Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR ExxonMobil’s 5 Wednesday Edition NEWS deepwater project to produce 275,000 - To start up as barrels of oil per day early as 2026

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

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May 04, 2022 - Vol. 17 No. 19

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 61,755

Guyana scores “fairly low” on EITI Standard * Board flags country’s failure to make contracts, receipts accessible & understandable * facing suspension if no corrective action taken

$848M estimated to build call centres in Regions 2 & 6

PPP/C will not spy on - President the population Ali assures Supreme Court Registry earned over $253M in fees, fines and seizures in 2018

Systems overhaul at GPL can help reduce ‘blackout’ woes - Patterson The leaders of this country, especially our VP Bharat Jagdeo, are creating slave camps Listen to The Glenn Lall Show each day that goes by for the present and future generations. @11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday May 04, 2022

ExxonMobil’s 5th deepwater project to produce 275,000 barrels of oil per day - To start up as early as 2026

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o l l o w i n g G o v e r n m e n t ’s early April approval for its fourth oil project in the Stabroek Block called US$10B Yellowtail, ExxonMobil and its partners have wasted no time in seeking the authorities blessings for a fifth deepwater development.

In its project summary that was submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ExxonMobil subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EPPGL) which operates the Stabroek concession said the Uaru Project will be located in the eastern portion of the block, approximately 200 km from Georgetown and amid previous Stabroek Projects.

Current plans include drilling via drillships to produce oil from approximately 40-76 wells.

Production is expected to begin between the fourth quarter of 2026 and the second quarter of 2027 with

an expected field life of at least 20 years. EEPGL said the production facilities to be installed include subsea equipment attached to the seafloor as well as processing equipment on the ocean’s surface known as a Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

EEPGL said this subsea equipment is installed at approximately 1,450 – 1,950 m of water depth while noting that the main components of the subsea kit include the following: production tree, production manifold, flowlines, risers, and umbilicals. The subsea umbilicals, risers, and flowlines are commonly referred to as SURF. Additionally, EEPGL’s document explained that the oil, gas, and water flows from the well into the production tree. The fluids are then gathered into the manifold which then connects to the flowlines before the risers take the fluids up to the FPSO Continued on page 24

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Wednesday May 04, 2022

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Guyana scores “fairly low” on EITI Standard

By Kiana Wilburg The Board of the Norway-based Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) said on Tuesday that Guyana has achieved a “fairly low” overall score in implementing its 2019 EITI Standard.

T h e E I T I ’s 2 0 1 9 Standard requires that open data on natural resource income and contracts be a routine part of government and corporate reporting, while providing information to stakeholders in a timeframe and format that support widespread use in analysis and decision making. The Board which manages 55 member countries said the overall score of 52 points for Guyana reflects an average of the three component scores. These scores were given the in areas of: Outcomes and Impact, Transparency and Stakeholder engagement.

The Board expressed concern over Guyana’s low score on Outcomes and Impact (42 points). It said this score reflects the ad hoc approach to outreach and

- Board flags country’s failure to make contracts, receipts accessible & understandable - facing suspension if no corrective action taken

dissemination, weaknesses in follow-up on EITI recommendations to deliver reforms and insufficient attention to the annual review of outcomes and impact, with a view to informing the annual EITI work plan. While the Board commended Guyana for its innovative efforts to undertake outreach during the pandemic, it said ensuring that a broad range of government, industry and civil society constituencies

are consulted in developing the annual work plan would help ensure that the EITI is supporting national reform objectives. The Board also flagged the country’s failure to make contracts, industry receipts a c c e s s i b l e a n d understandable. It called for action towards this end.

On Transparency, the Board said Guyana reached a fairly low score of 53.5 points. Expounding further, the Board said Guyana has

made commendable efforts to use EITI implementation to ensure disclosures on areas of public interest, including contract transparency, commodity sales and environmental aspects of the extractive industries, reflecting

priorities of civil society in particular.

It said too that Guyana’s EITI reporting has shed some light on the government’s revenues from the extractive industries for the first time, although weaknesses in company

r eporting and taxpayer confidentiality constraints mean that only a minority of the government’s revenues have been disclosed through EITI to date to the levels of disaggregation and reliability required under the EITI. The Board, therefore, urged Guyana to ensure complete and reliable revenue disclosures as a basis to support the government’s public finance management reforms.

Additionally, the EITI Board said Guyana achieved a fairly low score on Stakeholder engagement. In this component, Guyana gained 60 points. While civil society has been a driving force in implementation, the Board expressed concern over weaknesses in government and industry

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Kaieteur News

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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

Media and oil “Media workers slam lack of transparency in oil and gas sector…cites dearth in public information, education campaigns” (KN May 2). This was part of what came out of the Kaieteur Radio Show, Guyanas Oil and You, hosted

by Ms. Kiana Wilburg. The language of the media workers who participated in the show speaks for itself. It conveys to the world some of what is transpiring with this oil that is now part of Guyanas rich reality. It is a reality rich with promise, but poor in all that is part of its existence, as far as locals are concerned.

We say this from the start: this was not the sentiments or positions of media workers associated with this media entity. Rather, it was of media workers from different organisations, who tell it for what it is, but which also closely matches our own beliefs and conclusions. Dearth in public information about oil was one area covered, and on this, we are going to say a lot.

Take away the information, presentations, and almost daily contributions on Guyanese oil developments, and there is little else. Without praising ourselves, most of what comes from other public and private sources are about discoveries, production, and more foreign businesses coming here to exploit our new riches. The in-depth probing that leads to critical public reporting, and taking of sharp, revealing public positions, via the media, is just not happening as it should.

When it does, it is too little, and far from enough to make Guyanese pause, stand up, and understand what is going on with this oil of ours. Due to this, every Guyanese, the people who this oil belongs to, could actually believe, and end up thinking that all is well with this oil, and that there is nothing to worry about.

In fact, there is plenty to worry over, and it lies in what leaders in this government do, how they go about managing this oil business, how they (dont) share information on all oil issues. Here is the drop dead reality, the essence of Guyanas oil truths: the PPP/C Government and its leaders are not sharing what they should about oil, so that Guyanese have the fullest understanding of what is happening, what each and every development means for them. All they have is Government propaganda that is riddled with untruths, what is left out, what slants, what misleads, what never tells the whole story on oil, never the full truths.

So, when the workers in the media, from outlets that are outside of Kaieteur News (and Radio) can take the stance that there is a dearth of public information on oil and gas this is what they are seeing, hearing, and learning. There is no transparency on oil and gas, other than what the President and Vice President, say that it is.

What they call transparency on oil and gas is laughable, stupid, and insulting.

This is how both of them are making themselves into the biggest laughingstocks before everyone who hears them, including their own. Information is withheld to conceal significant oil elements from citizens, or massaged to convey their own tricky angles on oil, or constructed in such a way as to deceive and mislead Guyanese on what is really happening with this oil of ours.

The more they withhold information, the more they look suspicious. Both the government and its leaders are not fooling the people with their hairsplitting and dancing around on this oil.

They only make bigger spectacles of themselves, which more and more Guyanese are coming to grips with, and which is what workers from other sections of the media have the honesty to say publicly.

As the other media workers asserted, there is little public education on oil and gas.

The public needs that education, but the Government refuses to do so, because its leaders prefer to keep the people in the dark, insist that they remain ignorant about this oil. More media sections, and more media workers must speak out, join the fight to get as much as can be had on this oil of ours. This is non-negotiable, and all must demand it now from leaders before it is too late.

Serious concerns about local press freedom DEAR EDITOR, A month ago, a letter writer in the Guyana Chronicle made false claims upon which he accused me and other members of civil society of being treasonous and betraying the country. I enclose the link to that letter, which was also published in the Guyana Times. I wrote a response, which neither the Guyana Chronicle nor the Guyana Times published.

I feel I have to report this, because the Department of Public Affairs has organised a national conference and symposium to commemorate the UNESCO designated World Press Freedom Day on Tuesday May 3 and Wednesday, May 4, 2022. One has to wonder what the State media has to contribute, when it allows its writers the freedom of its press to malign citizens who genuinely want good for Guyana, while at the same time denying those citizens the right of reply. We have grown too accustomed to routine denial of access to taxpayer funded state media when we try to point out errors of public policy by whichever Government is in power, but this denial is utterly wrong and should not be allowed to continue.

Therefore the prospect of the unveiling of the “groundbreaking Guyana Media and Communication Academy (GMACA)” during the conference ceremony bodes ill. For one has to ask what kind of training they will receive. Will the Academy train journalists to be like those in charge of the Guyana Chronicle? If the

Academys online learning platform, developed in collaboration with COURSERA, will immediately be open to the first cohort of learners following the unveiling, why does the Department of Public Information (dpi) not have a blog on its online platform?

Is it because, just like the carefully orchestrated Ministerial outreaches, they are not really interested in critical feedback? And who chooses the stakeholders that the Department of Public Affairs says they are bringing together?

Will the Oil & Gas Governance Network (OGGN), an organisation of very competent patriots, who kindly published my response to the false accusations in the State media, be among the stakeholders? https:// www.oggn.website/2022/04/ 05/a-civil-society-responseto-robin-singh/ Of utmost concern to any press freedoms is access to information.

According to the Organization of American States (OAS), it is the principal tool for citizen participation in a democratic system. However, the Guyana Access to Information Act (ATIA) of 2011 is utterly rotten. It is replete with nice sounding words like “right to information”, which seem to have fooled even the OAS into ticking the democratic boxes for this country.

There are five levels of confidentiality in this despicable Act: top secret, secret, confidential, restricted, or general [S.13 (2)], only the last of which is available to the public. And just in case that is

not enough to throttle any information, an undefined designation of it in S.14(1)(j) as “not in the public interest” by the public authority is enough to render it inaccessible for at least 20 years, by which time, we would have been overtaken by the consequences. The well-known practical uselessness of the Commissioner of Information under the ATIA is too painful to repeat.

Guyanese are therefore gradually being trained to accept a culture in which only Government has the right to information. So when highly reputable colleagues of mine use their valuable time, without any remuneration whatsoever, and uncover recklessness and lawlessness in government projects, they are immediately denigrated as unpatriotic by highly paid government appointed functionaries and apologists masquerading as friends of the people, whereas the latter are really only friends of certain individuals, who toe the party line and are paid to keep the people in line. Projects like the Skeldon Sugar Modernisation project fail because their designs were secret, which not even the politicians knew. Like babies, they simply trusted the contractors, unable to read the foreign language much less the fine print. Violations stem from the beginning of the processes, like now where the EPA failed to disclose the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Yellowtail environmental impact assessment (EIA), ultimately denying the public

adequate participation. It also led to the ridiculous situation where the 3-member Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) took approximately five working days to complete its review of the 6000-page revised EIA report for ExxonMobil s now licensed Yellowtail development project. How many more failed and secret projects must we tolerate before people come to their senses and call their politicians to account?

Right now, we have a new Demerara River bridge and gas-to-energy projects on the horizon with the same unaccountable secrecy that leads to failure by leaders who do not learn from their mistakes.

The bridge design is still a mystery, yet the EPA can defy logic and waive the ESIA. On a high after this brazen stupidity, they defy logic further and announce a management plan for environmental and social impacts that are yet to be studied or excuse me, perhaps the unknown impacts that are to be managed are in the category of “top secret” under the ATIA. So, fellow citizens, here is a homework project we can do. Instead of wasting energy complaining to power drunk politicians for them to tell us it is only the world economy or the war in the Ukraine let us ask economist friends not on the government payroll to connect for us the debts we are paying for failed megaprojects and unaccountable deals to the accelerating cost of living.

Regards, Alfred Bhulai

Divided unions, docile workers: silence on oil nothing to celebrate 2022 Labour Day DEAR EDITOR, May Day 2022 finds the Guyanese unions still divided, workers and unions still docile, collective bargaining almost dead, unions silent on Guyana s bad oil deal, as real wages decline, and the Guyanese working poor struggle to make ends meet with no relief in sight. There is nothing to celebrate this Labour Day. The unions have failed us and the Government takes advantage of a fractured movement. Can you imagine some of these unions were fighting the Government in court about vaccination and hoping the Governments efforts would fail? Unions have lost their way. We need a new unionism and new militancy to fight for proper governance of oil and related transparency, and accountability, to ensure we get more income from oil and all natural resource contracts. If the pie is bigger, money can go towards

a new structure of “living wage” compensation, pensions, and income supports for all including housewives, the self-employed, taxi drivers, subsistence farmers, fishermen, the disabled, and other vulnerable populations. If Guyana gets a better deal through renegotiation, no Guyanese would be left behind.

There was a time when Guyanese workers and unions were imbued with a strong working-class ideology based on socialist principles, when both the PPP and PNC were working class parties. Now these major parties are firmly in the camp of the bourgeoisie and petty bourgeoisie watching out for the interests of the business elite and oil imperialists. They have departed from their historic roots.

Who would have expected that both the PNC and PPP during the elections se-

cretly promised the oil companies that they would not renegotiate the rotten, worst oil contract in the history of oil that gave away the countrys national patrimony and largest natural resource?

And the trade unions are largely silent. Mr. Norris Witter of the General Workers’ Union (GWU) is to be commended for speaking out for renegotiation and even Mr. Lincoln Lewis of the TUC seems to be a supporter of renegotiation. What happen to the other unions in the Trade Unions Congress (TUC) and Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG)? What happen to their working-class core values? What worker values inspire the FITUG unions? FITUG is calling for a $60,000 minimum wage while Exxon and friends get 85% of all oil income, and tax-free salaries and concessions.

Does FITUG and TUC see a

correlation between higher wages, salaries, and benefits and renegotiation of the oil contract? A minimum wage in these times should be nothing less that $100,000! Begging for $60,000 is a sellout!

These union factions should know the major parties to which each side aligns, have sold out the Guyanese workers. Now it s the PNC, PPP and oil companies on the same side versus the working people of Guyana. By their silence, the unions are on the side of the oil imperialists too and the workers are on their own. There can be no neutrality on the matter of renegotiation. The new PNC Leader swears that he never used the word “renegotiation” as if that was a “cuss” word. On the government side, the presidential candidate said in 2020 that “everything” is up for review and (Continuned on page 5)

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Holiday should be renamed Indian Arrival Day DEAR EDITOR, May 5 is designated Arrival Day. It is not secret it is the day in which Indians first landed in then British Guiana in 1838. Although that is the day that only Indians arrived in Guiana, and no other group uses it for self-reflection, observance, and recognition, succeeding governments in Guyana have consistently refused to rename it Indian Arrival Day (IAD). As Ravi Dev penned, when it was approved by the Parliamentary Committee in 2004, it was called IAD. The government side changed it to Arrival Day. IAD is a day of reflection of the presence of Indians in Guyana. It salutes the Indian pioneers for their sacrifices and contributions. There was a long struggle for the recognition of May 5 as a holiday in Guyana. The British colonial rulers opposed it as did

the PNC administration that succeeded the British. Dr. Jagan committed to recognizing it as a holiday but did not approve legislation. Bharrat Jagdeo assented to the holiday. The public struggle for IAD was initiated by Indian Guyanese in the US supported by Indo-Trinis – all of us affiliated with the IndoCaribbean Federation (like myself and Ravi Dev), Conservative Party of Guyana (like Dr. Baytoram Ramharack), and Jaguar Committee for Democracy (like Vassan Ramracha). We began agitating for this holiday since the early 1980s after my visit to IAD celebrations in Trinidad in 1981. IAD celebrations were transplanted to New York thru the ICF (Bhanu Dwarika who became coordinator with Rudra Nath becoming first President in 1985).

IAD celebrations expanded

to Florida and Schenectady where Guyanese settled in large numbers. A group of us in NY came together and made a case that IAD should be recognized as a national holiday similar to Emancipation Day for Africans. Like the slaves, the indentureds or girmits have been an ethnically persecuted people since the time they arrived on May 5, 1838.

They lived in inhumane slavelike conditions and were often cheated out of their pay and denied land as compensation that was promised.

They persevered under very harsh conditions, overcoming the adversities they faced, doing so with dignity and with much cultural retention of the practices of life in Mother India. Their presence has added to the richness and uniqueness of the Guyanese nation: multi-cultural, multi-religious, multi-ethnic, and cuisine.

Divided unions, docile workers: silence...

From page 4 renegotiation, and now safely ensconced in Government, they have reneged. Promise made, promise not kept! The unions seem to grope in the dark as the Government ignores collective bargaining and imposes its own terms and conditions for wages and salaries. The Opposition has no higher ground to criticize the Government as they have done the same during their rule.

In light of a divided unionism and unions that have sold out to their political camps, and no obvious working class ideology among the workers, the only voice for the working class and educating the working class and entire nation about the effects and impact of a rotten oil contract on Guyanese quality of life and worker benefits is Mr. Glenn Lall. The Kaieteur News, Stabroek News, the Oil and Gas Governance Network (www.OGGN.org), TIGI, “Our Wealth, Our Country,” Article 13 and some other civil society activists are active too.

They are doing the kind of working class education we need about oil and gas and natural resources and how strong governance, accountability, and renegotiation are

necessary.

Mr. Lall has been able to draw the links between a renegotiated contract that will lead to more income for Guyana, and better wages, salaries, and benefits for the working poor.

Why are the unions not doing this type of education for their members? Guyanas list of needs is long, and unless we get more from our oil, gold, timber, and other natural resources, we will not be

able to revamp our wage and salary system, provide income supports and social security programs for the stay-at-home moms and housewives, pensioners, widowed and single parents, those needing public assistance, the mentally and physical handicapped, and such vulnerable populations. Its time for a new unionism! Wake up, workers of Guyana!

Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall

Their values have persisted till this day. They have left an indelible imprint on the cultural (language, cuisine, music, clothing, dance, arts, etc.) landscape, and on the economic, social, religious, and political fabric of the nation.

Their immense contributions and accomplishments in every field of endeavor have been on the basis of great personal sacrifice to better Guyana. Thus, we felt it is appropriate for the nation to recognize the contributions made by the pioneering Indians and the values and material things that they brought from India. This idea of an IAD holiday was transplanted to Guyana by diaspora activists like Ravi Dev and myself and took on a life of its own when it was enjoined by GIHA and other groups. Other individuals and organizations like Dharmic Sabha were also speaking the

language of a holiday for IAD, which was celebrated annually by that organization going back decades. Before Dharmic, British Guiana East Indian Association led by Dr JB Singh, Ayub Edun, and others celebrated IAD as did other groups like Gandhi Youth Org led by Dr Balwant and Dr. Ali that celebrated Rama-Khan Day. Among the other groups that later joined the movement for IAD were: Guyana Islamic Trust, Guyana Indian Foundation Trust, ROAR, Indian Arrival Committee (IAC); etc.

It took decades after independence to convince national politicians that the tremendous contribution and sacrifices of Indians to the nation must be recognised with a national holiday similar to Emancipation Day given to enslaved Africans.

Emancipation Day was recognized as a holiday by the PNC

early in the nations history, but there was no recognition for liberation from indentured slavery. Indian rights activists and community leaders waged an arduous battle for this recognition. It took intense lobbying from Ravi Dev, other activists and me to convince the PPP to honour the Indians with IAD. But it was called Arrival Day. This holiday honours the hard work and great sacrifices made by Indian indentured labourers, who laid the foundation for a better life for their descendants and the politicians who benefited from their pioneering contributions. It is befitting to honour them with an appropriate recognition with Indian Arrival Day as was requested by Indian rights activists. The Indian in front of the holiday is missing.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

The press must investigate and interrogate all in leadership DEAR EDITOR, On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the PNCR acknowledges the importance of our free press in fighting for and safeguarding democracy and in holding the government accountable. We endorse the joint statement by

the ABCE Ambassadors that the role of the press in Guyana has never been more important to ensure government accountability and fairmindedness in the spending of Guyana’s large and growing oil revenues.

Moreover, given the

growing crisis of democracy and governance in our society, which is driven by PPP’s arrogance and sense of entitlement, we renew our call to the free press to redouble their efforts to help to reverse and prevent damage to (Continued on page 6)

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Man wanted for shooting cousins turns self in

The 24-year-old suspect wanted for shooting two cousins on April 16, last one of whom later succumbed to his injuries at North Sophia, Georgetown has turned himself in.

Based on information received by this newspaper, the suspect, Denzil Haynes, 24, walked into the Brickdam Police Station on Tuesday, around 14:30hrs in the company of his lawyer, Bernard DaSilva.

Haynes is accused of shooting Yardan Jacobs, 27, and his cousin Steve Bacchus, 29, during a street brawl, which they had just after midnight on April 16,

last. Jacobs was shot to his lower back while Bacchus was struck to his abdomen.

Both men were patients at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) but Jacobs succumbed to his injuries last Tuesday while receiving treatment.

Police later issued a wanted bulletin for Haynes.

During his time in hiding, one of Jacobs relatives was active on the various social media platforms calling on him to turn himself in.

She had posted photos of the suspect with the caption “Denzil Haynes out here living his best life and he so happy that he out there post-

Jacobs relative was assured that the suspect will turn himself in ing on fb (Facebook).”

Eventually one of his acquaintances begged her to stop posting up the suspects photos and assured her that

he will turn himself in but needs a little time.

On Tuesday, Haynes did turn himself in and is presently in police custody.

Shut them down after the first warning and send a strong message DEAR EDITOR, The letter writer ‘Come out with a package that benefits struggling, hurting families’ (SN May 3), made the valid point that closing down noise nuisance bars and other establishments after a third report as being generous and discretionary. The writer posited these places should be shut down after the first warning. The police know who the

culprits are and wantonly flout the warnings.

As if to lend support to the noise nuisance problem, the letter ‘Music onslaught at Marriott Hotel beach’ (SN May 3), which followed the one above, tells it all.

Shut them down after the first warning and send a strong message.

Regards, Shamshun Mohamed

Denzil Haynes turning himself in to police on Thursday in the company of his lawyer, Bernard DaSilva

The press must investigate...

From page 5 our country’s political stability and social fabric. The press must investigate and interrogate all in the leadership.

We urge the members of the press to speak truth to power and take their place as the promoters and protectors of transparency and

accountability. A vibrant press is a sine qua non for good governance in any society.

To the free press locally and internationally, we salute your efforts.

Regards, People’s National Congress Reform

Dead: Yardan Jacobs

Eid dinner should have included the opposition DEAR EDITOR, In the spirit of the festival of Eid and for the sake of the ‘One Guyana’ platform, it has to be asked shouldn’t the OL and members of the parliamentary opposition have been invited to the Eid dinner hosted at State House?

Occasions such as these

can be used to foster unity and camaraderie between opposing sides and should be pursued. Staying with Eid, it was found the inclusion of political overtones in some speeches took away from the reason for the festival.

Regards, Shamshun Mohamed

Wednesday May 04, 2022

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Wednesday May 04, 2022

Systems overhaul at GPL can help reduce ‘blackout’ woes - Patterson An overhaul of the systems of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) is being recommended as part of the solution to bring a n e n d t o G u y a n a ’s electricity woes.

This is according to former Minister of Public Infrastructure and current Shadow Minister of Public

Works, David Patterson.

In an invited comment on the recent spate of ‘blackouts’ across various part of the coastland, Patterson shared his experience in relation to what is needed in terms of adequately tackling power outages under GPL. The former Minister

noted that while the power company under the former A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change ( A P N U + A F C ) administration had its fair share of issues, blackouts were significantly reduced.

He explained that this came as a result of analysis of GPL’s systems which

were conducted by the new management team that was in place to deal with the daily operations shortly after the government took office.

Patterson noted that, “In 2016, the board, under the Chairmanship of Robert Badal, launched an international ad for a new CEO for GPL…The new

CEO - Albert Gordan from Jamaica was hired. He immediately commenced an analysis of the system, we determined three major issues: a) poor infrastructure, b) poor maintenance and c) lack of generating capacity.”

According to the former Minister, it was then discovered that there were at least 17 ways in which there could be a major power outage—- the most common issue was more safeguard was needed.

“This is exactly what is happening now - whereby something as simple as a falling tree branch or pole can bring down the entire [system]… We immediately started a programme to eliminate as many of these issues as possible - that way, the entire system stop failing on a single event - they add much more redundancy and protection to the main lines,” Patterson said.

He noted further that, “There was a major issue with things like the submarine cable linking Vr e e d - e n - H o o p a n d Kingston, when that was damaged, the entire system collapsed...”

As such, Patterson said that the management of GPL added another submarine cable linking Vreed-enHoop via Princes Street, thus the protection network was upgraded.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, n e w generating sets and substations were introduced into the system to reduce the shortage of power.

He said, “It was found by 2015 that despite Wartsila producing excellent engines, their maintenance programme was lacking and substandard, this was changed which resulted in the new sets performing at 98 percent efficiency - this was all reversed in August 2020. All the senior managers of PPDI [Power Producer Distributers Incorporated] were fired or contracts not renewed because the former government claimed that they were earning super salaries but they were all Guyanese; some had been with Wartsila since they first came to Guyana, and despite that fact, the company was saving GPL more than 20 percent of what they were paying in 2015.”

Patterson said the board commenced better maintenance of the power systems. He said too that “The Board started procuring spare parts

Former Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson directly from the best manufacturers because what was discovered was that before 2015, GPL was being supplied with substandard replacement parts by a small group of suppliers who were buying cheap inferior parts which were being damaged easily; it was a big racket. We put a stop to that practice and began purchasing in bulk from the best manufacturers worldwide which is cheaper and long lasting in the long run.”

He explained further that w i t h G P L’s i n c r e a s e d capacity of the local Transmission and Distribution (T&D) maintenance teams, coupled with the improved spares, they had a rigid maintenance schedule for all the high voltage transmission lines.

“The end result was the total system failure, as is happening now, was reduced drastically.”

Consequently, Patterson said that PPDI was formed and took over the maintenance contract from Wartsila.

He said, “We hired all of the staff, plus more Guyanese that worked with Wartsila and other power plants internationally returned - the cost saving to GPL was around 20 percent of the maintenance costs as against what was being charged beforehand - this saving was put directly into purchasing more spares for our plants and training more engineers, by 2020 - the staffing of PPDI was more than 120 local engineers and other professionals.”

According to Patterson, with the constant outages, the lack of regular maintenance to the T&D system is showing once more. “This practice has ceased under the new government …they have now awarded tenders for maintenance to some T&T companies,” he added.

Speaking on his Friday night radio programme, ‘The Glenn Lall Show’, Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall slammed the government of its haphazard management Continued on page 23

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The President needs to get his act together The fable about the Emperor’s new clothes was well-known to children of my generation. I could not help but recall it after having the misfortune of listening to the President’s address for World Press Freedom Day. It was a horrible presentation and one that was superfluous. Sad to say, but the President embarrassed himself and the country in front of the foreign diplomatic corps that were present.

The top western diplomats of the EU, US and UK and Canada considered the day worthy enough to have issued a joint statement. In that statement, they emphasised the importance of accountability. They said, “Press attention to accountability has never been more important in Guyana with a historically large revenue stream entering government’s coffers and a regularly stated intent to use those resources for a development agenda that cuts across all regions and races.”

The President had the opportunity to top that statement with his own. Instead, he flattered to deceive. His speech was one of the most disappointing presentations ever made by a sitting President. He should immediately fire whoever either wrote or advised him on that presentation. This is my considered opinion.

At least two Ministers were seen bowing their heads and focusing on their cellular phones. It must have been to

hide their embarrassment.

It is hoped that like the Emperor who was conned into believing that he had on special clothes which only fools could not see, the President will not delude himself into believing that he sounded impressive.

This I believe is far from so whatever those around him tell him. The President must not be misled by sycophants.

They are never scarce and like to surround persons with power and influence. Their trusted and tried method is to massage the egos of leaders and tell them what they, the leaders, want to hear.

Instead of deceiving the President, like many of those who did to the Emperor, they should level with him and advise him that he needs to take some of the advice which he dished out to the media. He told them that they should prepare thoroughly when they are reporting on an issue, so that they can have a proper understanding of the issue.

“Understanding” was one of the tenets which he spoke about. According to him, communication is not communication unless there is understanding. The President is rewriting the communication’s textbooks.

Communication does not have to lead to understanding. The average high school child will tell you that communication is the imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium.

In fact, there were some schoolchildren present at the event. And the President began by asking: what is the “press” and what is “freedom”? He then paused a long time as if expecting someone to answer the questions.

Then, instead of answering them, the President drooled on about the concepts. He never recovered from this mishap. The more he spoke, the more absurd he sounded. If that sounds cruel and harsh, it is not so intended but rather constitutes frank assessment of the speech.

The President is a still young man. He has just turned 42 years and while he has been a Minister for a considerable period, his ascension to the Presidency appears as if he has stepped out of his weight class.

There is vast difference between being a Minister and being a President. Therefore, the President must step forward and be willing to make that leap, intellectually and otherwise.

He can do it. He holds a doctorate from the University of the West Indies.

The learning curve however will be short and steep.

Time is not on his side since two years of his first term as President will soon expire.

The President is Guyana’s foremost statesman.

He cannot afford to stumble as he has been doing. Other leaders will easily recognise his limitations and pounce on his weaknesses and lack of

Dem boys seh...

Nothing is free in life!

De guvament now starting fuh train de journalists.

Dem get some academy with COURSERA fuh help train dem reporters. Dem calling it Guyana Media and Communications Academy.

When dem mek de announcement was nuff clap hand. People get excited because training mean yuh gan get better qualified and certified.

But dem boys watching on suspiciously. Because if dem train yuh, dem gan want to certify yuh.

And in order fuh get certify, yuh gat to get train by dem and if dem nah want train

yuh, dem can refuse to do suh.

And if yuh nah get certify, yuh gan can’t find wuk in de media.

Suh is not de training dat matter, is who controlling de training. So dem boys watching on closely.

De guvament gan pay fuh de training. De mouth, however, always muzzle by de food it eat.

De odder day we been hearing whispers how teachers might gat to get register.

Dem boys nah know why teachers muss get register. If dah happen, de Ministry could decide dem nah want register yuh and den yuh gan

can’t get wuk.

De whole thing sound as if it gat double meaning. De guvament seh dem want support de media and suh dem training de journalists.

But is nat de same guvament wah tiefing dem reporter away from de Waterfall paper?

De guvament using taxpayer’s monies to pay some ah dem reporters big bucks.

But dem boys tell dem nah leff independent paper fuh guh and do propaganda.

But nuff ah dem wah leff de Waterfall paper, also now leff de guvament wuk.

Talk half. Leff half.

experience.

Already he has led Guyana down a cul-de-sac.

He has been convinced to have Guyana join the Regional Security System (RSS).

Guyana is going to be used.

The reason why Guyana is being courted to join the RSS is to help finance that organisation with our oil wealth.

On a recent visit to the United Kingdom, one Guyanese expatriate who was involved, at one time, in the media, wrote that the Presi-

dent lacked variety in his early speeches on that tour. But that error was corrected later when he met with the Diaspora. While in the UK, he spoke about the need for a “meaningful” apology for slavery. “Meaningful” is an ambiguous word. The Caribbean Reparations Commission is calling for an unconditional – not a meaningful – apology.

The two are different and have different implications.

The President therefore has to be careful with his phraseology. But more important,

he has to get his act together and not continue to make substandard presentations.

He is more than capable of doing so.

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

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday May 04, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

World Press Freedom Day and depressing press hypocrisy in Guyana

I

have written it before on this page and I am writing it again. The most factual and serious statement president Donald Trump ever made was his criticism of the American media. Hate Trump as much as you want, he is the only major contemporary American figure that has painted a true reflection of the terrible nature of the American media scene.

None of the major media houses in the US has any respect and shows any respect for Third World leaders. A Third World ambassador in the US will not be given a telephone call much-less a face to face meeting with the editor of any major newspaper or television station in the US. There is no way, a Black American would have received the consistent attention the US press gave a White girl, Amanda Knox who was accused of killing a fellow student in Italy. If an ordinary woman without a wealthy background could have been so

championed by the US media barons, think of if she was from the rich classes in the US. From the birth of the 20th century onwards, the American and European media establishments have been giving third world civilisation a terrible press. The world will have to live with that, maybe forever.

I have my doubts about social media and I don’t use it but what social media has done is to give voice to the ordinary right here in Guyana that the mainstream media locks out. I was appalled to see one of the major newspapers giving huge publicity through an interview with someone to offer his views on civil society. This person’s record on the assault on democratic rights in this country is simply shocking. This record includes a criminal assault.

What we are talking about here? One word should suffice – accountability. It is not only the government, business, religious

denominations, the courts and civil society that should practice the culture of responsibility, the media must also. The media does not.

On the 25th anniversary of Kaieteur News held at the Pegasus Hotel, I trace the evolution of newspapers in Guyana using class analysis. Nothing has changed since I made that delivery. The media in Guyana is riveted with class and colour bias, racist instincts, shameless political endorsements. I am the longest serving media operative in Guyana (34 years) and I can say with undiluted inflexibility, the accountability that media houses demand from state actors, they do not practice. The media landscape in Guyana today is characterised by massive recklessness and irresponsibility. At no time was this more on display than during the five months of election rigging.

Columnists were given space in private media houses to support the rigging and scandalise the international observers. This was not a r a n d o m commentary or two. These columnists were

allowed that latitude for five consecutive months. I asked one of the major shareholders of a newspaper to intervene to bring back her newspaper on the straight line. The lady said that is not her role. Can someone tell me what the role of a shareholder of a company is? I can certainly tell you. Whatever it is, accountability is one.

When I lived through that period of election rigging, I think of the lost days of Father Andrew Morrison and the glory days of Guyana’s journalism. I was trained under Father Morrison. The knowledge he imparted has allowed me to judge the standard of journalism in this country and that standard has certainly fallen.

Father, not even for a moment, would have approved a column in which the writer screamed in the caption that she was a victim of racism simply because she went into a store and claimed that the Indian attendants did not pay her any attention. This is a store that owned its door more than 80 years ago in Georgetown, where a majority of its customers are African Guyanese.

I worked with Adam Harris for more than 20 years and though we

Frederick Kissoon had our disagreements, I couldn’t see Adam carrying that column given the sensitive ethnic environment that Guyana is drowning in. It was racial incitement and it was carried in the mainstream press. Here is the malignant tumour that is killing this country. Every compartment of society opens its eyes and detects the major problem that needs to be eradicated immediately.

These dimensions then offer the solution to the problem. But the problem persists and gets worse.

Do you know why? Because those who comment on the problem and offer the solution are an essential part of the problem and their commentary on the problem contributes to the problem getting more infectious.

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

Wendnesday May 04, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Schools may remain open during July/August to address learning loss – Education Minister During her visits to schools on Tuesday, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand announced that schools may need to remain open during the July/August period when schools are usually closed.

This information was related to the press by the Ministry of Education (MOE).

The Minister, according to a press release, explained that keeping schools open would be necessary to cater for the learning loss/gaps that students are suffering from due to being away from school for close to two years due to the pandemic.

While adding that many

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand persons do not fully appreciate the impact that school closures have had on children, the Minister said,

“We have to find ways to ensure that these children get exposed to the hours of education that they need, that we have parents that are interested and their attitudes are right. We may have to work into July/August.”

Minister Manickchand explained that diagnostic assessments have been done to know where students are academically relative to where they need to be so that teachers will know how to engage them in the classroom.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e Minister also explained that the Ministry produced a consolidated curriculum to Continued on page 23

Wednesday May 04, 2022

Assault charge against ANUG executive withdrawn T h e a s s a u l t c h a rg e a g a i n s t K i a n J a b o u r, General Secretary of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), has been withdrawn.

On February 18, 2022, Jabour made his first court appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly for assaulting his ex-girlfriend.

Jabour had denied the charge that was read to him and he was placed on $20,000 bail. As such, acting on the advice of his party, he ‘exiled’ himself from political life pending the outcome of a trial of the matter.

The party had said in a statement, “Given the

ANUG Executive, Kian Jabour seriousness of the charge, and ANUG’s position on respect for women’s rights, the executive committee of A New and United Guyana has determined that,

notwithstanding the constitutional presumptions, Mr. Jabour should withdraw from all activities relating to ANUG until the conclusion of the proceedings which are pending against him.”

However, the woman has since withdrawn the charge against Jabour and the matter was dismissed against him. Following the withdrawal of the charge against Jabour, the party in a press release on May 1, 2022, welcomed back Jabour.

“Informed of these developments, A New and United Guyana is happy to welcome Mr. Jabour back to active participation in the party’s executive,” the party said in its recent statement.

Wednesday May 04, 2022

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Supreme Court Registry earned over $253M in fees, fines and seizures in 2018

G

u y a n a ’ s Supreme Court R e g i s t r y collected over $253 million in fees, fines and seizures in 2018. This is according to the Judiciary’s recently released Annual Report for the year 2018.

The Supreme Court Registry is a revenue earner.

The Registry earns revenue in the form of fees which are required to be paid in accordance with the scales of fees contained in the Rules of Court for the performance of duties and execution of processes by officers of the court.

The Magistrates’ Courts are also revenue earners.

They collect revenues in the form of fees which are required to be paid in accordance with the scales of fees contained in the Rules of Court for the performance of duties and execution of processes by officers of the court.

The Magistrates’ Courts also earn revenue from fines and costs imposed by Magistrates from the outcome of cases and in some cases where bail is escheated by the Magistrates.

According to the 2018 report, in addition to the $253,945,145, the registry earned from fees, fines and seizures, it also earned:

$1,527,300, in State cost, $34,353, in other loans and advance, $856,462, in sundries and $600,000 in sale of asset.

Further, a comparison between the actual revenue collected for the year 2018 as against budgeted amount, revealed an $18,136,740 shortfall.

It was stated in the report that the overall shortfall in revenue by $18,136,740 was attributed to the number of custodial sentences handed down by Magistrate’s rather than monetary fines, less matters that outcomes resulted in the payment of a state cost, reduction in traffic offences

The Supreme Court.

resulting in ticketed fines and overall the number of

matters that were heard and concluded by Magistrate’s

across the nine Magisterial Districts.

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday May 04, 2022

PPP/C will not spy on the population – President Ali assures

President Irfaan Ali addressing the audience at the opening of the two-day media conference to commemorate World Press Freedom Day (Photo Credit: NCN) As World Press Freedom Day was celebrated in Guyana on Tuesday with the opening of a twoday conference for media workers, President Irfaan Ali has assured that the government has no intent to spy on its people and in fact, the

thought has never even crossed his mind to tap into the work of the media in particular.

This year, World Press Freedom Day was observed under the theme ‘Journalism Under Digital Seige’ which is intended to highlight the

ways in which surveillance and digitally mediated attacks endanger journalists and their profession.

It was the President of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), Nazima Raghubir who enquired of the President whether the

administration is in possession of any spyware or plans to acquire and use it, especially on journalists.

To this end, the Head of State, in the presence of diplomats from the international community assured, “This government has no intention whatsoever, it is not even contemplated in my mind to move in any direction to have any spyware or ‘whyware’ or anything to spy on anyone. That is furthest from my thoughts. I have not even imagined something like that so take it out. Take it out of your imagination now. It will never happen, at least under this government. It will never happen!”

The President said we must be careful not to invent problems where they do not exist, adding that

wherever such practices exists must be rooted out, as no government should be spying on their population.

CYBERCRIME ACT Another issue highlighted by the GPA President during remarks at the opening of the conference was the Cybercrime Legislation, which she said must be addressed.

The GPA President told the delegates, “We need assurances that we would be able to do our jobs without fear. Fear of intimidation and or threat and most of all, the rights and freedoms associated with the work of the media must be respected at all times. For this reason, we feel that the cybercrime legislation which criminalises how Continued on page 23

Wednesday May 04, 2022

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Woman still reeling from fiery destruction of West R/veldt home The aftermath of the fire.

Without insurance to cover her losses, Shabakie Fernandes, who lost her Lot 188 West Ruimveldt, Housing Scheme, Georgetown home to a fire in the wee hours of Monday, is still coming to grips with her plight. The woman told Kaieteur News on Tuesday that she has been offered temporary accommodation until she is able to get back on her feet.

The fire, which occurred during the wee hours of Monday, has left Fernandes, a business consultant, homeless and counting her losses. She told Kaieteur News that she has lost “everything”. The house, according to the woman, was a twostorey wooden and concrete building with unpainted front and sea green sides.

The fire, it was revealed occurred started sometime after 04:00 on Monday and, according to Fernandes, it was a neighbour who reported it to the Fire Service.

The woman, who had lived alone in the house, told this publication that she is clueless how the fire started. She said, “I was asleep and woke up unable to breathe. I thought it was my asthma only to know the house was on fire.”

A press release from Guyana Fire Service (GFS) explained that the fire purportedly occurred due to faulty electrical wiring, which resulted in arcing and sparking that ignited nearby combustibles. According to the GFS, firefighters from the Central Fire Station and West Ruimveldt Fire Station had responded to the report.

According to reports, the radiated heat from the fire at Fernandes house damaged an AC unit and 10 metres of PVC guttering on the northern side of a nearby building.

The affected building was owned by Rudolph Sam who resided there with three others.

Meanwhile, the GFS in its release encouraged citizens to equip their homes with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers and to adhere to safety measures in order to protect their home and loved ones from fire emergencies.

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday May 04, 2022

Labourer remanded to prison for murdering his wife The 55-year-old labourer, who was arrested for murdering his wife and burying her in a shallow grave, was on Tuesday charged with the capital offence of murder.

Avemanen Permaul of Lot 33 Block 1 Kilcoy/Chesney, Corentyne, Berbice appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate Court before Magistrate Renita Singh to answer to the charge

which read that between April 21 and 22, 2022, he murdered Waynumattie Permaul, 50, of the same address.

Permaul, who was not represented by an attorney, was not required to plead to

the indictable charge. The continuation of the matter will be on May 31, 2022 at the Albion Magistrate’s Court.

Permaul had led police to a shallow grave located in an empty lot opposite his home

where his wife’s badly decomposed body was discovered wrapped in a bed sheet. This was hours after he was arrested and confessed to beating and choking the woman to death, one week

DEAD: Waynumattie Permaul

REMANDED: Avemanen Permaul prior to the discovery.

Son of the woman, professional cricketer Veersammy Permaul, had reported to police on April 28, 2022 that his mother was missing since April 21, 2022.

He had indicated that it was unusual for her to leave home without informing him or his three siblings. Police, led by Detective Aaron Seegobin, immediately launched an investigation and visited the home of the Permauls the following day.

At the house, bloodstains were spotted in several sections inside the bottom flat of the two-storey concrete house. Waynumattie had been living in the bottom flat while Avemanen had been living in the upper flat for the past two years as part of a mutual separation. It was after investigators found the bloodstains that they arrested the man. On the night of April 2 8 , 2 0 2 2 , Av e m a n e n confessed to beating and choking his wife to death after he overheard her in a conversation with a male on the phone on April 21, 2022.

He said after committing the brutal act, he wrapped her body in a bed sheet and walked over to an empty lot located some 100 yards away and dug a shallow hole. It was there that he dragged the body to and covered it in order to conceal his crime. Police later dug up the grave, which was covered in water from the rains during the week, and found the body.

However, a pathologist has since deemed the findings of a post mortem examination inconclusive.

Wednesday May 04, 2022

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Guyana inks MoU with Houston Airport System …To maximise aviation development, int’l trade Following months of dialogue between the Government of Guyana and the Houston Airport System (HAS), a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed on Monday (May 2, 2022).

This announcement was made via a press release issued by the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation (CJIAC).

The MoU, which was signed on the sidelines of the O f f s h o r e Te c h n o l o g y Conference in Houston, Texas, has established a mechanism between the two parties to strengthen collaboration and promote the expansion of a safe, modern and efficient airport system.

During brief remarks, both Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat and US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, applauded this partnership, which paves the way for the exchange of expertise in the areas of operation, economic development and

advancements of both airports.

Both expressed optimism that by working together the airports will be better positioned to increase airlift between Guyana and Houston via the introduction of new airlines and increased frequencies from the existing carriers.

Chairman of CJIAC’s Board of Directors, Sanjeev Datadin signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Guyana.

Mr. Datadin described the event as a red-letter day in the history of aviation development in Guyana. He noted that this partnership will accelerate the developments already taking shape, not just in Guyana, but more specifically at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, h e reminded that, “Partnerships, such as this, are essential for the sustainability of the aviation sector.”

CEO, Ramesh Ghir, who Continued on page 23

Guyana hopes to reap maximum benefits by inking MoU with Houston Airport System benefits.

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday May 04, 2022

$160M in contracts signed in Region 6 The oxygen system at the New Amsterdam Hospital will soon be refurbished and works will commence on five roads in Region Six with the recent signing of six contracts to the tune of $ 1 6 0 M . A d d i t i o n a l l y, government has handed over some $42M to 17 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in the Region.

Among the road works to be completed is a street in Budhan Scheme, West Canje, Berbice and that contract was awarded to the Denis Tahal Engineering firm to the tune of $35,538,400M. Another contract, valued at 25,965,000, was awarded to the Fizal Ali Contracting company to execute works on the No. 4 dam in Albion/Chesney, Corentyne, Berbice.

Q u a l i t y D e l i v e r e r, another company, was awarded a contract valued at $17,116,380 to complete works on the Ballfield Street at Old Chesney; Premium Asphalt was awarded a contract of $24,537,140 for works to Suma Street, No.36 Vi l l a g e , w h i l e R .

- $42.5M handed over to 17 NDCs

The Minister flanked by the contractors and regional officials.

Ramcharitar Construction Enterprise was awarded a contract valued $18,300,900 to execute works on Grant 1806, Main Access Street.

Tasked with refurbishing the oxygen system at the New Amsterdam Hospital to the tune of $38,761,497 is Greenidge Refrigeration Electrical Services.

Additionally, $42.5M was handed over to 17 of the 18 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils in Region Six with the total support, via subvention, totalling approximately $90M. Although the

paperwork was not completed, the three municipalities – namely Rose Hall, Corriverton and New Amsterdam – will be given a total of $54M. At the recent signing ceremony, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall disclosed that through the Region Six Regional Democratic Council, the capital programme is $962M. He noted, “we would like to see the people of Region Six served well and I hope the chairman, vice chairman and

the REO, who have the responsibility for the administration of our resources in this region, and many of you here are overseers, you are the direct contact with people within the communities and I know it is an arduous job, a thankless job you have when you interface with people within the communities and they expect you to do everything...continue to be humble to the people.”

He mentioned too, that coming from the recent Cabinet outreach with his fellow ministers, the President, Vice President and Prime Minister, there were numerous complaints about deplorable roads and streets and as such, an additional $4.5B will be spent on community roads

which have been left unattended for some time.

Furthermore, he stated that the government has been investing in Region Six and will continue to do so while mentioning the decision to employ 3000 persons on a part-time basis as a means of providing temporary employment.

The President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and the Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo had announced during a recent Cabinet outreach to the region that the government will be hiring some 3000 persons to work three times a week, with a wage of $40,000. Applications have since opened and will close on Friday, May 6, 2022 and, according to Minister Dharamlall, some 2000 persons have already

applied.

He added that this venture by the government “will add substantially to the economic capacity of the region as well and through that programme, we will spend an additional $120M a month and for the rest of the year, we will spend close to $960M on this Pathway Programme.” An additional $100M will be spent to provide 400 small grants to beneficiaries in Region Six, he said.

For the year 2022, through the RDC in Region Six, Dharamlall said the government will be spending in excess of $10B in the economy of the region and in the flood assistance programme and school grants. “We are also Continued on page 24

Wednesday May 04, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday May 04, 2022

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Maternal population urged to get COVID-19 jab as benefits far outweigh risks - OBGYN Society In wake of what has been described as devastating effects on some in the maternal population, the Guyana Obstetrics and Gynecology Society (GOGS) is urging all pregnant and breastfeeding women, those planning to get pregnant, and other individuals who are eligible, to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

President of the GOGS Dr. Natasha France, according to a press release, said, “Based on past and ongoing surveillance data on COVID-19 in pregnant and recently pregnant and or breastfeeding women, GOGS concludes that the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccines

far outweigh the serious risk of harm of COVID-19 and encourages all women who are pregnant or recently pregnant and are breast feeding to get vaccinated without delay as it is our best chance to save lives.”

Dr. Natasha France added, “We have reviewed the evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines in these women. We have also witnessed firsthand the devastating effects this disease has had on our maternal population and have seen the role these vaccines play in preventing severe disease and death. Therefore, the best way

for women to protect themselves against the potential harm from COVID-19 is to be vaccinated.”

Data available from 139,000 pregnant women, who have taken the vaccines, have indicated no concerns or risks to pregnancy nor of miscarriages. In fact, women who were vaccinated during pregnancy had similar adverse risks within normal range expected in a general population. Data have also shown that vaccinated women who contract the virus that causes COVID-19 experience a milder form of the disease. Therefore, women contemplating a pregnancy, the group noted, should not delay

getting vaccinated until they are pregnant as there is no evidence that the vaccines impacts fertility.

Dr. France said, “We are aware that women are concerned about COVID-19 vaccines safety in pregnancy, especially of fetal risks.

We would like to reassure these women that both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines (mRNA COVID19 vaccines) are safe and highly effective in pregnant and lactating women (94-95 percent effective) after a two-dose series in preventing severe disease and death.”

About GOGS The GOGS is the leading expert Continued on page 20

GOGS President, Dr. Natasha France

Wednesday May 04, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday May 04, 2022

$848M estimated to build call centres in Regions 2 & 6 PROPERTY FOR SALE

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Saffon St bottom flat (business) or bond. Providence four apts fully furnished.

Contact:Ray's Realty 6279685.

One Honda CRV,fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage 3.3M negotiable & 1 new super custom Hiace Bus 2.5M .Contact:649-0956.

Ford Explorer Sports track & Land Rover Discovery. Excellent condition off road vehicles.Tel:615-8683/6180724.

White Toyota Verossa PLL Series,price 1.5Mil.Call:6086948.

1 Model M Truck,TM Truck,428 Caterpillar Backhoe,416 Caterpillar,Front end loader,Cement Mixer & Mini Excavator.Contact:650-0402/ 652-0251.

The projects, which fall With $2 billion approved the Business for call centres and other co- u n d e r investment projects, the Development, Support and Ministry of Tourism, Industry P r o m o t i o n p r o g r a m m e and Commerce is planning to within the Ministry, were spend some $848,720,496 on opened on Tuesday at the the construction of two call National Procurement and centres in Regions Two and Te n d e r A d m i n i s t r a t i o n B o a r d ( N PAT B ) o ff i c e .

Six. Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Construction of Call Centre at Anna Regina, Region Two for lots 1 and 2

According to information released from the NPTAB, the projects have been divided into two lots each, with each lot estimated at $212,180,124.

Eight contractors have submitted bids to the office to execute the construction of the centres.

Some other projects opened Tuesday too were for

the construction of Junior Officers’ Living Quarters at Lusignan Prison, procurement of six 4x4 offroad pick-up for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation and the monitoring and evaluation of the Sea and River Defence Project.

Below are the companies and their bids: Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation Procurement of six 4x4 off-road pick-up

LAND FOR SALE Excellent location. Commercial/Residential Alberttown 185x39 close to everything.

Email: serious offers and enquiries to Alberttownsales @gmail.com.

Land and Building for sale,40ftx94ft.Le Ressouve n ir Main Public Road. Call:6451613.

Regional Democratic Council of Region Eight Supply and delivery of five all-terrain vehicles Construction of Call Centre at Corentyne Berbice, Region Six for lots 1 and 2.

Guyana Water Inc. Expression of interest for surveying services

SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design,Advertisements, Wedding decorations & Elderly grooming: Hair,Nail etc.Tel:626-7040.

Relaxing Massage Service.

Tel:674-8147.

FOR SALE 6-4 & 5 bedroom house at Schoonord,1-3 story building at Zeelugt public road,13 bedroom house at Blankenburg.Contact:6500402/652-0251.

Prime business spot (1/2 acre)@ Parika,9 houselots together at Blankenburg & Double lot at Tuschen. Contact:650-0402/652-0251.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Second Field South, West, Cummingslodge.Tel:6031278.

Durban 29x80 2.7M,Norton 30M, Highway57acres, Friend ship E.C.D, Garden of Eden 25M an acre 100x100 12M. Call:231-7805/618-7483.

3 story Herstelling 80M neg,2 story Onderneeming W.B.D 16M neg. Contact: 609-3777,641-3893,6860522,697-4557.

WANTED Supply and delivery of pre-printed bill forms.

Experienced Taxi Driver & Minibus Driver at Princess Hotel(Princess Taxi Service).

Contact:616-5419/265-7075/ 265-7076.

Male able bodied clerk.

Tel:231-2029,616-5954.

Labourers,Skilled Carpenters & Masons to work in Georgetown & Linden. Contact:660-6385/615-7526/6029496.

Maid to work from 8:30hrs to 16:30hrs.Contact:649-9359.

1 experience Roti/Puri/Pastry Maker,Cook & Kitchen Assistance,between 5:306pm.Tel:603-1278.

One maid to work in G/ Town.Must be vaccinated.

Tel:226-2322 or 682-3300.

One handyman to maintain yard & do errands,must be vaccinated.Tel:226-2322.

Housekeepers to work at Guest House age 20-45,shift system.Tel:225-6337/6680306/655-7405.

One Housekeeper.Must be able to cook,45-60 yrs old.

Must be living E.B.D. One handyman/store help, 6954785/265-3541.

Female Bar & Shop attendants to work in the Interior, age 20-30yrs.Call:689-4461, 662-6245.

Female to cook for a cook shop in the interior,must be over 40.Call:689-4461,6626254.

One office person,must know to full tender. Contact:6722863.

Guyana Elections Commission Procurement of office supplies

VACANCY Lash,Nail Technician & Mani-Pedicurist.Must be English literate. Contact: Reign L.A.B on 643-5855.

Female Cleaner for office.

Call:642-9823.

One Housekeeper.Tel:6082444/503-0359.

One Office Cleaner.Tel:6082444/503-0359.

Grade 2 Teachers,Secretary & Security Guards. Contact:6 49-8174.

One able body Porter, Handyman,age 20-35yrs.

Must be vaccinated photo & recommendation. Keyfood McDoom Village.

Servicemen for Interior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call:231-2250.

1 Real Estate Agent and 1 Maid.Call:231-7805/618-7483.

Fitter Machinist,Welder fabricator & mechanic. 3 yrs experience.Call:642-9823 email:techserigy @yahoo. com.

Receptionist,Washer,Pressor & Hotel Attendant.Call:2310951,227-7714,223-3448 info@vgiworld.com.

Maternal population...

From page 20 group in maternal healthcare in Guyana. It was officially registered as a friendly society on May 31, 2021. This was after forming a working group that had several consultations with Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OBGYNS) in Guyana and an election for the executive body was held in December of 2021.

The organisation has a membership of 22 Obstetrician and Gynaecologists, with the executive body having a lifespan of two years and will be working under the theme “Empowerment through education.” The society will also promote research and continuous professional development among OBGYNS in Guyana. The society hopes to be the leading voice for women’s health care in Guyana and will work with the Ministry of Health to promote COVID-19 vaccination of pregnant and lactating women to lower the risk of not only getting and spreading COVID-19 but also to help prevent serious illness and death.

Procurement of printers

Environmental Protection Agency Supply and delivery of office furniture and equipment for the EPA.

(Continued on page 24)

Wendnesday May 04, 2022

Guyana inks MoU with Houston Airport...

From page 17 is also present in Texas, said the Houston Airport System presents an opportunity for Guyana to increase its connectivity to the rest of the world.

He added that, “HAS is ranked as one of the largest airport systems in the world, which means that such allies in the aviation sector can further increase Guyana’s poten-

tial to promote and market itself as being among the top travel and investment destinations.”

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is expected to benefit, immensely, from this newly signed agreement with the exchange of technical expertise and support between Guyana and Houston. The HAS provides a safe and dynamic air ser-

vices network that fosters economic viability for the aviation (transportation) industry. Also, witnessing the signing were Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, CEO of Go-Invest, Mr. Lutfi Hassan, Guyana’s Consulate to Houston, and other representatives, who are in Houston, Texas, representing Guyana at the Annual Offshore Technology Conference.

PPP/C will not spy on the population...

From page 14 we access and receive information threatens the work that we do and this legislation must be addressed.”

Raghubir told Kaieteur News in a subsequent interview that the law criminalises how the media gathers information, using cell phones and even the internet.

It also criminalises sharing and receiving information. In this regard, she explained that since 2018, the former government accepted some of the amendments to the legislation, while some were not.

The GPA President said, “We would like to see those clauses removed, the clauses that criminalise how we use and gather information using electronic devices.”

President Ali, however, did not say whether the GPA’s request for the Law to be amended would be consid-

ered anytime soon. Instead, he noted that the media must be responsible and understand that there are limitations to freedom.

“Men and women are free but there are limitations to which one must exist in that free society. You are not free to harm each other.

You are not free to destroy property. You are not free to destroy character and that is why there are the laws.

So freedom exists within the confines of laws and rules in a democratic society,” the Head of State explained.

Raghubir said that the President’s response to her request regarding the Law was that of a politician’s and the Press Association remains hopeful that the issue would be addressed sooner rather than later.

Cybercrime is the use of a computer to carry out illegal

acts. Cybercrimes are usually done with the use of the internet and the different instruments that it has available, and most people are not aware of this Act and the penalties that are attached to offences that fall under this Act. Guyana’s Cybercrime Bill 2016 was presented by the then Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams. It was published on August 4, 2016. After the Bill was presented to the National Assembly, the proposed Section 18, ‘Sedition,’ had caused a public outcry.

However, on July 20, 2018, the Coalition Government used its majority to pass the Cybercrime Bill with an amendment expunging the controversial sedition clause.

Since the passage of the Bill, numerous persons were charged, put before the court and even convicted.

Guyana scores “fairly low” on...

From page 3 engagement in the EITI process, including in disclosures of required data. It said too that weaknesses in the multistakeholder oversight of EITI implementation have led to challenges both in reporting and in ensuring that the EITI provides a meaningful forum for multi-stakeholder consensus-building.

Furthermore, the EITI Board said ensuring a balance of views in developing objectives for EITI implementation could contribute to strengthening government and industry engagement. The Board, therefore, urged the government to implement legal provisions for public participation in policy making for extractive sector governance, including in the implementation of legal provisions related to free, prior and informed consent in the extractive licencing process, with a view to ensuring full adherence to national policies and laws. It also encouraged the Guyana EITI to closely monitor implementation of these legal provisions.

Kaieteur News understands that Guyana will have until April 1, 2024 to carry out corrective actions.

The Board warned that failure to demonstrate progress in the next Validation Exercise may result in tempo-

rary suspension.

In accordance with the EITI Standard, Guyana’s Multi-Stakeholder Group may request an extension of this timeframe or request that Validation commences earlier than scheduled.

Guyana was accepted as an EITI implementing country on October 24, 2017. The first Validation of Guyana was scheduled to commence on April 25, 2020. Due to the transition to the revised Validation model, the Board rescheduled the Validation to commence on July 1, 2021. On July 9, 2021, the EITI Board approved Guyana’s request for an extension to its Validation deadline to October 1, 2021. Guyana EITI collated documentation for Validation using the Board-agreed data collection templates on Stakeholder engagement, Transparency and Outcomes and impact. The files are available on the Guyana EITI website.

The International Secretariat’s Validation team prepared an initial assessment following the Validation procedure and Validation Guide.

In accordance with the Validation procedure, a public call for stakeholder views on EITI implementation was open from September 1 to October 1, 2021. Virtual stakeholder consultations were undertaken.

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

ABOUT EITI The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a global standard for the good governance of oil, gas and mineral resources. It seeks to address key governance issues in the extractive sectors.

The EITI Standard requires information along the extractive industry value chain from the point of extraction, to how the revenue makes its way through the government and its contribution to the economy.

This includes how licences and contracts are allocated and registered, who the beneficial owners of those operations are, what the fiscal and legal arrangements are, how much is produced, how much is paid, where the revenue is allocated, and its contributions to the economy, including employment. The EITI 2019 Standard represents an evolution of the foregoing transparency requirements demanded by the body. It is an improvement of the EITI 2016 Standard. The 2019 EITI Standard requires contract transparency for new contracts from 2021 as well as adherence to stricter requirements on environmental reporting and gender. (https://eiti.org/articles/ eiti-launches-2019-eiti-standard).

7 new COVID-19 cases, 1 patient still in ICU The Ministry of Health, via its latest dashboard, revealed that within the last 24 hours, it recorded seven new infections across the country, with one patient still in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The new cases were detected in Regions Three and Six which recorded two each and Region Four which recorded three, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 63,491.

A breakdown of the number of confirmed cases shows that 34,255 individuals are females and 29,236 are males.

The dashboard data also shows that 113 persons are in home isolation and one is quarantined institutionally.

To date, a total of 62,149 persons have recovered.

Time to demand 5th May be designated Indian Arrival Day DEAR EDITOR, Over the last week plus, we have had many informative letters and articles by some leading contributors on matters pertaining to East Indians and the call for naming 5th May as Indian Arrival day is a major recurring theme these include Shri Ravi Dev, Lomarsh Roopnarine,

Devanand Bhagwan, Shahabudeen and Vishnu Bisramji among others. It is very interesting that most of these gentlemen reside outside of Guyana and I am certainly perplexed as to why we do not have more stridency on this issue by East Indians residing here.

Before making my small

contribution, I refer to Vishnu’s letter in today’s newspapers mentioning Dr. Balwant, I thought it best to state he is in fact referring to Dr. Balwant Singh sr. former Chief Government Bacteriologist Pathologist and Former General Secretary of the Gandhi Youth (Continued on page 24)

Schools may remain open during...

From page 12 have students exposed to what they would have learnt in their previous year. She disclosed that of the 40 weeks of engagement, the first 20 weeks will be dedicated to the content a student should have done in their previous grade/class and the final 20 weeks will focus on what they should be learning in their current grade/class.

“Those changes are necessary if we’re not to be suffering from the effects of COVID five years from now.

What we have seen academically is worrying and parents need to pay attention to what we are asking of them so that they can make sure their children are benefitting from the kind of accelerated learning that we need at this stage,” the Education Minister fur-

ther noted.

Moreover, it was also stated that schools at all levels are fully reopened with the Grade Seven and the Year One nursery pupils turning out for their first day of classes on Tuesday.

The other grades had returned to school on April 25, 2022 and April 28, 2022, due to the MOE’s decision to have a phased reopening.

Systems overhaul at GPL can help reduce...

From page 8 of the power generation systems.

Lall noted that Guyanese are living in blackouts on a daily basis. He stressed that one of the most important things on earth today, other than food and clean drinking water, is electricity.

“Without electricity, this world will go way, way back in time, moving at a snail’s pace. Electricity is what got this world spinning, electricity makes, gives and does everything. One billion people on earth do not have access to it and two billion is living with limited access to it.

Electricity is almost like breathing, when it stops, then everything stops, is like you living in a coma, a constant state of midnight, without even a candle, yet 75 percent of Guyanese, three out of four,

are living with blackouts daily…”

He continued, “Electricity powers the manufacturing sectors across this globe that got this world spinning that brings about competition and real money.” Lall said the electricity situation has gotten so bad in this country that every business and even some households have generators and some have even turned to solar.

Harking back to the Bharrat Jagdeo presidency, Lall said that the country was never out of blackout and GPL was always losing money.

Lall said, “The money being pumped into GPL for stable electricity in this country could have given one billion people around the world, without electric(ity), power in their homes, and by now no one would have had an elec-

tricity bill when the month come – that is the kind of money they swindled over the years from the treasury into GPL all in the name of taking care of blackouts.”

He questioned whether with all that money being pumped into GPL if the situation has changed. “The Coalition went in, blackout stopped and GPL was running and making money. As soon as the PPP come back, the nightmare returns and GPL gone back to being a milking cow.”

He added, “Every year, the amount of tax dollars being spent by the government through the budget, a new generation plant could have been built supplying the entire Caribbean with enough non-stop electricity 20 years now, instead, they are pumping money, giving you more and more nightmares.”

PAGE 24

Wendnesday May 04,2022

Kaieteur News

$848M estimated to build call centres...

From page 22 Supply and installation of vehicle accessories for the EPA.

Ministry of Legal Affairs Supply and delivery of 150KVA generator

Ministry of Home Affairs Construction of Junior Officers Living Quarters at Lusignan Prison

Ministry of Public Works Monitoring and evaluation of the Sea and River Defence Project

Supreme Court Construction of storage bond and living quarter at Diamond Magistrates Court

Guyana Defence Force Supply, delivery and installation of two 265 KVA generators

Rehabilitation works at Essequibo Office & Living Quarters at Onderneeming

Time to demand 5th May...

From page 23 Organization. I have been associated with the GYO since 1971 to current and have attended many of these Rama Khan celebrations, which Mr. Bisram alluded to.

The President of the Organization at the time was the inimitable Shri Raghunandan Misirji (founder) and the Spiritual head and first Pandit Dharma Acharya Pandit SP Sharmaji.

The main purpose of my letter, however is to point out that East Indians who currently make up the largest single Group at around 40 % of the population have been taken for granted despite their monumental contributions to

Construction of RC Slipway Coast Guard Headquarters

the life of this country excelling in every sphere of endeavour and have been given short shrift by all Governments and without a doubt the 5th of May must be designated as Indian Arrival Day as of 5th May 2022.

If a Government led by East Indians cannot have this relatively simple matter corrected immediately then I advocate that East Indians sign a petition of not less than 20,000 persons immediately to the President’s Office , Leader of the opposition and other Parliamentary leader (s) to ensure that this travesty is resolved forthwith.

Yours sincerely, Chris Persaud

ExxonMobil’s 5th...

$160M in contracts signed in Region 6...

From page 18 spending substantially on the community enhancement programme and this year, we will be spending a few hundred millions more through the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development towards the management of solid waste in Region Six, which is becoming one of the challenges of many of our municipalities as well as the NDC areas. So we intend to pursue physical development towards the enhancement of solid waste in Region Six,” he said.

Also, a total of $100M was spent to upgrade health centres in the region.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, David Armogan said that the government is working to ensure that development takes place at all levels and as such, he told the contractors who were present at the signing that they are important when it comes to

delivering quality work to the people.

He noted, “if you do not do well at your level then it feeds back right up to the government and the government gets a bad name, so as much as the top-level is trying very hard to do things, the tier at the bottom level is very important to ensure that all the projects that you are implementing are to the standard that the people expect.”

He mentioned that since the Cabinet outreach, a new system has been put in place, where the contracts signed are going to be explained to beneficiaries in detail so that when a contractor is executing works, the people will have an understanding of what is being done and as such, they become “the watchdogs” of the projects being executed. “...So anytime they see that you are not working in accordance with what is

stipulated in the contract, they will report to us and the work will be stopped and then we will get involved so no longer will contractors be able to get away with some of the things they got away with in the past, because now is not only officials of the government looking at it, it’s also the people, the beneficiaries of these programmes,” Armogan said.

He, therefore, urged all contractors to ensure that the standard of work is what is within the contract requirement.

He also tasked the Vice Chairman and his team to ensure that before payments are given to the contractors, efforts must be made to ensure that the work is done to the standard that is required.

With the new system in place, regional officials will be heading into the various communities where works are to be executed and the bill of quantities will be given to

them and explained. According to Vice-Chairman Zamal Hussain, “over the last few years, we have had problems with persons not knowing what really is happening and some of the residents question the quality of roads that are being built so we have moved into a different direction where we are going into the communities now.”

He also mentioned that in terms of work that will be done in the region, the central ministry has been assisting and the Ministry of Public Works will also be assisting with the rehabilitation of streets in the various communities shortly. “This is because of the last outreach, there were numerous complaints pertaining to streets so we are looking into that,” he said.

Signing of the contracts was held at the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council, Region Six.

From page 2 for processing.

Kaieteur News understands that the umbilical lines support production by providing real time control of the subsea installation from the surface by delivering fluids to facilitate the flow of hydrocarbons.

As for the FPSO, it is an industrial floating complex that continuously separates oil from produced water and associated gas for onboard storage, and later transfer to third party tankers.

The anticipated production rate for the FPSO ranges between approximately 220,000 barrels and 275,000 barrels of oil per day. The vessel will be capable of storing approximately two million barrels of oil. Furthermore, third party oil tankers will be scheduled to offload the oil from the FPSO, making the oil available for export to the international market. The FPSO will also process, dehydrate, compress, and reinject associated gas produced from the reservoir. As the Uaru and Mako reservoir pressures deplete over time, this gas reinjection will help maintain reservoir pressure and allow for optimum production of hydrocarbons to continue over time.

In addition, some of the gas will be used as fuel on the FPSO. Furthermore, EEPGL told the EPA that it has undertaken additional studies to obtain an even more comprehensive understanding of potential impacts of effluent discharges to water, the feasibility of alternative handling of produced water, cradle to grave waste management in Guyana, emergency response capabilities, and environmental compliance monitoring and verification.

The company said the learnings from current operations and environmental studies will enhance the design and implementation of the Uaru Project, thereby increasing environmental performance and economic value.

It concluded that the Uaru Project will contribute positively, directly and indirectly, to economic growth in Guyana, including increased national revenues, local procurement of select goods and services, increased direct and indirect local employment opportunities which drive associated beneficial “multiplier” impacts throughout the local economy.

Wednesday May 04, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Wendnesday May 04,2022

Wednesday May 04, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Halep defeats Gauff to reach Madrid Open quarterfinals Associated Press MADRID — Simona Halep continued to impress at the Madrid Open by overpowering American teenager Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-4 to make the quarterfinals.

A two-time Madrid Open champion, Halep upset No. 2ranked Paula Badosa in the second round.

The 21st-ranked Halep converted three of her five break opportunities to close out the center-court match against 16th-ranked Gauff.

She rallied from a break down in the second set, winning the last five games.

Halep won consecutive titles in Madrid in 2016 and 2017, and was runner-up in 2014 and 2019. She has 30 main draw wins, behind only the 31 she has at the

Simona Halep

Wednesday May 04, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Some strange and rather gloomy dreams could come your way tonights. They could, if you let them, catapult you into a rather depressed mood during the day.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) A lack of communication with an unhappy family member could have you feeling a little downhearted.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) The promise of a promotion or raise could be on your mind today. You might try to visualize the next steps and anticipate tasks that take more effort and concentration than you're used to.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You might decide to spend a large part of the day working on a project that requires a lot of mental energy. Plans to spend some time with either a close friend or lover might not turn out to be quite what you'd hoped, Cancer.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Gloom over money matters might catch up with you at some point today, Libra.

However, there's nothing really major to worry about.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today you might find yourself feeling a little low, Scorpio, but it doesn't seem as if there's any real reason for it.

You may just have had a bad night and need some extra sleep.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Old memories, traumas, and phobias from the past could affect your mood today. You might feel depressed without really knowing why.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) A friend might be feeling a little depressed today and need some cheering up. Social events or group activities could be of great help in doing that, and it would do you some good as well.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A gloomy guest could arrive today, Leo, and likely need some cheering up. Do the best you can, but don't try to do it by cooking a meal.

The results of your efforts might not be all that exciting.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Pivotal career matters may need to be thought through today, Aquarius. A lot could be at stake at work in the very near future. Whatever tasks you need to tend to could require a lot of effort and concentration.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Some rather depressing information could come your way, Virgo, but don't take it at face value. It might not be as bad as it seems. Check the facts before making yourself crazy.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today you might find that a long-term dream finally comes true. Perhaps a trip that you've fantasized about for a long time finally shows promise of actually happening, Pisces.

Australian Open and Roland Garros.

“It means a lot because I feel great,” Halep said. “I like the conditions. The people are very nice to me. I will always have a warm welcome.

Everyone makes me feel like home.”

Halep will face eighthseeded Ons Jabeur, who defeated Belinda Bencic 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in a match interrupted by rain after the second set.

The 10th-ranked Jabeur, the only top-10 woman left in the draw, lost to Bencic at this stage in Madrid last year, and also in the final in Charleston last month.

“I came here to take my revenge,” Jabeur said. “I wish I played like that in the final in Charleston, to be honest.”

On the men’s side, Jannik Sinner saved three match points in beating Tommy Paul 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4), 6-3. The American squandered two match points on serve at 5-3 in the second set, and another while trying to break at 6-5.

“It was a very difficult situation,” Sinner said after the three-hour match on center court. “I’m happy to be in the second round.”

The 12th-ranked Sinner has yet to reach a semifinal in 2022, but reached the quarterfinals at the Australian

Rabada, Dhawan, Livingstone...

From page 29 fifty, and Rajapaksa was trapped lbw a ball after he tried to flick one, but the top edge went very fine for a six.

With 47 needed off 48, Kings sent in Livingstone, who came into his element when 27 were needed off 30.

He needed just six balls for those runs; three sixes in a row included the biggest of this IPL and a top edge nearly over the keeper’s head, followed by a pull for four, a double to the leg side off a yorker, and a one-bounce four to third man which meant he was unbeaten on 30 off just 10.

Scores: Punjab Kings 145 for 2 (Dhawan 62*, Rajapaksa 40) beat Gujarat Titans 143 for 8 (Sudharsan 65*, Rabada 4-33) by eight wickets.

Taffin Khan secures...

From page 31 tournaments for the Open category and Women’s category will beheld this weekend May 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th at the National Stadium Providence.

Interested persons can register only on guyanachess.org.

The deadline for registration is May 6, at 5pm.

Open, Miami and Monte Carlo.

The Italian next has Alex de Minaur, who beat Pedro Martinez 7-6 (2), 1-6, 6-3.

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, coming off his maiden Masters final in Monte Carlo, got past Lloyd Harris after breaking late in both sets of a 7-5, 6-3 victory.

Nikoloz Basilashvili defeated Fabio Fognini in straight sets to set up an encounter with Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz, who already has three titles

this season: Rio de Janeiro, Miami and Barcelona.

The 18-year-old Alcaraz has been attracting as much attention as Rafael Nadal, who is expected to make his return from injury.

The practice courts were packed at the Caja Magica tennis complex when Alcaraz trained with Novak Djokovic.

The top-ranked Djokovic is scheduled to debut against Gael Monfils, who comfortably defeated Spaniard Carlos Gimeno Valero 6-3, 6-0.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 28

Wednesday May 04, 2022

US State Department says Russia has wrongfully detained basketball player Griner

W

ASHINGTO N, (Reuters) The U.S. S t a t e Department has determined that Russia has wrongfully detained American basketball player Brittney G r i n e r, a d e p a r t m e n t spokesperson said in a statement.

Russia said it had detained Griner, a seventime WNBA All-Star player, in February for possession of vape cartridges containing hash oil.

The Russian Embassy in Wa s h i n g t o n d i d n o t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Russia detained Griner amid soaring tensions between Washington and

Brittney Griner. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder)

Moscow over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but U.S. officials had not previously determined that she was

wrongfully detained.

“Brittney has been detained for 75 days and our expectation is that the White

House do whatever is necessary to bring her home,” Griner ’s agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, said

in a statement.

The WNBA’s regular season is set to tip off on Friday. The league said Tuesday that Griner’s initials and jersey number 42 will be stenciled onto the courts of all 12 teams.

The United States has complained that Russia does not grant regular access to Americans detained there, although consular access to Griner was granted and a consular officer visited her on March 23, the spokesperson said.

“The U.S. government will continue to undertake efforts to provide appropriate support to Ms. Griner,” the statement said.

Griner’s case was now being handled by Roger Carstens,

special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, the spokesperson said.

Asked about Griner and the State Department’s determination, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki declined to comment to reporters traveling with Biden on Air Force One and referred to U.S. policy in trying to secure detained Americans. Russia returned another U.S. citizen, former U.S. Marine Trevor Reed, last week in a prisoner swap for a Russian pilot convicted of drug smuggling.

Another former marine, Paul Whelan, remains detained in Russia after he was sentenced to 16 years in prison on espionage charges in June 2020.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday May 04, 2022

PAGE 29

Rabada, Dhawan, Livingstone give Punjab Kings NRR-boosting win ESPNcricinfo - A stifling bowling show, led by Kagiso Rabada’s four-for and figures of 40-17-0 from Sandeep Sharma, restricted table-toppers Gujarat Titans to a below-par 143 and revived Punjab Kings’ campaign for the playoffs race.

Shikhar Dhawan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Liam Livingstone made short work of the chase which they sealed with as many as four overs to spare, and lifted Kings from eighth to fifth spot on the table. More importantly, their net run rate was boosted from -0.470 to -0.229.

Titans experimented with the decision of opting to bat but could not stitch any substantial partnerships with regular fall of wickets.

It was Sai Sudharsan’s maiden fifty that steered them from 67 for 4 in the 12th over towards 150, but like captain Hardik Pandya said later, “obviously we were not even close to par”.

The early strangle from Kings’ bowlers Shubman Gill’s poor recent form and the lack of a stable batter at No. 3 had been troubling Titans, and their issues were compounded on Tuesday. Wridhhiman Saha swung for the hills down the ground for a stroke-filled 21 off 17 but he and Gill fell in consecutive overs.

Gill was the first to go when he tried to steal a single that didn’t exist and fell well short after colliding into the bowler Sandeep Sharma, while Rishi Dhawan got a direct hit from cover. Saha swung the next ball for a one-bounce four and hammered a six next over, but he swung one too many when he miscued Rabada to mid-off in the fourth over.

Eight overs without a boundary The Kings bowlers not only struck regularly, but they also dried up the boundaries. Sandeep stuck to the length and short-of-good length areas just outside off with a hint of swing and the others, too, bowled to their fields so well that the Titans

couldn’t score a boundary for 48 balls. Hardik Pandya crawled to 1 off six balls before edging one behind after the powerplay ended when he tried to drive Rishi through the covers, and Titans were 44 for 3.

Rahul Chahar then hurt his bowling hand in his first over while collecting a throw from the deep and he walked off immediately.

Livingstone completed the over and then got one more, also because he could bowl offbreaks to two lefthand batters with the longer boundary on the leg side. He barely offered any room, and when David Miller tried to end the boundaryless streak, he found long-off for 11 and Titans were 67 for 4.

Sudharsan’s maiden fifty lifts Titans It was almost as if 20-year-old Sudharsan flicked a switch on for boundaries once Miller fell. He pounced on the short balls and collected fours in consecutive overs off Rishi, Livingtsone and the returning Chahar and then one

down the ground off Arshdeep Singh to race to 45.

Even though Rabada choked the lower order with back-to-back wickets of Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan in the 17th over, Sudharsan pulled Arshdeep for six to bring up his fifty and lead Titans to a more respectable 143 for 8.

Dhawan, Rajapaksa go bang, bang Chasing a below-par total on a pitch that was two-paced and had good bounce for the quicks, Kings promoted Jonny Bairstow to open to pull him out of his rut, but the move didn’t work. After swinging and pulling four times in his sixball stay, Bairstow miscued Mohammed Shami’s short ball to deep backward square leg for 1.

Mayank Agarwal chose to drop himself down further and sent lefthand batter Mahendra Rajapaksa at No. 3. Shikhar had already dispatched two wide balls for backto-back fours against his Delhi team-mate Pradeep Sangwan and

he found able support in Rajapaksa who struck Shami for two fours when the fast bowler pitched it even slightly short in the third over.

Alzarri Joseph came on for Sangwan and got the same treatment. Shikhar ramped him for six and followed it with a tickle down the leg side for four more. He continued to target the off-side boundary and the big over came when Sangwan returned as soon as the powerplay ended. Rajapaksa heaved him for two fours in two balls before Shikhar unleashed another upper cut to make it a 15run over and reduce the equation to a comfortable 86 off 78.

Dhawan, Livingstone give NRR boost The situation was such that Kings could have cautiously seen through Rashid’s spell and still won. Shikhar was happy to rotate the strike until Lockie Ferguson returned for an eventful over.

Shikhar brought up his 47th IPL (Continued on pag 27)

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday May 04, 2022

V-Net Communications supports Liverpool survive scare in Spain to reach final Essequibo youth cricketers V-Net Communications of 25 Delph Street, Campbellville, has continued with its drive to support youth cricketers.

The entity, recently registered four players from the county of Essequibo to the Everest Cricket Club.

Those that benefitted

from the company’s latest undertaking in the sport are Devon Ramratan, Gladewin Henry, Varindra Pooran and Nazaam Mohamed.

V-Net Communications which specialises in data and voice communication will sponsor the needs of the foursome to play cricket in the city.

Henry recently struck an unbeaten 98, while Ramratan made 69 on their debit for their new club in the Georgetown Cricket Association U19 50-over tournament.

Pooran and Mohamed

were members of the Essequibo Inter-county Under-15 squad.

Chief Executive Officer of V-Net Communications, Safraz Sheriffudeen, said the company wanted to continue its practice of investing in youths and help them to progress to the higher levels.

Guyana and West Indies all-rounder Keemo Paul, w h o i s n o w V- N e t Communications Brand Ambassador had benefited from a similar venture with the company in his formative years.

B

BC Sport - Liverpool survived a scare against Villarreal to move into the Champions League final and keep their hopes of winning an unprecedented quadruple alive with a 3-2 win.

The Reds had comfortably won 2-0 in the first leg but that advantage was wiped out after only 41 minutes at a noisy and passionate El Madrigal as the Spanish side pushed for a huge upset.

Boulaye Dia scored Villarreal’s first after only three minutes, converting Etienne Capoue’s pass, before ex-Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin headed in a second from another Capoue cross as the Reds looked rattled.

Liverpool had to improve in the second half and Fabinho put them back in front on aggregate with a shot that went through the

legs of Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli in the 62nd minute.

Luis Diaz, whose introduction at half time changed the game after he replaced Diogo Jota, restored Liverpool’s two-goal aggregate advantage with a header at the back post.

Sadio Mane secured Liverpool’s place in their third Champions League final in five seasons with a third goal after taking the ball around Rulli.

Villarreal ended the game with 10 men with Capoue sent off late on for two bookable offences.

The Reds will play either Manchester City or Real Madrid at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, 28 May. No English side has ever won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup all in the same season, with Liverpool aiming to create history.

Wednesday May 04, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 31

GCF/Gaico Grand Prix Chess Tournament…

Taffin Khan secures masterful tourney victory Candidate Master Taffin Khan has once again proven his skill over the board by winning the second Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) organized, Gaico sponsored Grand Prix Tournament.

Khan won seven of his eight matches, withhis only draw being against Loris Nathoo who came in second place.

Nathoo is renowned for his very solid play in the chess community, and he did not disappoint. The two played theopening and middle game well, with Khan attempting to force Nathoo to make inaccuracies and mistakes. Nathoo held strong, and the two traded down to a draw.

Nathoo won five and drew three of his matches, finishing the tournament on 6.5 points to winthe secondplace trophy.

Third place was FIDE Master Anthony Drayton with 5.5 points who lost to Khan anddrew his game with Nathoo. During the second round of the tournament, Draytonwas defeated by veteran player and Stabroek News columnist Errol Tiwari. The opening was played with minor inaccuracies from Tiwari, giving Drayton a considerable positional edge.

Disaster struck, as Drayton blundered his queen to Tiwari, turning the tide completely in Tiwari’s favour. Drayton resigned the game immediately afterwards. Tiwari was later defeated by Roberto Neto.

In round 6, Frankie Farley played against Nathoo. The two solid players began with theiropenings, with little to

no errors but little to no extravagance at the same time. The position became closed afterwards, a wall of pawns blocking any real intrusion into the position.

However, a seemingly innocent trade of pieces was offered by Nathoo which Farley accepted. As a result, the position erupted with life as Nathoo’s pieces stormed across half the board, while Farley’s were left on the farther end, away from the action.

The innocent trade was devastating for Farley, as 10 moves later lead to a forced checkmate by Nathoo, who claimed victory 3 moves later.

In a clash between the older, more experienced player, Justino DaSilva and rising star 14 yearold Pooja Lam in round 5, indicated that the odds were in DaSilva’s favour. The opening was sharp, as DaSilva gambled a pawn for a devastating attack, but Lam’s defence appeared to be sharper. DaSilva quickly lost steam in his attack and now entered into a poor middle game.

In an attempt to draw, DaSilva closed the position defensively, but Lam, after reorganising her forces, broke through and began claiming the advantage gifted to her by her opponent. Theendgame ended as swiftly as it started, a s L a m ’s a d v a n t a g e snowballed inducing a resignation from DaSilva, marking a glorious day in her promising chess career as a female junior chess player.

Women’s Champion Sasha Shariff (5 points) took away the trophy for best

Wellman Masters to host softball tourney in honour of the late Lakhram ‘Mike’ Singh We l l m a n M a s t e r s softball team will be hosting a T20 competition tomorrow at Lilliendaal in honour of its late captain and former owner Lakhram ‘Mike’ Singh.

Action gets underway at 09:30hrs and the teams taking part are Wellman Masters, Albion Masters and Regal Masters. No entrance fee is required, while the trophies will be donated by Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall.

Among those expected

to turn out for Wellman Masters are Wayne Jones, Anil Beharry, Nandram Samlall, Lloyd Ruplall, Sheldon Perch and Clive Canterbury, while Regal Masters will have Mahendra Hardyal, Eric Thomas, David Harper, Parsram Persaud and Laurie Singh in their line-up.

The tournament will be played in the over-45 category. Anyone wishing to render assistance can contact Wayne Jones on 685-6908.

female player inthe tournament.The trophy for best junior female went to Pooja Lam (4.5 points).

Jessica Callender (5 points) received the trophy for the best U20 player in the Grand Prix.Medals were also awarded for 4th to 10th places to Roberto Neto, Errol Tiwari, Sasha Shariff, Jessica Callender, Jarell Troyer, Pooja Lam and Frankie Farley respectively.

A total of 27 players competed in the 4-day tournament.Notably, five local junior players have made the International Chess Federation (FIDE) rated players list as of May 1st, 2022. These players are; Junior Champion Ricardo Narine, Ronan Lee, Oluwadare Oyeyipo, Jessica Callender and Pooja Lam. The National Qualifiers (Continued on page 27)

Taffin Khan received his prize from Company Secretary Marcia Lee.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Wednesday May 04, 2022

Pooran placed at the helm of CWI’s ODI and T20 teams

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r i c k e t We s t Indies (CWI) yesterday confirmed the appointment of Nicholas Pooran as the West Indies M e n ’s O n e D a y International (ODI) and T20 International (T20I)

captain, following the international retirement of Kieron Pollard.

Pooran will take over the captaincy for the West Indies ODI and T20I teams after being Pollard’s deputy over t h e l a s t y e a r. T h e appointment will include the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2022 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in October 2023. Shai Hope has been recommended to stand as vice-captain of the ODI team.

C W I ’s D i r e c t o r o f Cricket Jimmy Adams said:

“We believe Nicholas is ready for the challenge of leading our white ball teams given his experience, performances, and the respect he has within the playing group.

The Selection Panel believes that Nicholas has matured as a player and were impressed with his leadership of both teams when Kieron Pollard had been absent.

The experience he has gathered playing in various franchise leagues around the world was also a factor in the decision to recommend him for the T20 Captaincy.”

Pooran has already

captained the West Indies Men in Pollard’s absence, leading them to a CG Insurance T20I Series win at home against Australia in 2021.

The left-handed wicketkeeper/batsman has eight half-centuries and an ODI century to his name. He has also scored eight T20I half-centuries for the West Indies Senior Men’s team.

He first burst onto the cricket scene representing the West Indies Under-19 team at the 2014 ICC Men’s U19 World Cup, smashing 303 runs from six matches.

CWI President Ricky Skerritt congratulated

Pooran on his appointment saying, “Nicholas Pooran is a specially gifted cricketer, and the right person to take over the white ball captaincy.

We are confident that he will continue to climb the leadership learning curve speedily, and successfully.

I appeal to all West Indies cricket stakeholders to give Nicholas the support and encouragement that he deserves.”

Pooran expressed his delight in his appointment saying, “I am truly honoured to be appointed captain of the West Indies team. I am following the footsteps of several giants of the game

who have created an amazing legacy for West Indies cricket.

This is indeed a prestigious role, a pivotal position in the West Indian society, as cricket is the force that brings us all West Indians together. To be named captain is indeed the highlight of my career so far and I want to drive the team forward to accomplish great things on the field for our fans and loyal supporters.”

His first outing as captain will be the three away ODIs against The Netherlands in Amstelveen starting May 31 which form part of the ICC World Cup Super League.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday May 04, 2022

GCA Trophy Stall, Ramchand Auto Spares & Survival Group of Companies U-19 Cricket

Sookdeo’s 5-9 helps 4R Lions qualify for Semis

PAGE 33

Andrew’s Supermarket supports Magnum Independence Cup

Romeo Deonarain’s 342 runs from 5 games is the most in the tournament.

(Sean Devers photo)

Supervisor at Andrew’s Supermarket located on Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt, Sherryann Hoyte (left), hands over the sponsorship to one of the organisers of the Magnum Independence Futsal Cup, Edison Jefford yesterday.

Support continues to roll in for the Magnum Independence Cup which is currently ongoing. Yesterday, the business entity threw its support behind the competition with a meaningful gesture.

Organiser of the Event, Edison Jefford, who was on hand to uplift the form of support said, “I want to thank Andrew’s Supermarket for their continued support. We believe that without such support we could not host this event and we are heartened that the corporate leaders such as Andrew’s still understands their role in participating in the development of sport at all levels. We sincerely hope that this example will be followed throughout Guyana.”

“I want to thank all stakeholders for making this event possible including The National Parks Commission, Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service, Environmental Protection Agency and Guyana Football

Munseh Sookdeo took 5-8.

By Sean Devers

4

R Lions, a franchise-like team, including players from all three Counties with two members who represented the West Indies junior level, became the first side to earn a spot in the semi-finals of the GCA Trophy Stall, Ramchand Auto Spares & Survival Group of Companies 50over U-19 tournament.

Set 57 to win, 4R Lions, on the back of an unbeaten 28 from 18 balls with five fours from Sachin Balgobin and an undefeated 22 from 14 balls with four boundaries from Romeo Deonarain, galloped to a crushing 10wicket victory over an overwhelmed Malteenoes select team on Monday at the QC ground.

This was after spinner Munseh Sookdeo destroyed the MSC Select for 56 in 31 overs with a mesmerising five-over spell as Michel Sharma (15) was the only batter to reach double figures with Extras contributing 18.

This was 4R Lion’s fifth consecutive win, while Deonarain, with 342 runs is highest run-scorer in the tournament, surpassing Alvin Mohabir’s runs tally.

Malteenoes, just playing under the name of Malteenoes who could not

field a team, but is really a collection of very young players who missed out on making the other teams, had another tough day at the office.

On a National holiday blessed with glorious sunshine, MSC Select opted to bat much to disappoint of the team which made a record 526-8 in 50 oversagainst GNIC. The opening pair of 10year-old in Kishan Silas and Lomar Seecharran took the score to eight before the pint sized Silas was run out for a duck.

Sharma joined Seecharran and despite not being able score freely the

pair demonstrated wonderful temperament and defensive technique and took the score to 25 before Seecharran, who made 6 from 65 balls, was bowled by Elijah Ramdat in the sixteenth over.

But once Sharma was removed by Sookdeo after facing 61 balls and reaching the boundary twice, it was all down-hill from there as the last seven wickets tumbled for 17 runs.

Deonarain, who scored the only double century (218 against GNIC) in the history of GCA’s U-15 cricket; and Balgobin steered their team to a convincing win following their 495 runs victory over GNIC.

Federation,” he disclosed.

The simple handover was done by Sherryann Hoyte, on behalf of Andrew’s Supermarket. She explained briefly: “Andrew’s Supermarket is proud to be associated with an event that is geared toward grassroots sports and giving youth an alternative to demonstrate their ability in football. We continue to applaud Jefford and the organisers of this event for coming up with activities to positively impact the lives of young people.”

The Magnum Independence Cup continues tomorrow night (Thursday night) at the National Park with the Round of 16 Playoffs and Saturday with Quarterfinals.

The winner of the tournament that concludes on May 21 at the same venue will pocket $700,000 while second place takes home $400,000 and third and fourth places $200,000 and $100,000, respectively.

V-Net Communications supports Essequibo youth cricketers

From left: V-Net’s Communications CEO Safraz Sheriffudeen, Devon Ramratan, Varindra Pooran, Nazaam Mohamed and Gladewin Henry at the Everest Cricket Club.

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Pooran placed at the helm of CWI’s ODI and T20 teams

Nicholas Pooran takes over the West Indies captaincy in the ODI and T20 formats from recently retired, Keiron Pollard.

GCF/Gaico Grand Prix Chess Tournament…

The top performers pose with their prizes following the conclusion of the event.

Taffin Khan secures masterful tourney victory Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.