, Kraigg Brathwaite and Jason Holder.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers were doughty and disciplined through long, difficult periods, but the Antigua surface had not deteriorated substantially enough to make them menacing. Only towards the very end of the day did Embuldeniya get deliveries to turn and bounce drastically. The seamers still got a little movement off the deck, but the pitch had slowed, and even the balls that did beat the bat generally died before they reached the wicketkeeper. Only Vishwa Fernando, who claimed two wickets in the innings and bowled the most aggressive lengths, went at more than

three an over. Embuldeniya claimed the two other wickets to fall.

Despite their heroics chasing 395 in Chattogram last month, at no point did West Indies attempt the target of 375 here. This must have been at least partly because the pitch had slowed to such an extent that rapid run-scoring was difficult.

When Dimuth Karunaratne decided that no result was possible and called off the rest of the match, West Indies had 236 for four. Mayers was the only other batsman to pass fifty, but Brathwaite had batted out 124 balls in the innings.

Bonner’s maiden Test century was a feat of selfdenial. Early in the day, Bonner had collected a couple of streaky boundaries (a top edge over the keeper, and an edge through vacant third slip) but largely, he s e t t l e d i n t o a s l o w, unambitious rhythm, leaving the balls wide of the stumps, defending plenty, and picking up singles, generally square of the wicket. It wasn’t until the 16th over of the day that he struck his first

i n t e n t i o n a l b o u n d a r y, drilling a Dushmantha Chameera full toss straight of midwicket. He got to his

half-century just before the lunch break, and then took his sweet time getting back into run-scoring mode after

the break. During that period he was given out caught behind off Embuldeniya, but Bonner reviewed

immediately and was shown not to have edged that delivery. His progress (Continued on page 25)

PAGE 30

Kaieteur News

Friday March 26, 2021

RHTYSC Cricket Teams “Lets fly high at Easer” programmes distributes 1000 kites

Asst Secretary /CEO Simon Naidu hands over donation to the Rose Hall Town Police Outpost.

Donation being handed over to a representative of the We care Foundation Of Tuschen.

The eleven cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club continue to make a positive impact in the lives of others in the county of Berbice. The teams under the supervision of Asst Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu raised and distributed one thousand kites under their “Lets Fly High at Easter” programme for 2021. The programme is the brainchild of the twenty years old Naidu and its main objective is to provide a kite to children, whose parents cannot afford to purchase one for them. RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster hailed the hard work of Naidu and members of the club over the last two weeks that res ulted in them obtaining the kites for distribution. The kites were distributed across the county and a total of two hundred and sixty kites were also donated to the We Care Foundation from Tuschen, Essequibo. Donations were also handed over to the Black Bush Polder, Corriverton and Port Mourant Roman Catholic parishes.

The teams also gave kites to the Rose Hall Town Police Outpost, Upper Corentyne Cricket Association, Berbice Cricket Board, Deeper Life Ministries Church among others, while the teams would also be sharing out kites to less fortunate children.

Naidu, explained that each year, the RHTYSC,MS management mandates the teams to undertake a wide range of activities under the

sub headings of health, sports, education, community development, youth development, religion, culture, anti drugs, anti crime and anti suicide.

Additionally, each member is expected to be a positive role model to their peers. The teams also donated a water dispenser, a solar light and some special gifts to the St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church on Saturday last as part of their Say Yes to Religion programme. The Church Youth Club in 1990 had played a major role in the formation of the club, which has since gone on to become Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation. The teams of the RHTYSC are Poonai Under 12 and 13, Farfan and Mendes Under 15, Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division. Pepsi under 19 and Intermediate, Vitality Under 23, Metro Females, NAMILCO under 21 and First Division.

The teams would like to extend thanks to the following donors for making the donations possible - Mr. Rickey Itwaru, Mr. Arjune Nandu, Kumar Joseph, Therbhuwan Jagdeo, Kevin Ramnarain, Surendra Ramcharitar, Doorsammy Mahadeo, Mahendra Gopilall, Chanderpaul Govindhan, Surendra Kissoonlall, Christopher Deroop, Shawn Pereira, Sunil Marimoothoo, Ryan Tillakram, Mr. Prettipaul, Rabindranauth Kissoonlall, Kris Baromasi, Randolph Lewis and Shimron Hetmyer.

Kaieteur News

Friday March 26, 2021

PAGE 31

Big Man Cricket (Guyana) endorses the Skerritt/Shallow CWI Presidency ticket The Executive Committee of BMC has carefully reviewed the history, performance, plans and characters of the two primary candidates vying for the Presidency of Cricket We s t I n d i e s a n d h a s unanimously decided to launch its complete and unconditional support for the Skerritt/Shallow team for another 2-year term of office.

During its review, the BMC Executive took into consideration several key factors and compiled an enlightening ‘comparison’ chart: The Executive

Committee rated the two leadership teams under 10 basic categories and found the challengers woefully wanting in several areas. The Committee also considered that the current Skerritt/Shallow team has only been in charge of the CWI reins for a mere 2-year period, half of which was adversely affected by the deadly COVID 19 pandemic. The result was deprived for natural reasons of a fair opportunity to bring their 10-point plan into fruition. They are credited with the brave initiative of reintroducing the WI team to international cricket in June

2020 and has made more tours than any other international side in 2020.

That was indeed a brave sporting step to take and clearly displayed outstanding leadership.

CWI has recently secured very beneficial broadcast deals across the world for which they are to be complimented. This team was also saddled with a gaping US$31m debt, when they assumed office in March 2019, and has done exceedingly well in significantly lowering this debt to approximately US$20m with most of their pressing debts taken care of.

The incumbents have made great strides in enhancing stakeholders’ relationships,

FACTORS SKERRITT/SHALLOW Governance 8 Stakeholders ‘relationships 8 Financial performance 7 On field victories 5 Female cricket 5 Youth & Grassroots cricket 5 Accountability 8 Plans/Vision 8 Transparency 8 Leadership 7 Other 7 TOTAL 76

governance, accountability and transparency and moderate success in the other areas. These successes have begun to translate to on field success but there is still a far way to go for us as a team to be reckoned with, once again, on the

international stage.

The virtues of the challengers can best be assessed on their stewardships at the Regional level which, in their case, for financial performance, can be considered very good.

They have made substantial

SANASIE/HOPE 4 5 8 6 3 5 5 7 4 4 4 55

achievements in the management of their resources. Their future vision looks impressive and focuses on most of the issues that need to be addressed and are being addressed presently. That said, the (Continued on page 25)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Rockaway Legends, Fisherman, Regal Masters, triumph

Friday March 26, 2021

Region Six brings 28 schools to the Golf Arena

Rockaway Legends with their prize.

R

o c k a w a y L e g e n d s , Fisherman and Regal Maters won their respective categories when the Cheddi Jagan Memorial softball competition was contested on Sunday last at Lusignan. In the over 50 final, Rockaway Legends beat Enterprise Legends by two wickets. Batting first, Enterprise Legends managed 109-9 in 20 overs.

Kennard Luke made 32 not out as Trevor Emmanuel claimed 3-8 and Gopaul Persaud 3-10.

Rockaway Legends responded with 111-8 in 18.5 overs. Vijay Baljit made 32,

while Raymond Karim captured 3-10. Emmanuel was named man-of-thematch.

In the over 45 segment, Fisherman overcame Essequibo Wellman by 21 runs. Fisherman took first strike and made 122 all out in 15 overs. Ramo Malone scored 45. Essequibo Wellman were bowled out for 91 in 15 overs in reply.

Richard Patterson made 37. Malone was named manof-the-match.

In the over 40 division, Regal Masters defeated Better Hope by 59 runs.

Batting first, Regal Masters managed 151-7 in 15 overs

batting first. Eon Abel scored 37, while Darmindra Mohabir captured 3-19.

Better Hope replied with 957. Balram Persaud made 37 not out as Ravi Persaud took 2-25 and David Harper 2-35.

The open final will be contested on Sunday between Lusignan East and Rising Star. The trophies were donated by Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

Meanwhile, Rockaway Group of Companies will be hosting a four-team Phagwah competition on Monday on the East Coast.

The teams set to take part are Regal, Wellman, Enterprise and Rockaway.

Aleem Hussain gives a demonstration to some of the participants.

T

he Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf Academy are working assiduously with the Ministry of Education Allied Arts Unit to ensure that the game of golf is accessible to thousands of students nationwide.

This will be made easier since Region Six rose to the challenge thrown down by Region 10’s decision to add all seven Secondary schools to the Golf programme, responding with a resounding 28 schools getting involved. As they say at BEI “Together, we can” only this time, it seems that their motto should be ‘We Did!’ Speaking at the launch of the programme was Mr. Satish Udit, representing the Regional Education District Officer for Region 6,”When we think of Golf, it was never

something that I ever thought I would be able to experience, much less provide our children with such a wonderful opportunity, especially when we have to find activities that are covid-19 compliant.”

Ms. Barker-King from Allied Arts said “the efforts of Mr. Hussain and the GGA will always impact the memories and life of thousands of Berbicians who are finally able to do something they’ve seen on TV without leaving their own country.”

Osafa Dos Santos of BEI, winner of the inaugural inter-school Golf Championship held on March 5th spoke about the reaction from his students “I have never seen such a response to a new sport programme in my years of teaching and the sheer joy on their faces, along with their dedication to improving made me want to ensure that all students in Region 6 have the chance to experience the game.”

Ms. Lorraine Barker King and Nicholas Fraser were the driving force behind the implementation of the covid-19 compliant sport that is on the CXC/CAPE syllabus. Both expressed their thanks to Ms. June Ann Gonsalves, Assistant Chief Education Officer Secondary Schools for her support and guidance.

Ms. Gonsalves stated “the discipline and integrity that Golf brings to our kids, especially in the schools that normally have no access to such a top sport gives us great hope for the prospects of developing a strong

national team from areas we normally don’t have great opportunities. “ The Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf Academy is headed by Aleem Hussain which has, in less than one year, grown the game in ways that have exceeded expectations of many who have been blown away by the response of Guyanese to the game.

“This was a vision that no one else in Guyana believed in other than some of my staunchest supporters Assuria General Insurance, Copa Airlines,Trophy Stall, Nexgen Global Marketing Group, AR Printery, and Colin Ming locally, with Anwar ‘Buddy’ Shaffie, Imtiaz Hanif, a few other Guyanese overseas golfers and the Shafura Hussain Foundation.

“To think that with the support of just a few persons and companies who believed in a dream that we could achieve such an incredible feat is mind blowing,” said Hussain.

With Guyana set to dominate Golf in the CARICOM region, Hussain hopes that the responsibility to grow the game will be shared with other agencies and corporate partners who are actively involved with development of sports and other activities focused on women and children.

This now brings the total number of schools participating to 42 and 18 set to be added from Regions 2 and 3 soon. With an average of 100 students per school being involved, Guyana will soon become the leader in youth Golf development in the region.

Kaieteur News

Friday March 26, 2021

PAGE 33

Keemo Paul set to turn out for Everest Cricket Club in Speaker’s Cup V-Net Communications Brand Ambassador and West Indies all-rounder, Keemo Paul, is set to turn out for the Everest Cricket Club (ECC) in the upcoming Speaker’s T20 Club Championship.

This announcement was made Tuesday at the club in the presence of V-Net Communications Chief Executive Officer, Safraz Sheriffudeen, and ECC President and Speaker of the N a t i o n a l A s s e m b l y, Manzoor Nadir.

W h i l e t h e c l u b ’s management is ecstatic about recruiting the services o f o n e o f G u y a n a ’s blossoming talents, for Paul, it is a precursor for him on the ‘return to play’ policy after being out of competitive action for three months due to injury and work management concerns

by West Indies.

Paul, who last played a competitive match on December 3 in the Big Bash League, said he is happy to

join a club which such a rich cricket history and hopes to represent them to the best of his ability.

The Speaker ’s Club Championship starts April 3 and Everest are drawn in the ‘group of death’ with formidable sides such as Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Albion along with Canal Number Two and Cornelia Ida. On the star-studded signing, Nadir expressed, “We are honoured that Keemo has chosen to join the Everest Cricket Club.

Keemo is a rising international star and a National cricketing hero. We are strengthened by his talent.”

The ECC Head added, “He is no stranger to Everest; he has been associated with us and executives of the club for a while. He joins a strong team that includes Chandrapaul Hemraj, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Bashkar Yadram, Assad

Tapeball action set for Durban Park on Saturday

D

urban Park is the venue for the Youth Man U18 boys lucky seven four overs knock out Tapeball knock out competition for area teams and non registered clubs. At stake are trophies,

medals and cash prizes for outstanding performances.

The competition is being sponsored by Goodwood Racing Service, Trophy Stall and is being organised by Lorraine Tracey and James Lewis.

Dominoes action set for Belfield Belfield Sports Club will be hosting a King and Queen dominoes competition on Saturday at 17:00hrs at Oswald and Cheryl Shop at

Belfield, East Coast Demerara.

Entrance fee is $1,000 and at stake are trophies and medals.

Fudadin, and youth player Matheu Nandu.”

According to Nadir, Paul’s membership will not only significantly boost their efforts but will also contribute towards the mentoring of our youths.

“We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with our stars and towards the development of our young cricketers.”

The lad from Saxacalli has represented West Indies in 20 Twenty20 (Continued on page 25)

From left: Everest’s Assistant Treasure Safraz Sheriffudeen, National Cricketer Keemo Paul, Everest President Manzoor Nadir, and Everest Club Manager Krista Norton on Tuesday at the club.