Kaieteur News

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COVID-19 restrictions NEWS unchanged despite April being deadliest month AIETEUR

Monday Edition May 03, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 17

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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Govt. now scrambles to secure experts for gas-to-shore taskforce Miner kills Cops arrest Lover kills partner sleeping man who made because he was co-worker up story about unwanted at party - Wanted bulletin because he being robbed of - Parcels out belongings issued for suspect got higher pay car by bandits before killing himself

Man stabbed to death over cell phone row

Berbician crushed to Fire destroys home of death by pick-up Reg. 6 Linden family for second official was driving time in one month Days after burying Linden woman in his backyard...

Fugitive boyfriend was busy offering reward rewardon on Facebook for her return The boyfriend on the run, Shaquan Alleyne.

Dead, Shonette Dover.

Listen to why Govt. is hurrying to force the gas-to-shore project on Guyana without a proper financial study @11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Monday May 03, 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

We always did smell a rat It would have been better if Guyana’s Oil and Gas Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, had maintained his now characteristic distance and silence on anything related to his aggressively pushed gas-to-shore project at Wales.

The Vice President decided to chance his arm in the hope that he would get away with the usual fast one, with nobody knowing, except that he calculated wrong. Now that he opened his mouth two Mondays ago, a little bit more of his cherished gas-to-shore project is on the road in full public view. It is not a nice situation, with what Mr. Jagdeo is presenting to Guyanese taking on more and more the appearance of a bloated corpse, a decaying one.

To get a little closer to some truths and understanding about this prized gas-to-shore project, it is best to resort to the war of words that showers us from politicians suspected of not managing the huge and sacred responsibilities under their care with the greatest prudence, or the highest imperatives of pristine leadership principles. It makes for fascinating listening and hearing, and still more digesting and analysing, in what is laid before the Guyanese public.

Clearly, somebody is miserly with truth and facts, and the totality of both. In other words, crucial elements are being cunningly withheld. We use the word ‘cunningly’ because it should remind our fellow citizens of the behaviour of foxes. They are dodgy and slippery, which can be stretched to the slimy and the tricky.

For there was Mr. Jagdeo telling us so many things about this newest expensive baby of his, the gas-to-shore project, except that he ensured that he clothed the child in bright colours, packaged it in still brighter wrapping paper, and then finished off his loving handiwork with the brightest ribbons that could be found. But no matter how much Mr. Jagdeo decorated that gas-to-shore baby of his, the real thing cannot be concealed. For sure, it has been slow in coming, but just as certainly, it has been happening, through revelation after revelation. They are all bad, and they now indicate that this highly prized baby of Mr. Jagdeo’s heart is one hell of a dummy, a monumental hoax that he is trying to stuff down the throats and craw of Guyanese.

For there was the shadow Oil and Gas man from the coalition, Mr. David Patterson, no gloriously shining knight in his own right, who tore away the fancy bells and whistles, and the bibs and booties, that Mr. Jagdeo hung on his baby, and exposed it for what it truly is, in its current state, and as presented by Mr. Jagdeo. It is that Mr. Jagdeo’s gas-to-shore baby is more than a dummy, it is a mummy.

And now we have a better idea, as to why the nation’s chief oil and gas performer and lead singer was so hoarse first, and so mumbling and stumbling and bumbling over his lines. It is that, from all present indications, Mr. Jagdeo left out a whole lot of the story.

To use the words of Mr. Patterson, he “cherry picked”.

Mr. Jadgeo gave the Guyanese people a gas-to-shore project that left out plenty of vital statistics. It is as if Mr. Jagdeo put up a beauty contestant and gave her a lot of lip gloss, eye shadow, conditioners, and foundation. But he made sure that his beauty contestant had, to use his own words, not “even a tiny brain.” Mr. Jagdeo thinks he is so slick that he left out many vital pieces of information about his touted gas-to-shore project.

Mr. Jagdeo, since he is a kind and compassionate leader, and not wishing to startle Guyanese, conveniently left out that Wales is not the best site. Mr. Jagdeo, since he didn’t want to overwhelm ordinary Guyanese, thoughtfully left out major pieces of information that are inseparable from the overall delivery and operation of the gas-to-shore project, like a power plant and transmission lines. And Mr. Jagdeo, since he did not desire to increase the anxiety levels of the people, smoothly left out those hundreds of millions more in American dollars that would be an essential aspect of any bona fide gas-to-shore project.

As we absorb all of this, we at this publication have

Government should implement more stringent anti-COVID measures DEAR EDITOR, I have no confidence in this Government, which does not have the welfare of the people of Guyana as its paramount consideration. We need good leadership at this time of the pandemic, which is haunting our nation. Such leadership is tremendously lacking in the present administration.

Guyana is fast approaching a reported death rate of 300 persons from the COVID19 virus. The current death toll as reported is 298. There are over 13,000 reported positive cases of this deadly virus to date in Guyana.

Shame on this Government for its refusal to adopt stringent measures as are being currently instituted in our sister nations of Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.

Prime Minister Rowley of Trinidad announced the measures below to take effect from yesterday until the end of May in a commendable effort to curtail the spread of the deadly virus and to protect its people: · Closure of restaurants and bars · Closure of malls

· Closure of places of worship · Closure of spas and beauty services · Closure of casinos and betting houses · Closure of cinemas, theatres and clubs.

These are all places that our inept Government has and continues to reopen. In its recent guidelines for the month, the Government has allowed the reopening of gyms and fitness centres, places of worship, restaurants and bars and casinos with the qualification at a limited capacity. There is no monitoring of these places to ensure it is at a limited capacity and, having regard to the recent closures and arrests for non-compliance, persons will not be obeying any of the rules as to capacity. We need to follow the good precedent set in Trinidad and Barbados.

The Head of the PanAmerican Health Organisation (PAHO) has urged the Caricom nations to stiffen a range of measures having regard to the rise in the number of cases. She has listed extending curfews, imposing stay at home orders

and limiting reopening and commended nations that have instituted a lockdown for putting health first since such measures do work.

Suriname has in fact stopped all overseas travel by air and water. It has ceased the ferry service from Guyana in an effort to protect its people. Here in Guyana, the airports remain open and there are several daily flights. Our airports should be closed at this time.

The Government of Guyana remains steadfast and unwavering in its callous indifference towards the lives of the Guyanese people and persists in its reckless conduct.

The President of Guyana, in one of his rare Press conferences, when asked about the lack of measures in place, was unconcerned and merely spoke of increasing foot patrols to continue closing bars and restaurants.

Shockingly, he disclosed that there were over 1000 persons at creeks over the past weekend.

Yet these creeks and recreational places have not been immediately closed! The

President merely stated that to take those 1000 persons to another Police Station would have been a “disaster”.

The disaster is actually having these places open and condoning such reckless behaviour at the time of this pandemic. This sort of uncaring conduct and lack of concern for the lives of citizens must be condemned in the strongest possible way.

The government has not instituted even the most minute of measures by adjusting the curfew to an earlier time to protect its people. It has renewed the guidelines by defiantly stating in bold print that the curfew REMAINS at the senseless and impractical hour of 10:30 pm to 4 am. Why then is there even a “curfew”? It boggles the mind as to how such a measure is intended to protect the populace. The proximity of Guyana to Brazil alone is a reason why there should be immediate strong measures instituted.

The Government has secured vaccines for the country but there is a slow vaccination rate and a lot of (Continued on page 5)

Exxon and government have failed to supply basic information they promised to supply DEAR EDITOR, At the beginning of the Esso Exploration & Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) Stakeholder meeting, held at 10 a.m. on Friday Feb 12, 2021, CEO Alistair Routledge said they wanted to be transparent and accountable. And they took the trouble to invite Transparency Institute Guyana Inc (TIGI). Later in the meeting when questions were asked, Mr. Routledge said EEPGL is providing the Government with all the information, no doubt because the Government is the elected representative of the people and the meeting was of barely one hour duration.

So after EEPGL did not get back to us with the Zoom recording and the process flow diagram we requested, we felt

we should take Mr. Routledge’s advice and ask our Government, who also keep claiming that they are transparent and accountable, to provide us the information we seek.

On March 26, specific requests were made to the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), copied to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). All they had to do was to fill the daily information, which they are purportedly getting from Exxon in the table of an Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The technical operations presenter at the February 12 Stakeholder meeting said it was complicated but that the data has to be there for obvious control purposes, so we added a simplified scheme of some of what

this to say: this is not “cherry picking.” That is sticking it to Guyana’s hopeful population in the usual crafty and costly ways of leaders since National Independence. What Mr. Jagdeo delivered was window dressing and plenty of glittering fairy lights. But Guyanese are nobody’s fools, and know all too well that all that glitters is not gold. As we look at the numbers, compliments of Mr. Patterson, it seems that over US$400 million was held outside of the box, and close to Mr. Jagdeo’s caring heart, bless him. We bless him for thinking of us and sparing us the fright of another 50 percent more to his US$800 million presentation.

We have maintained the position that the Vice President is as smart as a whip. Now that same whip comes back to beat him savagely with a rain of strikes and stripes. Clearly, on this gas-to-shore project, Mr. Jagdeo is full of noxious gas. We thank God for the small mercy of seeing through his facades of pretense, distance, and silence.

the table requires. Both the scheme and the table are based on the fundamental laws of conservation of matter and energy.

We further offered to elucidate for the MNR and the EPA any items of our request for information that they did not understand, and the importance of having those items.

Please feel free to print any integral part of the letter of request to the MNR, a copy of which is herewith attached.

We are available to elucidate for citizens any item they wish and the importance of

knowing it.

Meanwhile, we have noted Vice-President Jagdeo’s intention to employ a consultant to get the information from Exxon for Guyana. This is good, but if he did not know what to ask, why didn’t they send our request for the promised daily information from Exxon? Shall we continue to wait for any information, which they condescended to filter down to us?

Yours truly Alfred Bhulai Transparency Institute Guyana Inc (TIGI)

It was the Republican party that ended slavery in America DEAR EDITOR, Could you inform Freddie Kissoon that the Republican party was the one that ended slavery in 1865. It was President Lincoln who had to go to war with the South which was dominated by the Democrats who at the time were prominent slave owners. The Republican party was hijacked in the early 20th Century by Democrats who became Republicans and who then changed the course of the party towards anti-coloured sentiments. It then forced Republicans to move into the Democratic Party to counter the disequilibrium that was created thus leading to the existing status quo.

However he needs also to recognise that within the Republican party there are powerful leaders of colour who are pushing to move the party in another direction and towards more inclusivity of minority groups.

Best Regards, Teddy Matthews

Monday May 03, 2021

Authorities must curb inconsiderate and reckless acts of the persons who beg and sell on the roads DEAR EDITOR, I write with respect to the increase of begging that has gained momentum in Georgetown.

Unfortunately on the 29th April, 2021, a pensioner who was in his eighties was killed when he fell into the path of a moving truck and trailer.

The accident happened at the Avenue of the Republic and close to Regent Street. I had seen this particular pensioner a few years ago and at the first time that I saw him, I was saddened that a person at his age had to resort to begging.

I gave him a donation then and subsequently saw him regularly as the route was one that I took to go to Court.

Over the years, this pensioner continued begging at the junction of the Avenue of the Republic and Regent Street.

He would choose which section to solicit either from the traffic going north along the Avenue of the Republic or from the traffic going south. He met his death whilst begging from the traffic that was going south.

However, this accident was only a matter of time for it to happen as he would beg not at the corner of the road but get in between the lanes and when the light turned

Government...

From page 4 vaccine reluctance by persons.

There has to be increased awareness through the media and other platforms as to the effectiveness and importance of the vaccines.

However, the vaccines alone cannot curtail the spread of this virus, which is increasing within the country and causing more deaths.

The more contagious variant of this virus must be present in Guyana and there must be stringent measures in place to control the spread.

The Government remains content to continue to appease the members of the private sector and business owners in its pursuit of opening the economy rather than taking the sensible and responsible approach as that being adopted by our Caricom sister nations.

I appeal to the Government to act responsibly and institute strong measures forthwith by following the lockdown approach in Trinidad and Barbados to curtail the spread of this virus.

The lives of the Guyanese people are at stake. If this is not done, then our future is dire.

Yours truly, Stephanie Isaacs.

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Kaieteur News

green, he would make his way to the side of the road. He was fit and this looked to me as a job as he was there begging for hours.

What daily amount that he had to achieve, I cannot say but rain or shine, one would see him at this junction.

What is of concern is that this elderly man had to beg almost every day except Sundays. Did the Ministry of Social Services or any other entity ever checked to see what help could be given to him?

Did he have any family? Was anyone assisting him? Did he have somewhere to sleep? Or was he begging as a business? I saw an article in Kaiteur News of the 1st May, 2021 by Peeping Tom and which article was entitled “Begging is big business!” and this article throws light on the thorny issue of begging.

As stated earlier, begging has proliferated in Georgetown and to an extent elsewhere. Begging is done by elderly persons, persons who appear sick and handicapped, young persons who seem healthy and can work, persons of some mental incapacity, persons who use babies and their children and by children themselves. I will not deal now with the social impact and economic conditions for begging but I wish to deal how unsafe and unfair it is when we allow begging in the streets.

The pensioner who unfortunately died had placed himself in harm’s way on the day he was killed. I had personally observed him placing himself in similar danger on several occasions.

The result of his own negligence and lack of care has resulted in the driver of the lorry being arrested, being held in police custody which is most unpleasant, demeaning, humiliating and to cap it all for the driver and his family to incur the expense of having to secure legal ser-

vices and the other expenses to ensure that the driver whilst he is in custody is comfortable and get meals.

We all know that the police lockups do not have mattresses for prisoners to sleep on their concrete floors, that the cells are smelly and not properly ventilated. It is something that any citizen who had never had any brush with the law will find most gross and never would wish to experience again.

The sad part of this incident is from the reports that have been published is that that driver was not at fault at all.

No speeding, no alcohol in his system, no defective brakes or of the vehicle. So why was he kept in custody as has been reported?

It is my considered view that more accidents as this will happen as persons who beg and who sell water and other beverages weave in and out of the lanes and traffic to ply their trade. This must stop as it puts innocent motorists and users of the road in the predicament where they may be incarcerated innocently for the inconsiderate and reckless acts of the persons who beg and sell on the roads.

What is happening has been going on for some time now and in the plain sight of the police and the officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

What has the present Traffic Chief and previous Traffic Chiefs and Ministers done to correct this situation?

Nothing! Absolutely nothing and it is my considered opinion that it is the Traffic Chief who should be in custody for allowing this nonsense to continue and who in failing to properly and wisely ensure adherence to safety in the use of the roads, caused the death of this pensioner.

Yours truly, K.A. Juman-Yassin S.C, A.A.

Guyana‘s evolution had, at its core, contrived conflict among the various ethnic groups DEAR EDITOR, Permit me to comment on Vishnu Bisram‘s letter of May 1, 2021, in which he engages in his usual fetish of castigating the PNC. On this occasion, he also castigated David Hinds for not admonishing Amanza Walton-Desir for what he, Bisram, describes as racist remarks that she uttered on a social media programme.

Bisram is the least of persons of moral standing to take such a position against Hinds.

While, he accuses Hinds for not admonishing Desir for her “racist” opinion, he, Bisram, sat through an entire Infinity Foundation social media programme and silently gave credence to the utterances of one Kirk Meighoo, who in reference to Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago said: ‘these were new countries, we built these countries, we were foundational people’. After slaving, from the sixteenth century through to the nineteenth century, to humanise the “Wild Coast” (Guyana) the enslaved Africans are referred to as if they made no contribution to the transformation of the “Wild Coast” while the indentured labourers of nineteenth century vintage are referred to as the “foundational people”.

Truth and more so Reconciliation, in Guyana, has to start with the acceptance of those fundamental facts. Posturing

by Meighoo and Bisram will only cement the divide, which I dare say predates the fifties, the period that Bisram and others identify as its genesis.

Much of Bisram‘s letter is based on false premises and as a consequence misrepresents the true Guyana story.

Here are some illustrations.

1. The ethnic problem in Guyana does not have its genesis in 1957 as Bisram seeks to establish. Guyana‘s evolution, from the coming of the Dutch through to the coming of the last set of indentures, the Indians, had at its core exploitation, con-

trived conflict between and among the various ethnic groups, and the consequential rivalry. It may have remained controlled and latent with the moments that many describe as it beginnings being just moments like those of the eruption of a volcano (the manifestation of a festering phenomenon/problem).

At the time of the formation of the PPP in 1950, when a special effort was made to bring together the Indian and African leadership of the country, it was but recognition of the inherent socio-organic asymmetry of our society; and an attempt to find or establish the basis for symmetry/cohesion/unity.

2. Even before the split of the PPP in 1955, Jagan in his letter to the Communist party of Czechoslovakia, seeking assistance, stated that the left wing of the PPP was in the ascendency. The split did not take an ethnic form or result in ethnic division among the leadership. Clearly, the left-inclined stayed with Jagan and the moderates left with Burnham. Hence, both

emergent parties, at that point in time, had multi-ethnic leadership. It may however be contended that that was a volcanic moment among the people that saw an eventual alignment of the people, which reflected the asymmetry that was extant but submerged.

3. Ms. Walton may be cited for bad use of language in her reference to the Indians being “mentally lazy”.

She may of her own accord come to that conclusion but the political environment, as I know it to be, is not conducive to public confessions or public chastisement.

It is an environment of cheap politicking and the scoring of cheap political points, as is the case with Bisram’s letter. As a professed academic, he did not see her as trying to identify a problem worthy of examination. He when straight to the jugular of Walton and the PNC for the usual kill. However, in doing so, he averted to the “herd mentality” which might have been the better (Continued on page 16)

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The Guyana Press Association The Guyana Press Association (GPA) joins with our colleagues in Guyana, the Caribbean and around the globe in observing World Press Freedom Day 2021.

To media workers, we salute you, our photographers and videograpers, video editors, managers and those who are not always visible but whose contribution adds value to the news product. To our journalists and editors who continue to toil beyond hours to bring the news, we salute you on this World Press Freedom Day. The theme of this year’s observance is simply “Information as a Public Good”.

This ultimately means that State Parties have an important role and responsibility as do the disseminators to ensure that we serve the public interest through our content.

This task has become most important in the period of the pandemic when the public depends on journalists to provide accurate information to counter not only the anti-vaxers but also those who churn out misinformation and disinformation.

States like Guyana have a critical role to facilitate this public good to the wider public.

In this regard, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) urges the Guyana government to create a greater pub-

Monday May 03, 2021

Kaieteur News

lic awareness about the Access to Information mechanism so that not only journalists but the wider public can maximise its use.

Additionally, the GPA urges the media corps to dedicate journalists to research particular topics and utilise the Access to Information mechanism that we believe needs to be revamped and made user-friendly in a simplified manner.

In an age when some media practitioners are driven merely by a few lines to catch Social Media eyes, we have to be more aware of the information, which we put in the public domain.

We have to respectful of persons faced with trauma, our treatment of victims of sexual assault, abuse and human trafficking and most importantly understand our role in the protection of minors and how they are portrayed in the stories we write.

The most pressing issue facing journalism is the viability of free and independent media because advertisers and sponsors believe that they get more returns on their dollars from Social Media, which, for the most part, is a minefield of misinformation and disinformation satisfied by how many likes and shares one gets.

Worryingly, too, are elected officials who are perpetuating these types of acts

under the guise of influences.

Influences for who and for what? Just for votes?

In this context, media houses have a larger role to play by constantly educating the public that journalism standing on the pillars of fairness, accuracy, credibility and verification is the basis for informing and educating the public.

We want to take this opportunity to request that the government as well as the opposition review the Cyber Crime Act with the intent to remove any clauses that restrict the freedom of expression.

We feel that any restriction on freedom of expression and the freedom to receive and impart information opens the door to abuse by officialdom.

Finally, if freedom of expression is to be the source of a meaningful public good, the State, the business community and the practitioners must see themselves as being inextricably linked to the cause for the benefit of all.

The GPA also calls on political parties, State or otherwise to ensure all media have timely and adequate access for interviews as well as press engagements. Over the past 24 months, officials of both political parties and others have used the pandemic as an excuse to avoid the media, avoid engagement on national issues and provide much needed scrutiny. The GPA uses this opportunity to call for the return of the weekly post-Cabinet Press Briefing as well as more frequently press conferences by the Minister of Health and key health officials on the pandemic.

The GPA remains committed to media workers and the value we stand by, once again we salute you and your work on this day.

MINISTER WITHIN THE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, KWAME MCCOY-MP Today marks a watershed moment across the world, as we observe and celebrate 30 years since democracies united behind the common imperative, of ensuring that nations make provisions for the free and unfettered operations of the press.

World Press Freedom Day, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly three decades ago, serves each year as a reminder to governments of their commitment. It was also positioned as a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.

The United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organisation-UNESCO has indicated that this year’s theme, “Information as a Public Good” was designed to serve as a call to affirm the importance of cherishing information as a public good, and exploring what can be done in the production, distribution and reception of content to strengthen journalism, and to advance transparency and empowerment while leaving no one behind.

Today, countries who are signatories of the ‘Windhoek declaration’ that commenced the observance, will be focusing on discussions around issues concerning the economic viability of news media; mechanisms to ensure transparency of internet companies; and enhanced media and information literacy capabilities that enable people to recognise and value as well as defend and demand professional journalism, as a vital part of information as a public good.

His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali has committed to fulfilling our party’s manifesto promise of strengthening media freedoms and expanding its reach in his first term of office, to ensure that all Guyanese, regardless of their geographic location, will have access to information.In fact, it was the PPP/Civic government that created the first ever constitutional office of ‘Commissioner of Information’ which allowed for free public access to all State information. This office was dismantled by the Granger

led Coalition government in its first few months, a travesty which President Ali is committed to reversing and restoring shortly.

Today, as the government introspects on its policies and positions of press freedom, rest assured that our principles and commitment will remain steadfast even as we expect that the Guyanese me-

dia fraternity to do likewise and recommit to raising the bar of professionalism and ethics with due regard to the ‘public good’ that information should serve.

Since returning to office late last year, the PPP/C government has already taken an impressive menu of measures to demonstrate our commitment…With due regard to our affirmations and commitments to ‘press freedoms’ under the various United Nations resolutions, His Excellency President Ali has included a Ministerial portfolio for Public Affairs within the Cabinet, with functional scope and authority within the Office of the Prime Minister… the portfolio which I currently hold.

The portfolio Minister and indeed no less than the Office of the Prime Minister, are charged with all aspects of information generation and dissemination across all media platforms, including online; to enable, encourage, facilitate, safeguard and protect its free flow without exception; and to collaborate across all sectors to build capacity, increase and expand skills and knowledge; and all aspects of Telecommunication, including the strengthening and expansion of national infrastructure and supporting mechanisms, and including the liberalisation of the industry, national frequencies and attendant platforms…A mere two months since taking office, The Office of the Prime Minister formally announced the total and complete liberalisation of the Telecommunication Sector, effectively ending decades of commercial monopoly. You would recall, I’m sure, our freeing up of the broadcast airwaves prior to

2015… you can expect that policy to continue now and well into the future…

A return to the national One Laptop Per Family programme which previously catered to ninety thousand families prior to 2015 when the PPP/C held office, has been included in the first substantial national budget of the government, passed in the National Assembly this March. This programme is aimed at building a knowledge-based society through household expansion of access to information in all its forms. Not only are the instruments provided to low-income and vulnerable families but requisite training and internet access through community ICT Hubs are facilitated under this programme…

Training of new journal-

ists and broadcasters, including women, for absorption across both the public and private media spectrums will be undertaken. Capacity building through industry training and international scholarships, including for online work, are being facilitated for direct benefit to members of Guyanese media fraternity and indeed all Guyanese. These awards form part of a five-year programme that will facilitate twenty thousand scholarships across a wide

array of academic and skillbased disciplines…A Broadcast Academy will be established, to facilitate world-class industry professional training and exposure for current and new broadcasters…

The government is facilitating full access to the free press on a regular basis on State matters and those related to the COVID-19 Pandemic and has already taken steps to strengthen relations and build capacity with the Guyana Press Association…

The Government maintains cordial relations with press corps. In late February, the President hosted the annual Media Brunch. In his address, President Ali told the nation’s journalists, he believes “that in a free and open society, every view has a value and every view must be expressed freely, but in expressing those views, there comes responsibility also…”

Directors of Public Affairs and of Digital Infrastructure and Online Engagement have been appointed. The latter is mandated to create a national platform for open access to government content and information by the public and the press.

As a nation committed to a free press and a signatory to the declarations of Chapultepec and Windhoek, the Government of Guyana remains therefore unequivocally committed to upholding the constitutional rights of its citizens to freedom of information as a public good, and will continue to actively pursue, develop, consider and support reasonable measures that protect and guarantee access to, or the dissemination of information in all forms and across all media platforms.I therefore take this opportunity to salute all professional media workers in good

standing, particularly the veterans and stalwarts with 30 years and over of diligent, exemplary experience in using information as a public good.

Again, congratulations and best wishes on behalf of President Ali and my Cabinet colleagues, and indeed, on behalf of all Guyana.

Monday May 03, 2021

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Jagdeo is not the only or the most senior Vice President On 2nd August 2020, the Presidential candidate of the People’s Progressive Party Civic, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, was declared the duly elected President of Guyana. On the same day, he took the Oath of Office and was installed as the President of Guyana in accordance with the Constitution.

Immediately following the oath and delivering remarks, he swore in a team of persons, including as Prime Minister, Mark Phillips; as Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo; as Attorney General, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, and as Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Ms. Gail Teixeira.

This was both a necessary and smart decision because it allowed for the immediate transition of key constitutional office holders, as well as for them to act as a transition team. In so doing, President Ali ensured that there was not going to be any vacuum in government which some smart Alec in the Opposition may be tempted to exploit.

There was no need for a transition team because the Opposition did not appoint anyone to be involved in this process. The APNU+AFC demitted office without any transitional arrangements, the first time this has happened since a change in government.

In 1992, the PPP/C had appointed Roger Luncheon to oversee the transition of the new government. In 2015, the PPP/C appointed a team of persons to work with the APNU+AFC on the transition arrangements.

The immediate appoint-

ment of these four persons in August 2020 would have created the impression that the four persons – the Prime Minister, VP Jagdeo, the Attorney General and the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs – represented a hierarchy of seniority within the government.

This may have been the unintended effect of these four appointments made at the very ceremony at which the President took his Oath of Office.

And onto this day, some persons still believe that in terms of ranking, after Ali is Jagdeo. This column is intended to argue that this is far from the case. It also argues that Jagdeo is not the only or the most senior Vice President.

In terms of seniority in government, after the President is the Prime Minister. If there is a vacancy in the Presidency, the Prime Minister, not Jagdeo, assumes the Presidency. In fact, Jagdeo is debarred permanently from becoming President or Prime Minister because he has already served two elected terms.

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in the Cedric Richardson case observed that: The Constitution (Amendment) (No. 4) Act 2000, has altered Article 90 of the Constitution to disqualify three additional categories of persons from holding the position of President, (i) namely citizens by registration, (ii) citizens not resident in Guyana for seven years prior to the date of nomination and (iii) citizens who have already

served two terms as President.

By majority vote, the CCJ held that the constitutional provision, which limited a President to two elected terms was constitutional. The Court therefore negated any attempt at a third term for Jagdeo.

There was a dissenting opinion by one judge.

The effect of the majority ruling was that Jagdeo can never become President again and as a consequence cannot also become Prime Minister of Guyana. The Constitution makes it clear that a person who is not eligible to be appointed as President cannot be appointed as Prime Minister.

In the scheme of political hierarchy, Jagdeo is not second in line. And since he cannot ever become Prime Minister, he therefore is not even third in line because in the eventuality of Mark Phillips assuming or acting as President, someone else other than Jagdeo will have to be appointed as Prime Minister.

Nor is Jagdeo the only or the most senior Vice President. The Constitution allows for the President to appoint Vice Presidents. But the same Constitution also states that the person holding the office of Prime Minister shall, by virtue of holding that office, be a Vice President and shall have precedence over any other Vice President.

What this means is that it is automatic that the Prime Minister is a Vice President and the most senior Vice President. Prime Minister

Dem Boys Seh…

Guyanese nah easy Before de pandemic hit, gasoline used to sell fuh G$230 wan litre. And dem hire car and minibus bin set dem fare base pon dis price.

When de pandemic hit, de price at de pump start to tumble. It drop as low as G$155 per litre, which is more dan a one-third decline.

Filling up a tank of gas was cheap.

If at de time dem did had social restrictions, some people would ah go pon joy ride every day.

De authorities did tell dem bus and hire car drivers how dem can’t carry full load. Dem bin ask dem fuh

wan increase but de authorities point out how de price of petrol drop at its lowest in decades.

Now de world economy recovering and de price of gas going up.

De minibuses and de hire cars now able to carry full load. And de price at de pump is still lower dan what used to exist in March 2020 when de pandemic hit.

But yet de minibus and hire cars want increase in de fare. Guyanese nah easy!

De increase in de price of oil on de world market is not good news fuh we at all. Is true we gan get more fuh we

oil but wah we getting is already so low dat de increase nah amount to much.

But wah gat dem boys concern is de plans wah de Vee Pee gat fuh spend we lil ravellings. He want build gas-to-shore project fuh supply energy.

But is how much power we want? De IDB seh how we gan need an additional 250-400 MW of power. And de government seh we gan get 400 MW from a mix of renewable energy projects. So wah we plan fuh do with de rest of de power?

Talk half and ask de Vee Pee dah question!

Mark Phillips is therefore senior to Jagdeo as a Vice President.

It is therefore unfortunate that the media continues to speak about Jagdeo as if he

is the only Vice President. He is not. The Prime Minister is also a Vice President and the most senior Vice President.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the

author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Monday May 03, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 16

Monday May 03, 2021

Kaieteur News

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AL JAZEERA Healthcare systems are overwhelmed and a shortage of medical oxygen has emerged as the most serious challenge.

India recorded its deadliest day of the coronavirus pandemic yet with 3,689 deaths in the last 24 hours and one more state going into lockdown as the nation’s creaky healthcare system is unable to cope with the massive caseload.

Yesterday was the fourth straight day India recorded more than 3,000 deaths as the second wave of the pandemic carries on unabated and keeps setting grim new records. Altogether 215,542 people have died from COVID-19 in the country.

The number of cases surged to 19.5 million with 392,488 new infections, government data showed.

India became the first country to cross 400,000 daily cases on Saturday.

Healthcare systems are overwhelmed and a shortage of medical oxygen has emerged as the most serious challenge.

Thirty-four patients died because of oxygen shortages in hospitals in the capital New Delhi and the states of Andhra Pradesh and Haryana on Saturday, the Times of India reported.

Thirty-one more with COVID-19-like symptoms and “breathing difficulties” died in a hospital in Uttar Pradesh state, the report cited authorities as saying.

Nearly 10 Indian states and union territories have imposed some form of restrictions, even as the federal government remains reluctant to impose a national lockdown.

The eastern state of Odisha became the latest to announce a two-week lockdown, joining Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka and West Bengal. Other states, including Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan have either imposed night curfews or weekend lockdowns.

Meanwhile, a court in New Delhi said it would

start punishing government officials for failing to deliver life-saving items.

The government has been using the railroad, the air force, and the navy to rush oxygen tankers to worst-hit areas where overwhelmed hospitals are unable to cope with an unprecedented surge in patients gasping for air.

But with the government unable to maintain a steady supply of oxygen, several hospital authorities sought a court intervention in the Indian capital where a lockdown has been extended by a week to contain the wave of infections.“Water has gone above the head. Enough is enough,” said New Delhi High Court, adding it would start punishing government officials if supplies of oxygen allocated to hospitals were not delivered.

“We can’t have people dying,’’ said Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Patil. The court said it would start contempt proceedings.

about the surge of infections in rural regions where health infrastructure is already patchy and limited.

Hospitals in Delhi have continued to issue SOS calls for oxygen on social media, with the latest appeal posted by a children’s hospital on Twitter yesterday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting yesterday to review the measures being taken to tackle the unprecedented surge.

India opened a new round of its vaccination drive on Saturday, extending coverage for all those above 18 years of age, but only a handful of states were able to deliver the jabs because of a shortage of vaccines. Only 86,000 newly eligible people took the shot, the government said.

International aid is also arriving from the United States and other countries that have promised support to India as its healthcare system is pushed to the brink of collapse.

COVID-19 restrictions unchanged despite...

From page 15 lockdowns on non-essential activities on weekends.

Further to that, the Pan-American Health Organisation’s Director, Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, recently acknowledged that many

countries in the Region have moved to tightened public health measures by extending curfews, limiting re-openings and imposing new stay-athome orders, adding that based on how infections are surging “this is exactly what needs to happen.”

Nevertheless, with the

Official Gazette of COVID-19 measures published for the month of May, the government has ignored these calls and retained all measures from last month, making no changes that may potentially prevent what happened in April from reoccurring. Some of the measures retained include the 10:30 pm to 04:00 am curfew, and bars and restaurants still being permitted to operate, as well as other establishments. Over the past few months, health officials would have been stating that

the government is trying to balance sustaining the economy and maintaining public health. But many are of the view that too much emphasis is being placed on the private business sector and not the pandemic at hand. This newspaper had asked a fundamental question and will ask it again... will the government only take action when this pandemic escalates beyond their control? Why not ramp up the measures and nip it in the bud while there is still a chance?

Guyana‘s evolution had, at its core...

From page 5 articulation of Walton`s thoughts, albeit even that moment might have been seized to launch the attack on her.

4. Bisram showed his real colours when he went on to accuse the PNC of ‘institutionalising a situation between 1965 and 1992 to marginalise and denigrate Indians and their culture’. First of all, he failed to periodise PNC rule, a thing which most genuine academics have done. The 1964-68 and Hoyte era were quite different to the

Lover kills partner because he was unwanted at party From page 3 Brummell over his mom with a knife and attempted to intervene but Brummell attacked him too. The boy escaped and ran outside to get help as Brummell continued his brutal assault on Wilson. By the time help had arrived, Brummell fled the scene in his 212 motorcar, which was parked on Durban Street.Wilson’s bloodied body was found on a veranda located at the back of her house. Police detailed that Brummell had driven his car straight to his home in Festival City where he confessed his heinous act to a relative. He also told that relative that he

The latest figures came as medical equipment, including oxygen-generation plants, was flown into New Delhi from France and Germany as part of a huge international effort.“We are here because we are bringing help that … will save lives,” Germany’s Ambassador to India Walter J Lindner said as 120 ventilators arrived late on Saturday.

“Out there, the hospitals are full. People are sometimes dying in front of the hospitals. They have no more oxygen. Sometimes [they are dying] in their cars.”

French Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain said his country wanted to show solidarity with India.

“The epidemic is still going on in one country. The world won’t be safe until we are all safe. So it’s a matter of urgency,” he said early yesterday following the delivery of eight oxygen-generation plants and dozens of ventilators from France.

There are growing fears

had ingested poison and that he was going to die.

Kaieteur News was told that he then parceled out of some of his personal belongings and gave them to that relative with instructions on how to distribute them. The relative told the cops that Brummell was reluctant to go to the hospital but they rushed him to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Brummell fell into a state of unconsciousness at the hospital. He never recovered and eventually died around 09:30 hrs yesterday while receiving treatment.

early 70s unto the mid-80s.

But even during the mid-70s to the mid-80s, the country was affected by the economic problems and each group was affected based on the space, which they occupied on the socio-economic landscape.

When the importation of food items was affected, there is Bisram`s cry that it was policies targeted against the Indians. That begs the question as to when there was retrenchment and mostly Africans were affected if that too was not but a manifestation of another group being affected by the crisis based on their position on the socioeconomic landscape.

It should also be noted that the scarcity of food items, such as flour and split peas affected all Guyanese and nails the contention that Indians/Hindus were targeted.

Bisram also refuses to recognise the manner in which religion and education were treated under the Burnham regime. Religious holidays were granted and religious observations en-

couraged. Schools became accessible to all when the State took control. There was no longer a need to assume an Anglo-Saxon name to access some quarters of the education sector.

5. What has not been acknowledged is that prior to independence, the State was under British control hence the call for liberation would have been directed to the British. The inter-ethnic issues where exploited and moderated by the British and our institutions were fashioned to facilitate that operation. Once we became independent, it was no longer us against them. All internal issues arose amongst ourselves and that which was latent became more active. We have failed to fully acknowledge the problem and as a consequence, no real overt attempt has been made to correct it, even as we perpetuate it by denial and misdiagnosis, all of which are manifest in the tirades of Bisram et al.

Yours truly, Vincent Alexander

PAGE 18

Man stabbed to death over cellphone row - Wanted bulletin issued for suspect A man was stabbed to death on Saturday with a pair of scissors during an argument he had with an acquaintance over a cell phone. Yesterday, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) issued a wanted bulletin for that acquaintance and identified him as Rondell Richardson, 29.

Richardson is accused of murdering Jomal Adams, 29 of Lot 35 Cooper Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown.

Adams was stabbed twice; once to his left side chest and a second time to his backsometime around 15:00hrs on Saturday at Back Circle, East Ruimveldt.

According to a police report, Adams was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) but succumbed some 20 minutes later while receiving treatment there.

Eyewitnesses had told detectives that Adam’s death was over a cellphone row.

They recounted to the investigators that as the argument intensified, Richardson allegedly stabbed Adams to his chest with a sharp object.

The eyewitnesses said that Adams turned and ran into a yard but Richardson gave

Monday May 03, 2021

Kaieteur News

Wanted, Rondell Richardson

Stabbed to death, Jomal Adams

chase and allegedly stabbed him one more time to his back before dropping his weapon and fleeing the scene.

The eyewitnesses reportedly rushed over to where Adams had collapsed and noticed a piece of metal “sticking out from his back.”

The victim was then rushed to GPHC for immediate medical attention.

Detectives were able to recover a bloodied pair of scissors with one of its pointed ends broken from the crime scene. They also found a black cellphone with its screen severely cracked and

partly covered in blood.

As police ranks continue to hunt for Richardson, they are seeking the public’s assistance in these efforts. Anyone who may have vital information that can lead to his arrest or knows his whereabouts can contact police on telephone numbers 227-2603, 226-6978, 226-6221, 219-3252, 227-1149, 225-8196, 268-2328, 268-2298/2222, 226-7065, 911 or the nearest police station.

GPF, in the wanted bulletin issued for the suspect, assured that all information received will be treated with the “strictest confidence.”

Mazaruni Prison escapee recaptured

C

ops on Saturday recaptured Kevin LaFleur, 25, a robbery convict who had sprinted through some bushes after escaping the Mazaruni Prison on April 9, last.

According to a police report, ranks had received information, which led them to where the fugitive was hiding.

LaFleur was found in a house alone at Ankerville, Port Mourant, Berbice.

He was recaptured and taken into police custody at the New Amsterdam Police Station.

During the time of his escape, LaFleur was serving a 56 month jail sentence for robbery under arms.

Vice Chairman of Region Six, Zamal Hussain is currently out on station bail after the vehicle, which he was driving crushed a man to death.

The unfortunate incident occurred on the White Bridge Access Road in Kendall’s Village, East Coast Berbice Saturday night at about 19:00 hrs.

The dead man has been identified as 42-year-old Micheal Hendriques of No.19 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. A relative said that the man left home sometime around 17:00 hrs on Saturday but they could not say where he was heading or where he was when the incident took place.

Kaieteur News was informed that Hussain who was driving motor pick-up PXX 3661 was manoeuvring a turn on the White Bridge Access Road to head in a southerly direction.

In doing so, Hussain who had reversed in a north western direction and stopped before proceeding in a south eastern direction, felt the vehicle run over something on the eastern side of the access road.Based on preliminary investigations by ranks, Hussain after realising something was wrong, immediately disembarked the pick-up and made a check.

He then discovered that it was a man, now identified as Hendriques, lying on the road with head injuries.

Hussain picked up the injured man and rushed him to the New Amsterdam Public

The vehicle that was involved in the accident.

Vice Chairman of Region Six, Zamal Hussain Hospital.

The victim unfortunately died while receiving treatment.

A breathalyzer test was conducted on Hussain and the results came back negative.

His vehicle was subsequently lodged and he was released yesterday on $50,000 station bail.

Regional Commander, Jairam

The deceased Ramlakhan disclosed that based on the information received so far, the victim was said to be “passed out” on the access road.

Be that as it may, Ramlakhan said investigations are ongoing and Hussain is expected to make a court appearance upon completion of same.

Miner kills sleeping co-worker because he got higher pay Photo taken of Kevin LaFleur just moments after he was recaptured by police in Berbice.

Fugitive boyfriend was busy offering reward for...

From page 8 reported that on Thursday evening, the 15year-old was contacted by the police and was interviewed in the presence of a Child Care and Probation Officer. During the interrogation process, the teen allegedly confessed to the crime and agreed to take investigators to the scene where she said, she, along with Alleyne, allegedly buried her sister.

The teen told investigators that on the night the victim went ‘missing’, Saturday, April 3, last, Alleyne was oiling his brownish gun in his living room. She said the 21-year-old then pointed the gun at her sister who told him “he like play and he should put away that thing.”

The young lady said she then heard a loud sound, akin to that of a firework.

Alleyne who is not a licensed firearm holder subsequently exclaimed, “Oh shoots, I shoot that girl!” The 15-year-old said she then saw

Berbician crushed to death by pick-up Reg. 6 official was driving

her sister’s mouth open as her blood quickly started to cover her face. Upon seeing this, she said to Shaquan, “Let’s take her to the hospital” but the boyfriend refused as he retorted, “No, she dead already.” Alleyne then accompanied the sister to his father and told him of what he did. Alleyne’s father then told him, “don’t tell (me) stupidness, why (you) playing with the gun?”After doing their collective deliberation about what to do with the body, they decided that it was best to bury her in the backyard unknown to other parties.

Armed with a spade, Kaieteur News had reported that the suspects dug a shallow hole after which Shonette’s body was rolled into it and covered up. Alleyne then hid the gun.

After the teen’s confession, the suspect’s father, Shawn Alleyne, a high school teacher was arrested. A wanted bulletin has since been issued for his son.

A Venezuelan gold miner is currently in police custody after he allegedly killed his fellow workmate because he got paid a better day’s wage than him.

While their names were not released by the police up to Press time, the killing reportedly took place on Labour Day around 23:00hrs at Perseverance Backdam, North West District, Region One.The two men who are reportedly well known to each other were at the time working on a mining operation owned by a Brazilian national.

Kaieteur News learned

that at the time of the incident, the dredging operation had just “washed down” its gold production for the day, after which, both men were paid by the owner. Police sources close to the investigation said that the suspect got annoyed after discovering that his co-worker was paid a higher day’s pay. This newspaper was told that the Venezuelan allegedly waited until his colleague was sleeping on the said night, during which time, he crept into his camp and stabbed him to death. The now dead man was discovered lying in a ham-

mock clad in only his pants with several stab wounds about his body.

According to the police report, the victim was rushed to the Port Kaituma District Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body was then transported to the hospital’s mortuary where it is awaiting a post mortem examination.

The suspect, according to reports, was nabbed yesterday around 01:45hrs by public spirited persons and was handed over to the police.

An investigation into the killing is ongoing.

GBTI , Republic Bank adjust opening hours Two of the country’s leading commercial banks have adjusted their opening hours. Republic Bank Guyana Ltd. (RBGL) and the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) have announced new business hours starting this week and until further notice. Both banks will now be open for business from 8 am to 1 pm.GBTI’s new business hours will take effect from today while Republic Bank’s adjusted opening hours kick in from tomorrow. The announcements were posted on the Facebook pages of the two banks.

In the case of GBTI, it was also announced

that the Diamond and Parika branches will be closed on Wednesdays. However, its Diamond branch will open on Saturdays and its Parika branch on Sundays.Republic Bank explained that the adjusted opening hours were instituted to help protect both its customers and staff in light of the threat posed by the pandemic. GBTI attributed its adjusted times to ensure maximum safety and preventative measures to curb the spread of COVID19.The new operating hours come in the wake of a record number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases and deaths.

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Monday May 03, 2021

Monday May 03, 2021

Upper Corentyne couple surrenders $1.3M in jewellery after beating from masked bandits A couple of No. 69 Village, Upper Corentyne was on Saturday beaten and robbed of over $1.3M in jewellery by two masked men who were armed with cutlasses.

The victims have been identified as Amanauth Ragunauth called Boyo and his wife Samantha Singh. According to police reports, the incident occurred mere minutes after midnight on Saturday. It is alleged that Ragunauth had secured his home sometime around 20:30 hrs after which, he and his wife retired to bed.

He told police that at about 00:05hrs, he was awakened by a noise and was suddenly confronted by two masked men armed with cutlasses inside his bedroom. He said his wife then awoke but by that time, the men were demanding cash and jewellery.

The couple told the perpetrators that they did not have

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Amanauth Ragunauth and his wife Samantha Singh cash but this only angered the bandits who subsequently dealt him and his wife several lashes about their bodies with the cutlasses.Fearful for her life, Singh said she took the jewellery they had hidden in the said bedroom and handed it over to the men who then made good their escape.

The couple was escorted to the Skeldon Public Hospital where they were treated for

their injuries. The wife was sent away while the husband remains a patient at the said institution for observation.

His condition is regarded as stable.

The stolen items include one gold chain, one gold band, two gold finger rings valued at $1,150,000, one silver chain, one silver band and one silver ring valued at $300,000.

Monday May 03, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your strength lies in your inner resources, Aries. Today you will find that these resources have opened up within you.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Offer your services to others, Taurus. Your generosity in spreading your knowledge will be rewarded. Things might be rather confusing at first, but once you start talking, you will be surprised by how much you really know.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You might not be in the mood to cooperate today, Gemini.

You will most likely want to work on projects alone at your own pace. You will probably have to come out of your shell and interact with others.

CANCER(June21–July22) You may wake up in a fog of confusion this morning for some reason, Cancer. The good news is that the air is likely to clear as the day continues.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Here's a suggestion. If you get a strange vibe about a situation today, walk away, Leo. Your instincts will tell you if something is dangerous or not.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) It's time to take charge of your life, Virgo. Don't rely on other people to sort out your problems. There may some anxiety in the air today that causes you to overreact to a situation that normally wouldn't faze you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) It's time to show other people that you have backbone, Libra. It could be that up until now very few people have noticed, since you're so flexible and adaptable to change.

SCORPIO (Oct.23–Nov. 21) You may be anxious to get some new projects underway today, Scorpio, even though they aren't necessarily ready or well thought out.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) There's a romantic, dreamy feeling to today that you should indulge in, Sagittarius. If you have a special someone in your life, this is the perfect day to share these feelings!

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You might not be in the mood to cooperate today, Capricorn. You will most likely want to work on projects alone at your own pace.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Start today on the right foot by projecting a positive mood and healthy mindset, Aquarius. If you're dragging your heels and already dreading the forthcoming events, you will only succeed in making it harder to move ahead, regardless of what you end up doing.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may discover your emotions are tempered today, as you want to turn inward, Pisces. You're apt to surprise yourself and the people around you.

Agarwal heroics in vain as Kings surrender to Capitals SportsMax - Delhi Capitals piled on the pain for Punjab Kings and KL Rahul by racing to a seven-wicket victory in the Indian Premier League and going top of the table.

It was revealed earlier yesterday that Kings captain and star batsman Rahul faces surgery after being diagnosed with acute appendicitis, and he was in hospital while this match played out at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

In his absence, stand-in skipper Mayank Agarwal made a dominant 99 not out in a total of 166-6, helming the Kings innings and cutting loose when he saw fit in a terrific 58-ball knock that contained four sixes and eight fours.

Shikhar Dhawan produced the key innings for the Capitals in response, making an unbeaten 69 and finding the sort of support that Agarwal lacked, helping Delhi to 167-3, winning with

14 balls to spare.Agarwal had required five from the final ball of the Kings innings to post what would have been just the second IPL century of his career, but he could only crunch a four down the ground rather than clear the ropes.

Kagiso Rabada had earlier taken two wickets in his first two overs, the second coming when he bowled Kings veteran Chris Gayle with a full toss immediately after being cracked for six by the West Indies batsman.

That was the first of three sixes off Rabada’s bowling, but the South African paceman also removed Prabhsimran Singh and Chris Jordan while taking 3-36 in his four-over allocation.

Dawid Malan made 26 but it was ostensibly a one-man show as Agarwal contended with a revolving cast of batting partners.

Delhi had more about them, with Prithvi Shaw making 39 in a 63-run first-wicket stand alongside Dhawan, be-

fore Steve Smith added 25.

Shimron Hetmyer launched Riley Meredith for two consecutive sixes followed by a cover drive for four in the 18th over, leaving Delhi just two short of their victory target.

Neither Hetmyer nor Dhawan had the privilege of finishing the job, however, with a pair of wides from Meredith carrying the Capitals over the line.

Agarwal deserved better Not only did he take over as captain, Agarwal also led by proud example, just as Rahul as so often done. His innings was the standout performance of this match, but where he rose to the occasion, others in the Kings ranks wilted. Gayle, with 13, was the team’s third highest scorer, and it is almost impossible to win matches that way.

Getting all Het up Hetmyer’s late care-free cameo of 16 from four deliveries would likely not have happened without his teammates laying solid foundations. They did so in the face of largely unthreatening bowling from Punjab, who sit sixth with three wins from eight games, amid doubts over whether their leader will be back in action this season.

Scores: Delhi Capitals 167 for 3 (Dhawan 69*, Shaw 39) beat Punjab Kings 166 for 6 (Agarwal 99, Rabada 3-36) by seven wickets.

Proposed World...

From page 23 resurgence for Boxing which could see the return of Boxing Boards Pro/ Am Card which could be done on a bimonthly basis so that we can get ourselves back on our feet.

So we are all waiting for Covid to lift and we will embrace Gary Card and go from there,” concluded Abdool who was elected President of Fecarbox in 2015 with added responsibilities of overseeing boxing activities in Mexico, Latin and Central America, Venezuela and Columbia among others.

The Australian-based Guyanese, St Clair, on 29 July 2006,won two World Titles in one night when he challenged Cassius Baloyi for the IBO and IBF super-featherweight titles.

St Clair, who became world champion winning by a unanimous decision, promised Abdool that if all goes well, this wont be a one-off Event for Guyana.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Monday May 03, 2021

Hamilton wins Portuguese GP, extends lead over Verstappen PORTIMAO, Portugal (AP) Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton made two typically clinical overtakes to bounce back and win the Portuguese Grand Prix for a 97th career win yesterday, extending his championship lead over Max Verstappen to eight points in his bid for a record eighth F1 title.

At one point Hamilton slipped to third, but the Mercedes driver slickly moved ahead on Lap 20 of 66 to finish ahead of Red Bull’s Ve r s t a p p e n a n d h i s Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas.

“That was such a tough race, physically and m e n t a l l y, k e e p i n g e v e r y t h i n g t o g e t h e r, ” Hamilton said. “Right on my limit. Great race.”

The British driver started

from second on the grid behind Bottas, who took a bonus point for the fastest lap. Verstappen thought he set the fastest time on his final lap but it was deleted because he went wide of track limits.

“Really? OK. Thats a bit odd,” Verstappen said when he was told about the decision during the post-race track interviews.Hamilton and Verstappen have been in the top two in all three races, with Hamilton winning two of them heading into next Sunday’s Spanish GP. Bottas took pole to deny Hamilton a record-extending 100th, making him the third different pole-sitter so far a f t e r Ve r s t a p p e n a n d Hamilton. He made a clean start to hold off Hamilton and Verstappen but dropped off.

“It was a tricky day today, just didnt have the pace,” Bottas said.

The safety car came out on Lap 2 for debris on the track as veteran Kimi Raikkonen lost his front wing and went off into gravel after clipping the left rear tire of his Alfa Romeo teammate Antonio Giovinazzi.

“It was my mistake,” Raikkonen said. “I m just glad I didnt ruin his tire.”

When the race resumed on Lap 7, Bottas surprised Hamilton by restarting earlier than he perhaps expected, while Verstappen got in Hamiltons slipstream to move past him into second.

Ve r s t a p p e n c o u l d n t overtake Bottas despite being in the DRS zone, but Hamilton used his to zoom past Verstappen on the

Second placed Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands, winner Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain and third placed Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas of Finland, from left, stand on the podium of the Portugal Formula One Grand Prix at the Algarve International Circuit near Portimao, Portugal, Sunday, May 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain steers his car followed by Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands, right, during the Portugal Formula One Grand Prix at the Algarve International Circuit near Portimao, Portugal, Sunday, May 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

outside to reclaim second four laps later, and then set about chasing Bottas, overaking him with another fine move on the outside to stamp his authority on the race.

“I didnt quite get as good a start as Valtteri and then lost out at the restart, which was not good. I had to try and reposition myself,” Hamilton said. “I think Max made a mistake at some point and that was perfect. With Valtteri I had to make the move early before the tires were destroyed, and I just managed to get him.”

Verstappen was stuck behind Bottas, which allowed Hamilton to move ahead by nearly four seconds

approaching the halfway point.

The undulating 4.7kilometer (2.9-mile) track in Portugals Algarve region is one of the most pleasing on the eye, but drivers have complained of lack of grip since new tarmac was laid before last years race.

This seemed to make it harder for Verstappen to attack.“This was an odd weekend in terms of grip,” Verstappen said. “We were not on top of it here, but well see what we can do in Barcelona.”

Verstappen pitted before the two Mercedes drivers, on Lap 36 followed by Bottas on the next and Hamilton on Lap 38.

Bottas came out just ahead of a flying Verstappen, who passed him easily to move behind Hamilton and Red Bulls Sergio Perez in the race lead although the veteran Mexican was on old tires.Perez narrowly avoided an accident when backmarker Nikita Mazepin clumsily cut across him with the Red Bull finally changing his tires soon after.

Perez’s fastest lap was beaten by Bottas.

McLarens Lando Norris was fifth ahead of Ferraris Charles Leclerc.

Bottas moved up to fourth in the standings and five points behind Norris, who trails Verstappen by 24 heading into race No. 4.

Man United’s game off after fans storm stadium in protest MANCHESTER, England (AP) Antiownership protests by Manchester United fans forced the postponement of yesterday’s Premier League game against Liverpool as supporters stormed the stadium and reached the pitch, while thousands of others gathered outside Old Trafford to demand the Glazer family ownership sell the club.Long-running anger against the American owners has boiled over after they were part of the failed attempt to take United into a European Super League.

Supporters have been kept out of games due to the coronavirus pandemic.

United and Liverpool players were unable to travel to the stadium where there were clashes briefly between fans and the police under a shower of glass bottles as flares were sent off.Although the crowds were later dispersed around the time the game was due to start, United said the game

was postponed “due to safety and security considerations around the protest” after discussions with police, authorities and the league.

“Our fans are passionate about Manchester United, and we completely acknowledge the right to free expression and peaceful protest,” United said in a statement. “However, we regret the disruption to the team and actions which put other fans, staff, and the police in danger. We thank the police for their support and will assist them in any subsequent investigations.”

The Premier League, which was yet to announce a new date for the match, expressed concern about the disorder.

“The security and safety of everyone at Old Trafford remains of paramount importance,” the Premier League said in a statement.

“We understand and respect the strength of feeling but condemn all acts of violence, criminal damage and

trespass, especially given the associated COVID-19 breaches. Fans have many channels by which to make their views known, but the actions of a minority seen

own the NFLs Tampa Bay Buccaneers, have declined to engage with fans since buying United in 2005 in a leveraged takeover that loaded debt onto the club.

Supporters wore greenand-gold scarves and also set off flares in the colors of the clubs 1878 formation. More than 100 fans got inside the stadium and some could be

Fans holds up a banner as they protest against the Glazer family, owners of Manchester United, before their Premier League match against Liverpool at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, Sunday, May 2, 2021. (Barrington Coombs/PA via AP) “Get out of our club,” seen from windows waving today have no justification.

“We sympathize with the fans chanted as flares were down to protesters. Corner police and stewards who had set off. “We want Glazers flags were held aloft and one to deal with a dangerous out.”Fans found a way into supporter was seen throwing situation that should have no the stadium and also climbed a tripod from the interview onto vantage points next to zone.Police on horseback place in football.” later cleared protesting fans The Glazers, who also turnstile entrances.

from outside the stadium, with glass bottles being thrown in brief clashes.

Some fans moved back to a main road near the stadium with police forming a line to stop them returning.

If United had lost the planned game, Manchester City would have won the Premier League title. United is the record 20-time English champion but hasnt lifted the trophy since 2013.

United and Liverpool were among six Premier League clubs that tried to form an exclusive European Super League along with three clubs each from Spain and Italy. Widespread opposition quickly ended the project, with all six English teams backing out within 48 hours of the announcement.

The “Big 6” clubs have been in damage control since, offering various forms of apologies and statements of regret, while fans long frustrated with billionaire owners have called for wholesale changes.

Kaieteur News

Monday May 03, 2021

PAGE 23

Proposed World Title Card in Guyana taking shape Meeting with Sports Minister was Excellent - GBBC President

By Sean Devers taged by Promoter Carwyn Holland, G u y a n e s e Gwendolyn ONeil won a ten-round unanimous decision over American Kathy Rivers on May 29, 2004 at National Park in Georgetown, Guyana for the WIBA Light Heavyweight title that had been vacated by Jacqui Frazier-Lyde.

Now almost 17 years later, Guyanas fourth (Men) World Champion and now Boxing Promoter Gary St Clair is attempting to stage what will be the biggest Event in the history of Guyanas Boxing with Gary St Clair Superhero fight night Promotions card at Providence Stadium in September which could be shown on a Pay-per-view channel.

The Pro/Am Card which will feature five Amateur and five Professional bouts, will see US based Guyanese Elton Dharry and Dexter Marques (who resides in Guyana), fighting for world titles.

Dharry will oppose a Brazilian and Marques will battle a Venezuelan, while Guyanas best hope to win Guyanas second Olympic Medal in 41 years, Keevin Allicock will match gloves with an overseas Boxer.

Alisha Jackman could also be factored in against an Australian female.

President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) Peter Abdool, who along with St Clair were recently engaged in a Zoom meeting with Guyanas proactive Sports Minister the Honourable Charles Ramson Jr, informed that the meeting was excellent.

“I think the Minister, like most of the people in Guyana, are sporting fans...

Boxing fans…and are looking forward to the time when we can be Box again.

People like Elton (Dharry) and Dexter Marques and some of the younger fellas really want to compete again and are losing valuable time.

The Minister was very encouraging in terms of the fact that at the end of the day it s just not sports authorities but in conjunction with the Minister of Health who can actually allow us to box.

But the problem in Guyana is that we cannot create a bubble like they can do in Las Vegas… like

S

GBB President Peter Abdool locking a hotel off and so on …. Thats almost impossible, so we have to wait until we get the go ahead from the Task Force,” informed Abdool, who is also the President of Insurance Brokers Association.

“I must tell you that the proposal from Garys Card was greeted by everyone with great enthusiasm.

Gary is viewed in very high regard by most and has made a sterling contribution to boxing generally speaking and its wonderful to see him want to come back to Guyana and play the role of promoter.

As you know at the end of the day it does not matter how good a Boxer you are…it does not matter who you have to fight with or what is going on in the Country, if you dont have promoters who are willing to come forward and actually put their money on the line to promote the sport it creates an enormous difficulty for us,” the GBB President continued.

According to Abdool, who was first elected GBB

President in February 2007 to fill the void left by outgoing president KD Persaud who migrated to Canada, a number of things are important and explained that Gary put forward an allinclusive proposal which embraces both the Amateur Association and the Professional Board.

“The Card he is proposing is the largest Boxing event in the history of Guyana to the extent that he wants to hold it at the Stadium and he has on the Card both Elton and Dexter fighting for titles, while Keevin Allicock is also on the Card, which makes it a Pro/Am card.

The Amateurs really need to fight as much as possible because of the various completions they have to go to, while the professional Boxers like Dharry and Marques are waiting in the wings for a shot at a World Title,” added the Managing Director of Abdool & Abdool IncInsurance Brokers and Financial Consultants which has been in operation in Guyana for 46 years.

Abdool said St Clair has to be commended for putting such a card together.

“What he will need is support from everybody and not just the Board.

He will need support from the Government in terms of the Stadium as the venue and whatever else they can do.

Its an event that we are looking forward to and hopefully it will come off and Covid will not hold us back for much longer.

This card could mean a (Continued on page 19)

Alicia Jackman

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Monday May 03, 2021

K&P Pharmacy and Diagnostic Centre supports Arrival Day Softball Cricket Cup

W

e C a r e Community Services and Promotions has teamed up with Grill Masters Softball Team of East Canje Berbice to stage the inaugural K&P Pharmacy and Diagnostic Centre Arrival Day Softball Cricket Cup, which will be played on 5th May at the Canje Welfare Community Centre Ground from 09:00hrs.

According to the organizers the one day limited overs knock-out competition will be played under strict covid guidelines and spectators will not be allowed in the venue.

The organizers said that the day’s event is put together to commemorate Arrival Day in Guyana.

The competition will be

played by a limited amount of teams and they will be vying for trophies and cash incentives.

The competition is branded under the name K and P Diagnostic Centre and Pharmacy of Charles Place, New Amsterdam.

According to CEO of the firm Mr. Peters, K and P also involved in project management and Construction and he is very pleased to be associated with this event. According to the CEO this is a way of giving back to the youths, which is part of his business social responsibility to the community.

Mr. Peters went on to say that his company will continue to support the Softball Cup in the coming years. He is very please that

the organizers could have come up with such a tournament especially since not a lot of sportsmen are active due to COVID. The organizers thanked Mr. Peters and his firm for coming on board and said that the competition will be played with the highest standards and discipline, while adhering to all COVID guidelines and regulations.

The organizers also said that this inaugural Arrival Softball Cricket Cup will be played by mostly youths and they are pleased to get the youths involved in Softball cricket after more than a year of no competitive Cricket.

This competition will allow the youths to showcase their talents and help them to focus on their career.

Several businesses in the

New Amsterdam area have already thrown their support towards the competition, they are, Office Express, Hanomans Dental, Mr. Murselene Bacchus SC, attorney at law, Raja Extreme Trucking Service, Ishwar Singh (GuyBiz) and F u r n i t u r e Wo r l d a n d Terminate Pest Control.

Interested teams can contact tel 647-7507. Teams will be accepted on first come basis according to the organizers.

Sandyha Moakan (left) of K and P Pharmacy and Diagnostic Centre presents the cheque to a representative from Grill Masters team.

Sheltez Independence Junior Tournament underway

T

he Sheltez Independence J u n i o r To u r n a m e n t w a s launched last Saturday at the Le Ressouvenir Tennis Club and will conclude Independence Day (May 26).

Five matches were played on the opening day before the tournament continues today at the Le Ressouvenir Tennis Club Lawn Tennis Courts.

The tournament commenced with Girls U14 when Paula Kalekyezi defeated Norella Jordan 4/0 1/4(10/7), in the Boys U-12 Elwyn Levius beat Gabriel Felix 4/1 4/1 before in the Boys U-12 Nathan DeNobrega got the better of Alex Abbo 4/0 4/0, while in Girls U14 Menishki Jaikissoon defeated Malia Maikoo 4/1 3/5(10/8) and in Girls U-12 Malia Miakoo def Naiesha Jaikissoon 4/0 4/1

Paula Kalekyezi (left) beat Norella Jordan.

Menishki Jaikissoon got past Malia Maikoo.

Nathan DeNobrega defeated Alex Abbo.

Elwyn Levius beat Gabriel Felix.

Kaieteur News

Monday May 03, 2021

PAGE 25

GAPLF Novices/Junior Championships 2021 highlight outstanding performances

C

ompetitive powerlifting returned with a bang on Sunday last when the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) held its Novices and Junior Championships at the Saint Stanislaus College Auditorium.

Some exciting performances were recorded with a number of records being broken by the new kids on the block. Last Sundays action also included the Federations qualifying competition for the 18th Annual North American Regional Powerlifting Championships (NAPF) set for Orlando, Florida, USA from August 17 21; six athletes c o n t e s t e d .

The GAPLF executive will be meeting to select its team for those championships.

Kaieteur sport had carried photos of the respective Female and Male Best Lifters on the day, Keisha Abrigo (Novices), Angel Chappelle (Junior); Romeo Hunter (ClassicNovice & Junior) and Faraud Mohamed (Equipped-Novice & Junior). Today, we are pleased to share with you the other category winners: Female Winners Name Salma Hack Deadlift Homwattie Hirawan Deadlift Homwattie Hirawan 55kg, Deadlift

Homwattie Hirawan (Barims Powerlifting Gym-44 years old) Deadlifts 105.0kg-231.5lb.

(Franklin Wilson photo)

Salima Hack Deadlifts.

(Franklin Wilson photo)

Kelvin Moore Deadlifts.

(Franklin Wilson photo)

Cidel Patrick is powerful in his execution of this Deadlift attempt. (Franklin Wilson photo) Class 57kg Women’s Open Raw - Squat 102.5kg, Benchpress 42.5kg, 112.5kg, Total 257.5kg 76kg Women’s Open Raw - Squat 92.5kg, Benchpress 55kg,

Yogaishawar Seecharan Squats 182.5kg-402.3lb.

(Franklin Wilson photo)

Thurston Pearce shows off power.

(Franklin Wilson photo)

105kg, Total 252.5kg 76kg Women’s Master 1 Raw - Squat 92.5kg, Benchpress 105kg, Total 252.5kg

Male Winners Askhay Goukaran Deadlift Kelvin Moore Cidel Patrick Deadlift

93kg Men’s Junior Raw - Squat 182.5kg, Benchpress 110.0kg,

230.0kg, Total 522.5kg 59kg Men’s Open Raw - Squat 122.5kg, Benchpress 75.0kg, Deadlift 190.0kg, Total 387.5kg 83kg Men’s Open Raw - Squat 160.0kg, Benchpress 115.0kg,

Paul Meusa Deadlift 2nd Corvin Sealey Deadlift

210.0kg, Total 485.0kg 93kg Men’s Open Raw - Squat 167.5kg, Benchpress 107.5kg, 232.5kg, Total 507.5kg 93kg Men’s Open Raw - Squat 165.0kg, Benchpress 127.5kg,

210.0kg, Total 502.5kg Thurston Pearce105kg Men’s Open Raw - Squat 180.0kg, Benchpress 105.0kg, Deadlift 230.0kg, Total 515.0kg Yogaishawar Seecharan 120kg Men’s Junior EQ - Squat 182.5kg, Benchpress 102.5kg, Deadlift 205.0kg, Total 490.0kg Yogaishawar Seecharan 120kg Men’s Open EQ - Squat 182.5kg, Benchpress 102.5kg, Deadlift 205.0kg, Total 490.0kg

Askhay Goukaran 93kg Class (Roys Gym20 years old) Deadlifts 230.0kg 507.1lb.

(Franklin Wilson

Proposed World Title Card in Guyana taking shape Meeting with Sports Minister was Excellent - GBBC President

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain crosses the finish line to win the Portugal Formula One Grand Prix at the Algarve International Circuit near Portimao, Portugal, Sunday, May 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez

Guyanase Boxer Dexter Marques

Hamilton wins Portuguese GP, extends lead over Verstappen

US based Elton Dharry

Keevin Allicock will also be on the Card

t r o Sp

Man United’s game off after fans storm stadium in protest Fans make their way past barriers outside the ground as they let off flares whilst protesting against the Glazer family, owners of Manchester United, before their Premier League match against Liverpool at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, Sunday, May 2, 2021. (Barrington Coombs/PA via AP)

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