Kaieteur News

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Credit Union defends NEWS No Confidence Motion - embattled Chairman against Trevor Benn refuses to step down AIETEUR

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

Tuesday Edition May 10, 2022 - Vol. 16 No. 18 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 95,328

Primary stakeholders remain in the dark on Wales gas project Guyana signs air services agreement with Saudi Arabia Woman dies in Govt. invites bids early morning for construction of Corentyne accident River Bridge at Mahaica

Statistics Bureau to conduct Pilot Census from May 15

CGX upbeat about oil potential in Corentyne Block - as KAWA-1 well unlocks light crude Govt. not telling Guyana the whole truth about the Wales Gas-to-Shore Listen to The Glenn Lall Show project and the Amaila Falls Hydro project. @11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 10, 2022

Bartica man was stabbed to death while trying to make peace Kellon Creighton has been accused of killing Bartica man, Alston Seon

Stabbed to death, Alston Seon Even as an investigation continues into the stabbing to death of Alston Seon on Sunday, Kaieteur News has learnt that he was only trying to make peace between two men. Seon was stabbed to death close to 02:00hrs at the corner of Third Street and Third Avenue, Bartica, Region Seven, in the vicinity of Futu’s Bar. Kellon Creighton, a miner, is the man accused of killing him. He has since been taken into police c u s t o d y. B a s e d o n information received, Seon was hanging out with a friend and they were reportedly drinking a few beers with a group of women.

It is alleged that the suspect had attacked the friend and threatened to kill him but Seon had intervened.

As a result, the suspect reportedly turned his attention to Seon and allegedly pulled out a knife from his pants waist and stabbed him to the chest.

Seon collapsed and had to be rushed to the Bartica Regional Hospital where he died while receiving treatment – a development that has left his friends and relatives in a state of shock.

One of his friends posted on Facebook, “Wow gone so soon without saying good bye up to the other night u say good night to me i say back good night next morning see u on fb (Facebook) saying u dead wow u is not coming back why why u was a good friend u never show me a bad face u was a loving person nice guy”.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 10, 2022

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Primary stakeholders remain in the dark on Wales gas project

By Davina Bagot ExxonMobil is pressing ahead with its planned stakeholder consultations in the various administrative regions that are likely to be impacted by the Wales Gasto-Energy project on the West Bank of Demerara, but in doing so, the oil company has no plan to meet directly with the residents of Crane and the Canal Polders – those who are likely to be most affected.

In its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Exxon’s consultant, the Environmental Resources Management (ERM), noted that robust public consultations were done for the developer to not only gather information to inform the study, but also to understand stakeholder concerns. However, the document states that engagements were held with the government and agencies related to the offshore activities while surveys of businesses and households within and around the direct area of influence (AOI) were conducted.

The Consultant explained that 11 in-person public scoping consultations took place in Regions One to Six, and two virtual public scoping consultation meetings. In addition, 36 representatives from the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in Region Three were engaged while 150 businesses in Regions Th r ee an d F o u r w er e surveyed along with 370 individuals in Region Three during the 2021 socioeconomic household surveys, including 122 individuals categorised as members of vulnerable groups.

Importantly, in volume three of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the Consultant explained that “key informant stakeholders that have been engaged to date include, but are not limited to: African Culture Development Association, Association of Tr a w l e r O w n e r s a n d Seafood Processors, Big

Bird & Sons Fishing Complex (Charity), Bureau of Statistics, Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD), Conservation International (CI), Department of To u r i s m , F i s h i n g Cooperatives (e.g., Lima Fishermen’s Development Co-op, Georgetown Fishermen’s Co-op Society Ltd., Parika Fishermen’s Development Co-op, etc.), Georgetown-based real estate agents, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha,” and a number of other organisations. It, however, made no mention of engaging communities that will be impacted by the project.

To this end, one farmer whose land will be directly impacted by the pipeline for the project and who objected to the community consultations now being conducted by Exxon said, “I don’t see in the document any Canal Number 2 nor Crane (consultations)…they are saying that it is a furtherance of or just a general educational programme for their EIA which was submitted already, what I want to know is what is the purpose of it.

Are they planning to do an addendum to the document or is this just a general informational set of meetings?”

The farmer and attorney, Elizabeth Hughes, had written to ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge, as well as the Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Kemraj Parsram on May 5, where she requested that the consultations on the project be conducted after the 60 days public review period, to afford stakeholders “quiet time” to understand the voluminous impact assessment, with just about 5,906 combined pages of technical information.

On Sunday, Exxon made it clear that it will be proceeding with its consultations as planned.

As such, the attorney, in

an exclusive interview, with Kaieteur News on Monday reasoned, “If it is just a general thing why does it have to be done now? Why wasn’t it done before (the EIA was submitted) or why can’t it be done after the 60 days period? They will have enough time within which they can do their general hoorah so this has no fundamental impact, unless they plan on doing an addendum. They have not said in any of the statements I have seen so far that that is their plan. They are talking about informing people who don’t have access to the documents that they would be aware, but what is the point of being aware if it has no basis or no substantial effect on their already submitted EIA and EIS?” She argued that there is no point of engaging the public when Exxon has chosen to ignore the very concerns of the primary stakeholders, who remain worried about their safety.

Over the next two weeks, the oil company will be visiting communities in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six to host meetings with the public. In Region Three, where the pipeline will be laid, three meetings will be held at the Leonora Technical Institute, West Demerara Secondary School and at the Patentia Primary School. No consultations will take place in the direct AOI. In this regard, the attorney told this publication that even though some lands are expected to be acquired to facilitate the project, residents are yet to be engaged.

“So the people in the area don’t know, we see people coming in and doing stuff, they keep walking around and they have their helicopters and planes surveying or looking at the place but there has been no contact with the people in the area about what they plan to do,” Hughes insisted.

THE PROJECT The project will involve capturing associated gas (Continued on page 9)

NGL Plant

A representation of how the gas will be brought to shore from the Liza One and Two fields

3P Power Plant

-30KM onshore

12” diameter pipeline -220 km offshore Georgetown

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Tuesday May 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

EITI Guyana must do better The Board of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) has made its position clear: Guyana must improve (“Govt. urged to do more to educate citizens on resource governance…EITI Secretariat told to demand higher standards of transparency and accountability from Government” -KN May 5). Those are steep issues in a steeper environment, which lead to an outlook that is far from encouraging.

We have a PPP/C Government whose leaders say that they are about transparency and accountability, but that is all that they do. They say that they have no intention of fulfilling in the oil, gas, and other mineral resources sectors.

What government leaders deem to be transparency and accountability is not recognised as either in any part of the world that does its business cleanly.

Guyanese have a government that has little patience, less use, for rules and regulations. There are many volumes of official policies and procedures in government quarters, but they suffer from neglect and wither away from cobwebs and mildews. These guiding principles have now been selectively left for reading on the tabletops of waiting areas of government offices; or as material to keep company in the lavatory. Due to this governments obstinacy, its slipperiness, relative to implementation and enforcement of what is on the books, as refined and enhanced, there is great risk. The KN story referenced termed it possible “temporary suspension” which is a comforting word, despite its ominous undertones. The more relevant word is what used to be the much-used and much-feared coin of the country called blacklisted. Now, that is a rough step, with a usually rougher road ahead, but it is not one that is rashly used, or one to be dismissed airily locally.

It is why the 20-member EITI Board that oversees 55 countries has asked, more like pleaded, with Guyana to get its act together. Among the recommendations is that the government moves with speed and authority to advance what is labelled “a suite of corrective actions.” One of the top ones is to ensure that citizens are enlightened on what goes into proper resource governance. To be frank, we at this publication are of the view that the leaders in the PPP/ C Government are more inclined to keep Guyanese in the land of the lost. That is, the less they know about resource governance, the more it suits the governments visions and ambitions for its tight club of insiders and donors.

Clean and user-friendly documenting and reporting are key components of this kind of governance, which all should be able to sift through and evaluate for themselves. It is not what government sanitises, but what tells the facts about income and contracts, among other vitally necessary elements. Government is also called upon to foster public debate on our extractive industries, which rather regrettably, we believe, is the last thing on the minds of its cunning, secretive leaders. The word from the EITI Board is that whatever occurs, it must be socially inclusive, which is another bone in the throat for PPP/C leaders.

The points and objective of all of this is for Guyana to climb from the dismal place of a “fairly low” overall score in implementing the 2019 EITI Standard, some of which we have already touched upon above. The other one, that is unsaid, is that if Guyana keeps going down the road that it has chosen, then there is the high risk of the hammer coming down hard. No matter how well we look at where matters are today with the local EITI, it must be said that this government has backed itself into a corner, and in more than one place. The PPP/C Government ousted the local EITI head for the most vexatious of reasons, and replaced him with someone unmentionable. It is the best that we can do with what happened, with what leads the way forward.

With such a head, and such intimate closeness to ruling politicians, there will hardly be any “demand” for transparency and accountability from government. And given this understanding headman, those monied donors to ruling party coffers who passionately detest most rules will flourish with winks, nods, and friendly handshakes.

The stage is thus set for worse, not better.

Civil society and good governance DEAR EDITOR, In a liberal democracy, though they should, governments/civil societies/NGOs, rarely enjoy a “lovie-dovie” relationship. It can be worst in an autocracy or dictatorship.

This is because in most instances, the ruling elites see themselves in office to govern, while civil society operates as bodies to ‘police’ governments especially when it comes to constitutional issues. Governments in general, tend to view civil society’s role and place with deep suspicion. Opposition parties are no different, their relationship with civil society is more competitive and strategic rather than tactical. It is usually a marriage of convenience.

Placed in the context of Guyanese politics, where does this uneasy relationship find us? To appreciate where we are, we need to begin with what can be considered the fit and proper perspective.

Guyana is a signatory to the 1997 CARICOM Charter for Civil Society (CFCS) and the 2002 ‘Liliendaal Statement of Principles’ (LSOP). The latter was adopted at a Special Meeting between Heads and civil society organizations from across the region. The Charter sets out the role of social partners in public affairs and provides a framework for genuine participatory democracy. It opened the way for greater engagement between government and civil society in supporting national

development.

For its part, the LSOP states that civil society has a vital role to play in the development of political and social policies and called for ‘the establishment of a mechanism for continuous dialogue between civil society and CARICOM Heads to carry the initiative forward’. None of the various articles of the Charter can be found in the Constitution of Guyana. Nor has implementation of the LSOP’s proposal or ‘regular institutional dialogue’ been followed through. Neither the provisions in the Charter nor the decisions in the LSOP are mandatory. They remain statements of intent. Member States are left to their own devices as regards implementation. This state of affairs, notwithstanding, governments are expected to act honourably and in good faith, in pursuit of the goals of both the Charter and the LSOP. If implemented, the Charter and the LSOP are potentially, the better and more enduring recommendations of the Community’s fifteen member states. Under present-day conditions obtaining in the region, and especially where good governance is concerned, the Charter and LSOP can serve as gateways to promote and sustain a modus vivendi between governments and civil society in furtherance of people-centered development, policy formulation, the environment and indigenous

peoples’ affairs.

Take the Charter for example, Article 4.1 of the Charter declares: ‘States shall each establish a National Committee or designate a body to monitor and ensure the implementation of this Charter and that National Committee or body shall comprise: (a) representatives of the State; (b) representatives of the other social partners; and (c) such other persons of high moral character and recognised competence in their respective fields of endeavour.

(2) The National Committee or body, as the case may be, shall review the implementation of this Charter, analysing any problems and difficulties experienced, and receive reports of allegations of breaches of, or non-compliance with, the provisions of this Charter attributed to the State or to one or more social partners. No allegation of breaches or non-compliance may be brought by any individual or entity in relation to a matter which has been adjudicated upon by an international body, the decision of which is binding upon the State.

(3) The National Committee or body shall notify the State or social partner, as the case may be, of the receipt of any allegation and request their comments thereon and the National Committee or body shall report to the Secretary-General on allegations received, together with their comments thereon, including

their own views on the matter. Defining persons of ‘high moral character’ can be problematic politically, if not judgmental so long as it is the State who shall determine who, amongst it’s citizenry, possess that specific attribute.

The qualification to be of ‘high moral character’ was tested severely in 2020 when four lists of names deemed to be ‘not unacceptable’ to the President was submitted for the post of chairman of GECOM but was rejected unilaterally by President Granger.

That qualifying irritant notwithstanding, Article XXII of the Charter stipulates: ‘The States undertake to establish within their respective States a framework for genuine consultations among the social partners in order to reach common understandings on and support for the objectives, contents and implementation of national economic and social programmes and their respective roles and responsibilities in good governance’.

Among the many positive features of the Charter is that, in the absence of any manifestation of healthy cooperation, collaboration and communication between governments and civil society, the Charter provides a powerful handle to its civil adherents to hold governments accountable and to press those who strut the (Continued on page 5)

Revamp current Guyana libel, cybercrime laws that damage free press, freedom of expression DEAR EDITOR, As we observe World Press Freedom Day 2022, I call on the AG and Government to revamp our libel laws to allow for full freedom of expression and unbridled public comment for the promotion of proper governance and accountability in national affairs.

It appears as if libel lawsuits are being used to try to put papers out of business, apart from luring away their reporters including oil and gas reporters, using State funds. This most likely was meant to hurt the KN s advocacy for renegotiation of a rotten oil contract. There had been garnishment of KNs bank accounts and application filed to put the companys assets in receivership. Libels seem to be a political and moneymaking activity.

Guyanese welcome the statement by the Heads of Mission of the ABC-EU countries saying that press attention to accountability has never been more important in Guyana with the large rev-

enue stream entering government coffers. That s a nice way to say real journalists should be looking into corruption. Lets also remember Julian Assange languishing in a British jail for his “WikiLeaks” exposes and Edward Snowden who found refuge in Russia and cannot go back to the USA. Even democratic Governments usually hate journalists who expose their evils. Maybe we would have our own “Guyana WikiLeaks” when our journalists become advanced, investigative journalists rather than “softball” storytellers relying on Government sources for information. Its a shame that in Guyana, the most popular “pretend journalist” is a folksy “gaff man” with no journalism training or proper grammar and language skills, who cannot do any “critical” analysis or investigation.

Worse still is that he seems to be the preferred interview forum for the Government side which reportedly has not done post-cabinet briefings

for 641 days. The PPP Government, aided by conniving columnists and operatives, has also recently engaged in a sustained vilification of Civil Society groups who dared to ask questions about oil and gas, the environment, and deals entered into by Government. Those were questions a vigilant press/media should be asking.

Press freedom goes beyond being able to publish and broadcast. Press freedom is harmed when the Government refuses to consult the Opposition, refuses to answer questions in parliament, refuses to allow full disclosures of public documents on public projects consuming billions and trillions of dollars, and refuses to provide information when requested by the press and media, concerned citizens and Civil Society groups. For instance, ongoing oil production data, oil and gas project details and studies, natural resource contract details have not been disclosed by this Government

despite promises by top Government officials, and complaints to international bodies. Government routinely ignores those requests, no matter how many times you ask.

No wonder the recently released Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Report has given the Government low scores for transparency and disclosures, and mostly low scores overall.

Press freedom is also attacked when governments withhold ads from independent media critical of Government policies and practices that are exposing corruption and wrongdoing. Both the KN and SN have suffered from such punishment over the years.

In my view, Guyana does not have strong investigative journalists. The best are in KN and SN. The bastion of a free, independent press in Guyana are the Stabroek News (SN), later joined by the Kaieteur News (KN). The SN emerged as our saviour during the dark days of (Continued on page 6)

Tuesday May 10, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Civil society and good governance...

From page 4 corridors of power to conduct government business in a transparent manner be it in the form of public sector investment projects, Cabinet’s no objection in the awarding of contracts and appointments to constitutional bodies but especially when actions by a government require lending its support to foreign funded mega-infrastructure projects, appointments and/or a call on the Consolidated Fund.

Whether they are branded ‘one man’ organizations or groupings of like-minded individuals, civil society organizations are not necessarily homogeneous in their ideological nor philosophical outlook. And though they may differ when it comes to tactics, they tend towards an undeclared, but common strategic objective. To many civic society groups, public recognition of their efforts, media exposure as well as tangible support by the diplomatic community in support of the fight against violations of the constitution, blatant acts of corruption, and in favour of inclusiveness provide oxygen for their existence.

However, it is the lack or absence of a consensual approach at the tactical and ideological levels that governments seek to exploit, thus making unity of action and solidarity amongst civil society organisations ineffective.

However, thanks to a free and independent press as well as social media, civic society organisations have a voice and a medium through which their voices are heard on matters of public interest.

More specifically, in respect to matters of public interest the Charter declares; ‘The States, in order to ensure morality in public affairs, agree that holders of public office and all those who exercise power, the exercise of which, affects or may affect the public interest, shall so order their affairs in accordance with national law that such ordering gives no cause for conflict to arise or to ap-

pear to arise between their private interests and their duties to the public, or to otherwise compromise their integrity. To this end, the States agree to establish a Code governing the conduct of the holders of public office and all those who exercise power, the exercise of which affects or may affect the public interest.’ And while reporting responsibilities are to be found in the Charter, without any obligation do so, member states are required to submit regular reports as follows: ‘The States undertake to submit periodically to the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (hereinafter referred to as the “SecretaryGeneral”) for transmission to the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, reports on measures adopted and progress achieved in compliance with the provisions of this Charter’. But there is one exemption that makes reporting obligatory by member states; these are reports agreed by the Conference of Heads.

During the period of implementation of the provisions of ‘Herdmanston Accord’ and agreements in ‘The St. Lucia Statement,’ Guyana was required to submit status reports to Inter-sessional or meetings of Conference because of Heads’ deep and sustained interest helping Guyana achieve illusive national reconciliation, social peace and political stability, at least temporarily, such reports from the sitting Chairman of Conference and the President of Guyana at that time were not only necessary

but extremely helpful to all parties. Further, it has been a long established tradition that Guyana submit reports on the status of its relations with Venezuela. Moreover, having assigned ‘portfolio responsibilities’ amongst member states, Guyana was saddled with the responsibility to submit reports of the state of the region’s agricultural sector.

The Charter calls for the submission of: ‘Reports, other than special reports which may be requested by the Conference at any time, shall be submitted every three years on a rotating basis to be determined by the Conference, indicating the factors and difficulties, if any, that affect the implementation of this Charter’ .

The Charter further requires that, ‘In the preparation of their Reports, States shall, in accordance with the provisions of Article XXII, undertake consultation with the social partners, having regard to their crucial role in the attainment of the objectives of this Charter. In order to ensure transparency in and supervision of the reporting process from beginning to end, Article 5.(1) of the Charter dictates that; ‘The Secretary-General shall submit annually for consideration by the Conference, in accordance with criteria established by the Conference, reports received from the National Committees or bodies pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 4(3) of this Article.

The framers of the Charter and Heads of Government at the time, recognizing that

their deliberations on reports from national committees should not remain sealed behind the walls of CARICOM went further: ‘The Secretary-General shall inform the States and their National Committees or bodies of the results of the deliberations of the Conference on reports submitted pursuant to this Article, together with any recommendation emanating from their consideration of reported violations, non-compliance, difficulties or problems experienced in the implementation of this Charter.’

However, in an effort to shore up the national sovereignty of member states, the Charter states: ‘Allegations of violations or non-compliance shall not impose any obligations on a State to refrain from carrying out any decision of its Courts or other authorities pending consideration under this Article.’ So there we have it.

There is a way forward.

However, whether such a relationship between government and civil society within the meaning of Charter, the LSOP or both, can emerge in Guyana is a matter for all those who have an interest in the realization of such a relationship.

Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee

The diplomatic advice to journalists DEAR EDITOR, On this the one-week anniversary of World Press Freedom Day, attention is drawn again to that joint release by the ABCE people on the ground here.

It was not just what was said, but how it was said, and placed before every Guyanese. As I weighed the words of the diplomatic release, there is appreciation and admiration at how these lovely folks get their messages across. In sum, the release was graced with the subtly elegant, an indirect bluntness, and nuanced impatience. I zero in on one part of a single paragraph only of the statement, and then five tiny, ordinary words that are familiar to Guyanese, and which are all loaded with meaning.

The extract from the paragraph comes first.

“Press attention to accountability has never been more important in Guyana with a historically large revenue stream entering government coffers and a regularly stated intent to use those resources for a development agenda that cuts across all regions and races.” Though officious sounding, for some reason, I am reminded of the intonations and echoes of one Margaret Thatcher, in the

crooning rhythms of its delivery, that peculiar way in which the Iron Lady articulated. That aside, the five words that I highlight are: “accountability”, “revenue”, “agenda” “regions” and “races.”

Regarding the latter two, the joint statement prefaced them with “all.” Now for my thoughts on the guidance offered by the ABCE, the directions in which they propel our goodly journalists.

First, it is instructive that the highly influential (and knowledgeable) Western diplomatic community could see it fit and proper to urge our press professionals to scrutinise closely the areas encircled by those five words.

This tells me, insists to me, that there are hard and heavy concerns over either their significant absence or the shambolic contexts in which they exist. As I interpret it, the ABCE are saying that accountability is not as the PPP Government says it is, but a lost cause that Guyana s press pros must peer into, pore over, and push for more. In short, accountability is just not there, and the ABCEU just gave our lazy and biased journalists a nudge, more of a hard shove. Get after (Continued on page 6)

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Revamp current Guyana libel, cybercrime...

From page 4 the Burnham PNC dictatorship, when newsprint was denied to the press and journalists were hounded. I noticed when press conferences are held now, too many “softball” questions are asked and reporters seem scared to ask tough questions.

It took the foreign “Vice News” folks to ask tough questions and for the first time, we heard about a “Mr. Su” having a high-end neighbour and owning substantial national assets. Right now, there is too much information pertaining to oil and natural resources that are not disclosed, and reporters are not hounding the Government officials or suing to get full disclosure.

For its part, the Government side makes promises of disclosures, but critical information is not being released. The “Commissioner of Information” position seems to be a useless position totally. What does that do and why are we

Tuesday May 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

wasting money there? That money can pave our streets at Whim!

The other two major papers in Guyana now the stateowned Chronicle and privately owned Guyana Times cannot be described as independent and free because they are pro-Government papers and most of the time, they dont publish letters that might be seen as critiques of Government policy. It appears they hardly allow responses from people being attacked in their letter columns. The Chronicle as a state-owned paper must be open to all viewpoints.

On the matter of libels, we must revamp our libel laws to promote a greater measure of press freedom. Our current libel laws are more “British” than “American.”

In the US, if someone accuses you of lying about them in print and sues you, that person needs to prove that what you said was false,

has to prove that he or she was harmed by what was published, and show that there was intentional libel. In Guyana, our libel laws reverses the burden of proofas a defendant you have to prove that you did not libel, that what you said was true.

To win a libel case, the plaintiff only needs to demonstrate that the statement hurt their reputation.

In the USA, what is considered public political comment may be considered libel in the Guyana system. What is said in a satirical column would most likely not be considered libel in the USA. In Guyana, both the Government side and Opposition side have used libel lawsuits as political weapons.

Also, the PPP Government should repeal or revise the draconian provisions of the cybercrime laws which it opposed when the PNC passed them.

Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall

The diplomatic advice to journalists...

From page 5 it is the order.

Peel back the accountability onion layer by layer, no matter the President s waffles, or the Vice Presidents rage, and lay bare for all the world to see what is there, and what is not. And the price to this country of lack of accountability. Guyanese who go by the name, and operate under the flag, of journalism must do the job demanded by the times, or seek another profession; instead of journalists, I suggest “juking” it out on social media, which may more befit the talents and prejudices of most of them.

Second, accountability is irreversibly tied to the second and third words I purposely selected. They are “revenue” and “agenda.” Indeed, we are poised for great and greater streams of oil revenue, but the key is what the PPP Government does with those mammoth money streams.

This is where journalists wor-

thy of the name must make their mark, record an unflinching presence. It doesnt (or shouldnt) have the sickness of PPP and PNC prejudices; only stalwart professionalism, the sturdiest of Fourth Estate principles. These have no friends, entertain no disastrous leanings. What I heard the ABCEU proconsuls advising is that Guyanas journalists make it their unswerving duty to get to the heart of money (revenue) and the PPP Governments agenda. By now, all should note that I persist in identifying the government as PPP only, for it is no other. Cut out this nonsense about C. It is that there must be a steel thread that knots accountability, revenue, and agenda into one unyielding mass. In all of this, the charge to journalists is that they must work their tails and toenails off to ensure that those three little words must be about Guyana. In other words, the

Promises on post-cabinet media briefings must be honoured DEAR EDITOR, Meeting on the sidelines of an event to answer a one off question is not and cannot be compared to a full post-cabinet media briefing which needs to be restored.

It is time for the several promises made on this matter be honoured.

Why is there no head of the Presidential Secretariat?

Regards, Shamshun Mohamed

PPP Government must be held responsible, regardless of pushback, fallout, or its leaders usual resort to their scurrilous behaviour.

Third, as if to confirm my take on what the ABCEU did counsel, the Excellencies felt it necessary to incorporate all “regions” and “races” in their joint statement. Their key emphasis is on all. It must not be one Region primarily (Berbice), but that of Linden too. It must not be in regions long known to be PPP strongholds, but across the board, such as the sprawling, objectionable Region Four. It must be about generous doles to hinterland regions alone (as overdue as such is), but throughout the nation. As far as I can recall, Venezuela has not claimed any of the other neglected areas, or seized those regions. All is not what has been, and the ABCEU heads are alarmed.

Fourth, I gather that the inclusivity alarm that was sounded before by the “A” people (USAID) meant something, and here is that monstrosity again. Well, according to the PPP, anyway. The PPP head may not like this, but he did fall in love with “free and fair” from the same people in his time of need.

Now subliminal messages are being sent to the local journalists first. It is pick up thy bed and walk. Walk the talk, or get out of the kitchen, if the heat cant be taken. The second message is to His Excellency and the VP. I read it this way: get a hold of selves.

The wrong road is being taken in every aspect of these five words. Diplomatic speech doesnt have to be over the heads of Guyanese.

If it did before, it should be no more. I just cracked the code with my own Rosetta translation stone. Properly copyrighted, of course.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Tuesday May 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

In this life, we often get to choose the struggles that we think are worthy of our time. In choosing though, others are given a clear picture of who an individual really is.

Among us, there are many who are clearly self-centred and those who are selfless are rarities.

Sadly, some people may not be aware that selfishness often leads to a life of endless bitterness.

On the other hand, being selfless unlocks a world of endless benefits that a sea of people may never realise.

But since we at this publication are selfless, today, we share this crucial information to all and sundry in hopes of saving them the inevitable downfall which stems from selfishness.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Tuesday May 10, 2022

Woman dies in early morning accident at Mahaica

T

he family and friends of Shazie Hoosein are now left in a state of despair, after she lost her life in a car crash in the wee hours of Monday.

According to police, Hoosein, a 44-year-old woman of Green Field, East Coast Demerara, met her demise along the Hand-enVeldt Public Road, Mahaica

sometime around 00:15hrs.

Investigators revealed that Hoosein was in motorcar, PJJ 485, driven by her 22-year-old son, Saif Arjune, with occupants Arfeen Arjune, 19, and a 16year-old boy, when the accident occurred.

The motorcar, according to police, was heading east along the northern side of the road, allegedly at a fast rate,

when the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with a utility pole on the northern side of the road. As a result of the collision, the car ended up crashing into a nearby culvert. Due to the impact of the collision, all of the occupants sustained injuries about their bodies.

The injured persons were taken to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital by police

ranks. However, Hoosein was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor.

Kaieteur News understands that the driver and the 16-year-old boy, who sustained a broken right leg, were transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where they are still admitted.

H o o s e i n ’s b o d y i s presently at the Jerrick’s

Dead, Shazie Hoosein Funeral Home awaiting a post mortem examination.

According to police, breathalyzer tests conducted

on the driver read .186 percent and .183 percent.

Police investigations are said to be ongoing.

Violent street brawl forces bar owner to call police A bar owner’s (name provided) quick reaction last Saturday might have helped to save a Montrose East Coast Demerara (ECD) resident from being stabbed to death.

This publication understands that the bar owner was quick to call police after a violent brawl between two men started around 11:45hrs in front of his business place at Montrose, ECD. One of the men was stabbed and the other reportedly sustained a “buss head”.

It is being alleged that had the bar owner not been swift to react, one of the men could have been killed.

It was during the wee hours of Sunday that eyewitnesses reached out to this publication to relate the details of the incident.

According to them, there was a “big fight” in front of the bar located in the vicinity of the Apex Academy and one of the men, who sustained a stab wound, had to be rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

According to the bar owner, one of the men involved in the incident was

a patron who had just left his bar.

Shortly after the man left, the bar owner revealed, a commotion erupted. The bar owner said that he rushed out to see the very individual fighting with another man.

However, the bar owner insisted that the incident occurred “a short distance away” from his business establishment.

He said too that he noticed that the men were bleeding and called police immediately to break up the chaos before it turned deadly.

Police responded quickly and prevented the situation from escalating further.

Kaieteur News was told that police had taken both men to a medical institution to be examined but, according to reports, neither sustained life threatening injuries.

According to the eyewitnesses, both men live in the Montrose neighbourhood and got into an argument over an old grievance which turned physical. It is not clear whether they have since agreed to a truce but according to reports, neither man will press charges.

Tuesday May 10, 2022

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

The Wild West comes to Guyana!

We have visionary leaders in Guyana. They have built a new road link between Eccles and Mandela Avenue which now reduces the time it takes to travel from Eccles to Georgetown and vice versa.

But there is one big problem which the visionary leaders did not foresee. The new road is bringing more traffic into a city which was not built to take off this volume of traffic.

The geniuses who planned this bypass road failed to take into account the fact that the southern section of Georgetown is the most populated part of the city.

During peak hours, there is a great deal of traffic emanating from this part of the city; and now with traffic coming from the East Bank and merging at Mandela, it is creating bottlenecks.

It is the same problem on the West Coast Demerara Public Road. The road has now been widened. And a new highway is being built from where the new bridge will be to Parika. In the meantime, there is build-up of traffic.

Effectively the government is digging a hole to fill a hole.

The same problem is taking place along the East Coast Public Road. More vehicles are now being added to the countrys vehicular fleet. As such, more vehicles are now using the main East Coast thoroughfare to get to and from the villages.

The government has contributed to this unwholesome state of affairs.

It seems obsessed with building infrastructure rather than engaging in proper planning before building.

The Mandela-Eccles bypass is a classic example of the authorities failure to consider how vehicles using the bypass will get to and from the bypass. The bypass is now resulting in traffic jams within the city since there is a rush during peak hours to get out of the city to the bypass and there is an avalanche of vehicles descending on the city in the mornings.

The government in its wild haste to provide housing to citizens has created a crammed East Bank corridor.

The Diamond/Golden Grove housing schemes are among the largest settlements in the country. Yet no proper provision was made to ensure that residents could get easily to and from their homes in the afternoons and the mornings respectively. As such, even now there are long lines of vehicles leaving these schemes in the morning and longer commutes to get home in the afternoon.

The government is going to add further pressure to the countrys road networks when it builds Silicia City. Instead of easing the traffic woes, this bourgeois city will add to the problems on the East Bank of Demerara.

These problems are going to be replicated along the East Coast as new housing schemes are established there also. A number of new schemes are going up and no

account is being taken of the actual building stock of the country, which by now ought to have been sufficient to satisfy the housing needs of citizens. But there remains a housing deficit because under the PPP/C regime the distribution of housing was done in a Wild West manner.

The government has to cease its obsession with building infrastructure and get down to proper development planning. It cannot continue to congest the East Bank and East Coast.

Once it does this, it will find itself facing a situation in which infrastructure is chasing development rather than the other way around.

There are other problems which are adding to the countrys disordered development. You cannot have housing and commercial development along a major road artery. This creates more problems, including increased road accidents and deaths. The lands on both side of the new bypass road should be kept free of housing, commercial development and squatters.

But this is not going to happen. Already rich businessmen are eyeing up those lands and the bourgeois government is not likely to disappoint them.

One of the problems on the East Coast Public Road, the East Bank Public Road and in the city is the establishment of commercial businesses. Once you have businesses along the main

Dem boys seh...

Dem children mekkin plans too!

People mekkin all kinda plans fuh de future. Dem seh how Prezzie bicycle nah gat brakes. De way things moving in de country, is too fast to handle.

Dat is why people mekkin’ all kinda big plans. Dem talk how de way dem politicians talking bout development, we all should become rich by Christmas.

Is sheer investment yuh hearing bout. Every day is somebody building something or planning fuh build something. Deh even gat people wah planning but

dem nah know wah dem planning.

Some ah dem mekkin big plans fuh dem children. Dem seh how dem children gat a great future ahead and suh dem planning fuh dem children. Dem boys meet a lil child and decide to do wan interview with de child. De parents seh how de child smart and how a great future in store fuh he. Suh dem boys ask de child wah he want from life now. De lil boy seh: “Ah want a big house like de Vee Pee, a big car like de man with de shades and a big mouth

like Glenn Lall!”

Nuff people want house as big as de Vee Pee. But yuh gat to wuk as hard and honest as de Vee Pee did fuh get dat big house. But dat nah gan come with wishful thinking!

Nuff people want dem own fancy car. But yuh gat fuh be able fuh afford de huge taxes wah de GRA gan charge yuh fuh dem same fancy cars yuh like. And if yuh want a big mouth like Glenn Lall, yuh gat to stand up fuh something. Otherwise yuh gan fall fuh anything.

Talk half. Leff half.

Primary stakeholders remain in the ...

From page 3 produced from crude oil production operations on the Liza Phase 1 (Destiny) and Liza Phase 2 (Unity) Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels, transporting approximately 50 million standard cubic feet per day. Construction will begin

after the company receives all necessary authorisations, with a target date of August 2022 for start of NGL Plant site preparation, and will take approximately three years. The combined offshore and onshore pipeline system is targeted to be ready to deliver rich gas by the end of 2024,

and the NGL Plant is targeted to be operational by mid-2025.

The project has a planned life cycle of at least 25 years.

The aspect of the project for which the oil company is responsible, that is to say, the installation of the offshore and onshore pipelines, is set to cost a whopping US$1.3B.

public roads and there is not adequate provision for parking, customers and staff of these businesses are going to park on the roadway itself and this will create problems.

The government needs to revamp its plans for housing.

It needs to halt the commercial expansion in residential areas and along the countrys main public roads.

It needs to end squatting and

roadside vending.

But how is the government going to do this when it is tied to the hip of the business class. This class is eager to establish more and more businesses in areas which are simply too small for such expansion.

And so Guyana is headed for a disordered future. But what do you expect from the geniuses we have for

leaders?

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Tuesday May 10, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

New York Times, the Sisyphean task and Guyana’s journalism No person in this entire world who is sane will say that the New York Times (NYT) supports the Russian war in the Ukraine. It does not. Its daily journalism is against the war. But it was the same newspaper joined by all the major global media houses that informed the world that the US is providing intelligence to the Ukrainian government that is helping the Ukrainians on the battlefield.

The U.S government had denied it. Why did the NYT report on such a situation that the US government found it necessary to deny? Because the NYT stumbled on a story that is newsworthy and that people ought to know about.

We don’t have that kind of

independent journalism.

What we have is civil society, journalistic society, business society, and people who proclaim that they are independent taking sides along the ethnic and political divide. The journalists in Guyana are either progovernment or antigovernment.

The caricature comes about when the progovernment journalists stay quiet and the antigovernment journalists come out swinging saying that they are credible and the president, his ministers and his state sector managers must provide them with answers upon request.

I have seen three prominent persons on

different Zoom programmes made the point that even civil society is divided politically.

Important to note is that not one of the three has a working relation with or voices support for the ruling party. They are Nigel Hughes, Timothy Jonas and Dr. Floyd Haynes.

The importance of this statement is that credibility becomes the crucial issue.

And the Guyana Press Association had credibility in mind when its president uttered these words at the recently concluded government sponsored media symposium: “If politicians across the divide claim to have any modicum of interest in improving the standard of journalism, then

they ought to immediately cease utilising social media influencers in the place of journalists.”

The standard of journalism is not the issue. It is the credibility of journalism. Standards can be improved by doctors, lawyers, journalists, engineers, teachers, etc, but at the end of the day, the question is, does society see them as credible performers?

It is not only civil society that is divided politically but so is the journalistic community. During the five months of election rigging, there was an incident on the balcony of the High Court when one of the opposition leaders, Timothy Jonas refused to answer a question from the journalist, Gordon Mosley. Jonas told Moseley he was not speaking to him because he will not put correctly what he, Jonas, had to say. It became a hot topic of social media. I supported the position of Jonas because my experience of 34 years in the media tells me that the media fraternity is divided politically and credibility becomes a paramount issue.

Let us offer some examples then we will contextualise the credibility issue using the Sisyphean task to explain.

One online media outfit has a columnist that offers opinions. This person is

inflexibly antigovernment.

There is no attempt to offer an independent person or a progovernment personality space to offer an alternative Frederick Kissoon viewpoint. Another online outfit seeks the during the five months of reactions from political attempted rigging. He called o b s e r v e r s o n c r u c i a l upon President Granger to developments in the society. cancel the election and Every one of those opinion- suspend GECOM. This same makers is anti-government. media house gave this person Here are more shocking huge coverage to speak on the examples where in Guyana’s role of civil society in holding journalism credibility is government accountable. A called into question. Another one-man army posing as a media house continues to national organisation is given argue for a highly placed widespread coverage in the leader in the opposition press. We come now to the APNU+AFC outfit to be Sisyphean task. retained as the CEO of one of What you are about to the most important public read is what I have articulated institutions in this country. on countless occasions in my When you think that media career. Critics of the argument is done from a government, certain national principled position, this very organisations, certain media media house argued that no workers, are not going to one from the Private Sector succeed in getting the Commission (PSC) should corridors of power to listen to be on the board of the them, to persuade the state to National Resource Fund change an undesirable because the PSC is close to direction because state the government. Lack of actors think they are not credibility in Guyana’s credible, independent and journalism cannot be more fair-minded. sickening than this.

(The views expressed in Two more examples this article are those of the should suffice. A well known a u t h o r a n d d o n o t citizen, before the court for necessarily reflect the criminal assault, made waves opinions of this newspaper.)

Tuesday May 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

CGX, Frontera upbeat about oil potential in Corentyne Block

Tuesday May 10, 2022

Map showing the location of the Kawa-1 well

- as Kawa-1 well unlocks light crude

By Kiana Wilburg

C

a n a d i a n exploration partners, CGX Energy Inc. and Frontera Energy Corporation, were pleased to disclose on Monday that light oil is not only confined to the ExxonMobil-led Stabroek Block. According to the integrated results they received and examined for the Kawa-1 exploration well, light oil and gas condensate have been successfully unlocked in the Corentyne Block. Moves will be made later this year to see if a second well can find this resource in commercial quantities.

Gabriel de Alba, Chairman of Frontera’s Board of Directors and CoChairman of CGX’s Board of Directors told shareholders that the Kawa1 well which was drilled to a total depth of 21,578 feet (6,577 metres) in the northern portion of the Corentyne Block actually found light oil in the Santonian and Coniacian and gas condensate in the Maastrichtian and Campanian plays.

The Chairman said the Kawa-1 discovery adds to the growing success story unfolding offshore Guyana while adding that the integrated Kawa-1 well results further support the partners’ belief in the potentially transformational opportunity they have in one of the most exciting basins in the world.

Following completion of drilling activities at the Kawa-1 exploration well, the partners said they engaged independent third-party laboratories and experts to complete detailed studies, refined mapping and analyses to provide opinions on reservoir quality and hydrocarbon type. They said this integrated analysis has provided further support for their initial interpretations that the Kawa-1 exploration well successfully discovered light oil in the Santonian and Coniacian and gas condensate in the Maastrichtian and Campanian as supported by cuttings, mud gas and annulus fluid analysis.

The partners said these findings are consistent with

discovery wells reported by other operators surrounding the northern portion of the Corentyne Block and derisks the forthcoming Wei-1 exploration well, expected to be spud in the third quarter of 2022.

WEI-1 EXPLORATION WELL Frontera and CGX were keen to note that they continue to integrate detailed seismic and lithological analysis and pore pressure studies from the Kawa-1 well into preparations in advance of drilling its second exploration well, called Wei-1, in the third quarter of 2022, subject to rig release from a third-party operator.

The Wei-1 exploration well will be located approximately 14 kilometres northwest of the Kawa-1 exploration well in the Corentyne Block, approximately 200 kilometres offshore from Georgetown, Guyana. It will also be drilled in water depth of approximately 1,912 feet (583 metres) to a targeted total depth of 20,500 (6,248 metres) and will target Campanian and Santonian aged stacked channels in a western channel complex in the northern section of the Corentyne Block.

I m p o r t a n t l y, t h e Canadian exploration firms said information gained at Kawa-1 has improved the chance of success at Wei-1 from 29 percent to 56 percent. Also, data from the K a w a - 1 a n d We i - 1 exploration wells, will inform future activities and potential development decisions.

In the meantime, Kaieteur News understands that CGX is assessing several strategic opportunities to obtain additional financing to meet its share of the costs of the drilling programme.

PLUGGED AND ABANDONED Kaieteur News previously reported that the Kawa-1 well was plugged and abandoned in the first quarter of 2022 as it was “never intended to be an active well.”

The Canadian partners

had explained, however, that this is not to be interpreted to mean that it has walked away from Kawa-1. In fact, it was explained that CGX intends to do further appraisal works in the future for Kawa.

Expounding on this issue, Jennifer Budlong, Exploration Manager at CGX said Kawa-1 was always planned as a ‘finder well’ vs ‘keeper well’.

Budlong said finder wells are the norm for offshore exploration wells that have no previous nearby subsurface penetrations or offset wells. She said, “The goal of a finder well is to test the hydrocarbon generation, reservoir presence and trap models, and establish preliminary prospectivity regarding subsurface conditions (pressures, temperatures, fluids, reservoir quality).”

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e Exploration Manager said Kawa-1 was a finder well that has successfully been declared a discovery. She said the outcome supports further appraisal of the Kawa-1 discovery as well as further exploration of the Corentyne Block. She explained too that appraisal wells are drilled after a discovery, to confirm the size of a hydrocarbon deposit. She said these wells may be used normally to run

drill stem tests, gather core or fluid samples or other evaluations.

THE CORENTYNE BLOCK HISTORY The original Corentyne Petroleum Agreement (PA) covered approximately 11,683 km2 under two separate Petroleum Prospecting Licences (PPL).

One covered the onshore portion while the other covered the onshore aspect of the block.

The original Corentyne PA was awarded to CGX in 1998, following which the company began an active exploration programme consisting of a 1,800 kilometre seismic acquisition and preparations to drill the Eagle well. The Eagle drilling location in 2000 was 15 kilometres within the Guyana-Suriname border. However, a border dispute between Guyana and Suriname led to the company being forced off the Eagle location before drilling could begin. As a result of that incident, all active offshore exploration in Guyana was suspended by CGX and the other operators in the area, including Exxon and Maxus (Repsol, YPF).

On September 17, 2007, the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea

(“ITLOS”) awarded a maritime boundary between Guyana and Suriname. In the decision, ITLOS determined that it had the jurisdiction to decide on the merits of the dispute and that the line adopted by ITLOS to delimit the parties’ continental shelf and exclusive economic zone follows an unadjusted equidistance line. The arbitration was compulsory and binding. CGX had financed a significant portion of Guyana’s legal expenses at a cost of US$9.8 million. The decision was beneficial for CGX, as it concluded that 93 percent of CGX’s Corentyne PPL and 100 percent of the Georgetown PPL would be in the Guyana territory.

Because CGX was prevented from gaining unhindered access to a portion of the original Corentyne PPL area during the seven year resolution, the term of the contract was extended to June 2013.

In 2008, CGX was the first company to commit to acquire 3D seismic in Guyana when the Company acquired a 505 square kilometre 3D seismic programme to enhance its interpretation of its newly defined Eagle Deep prospect, a large stratigraphic trap in the Cretaceous. The cost of the

seismic programme was approximately US$8 million. Processing and interpretation of the 3D seismic was completed in 2009.

B a s e d o n t h e interpretation of the 3D seismic volume and concurrent activities on both sides of the Atlantic margin, CGX interpreted numerous prospects on the Corentyne PPL and spudded the Eagle1 well on February 13, 2012.

It was subsequently declared a dry-hole.

On November 27, 2012, CGX received a new Corentyne PA, offshore Guyana, renewable after four years for up to six additional years. That new Corentyne PA applied to the offshore portion of the Corentyne PPL, covering 6,212 km2.

On December 15, 2017, the company was issued an addendum to the November 27, 2012 PA. Under the terms of the addendum to the n e w C o r e n t y n e PA beginning November 27, 2017, during phase two of the first renewal period the company has an obligation to drill one well.

That well was drilled last year August with Kawa-1.

Additionally, the addendum to the new Corentyne PA resulted in a reduction of acreage to 4,709 km2.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 10, 2022

PAGE 13

Statistics Bureau to conduct Pilot Census from May 15

P

reparations are in full swing for the rolling out of Guyana’s 2022 Population and Housing Census, with a Pilot Census to be executed from May 15 to 21 in Regions One, Two, Four, Six, Nine and 10, targeting approximately 730 households.

This is being done in an effort to ensure the efficient execution of the upcoming national exercise by the Bureau of Statistics.

The Bureau made the disclosure in a release in which it revealed that its staff is undergoing one week of intensive training to conduct the Pilot Census, during which they will be interviewing household members.

This pilot exercise

Chief Statistician, Errol LaCruez addresses some of the staffers who are being trained to execute the Pilot Census

allows the Bureau to ensure that the methods utilised during the upcoming Census are as effective as possible.

Personnel will be equipped with the requisite means of identification and all of the information provided to them will be

treated with the strictest of confidence. These persons have taken a confidentiality oath in order for this to be binding.

In order to ensure the success of this exercise, it is imperative that the staff receive the full participation, cooperation and support of the interviewees.

It is important to state clearly that if a person is visited during the Pilot Census, they will be visited again during the actual Census, which will be executed in all administrative regions.

Meanwhile, among the other preparatory works for the execution of the Census countrywide is the r e c r u i t m e n t o f approximately 3000 temporary personnel countrywide to serve as Area Coordinators, Field Supervisors and Enumerators The Population and

Housing Census is Guyana’s largest national data collection exercise, which is conducted every 10 years.

Guyana’s last Census was conducted in 2012.

This is an extremely important exercise that produces a large amount of socio-economic and demographic data that is used for planning and national development.

The Census plays a critical role in evaluating changes in the population and therefore should be viewed as more than just a headcount.

These changes include size, composition, economic activities, quality of life, access to basic social services, Maternal Health, food security, Agriculture and Education.

Another company certified to use Made in Guyana mark Precision Global Inc. (PGI) on Monday, May 09, 2022, received its certification from the Guyana National Bureau of Standards’ (GNBS) to use the Made in Guyana Certification Mark on its products branded ‘Only Coconuts’.

The company joins two others which have met the quality requirements of the Made in Guyana Certification Programme.

The Certification ceremony was held at the PGI’s Swan Creek, Marudi, Soesdyke-Linden Highway manufacturing facility. In her feature address, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge

Walrond noted that the Government supports initiatives which foster competitiveness of local companies.

“We are pleased to see this kind of response to this certification programme because we wish to see the private sector sharing in that vision whereby “Made in Guyana” is globally recognised as synonymous with quality, sustainable products, ethically produced with due care for our environment and for the lives and livelihoods of workers and communities,” the Minister said.

According to Minister Walrond, coconut products are in high demand

Minister Oneidge Walrond hands over the Made in Guyana Certificate to General Manager of PGI Lesley Ramlall.

Also in photo is Executive Director (Ag) of GNBS, Ramrattie Karan

r e g i o n a l l y a n d internationally. This, she said, is reflected in the close to 10,000 metric tonnes of coconuts exported in 2020, as she urged the company to invest, innovate and expand their operations.

The Made in Guyana Mark will be placed on the labels of PGI’s virgin coconut oil, coconut flour, desiccated coconut, refined coconut oil and coconut chips.

Executive Director (ag) of the GNBS, Ms. Ramrattie Karan highlighted that “the GNBS aims to help local businesses achieve a sense of pride and a higher level of competitiveness,” which will help to increase value

(L-R) Executive Director (ag) of GNBS - Ms. Ramrattie Karan, General Manager of PGI - Lesley Ramlall, Executive Director of GMSA - Nizam Hassan, and Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond added products produced locally and drive the use of local content.

The Certification is valid for a period of one year and is open to all local manufacturers. Among the requirements to become certified, manufacturers must use at least 60 percent raw materials from Guyana and employ 70 percent Guyanese staff.

In accepting the certificate, General Manager at PGI, Mr. Lesley Ramlall pointed to the work done by

the company’s management and staff to ensure compliance. He said, “to be approved for the Made in Guyana Certification Mark is a clear indication of our commitment to ensure that our products are of the highest quality; so, every consumer that consumes our products must have that level of confidence that the product was manufactured under the strictest of hygienic conditions.”

T h e G u y a n a Manufacturing and Services

Some of Precision Global Inc products that carry the Made in Guyana mark.

Association (GMSA), which was key in the establishment of the Made in Guyana Certification Mark programme, was represented by its Executive Director Mr. Nizam Hassan. In brief remarks, he committed to supporting the programme a n d e x t e n d e d congratulations to the company.

The event was also addressed by Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of PGI, Mr. Ravi Annand (Continued on page 16)

PAGE 14

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 10, 2022

Govt. invites bids for construction of Corentyne River Bridge

F

ollowing the recent contract signing for the Feasibility Study and Design of the Corentyne River Bridge, the government through the Ministry of Public Works has now issued an invitation for Expression of Interest (EOI)

for contractors interested in constructing the structure.

According to an advertisement published in this newspaper on Sunday, the Corentyne River Bridge, which is a project being embarked on by both the governments of both Guyana and Suriname, will be constructed using the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Maintain (DBFOM) model. It will be done in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

The bridge, which will span the Corentyne River from South Drain in Suriname to Moleson Creek in Guyana, is slated to have a life span of 100 years.

In the invitation, the Ministry stated that the responses to the EOI for prequalification should contain adequate information to be used by both governments to determine sufficient detail to guide the final form of the contract.

Responses must include conceptual design, preliminary costing, and proposals to maximise local content including local firms, suppliers and labour from both countries.

Further, EOIs should be submitted to both governments on July 5, 2022.

Last week, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill a l o n g s i d e S u r i n a m e ’s M i n i s t e r, D r. R i a d Nurmohamed, inked the contract for the feasibility study and design of the bridge with consultancy firm, WSP Caribbean Limited. The contract was awarded to the Trinidadian firm to the tune of US$2 million and is said to have a seven-month duration.

Edghill at the signing, which was held in Suriname, said that the bridge is more than just an infrastructure project. “It is a vision for the further development of two nations being realised.

Development practitioners have agreed that bridges are key drivers of economic a c t i v i t y, e n s u r i n g t h e increased efficiency of trade, rapid exchange of ideas and quick access to services for those who need them most,” the Minister said.

Kaieteur News understands that the project is expected to be awarded during the early part next year.

Youths plead not guilty to murder of Professor Mars

Timothy Paul Chance and Andre Benjamin on Monday denied that they murdered Professor Pariedeau Mars, called Perry, in 2016.

The duo was arraigned in the Demerara High Court before Justice Sandil Kissoon. They pleaded not guilty to the charge which states that on May 12, 2016 in the County of Demerara, they killed Mars in the furtherance of a robbery.

The next hearing of the matter is slated for May 16.

Chance and Benjamin are two of the five teens who were charged back in 2016 for the murder of the professor.

In 2019, three teens opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter, while Chance and Benjamin were remanded awaiting trial.

On July 16, 2019, Justice Singh sentenced Nikisha Dover, 19, the mastermind behind the killing, and her two co-accused, Naomi Adams, 18, and Orin McRae, 19, to 12, 10 and 12 years’ imprisonment, respectively.

Dead, Pariedeau ‘Perry’ Mars.

Initially, the five teens were all charged jointly for the capital offence of murder when they made their first court appearance in May of 2016 and were remanded to prison.

According to police reports, Mars, 75, of Bissessar Avenue, Prashad Nagar, Greater Georgetown, was found bound and beaten in his home on the day in question by his wife. He was subsequently rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Investigations revealed that an accused, who was 17 years old at the time, was (Continued on page 16)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 10, 2022

PAGE 15

50 GDF ranks participating in Tradewinds exercise overseas A total of 50 Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ranks are currently participating in the US-sponsored multination training exercise, EXERCISE TRADEWINDS 2022, which will span the period May 7 to 21 in Belize and Mexico.

According to a release from the GDF, 37 of its members, who departed Guyana recently, have joined 13 of their colleagues to participate in the exercise.

The Tradewinds exercise was initiated in 1984 and is known to be an annual training event that is sponsored by United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM). It is mainly focused on Caribbean nations and

The GDF ranks who recently departed to join their colleagues for the Tradewinds exercise aims to efficiently prepare the military in Caribbean nations to take part in land operations and maritime security threats such as robbery, drug trafficking and terrorism. The previous Tradewinds exercise, in 2021, was hosted in Guyana and saw 17

nations participating, including Guyana and the United States. At the end of the 2021, Tradewinds exercise, the USSOUTHCOM Director of exercises and coalition affairs, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Kevin Bostick, praised Guyana for successfully hosting the exercise.

With the eminent threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bostick said, there were many potential drawbacks but these were avoided, thanks to the efforts of the event planner and Lieutenant Colonel, Lloyd Souvenir of the GDF. At the time, Botsick

commented on the importance of the exercise stating that it not only strengthens the security efforts toward threats but also the exercise can build partnerships.

Next year, according to the GDF, the exercise will be held again in Guyana.

PAGE 16

Tuesday May 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

$520,000 bail for woman involved in Berbice fatal accident

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

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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.

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

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T

he woman, who was involved in the accident with an Albion businessman and biker enthusiast on the Nigg Public Road last Friday, was granted bail in the sum of $520,000 on Monday.

This occurred even as the victim was laid to rest.

Khamwattie Karpen called ‘Pamela’, 35, a vendor of Lot 52 Fourth Street, South Public Williamsburgh Cook,Kitchen Helper & Road, Young man for Bar-B-Que Squatting Area, Berbice, appeared at the Albion Cook.Tel:629-2044.

Magistrates Court before Male & Female cleaner, must Magistrate Rabindranauth be able to work shift at WB Singh to answer two charges.

Cleaning Janitorial Services.

Karpen was charged with Call:503-2502/698-3644.

Servers needed at Emm anuel's Delight.Located at Diamond, tel:651-6342.

From page 14 known to the now dead man as she would visit his home from time to time.

It was further revealed that the said accused confessed to conspiring with

a DUI (driving while her breath alcohol level exceeded the prescribed amount) and causing death by dangerous driving. She pleaded not guilty to the DUI and was granted bail in the sum of $20,000.

In relation to the causing death charge, she was not required to plead to the indictable charge and was granted bail in the sum of $500,000.

She was represented by attorney-atlaw Rodwell Jagmohan and is set to return to court on May 25, 2022.

On Friday last, at approximately 05:30hrs,

Youths plead not guilty to...

VACANCY

FOR RENT

Khamwattie Karpen called ‘Pamela’ has been granted bail in the sum of $520,000

Female Cleaner for office.

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From page 13 who joined virtually. The Made in Guyana Certification Mark was unveiled by First Lady Arya Ali at the GNBS’ National Quality Awards CerGrade 2 Teachers,Secretary emony in October 2021. It is a & Security Guards. Contact:6 registered mark that aims to provide recognition to locally 49-8174. manufactured products on the Servicemen for Interior loca- local and international martion. Applicants must be ex- kets and is a signature of qualperienced. Call:231-2250. ity for authentic Guyanese One able body Porter, Products.

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Must be vaccinated photo & recommendation. Keyfood McDoom Village.

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

Water Delivery Driver and Porter for E.C.D.Tel:676-1363/ 692-6768.

TM Truck Driver,Maid to look after elderly person & Porter.Call Richard 609-7675/ 674-1705.

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

her boyfriend to rob the elderly man as he was home alone on the day of the incident.

Her boyfriend reportedly brought along other friends to be a part of the crime.

The Made in Guyana Certification will be monitored through surveillance visits by the GNBS to ensure the approved quality is maintained.

Applications are open for local manufacturers interested in getting their products certified. To get on board, business owners can contact the Certification Services Department on 2190064-66 or email certification@gnbsgy.org.

Dead: Rajendra Khadaroo called Andy Rajendra Khadaroo called “Andy”, a father of one and a businessman of Albion Corentyne, Berbice, was riding his motorcycle without a helmet, reportedly at a fast rate, on the Nigg Public Road when he collided with motorcar HB 9593 which was being driven by Karpen.

Karpen was at the time heading east along the northern side of the public road when she turned in a southeastern direction into the street located near the Nigg Post Office.

She reportedly turned into the path of Khadaroo who was heading west along

the southern side of the road.

A post mortem examination conducted on the body of Khadaroo revealed that he died from multiple injuries and breathalyser tests done on Karpen gave readings of .94 and .98 respectively.

The legal limit is .35 and below.

Meanwhile, many of the mans relatives, friends and members of a bikers association, which he was a part of, on Sunday gathered at the location where the accident occurred to hold a candlelight vigil. He was laid to rest on Monday.

Botswana invites bids to build 200 MW solar plant G A B O R O N E , BOTSWANA MAY 9 (REUTERS) - Botswana has invited bids from independent power producers (IPPs) to build a 200 megawatt (MW) power plant as the country looks to boost power generation and increase the proportion of renewable energy.

The scope of the bid covers financing, construction, operation and maintenance as well as decommissioning the plant at the end of its economic life, according to a document published by the country’s Ministry of Minerals and Energy.

“The project, comprising of two units of 100 MW each, will be required to be commercially online by 2026/ 2027 and will sell all the energy produced and capacity to the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) through a Power Purchase Agreement,” read the pre-qualification document.

Submission of bids closes on June 8.

Botswana has some of the

world’s highest levels of direct normal (solar) irradiation (DNI)- a measure of the amount of sunlight - at over 3,000 kWh/m2 per annum, according to Solargis.com, a global agency of solar data.

But the country currently does not have any large-scale solar power generation and its 600 MW national energy demand is predominantly met by state-owned coal-fired plants and imports, primarily from South Africa.

Under a 20-year resource plan approved in 2020, Botswana plans to add more than 600 MW of solar and coal-fired power by 2026, as the country looks to wean itself off imports while also eyeing power exports.

Endowed with more than 212 billion tonnes of coal, Botswana’s power generation is expected to remain dominated by the fossil fuel in the near future although the diamond-rich country has a target to have at least 18% of national production generated from renewables by 2030.

Tuesday May 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

PAGE 18

Tuesday May 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

Credit Union defends No Confidence Motion against Trevor Benn - embattled Chairman refuses to step down

By Zena Henry

C

hairman of the Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Union, Trevor Benn is refusing to step down from the post following the passage of a No Confidence Motion less than a week ago.

Benn has described his “illegal” removal as a “coup d’état”.

But in defending its move to remove Benn, the credit unions Management Committee argued that a number of actions by Benn led to the ultimate decision to remove him.

At a press conference, on Monday, venued at the unions Hadfield Street, Georgetown office, a statement was read by the Committees Secretary, Gillian Pollard, which summed up the matter.

It was revealed that Benn was not the only one responsible for the transformation and ideas that have caused significant improvements to occur at the organisation and that despite signing a confidentiality agreement as a committee member, Benn had gone public, including on Facebook, to divulge sensitive information about the financial institution. According to the committee, Benn had wanted to merge his position as Chairman with the post of Chief Executive Officer of the credit union, a move they claimed would have given him significant powers.

“Many of the Directors

Gillian Pollard (centre) flanked by other Management Committee members

Defiant Chairman, Trevor Benn speaking to media operatives in the Hadfield Street Avenue refused to accept his proposal based on its illegality and the fact that Chapter 88:01 of the governing Co-op laws does

not allow us to do that,” Pollard said. A motion was subsequently presented by the Vice Chairman, Patrick Mentore, to merge the two positions, but again the idea was turned down. That is when the management committee claims that the relationship between the Chairman and other Directors began to “slide”.

The management team has noted, however, that Benn as well as the other Directors were elected to serve on the committee by the unions membership at the Annual General Meeting last year. “He was not elected chairman at that meeting, but rather, his election to the position of Chairman was done by his fellow Directors in accordance with Rule 43 (a) of the Guyana Public Service Cooperative Credit Union Rules,” it was revealed.

It is under this same rule

Corruption benefits the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor.

Say no to it.

that the Committee is saying it voted to remove Benn. The Directors said that the removal of Benn did not require consultation with the organisations members since Benns election to chairman had been done at the level of the Committee. They said that the no-confidence meeting took place on April 21, last, where all the Directors were available. They said calls were made to the phones of Benn and the Vice Chairman, to which there was no answer.

Immediately after the presser, which was held in the credit unions boardroom, Benn spoke to media operatives in the avenue opposite the building. He rejected any claim that he had gone public with sensitive information about the credit union. He highlighted too that while he is being so accused, other directors have done the same thing.

Benn confirmed his suggestion to merge the chairmanship with the CEO post but clarified that the idea was offered as a temporary one.

He said that, at the time, he was dealing with a legal matter involving the Chief Coop Development Officer (CCDO) in relation to his chairmanship so he could not have vacated the chairman position at the time. Benn highlighted that after the Interim Management Committee was replaced by the Board, the position of Officer in Charge became redundant and he “unofficially” performed the role of CEO as well as his substantive post as chairman. After the Committee voted against the merging of the posts, Benn said he withdrew his application since he would have needed to relinquish the chairmanship had he been successful.

Benn went on to mention that decisions at the Boards statutory meeting, there had been loggerheads among some members, for example, over the cost and location of land to construct a building for the credit union, among other issues. He spoke of a proposal to allow for staff to attend overseas seminars and events rather than Committee

members and about ensuring that Committee members make requests for grants in writing after some had sought money for deceased and sick relatives. Benn is alleging, however, that these moves, among others, strained the relationship between him and the other Board members.

Benn stated, however, that he remains the chairman of the committee and he would be discussing with members to determine the best way forward, especially since a statutory meeting of the Committee is scheduled for Saturday. Benn, moreover, has asked credit union members to pay more attention to what is happening at the organisation. “I am encouraging the members to become involved. This is your money and how it is spent, how it is utilised, whatever happens to that money is your responsibility…to be involved,” he said, adding, this is important so that proper representation could be made by people who are looking out for their best interest.

2 patients now in COVID-19 ICU - 3 new cases recorded

T

he Ministry of Health on Monday revealed that two persons are currently in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) receiving treatment.

From some 3 1 0 t e s t s conducted within the last assessed 24-hour period, the Ministry, via its latest dashboard, stated that three new cases were recorded.

The new infections, which were detected in Region Four two cases, and Region Three one case, have brought the total number of confirmed cases to 63,586.

The dashboard shows that three persons are now hospitalised, 124 are in home isolation and four are quarantined institutionally.

To date, a total of 62,229 persons have recovered.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 10, 2022

Guyana signs air services agreement with Saudi Arabia

PAGE 19

Sophia shooter remanded to jail

Saudi Arabia’s H.E. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser (right) and Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill signing the air services agreement On Monday May 9, 2022, Guyana signed an air services agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to promote and facilitate the expansion of international air services opportunities between the two countries.

According to a government release, the agreement was signed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia by H.E. Saleh bin Nasser AlJasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works.

Guyana was invited by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to sign the agreement and participate in the Future Aviation Forum which is

currently being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during the period May 9 – 11, 2022.

The agreement addressed matters pertaining to Grant of Rights; Designation and Revocation; User Charges; Recognition of Certificates and Licences; Tariffs; Commercial Opportunities; Fair Competition, Environmental Protection, among other matters.

Minister Edghill said, “Presently, there is no direct flight between Guyana and Saudi Arabia, however, this Agreement puts in place the legal framework that open market access for airlines to operate and enhance competitive air transport services, trade, and

economic growth between the two countries.”

The Gulf carriers from United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have been playing a significant role in global connectivity for passengers and cargo over the last two decades. Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia is the third largest airline in the Middle East in terms of revenue, behind Emirates and Qatar Airways.

The airline operates international flights to over 94 destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

According to Edghill, “through the signature of the Guyana-Saudi Arabia Air Services Agreement, we anticipate that it will serve as

impetus for Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia to explore air services t0 Guyana, Latin America and the Caribbean since the airline does not have a presence in this region of the world.”

The signing of this agreement is in keeping with the government’s commitment of connecting Guyana with the rest of the world. This agreement complements the more than 50 Air Services agreements Guyana has established with other ICAO States for the development of the air link among States.

Guyana and Saudi Arabia established formal diplomatic relations on February 22, 2012.

Remanded: Denzil Haynes of North Sophia Recently accused of shooting two cousins, one of whom died, 24 year-old Denzil Haynes of 67 North Sophia, Georgetown was remanded to jail for the capital offence of murder when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday.

The accused was not required to plead to the charge read to him and the court hearing was adjourned for statements before Chief Magistrate, Colonel Ann McLennan on June 2, 2022.

Haynes is suspected of shooting two cousins in a brawl at the Tanary Area of North Sophia, Georgetown on April 14, 2022 and then making good his escape.

Following a heated

argument, Haynes is suspected of shooting 27year-old Yardan Jacobs and his cousin Steve Bacchus, a 29-year-old businessman, both of North Sophia, Georgetown.

While firing several rounds, one of the bullets struck Jacobs to his abdomen while another struck Bacchus to his lower back.

According to police, the cousins were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and two days later, Jacobs succumbed to his injuries.

A wanted bulletin was issued for Haynes who later turned himself in on April 26 at the Brickdam Police Station, accompanied by his lawyer, Bernard DaSilva.

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 10, 2022

Volodímir Zelenski

Tuesday May 10, 2022

League to reignite football passion in Ancient County - Officially kicks off on Sunday Clubs in the Ancient County of Berbice are set to re-ignite the competitive fire when th e Berbice Football Association (BFA) kicks off t h e i r S e n i o r M e n ’s League on Sunday.

The League, p artly sponsored by the Guyana Football Federation was unveiled by President Shurwin Forde at a simple but significant l a u n c h o n We d n e s d a y

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

last in New Amsterdam.

Forde thanked the registered clubs for riding out the storm presented by covid-19 and assured them that the BFA with support from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will back them all the way as the Association seeks to get the game back up and running at full capacity.

He noted that this is the first step towards this goal and is looking forward to

all the clubs doing their part to re-ignite the fire.

A total of eight clubs will be vying for supremacy, namely, Cougars, Rosignol United, Paradise, Hopetown Rangers, Corriverton Links, Hearts of Oak, New Amsterdam United, and Monedderlust.

Each club was presented with balls and bibs compliments of the GFF as they continue preparation for Sunday’s kick-off.

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) The moment has come to affirm your individuality and life choices, Aries. The planetary energy will make you work hard to rethink the number of obligations you undertake.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You must have felt the pressure rising in the past week.

Intense, isn't it? Do you have a job to finish at the last minute? Is there some ill humor or misunderstanding among your relations.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Why not go directly to the heart of the problem, Taurus?

This could be the question you've been asking yourself concerning a commitment to a cause that's important to you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) There's some likelihood that your heart will flutter as certain plans begin to be realized. If you have your heart set on someone who seems impossibly remote. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Although the forecast is stormy, the day ahead may give you an opportunity to free yourself from your family, literally or figuratively. Be wary even if the course seems clear to you.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your ideas about life are going through some radical changes. None of the givens that you've always taken for granted apply any more, Cancer.

From page 23 up good pace with the new ball, bowled Chanderpaul Hemraj (6) and trapped Johnson LBW for four.

Beaton has so far had 220, while Smith finished the day with 2-17 as15 wickets tumbled on the opening day.

Earlier, West Indies under19 player Matthew Nandu (1) was dismissed at 8-1 by the lively 25-yearold Berbician Cameron, who, in an impressive spell also removed West Indies U-16 Batter Mavindra Dindyal (6) at 24-3.

Clinton Pestano then got rid of Skipper Chanderpaul who reached the boundary

Bumrah blitz...

Tuesday May 10, 2022

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Don't let your fear or anger get the better of you today, Gemini. You're going to be pushed to the forefront and you may even be forced to make some big decisions.

15 Wkts fall as Poor top order batting...

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today you could feel a little more vulnerable than usual, Capricorn. Perhaps you feel hemmed in by decisions you can't put off any longer.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today's aspects will clarify any team situations of which you're a part, Leo. This could concern teams in your private or professional life.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) The day ahead will be as busy as can be. Matters that had been left unsettled are now becoming urgent. Today brings an opportunity to release some steam, Aquarius.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Your stroll through the universe of possibilities that you so love has come to an end, Virgo. It's time for you to come back to Earth and join the rest of us.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You can expect today to be tense, Pisces, as the people close to you are likely to be especially irritable. Adults and children alike may throw tantrums for no reason.

From page 22 fast bowler Bumrah’s figures marked the best of his IPL career, beating the 4-14 he took against Delhi Capitals in 2020.

The highlight was unquestionably the 18th over, in which Sheldon Jackson and Cummins both fell before Bumrah had Sunil Narine caught and bowled. Tim Southee denied him a sixth wicket and a hat-trick.

KKR still in the hunt Defeat for KKR would have ended their top-four hopes. As it is, they still have an outside chance of making the play-offs. They are one of four teams on 10 points, four points behind fourth-placed Royal Challengers Bangalore.

However, three of those teams have a game more to play, meaning KKR’s fate is therefore not in their own hands.

Scores: Kolkata Knight Riders 165 for 9 (V Iyer 43, Rana 43, Bumrah 5-10, Kartikeya 2-32) beat Mumbai Indians 113 (Kishan 51, Cummins 3-22, Russell 2-22) by 52 runs.

fours in a 72-mininte innings as his team slipped to 37-3.

Kevlon Anderson, who spent 62 minutes at the crease for 18, was joined by Kemol Savory who reached the boundary three times in 19 and the pair added 32 for the fourth wicket.

Anderson, who again looked set for a big score, failed to control one that bounced and turned from Junior Sinclair and was taken at short leg at 55-4.

Sachin Singh deposited Anthony Adams for the only six in the innings but did not last long; being bowled by Sinclair for 13 on the stroke of Lunch with the score on 67-5 from 27

overs.

After the interval, Savory edged Cameron, the only uncapped player in the Harpy Eagles squad for their last three games, to the Keeper at 79-6.

Junior Sinclair dismissed his unrelated namesake Kevin for 15 at 106-7 before Paul sent back Gudakesh Motie (4) and Beaton (0) with the score on 110.

Sinclair polished off the innings by having Smith for 12 with three fours to end a poor display of batting.

Today is the second day and play is scheduled to commence at 10 AM. (Sean Devers)

PAGE 22

Tuesday May 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

Bumrah blitz in vain as KKR dispatch Mumbai Indians SportsMax - Jasprit Bumrah’s stunning five-for proved in vain as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their hopes of a place in the Indian Premier League play-offs alive with a 52-run win over Mumbai Indians.

Already out of contention

for the top four having won just two of their first 10 games, Mumbai confirmed before the match that batter Suryakumar Yadav would miss the rest of the season with a left forearm injury.

However, Bumrah gave their fans something to cheer

with a remarkable display of pace bowling, taking figures of 5-10 as KKR were restricted to 165-9.

Yet that total proved well beyond Mumbai as Pat Cummins and Andre Russell thrived with ball in hand to help KKR to their fifth win of

the campaign.

A positive start from KKR that saw Ajinkya Rahane (25) and Venkatesh Iyer (43) put on 60 for the opening wicket eventually gave way to a Bumrah masterclass.

The turning point in their innings came in the 15th over

Jasprit Bumrah cut a swathe through the Knight Riders middle order in a sensational spell. (BCCI) Ishan Kishan (51) was the as Bumrah removed Russell (9) and Nitish Rana (43) to re- only Mumbai batter to score more than 15, Cummins disduce KKR to 139-5.

KKR never recovered placing him in the 15th over, from there and were helpless which also saw Daniel Sams in the 18th as Bumrah pro- (1) and Murugan Ashwin (0) duced a triple-wicket maiden. caught to turn the tide firmly Mumbai failed to deliver in KKR’s favour. The final a batting effort to match his three dismissals all came via performance with the ball, the run-outs as Mumbai’s intone set when Rohit Sharma creasingly desperate chase (2) was given out caught be- ended with them bowled out hind on review from the sixth for 113. Bumrah blitz India (Continued on page 21) ball of the reply.

NSC injects $1.8M into Independence Three-Stage Cycle race The Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) yesterday, pedalled away with $1.8M in support from the National Sports Commission (NSC), towards the hosting of this year’s Independence ThreeStage road race.

This year’s Three-Stage Independence race will start on Saturday at Corriverton from 7:30 am and proceed to finish in New Amsterdam.

The second stage, also on Saturday, will pedal off at 2:00 pm from Rosignol to Georgetown for the finish at Carifesta Avenue.

On Sunday, the third and final stage will commence from Kara Kara, Linden (from 7:30 am) to Homestretch Avenue.

Linden Dowrich, president of the GCF, received the NSC’s cheque from Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, and Commissioner, Cristy Campbell at the commission’s Main Street, Georgetown location.

Ninvalle said while this is the NSC’s first support for the local Cycling Federation for this year (2022), it will certainly not be the last.

The country’s Director of Sport said the NSC has been very supportive of all disciplines in Guyana, and the Independence Three-Stage race

is an important event on the local sporting calendar.

According to Ninvalle, “This particular event has received support from the National Sports Commission for a considerable amount of years and I think this is something that we want to continue as being a partner with the Guyana Cycling Federation.”

Meanwhile, Dowrich thanked the Commission for their continuous support in ensuring that one of the marquee events for the GCF is materializing once again.

L a s t y e a r, We Stand United cyclist Briton John clocked six hours, 56 minutes, and 57 seconds (6:56:57) across three stages to take the event’s overall title.

Jamual John placed second in a time of 6:57:09 and Paul DeNobrega third in a time of 7:01:56.

Raynauth Jeffrey placed fourth with an overall time of 7:02:17. Team Evolution’s Christopher Griffith finished six seconds behind Jeffrey for the fifth overall position (7:02:23).

Overall, Linden Bauxite Flyers Cycle Club’s Suzanne Hamilton finished ahead of Shenika Teixeira and Aneisha Crandon in the female battle.

Tuesday May 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

Seales, Lewis, Carty selected for Netherlands/ Pakistan tour, Holder rested, Hetmyer unavailable SportsMax - ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Three newcomers – fast bowlers Jayden Seales and Shermon Lewis as well as specialist batter Keacy Carty – have been named in the West Indies ODI squad for the upcoming tours of the Netherlands and Pakistan starting later this month.

Meanwhile, Jason Holder is being rested to manage his workload whilst Shimron Hetmyer is also unavailable for selection following the birth of his first child.

E v i n L e w i s w a s not considered for selection after failing to meet CWI’s fitness criteria.

The West Indies will visit the Netherlands for three ODIs on May 31, June 2 and 4, followed by another three ODIs on June 8, 10 and 12 in Pakistan.

Both Seales and Lewis have played at the Test level while Carty is the first player from St. Maarten to be selected for the West Indies Senior Men’s team as the era of Nicholas Pooran’s captaincy begins.

“We were impressed with Carty and the way he goes about his innings, we saw several glimpses of his ability the way he played against England earlier this year for the CWI President’s XI,” said Lead Selector Dr Desmond

Haynes. “ We h o p e t h a t b y giving him this opportunity he will recognize the importance of representing the West Indies. We think he is a young batsman with great promise, and this is the kind of tour he can show he fits in.”

Dr Haynes also expressed confidence in the fast bowlers selected for the white-ball tours.

“We also have a very good group of young fast bowlers who have demonstrated their ability and we want to use these two tours to give them opportunities in the 50over format,” he said.

“We have a week in The Netherlands and another week in Pakistan and this should provide them with quality opposition to bowl against as we build towards the Cricket World Cup in 2023.

Phillip has been around for some time, and we know what he can offer, Seales has been very good in Test cricket and Lewis is making a return to the West Indies set-up followin g s o m e g o o d performances.”

The tour of the Netherlands will be the first-ever ODI Series between the two teams and will be played at the VRA Cricket Ground, Amstelveen.

The matches in Pakistan will be played at the Pindi Stadium in Rawalpindi. Both series form part of the ICC ODI Super League, where teams will have the opportunity to earn points to secure one of the top seven places, excluding hosts India, to gain automatic qualification for the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The West Indies squad: Nicholas Pooran (Captain), Shai Hope (Vice Captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Shamarh Brooks, Keacy Carty, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Shermon Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Anderson Phillip, Rovman Powell, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd and Hayden Walsh Jr. Match schedule: We s t I n d i e s t o u r o f Netherlands May 31: 1st ODI at VRA Cricket Ground, Amstelveen June 2: 2nd ODI at VRA Cricket Ground, Amstelveen June 4: 3rd ODI at VRA Cricket Ground, Amstelveen West Indies tour of Pakistan June 8: 1st ODI at Pindi Stadium, Rawalpindi June 10: 2nd ODI at Pindi Stadium, Rawalpindi June 12: 3rd ODI at Pindi Stadium, Rawalpindi

FIFA says Brazil and Argentina must play World Cup qualifier ZURICH (AP) — Brazil and Argentina lost their appeals to FIFA yesterday and will have to play the World Cup qualifying game that was abandoned last year in Sao Paulo amid chaos on the field caused by pandemic rule breaches.

In one of the most bizarre scenes during the qualifying program for the World Cup, Brazilian health officials came onto the field minutes after kickoff last September to dispute the quarantine status of some Argentina players.

Both countries easily qualified for the World Cup as the top two teams in the 10-nation South American group without needing to play the abandoned game.

They took part in the draw last month for the final tournament, which is scheduled to be played from Nov. 21Dec. 18 in Qatar.

However, the latest FIFA

ruling means Brazil and Argentina seem sure to have to play their essentially meaningless 18th qualifying game, possibly in September.

It might be the second time the rivals meet ahead of going to Qatar.

Since the original FIFA disciplinary ruling in February — which imposed fines, player suspensions and an order to replay the qualifier — the soccer federations of Brazil and Argentina agreed to play a friendly game in Australia.

That “Superclasico” is scheduled for June 11 in Melbourne.

The two federations could challenge FIFA again in an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to overturn the replay order.

FIFA did cut the amount the two federations were fined.

Brazil now has been ordered to pay 250,000 Swiss

francs ($251,000) for “infringements related to order and security” at the game.

Argentina has now been fined 100,000 Swiss francs ($100,500) for “obligations in relation to the preparation of and its participation in the match.”

Both will also pay 50,000 Swiss francs ($50,250) for the game being abandoned.

Four Argentina players with Premier League clubs were accused of falsifying coronavirus declarations to enter Brazil by failing to state they had been in redlisted Britain in the previous 14 days.

Emiliano Buendía, Emiliano Martínez, Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero got two-match bans from FIFA-organized games.

Argentina will face Mexico, Poland and Saudi Arabia at the World Cup. Brazil will play Switzerland, Serbia and Cameroon.

Three newcomers – fast bowlers Jayden Seales and Shermon Lewis as well as specialist batter Keacy Carty – have been named in the West Indies ODI squad.

PAGE 24

Tuesday May 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

Drayton, Callender lead National Chess Qualifiers The National Open and Women’s Chess Championship Qualifiers began on Saturday May 7 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence with the first four rounds being concluded over the weekend.

In the Open qualifiers, FIDE Master Anthony Drayton is leading, having played unbeaten so far. In round 4, the two players favoured to win faced off in the tournament deciding match: FM Anthony Drayton and CM Wendell Meusa.

Renowned for their skill and respected for the rivalry, the pair faced off in the classical format after two years of quarantine. Drayton with the white pieces led a solid opening to which Meusa reciprocated. Meusa laid one inaccuracy, and Drayton struck.

Drayton began his attack on Meusa’s king as his pieces surged into black’s territory.

Lanes of attack opened and pressure began to apply.

Meusa defended well, securing the squares around his king and trading off Drayton’s attacking pieces for his defenders, but the damage had been done. In the aftermath of the attack, Drayton’s remaining pieces captured

pawns and began to claw away a material advantage in the endgame.

This advantage multiplied, and Meusa resigned as Drayton’s pawns stormed down the board on their way to promotion. Muesa gained 3 points with his wins against Frankie Farley, Justino De Silva and Loris Nathoo.

Drayton also racked up wins against Ethan Lee, Roberto Neto, who are on 3 points each, and Rashad Hussain, who is on 2 points.

Other players close to the top are Loris Nathoo and Rai Sharma who are both on 2.5 points. Veteran player Errol Tiwari also competed, along with GCF President, Frankie Farley who both gained 2 points after four rounds.

Justino De Silva, Godfrey Taylor and juniors Mayas Khan and Ethan Persaud are on 1 point each.

In the Women’s tournament, Jessica Callender also leads the table on 4 points after four rounds. She defeated Anaya Lall (3 points), Pooja Lam (3 points), Waveney Johnson (2 points) and received a free point from a bye.

In round 3 of the tournament, 14-year old Pooja Lam

Waveney Johnson (left) was one of the three players defeated by Jessica Callender (right) defeated.

faced off against Callender.

The two young women were considered to be some of the strongest in the country, and it was possibly the tournament deciding match.

The game began and Lam with the white pieces played her opening. Perhaps it was unfamiliar territory for Callender, because an advantage was achieved for Lam very early on in the game. Lam went in aggressively, sensing weakness in Callender’s position. Unfortunately, disaster struck for Lam. Callender’s counter play led to Lam blundering a piece.

Lam’s wonderful attacking game ended in disaster as she resigned a few moves later, letting Callender get away.

Waveney Johnson and Adia Alphonso also played in round 3, where another wonderful attacking game took place.

Both sides played a solid opening, but it set the stage for an exciting middle game.

In an exchange, Alphonso blundered a piece, giving Johnson the momentum to strike. Alphonso played well to avoid being checkmated, but she was still down materially.

The middle game ended and the endgame began.

Johnson had the clear advantage, but converting a winning game to a win is sometimes the hardest things to do in chess. Alphonso’s cunning led to Johnson blundering the material back, leaving the game equal.

It was then time for Alphonso to shine. What could only be more experience in endgames led Alphonso to a winning position. A material advantage was achieved and that advantage multiplied.

Alphonso converted the game to a win via checkmate

a few moves later. Alphonso would then go on to face Johnson’s sister in the next round, but unfortunately lost that game.

Eleven-year old deaf player Anaya Lall racked up impressive wins against Alphonso, Maliha Rajkumar and Alexia McAdam. Also on 3 points is Nellisha Johnson, with Alphonso, Rajkumar, Angel Rahim on 2 points.

Elizabeth McRae, Gabriel Oliver and Alexia McAdam are all on 1 point each.

However, with this only being the tournaments’ halfway point, it is still anyone’s game. Action continues on Saturday May 14 and Sunday May 15. The final four rounds over the two days will determine which players go on to compete in the National tournaments for a shot at the respective Championship titles.

The top nine players from the Open Tournament will take on defending Champion Candidate Master Taffin Khan who is expected to defend his title.

Meanwhile, reigning Women’s Champion Sasha Shariff will face the top nine finishers from the Women’s Qualifier in hopes of retaining her title.

Cavendish wins Stage 3 to mark Giro d’Italia return, Van der Poel keeps lead Mark Cavendish won Stage 3 to mark Giro d’Italia return.

Associated Press BALATONFURED, Hungary — Mark Cavendish marked his return to the Giro d’Italia by winning a bunch sprint at the end of Stage 3 while Mathieu van der Poel kept hold of the pink jersey.

Cavendish, who rides for Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl, raised his arms over his head and beamed broadly after crossing the line just ahead of Arnaud Demare and Fernando Gaviria.

It was a 16th stage win in the Giro for the 36-yearold Cavendish, who hasn’t ridden the Italian race in nine years.

It was also a 53rd win in the three grand tours for the sprint superstar from the Isle of Man, inching him closer to Mario Cipollini, who is second in the table of stage winners on 57.

Eddy Merckx won 64 stages.

“I just want to carry on winning, it doesn’t matter how many, I just love racing my bike, I love being with my

mates and I’d like to win some more,” said Cavendish, who turns 37 during the Giro.

There was little change in the overall standings at the end of the flat 201-kilometer (125-mile) route along Lake Balaton from Kaposvar to Balatonfured.

Most of the general classification contenders crossed the line with the same time after a slow and unremarkable day in the saddle.

Dutch cyclist Van der Poel remained 11 seconds ahead of Simon Yates and 16 ahead of 2017 Giro winner Tom Dumoulin.

It was the last of three stages in Hungary and the race has its first rest day on Monday as the riders transfer to the Italian island of Sicily.

“We did a very nice job as a team,” Van der Poel said.

“We knew Cavendish was one of the favorites for tod a y. A f t e r t h e To u r d e France last year I think we all know he can win stages again.

“I’m happy to bring the maglia rosa to Italy. It’s been an amazing past few days here in Hungary and I’m going to enjoy it in Italy as well.”

Three riders escaped shortly after the start. Italians Mattia Bias, Filippo Tagliani and Samuele Rivi easily built a lead and their

advantage hovered around the three-minute mark for most of the day.

They were caught with a little under 30 kilometers (19 miles) remaining as the teams in the peloton began setting up their riders for the sprint.

With the main contenders jostling for position, Cavendish had to launch his

sprint early but “The Manx Missile” managed to hold off his rivals.

“I’m very happy. It’s nice to win.

I wanted to do good in the first sprint,” Cavendish said.

“I have an incredible group, I’ve said that before the race, and they delivered today.

“I had to go long, I had to

go with 300 to go.

I’m happy I could hang on that long for the win.”

The riders face their first serious test as Stage 4 culminates in a category-one climb up Mount Etna after a 172kilometer (107-mile) route from Avola.

The Giro finishes on May 29 in Verona.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 10, 2022

PAGE 25

Guyana makes History at CSEC Golf -114 Learners take PE Golf

President of the GGF Aleem Hussain with students of Rosignol school.

T

he Ministry of Education Allied Arts Unit, Guyana Golf Federation and Nexgen Golf Academy combined forces during the pandemic and History was made this year as 114 learners from President’s College, Anna Regina Multilateral, Rosignol, Friendship, and Wisburg Secondary schools elected to take golf as their PE elective.

A n n a R e g i n a Multilateral Secondary, having placed second in the National Golf School competition in 2021, held true to their promise to become the number one golf school in the country as ARMS led the nation in

Aleem Hussain with students of Friendship school.

CSEC golf with 51 students opting for golf with Rosignol Secondary second with 38.

According to Rosignol’s PE teacher Kevon Jawahir, “The entire class wanted to do golf and we traveled several times to the Nexgen Golf Academy to practice.

All my students were hooked on the game after the first session with Mr. Hussain.”

Golf has traditionally not been a popular sport amongst the general public because it was viewed as an ‘elite’ sport with high fees and the need to join a private club to play.

This all changed when Aleem Hussain, president of the GGF and Nexgen Golf Academy, at the urging of Assistant Director of Sport

Melissa Dow-Richardson in 2020, created a programme in conjunction with the MOE Allied Arts Unit to allow access to the sport by anyone who had an interest.

The programme, which came at a welcome time when virtually all sports were shut down due to covid19, was quickly adopted by Ms. Barker-King, head of the MOE Allied Arts Unit and became one of the fastest growing sports with Secondary schools in all but three regions now active in teaching golf to its 11th and 12th grade learners.

The model public/private partnership saw Nexgen Golf Academy providing training, equipment and facilities and the MOE

providing PE Teachers and resources for the ‘Train the Trainer’ programme which allowed the sport to reach into 102 secondary schools in just 15 months.

“It’s a great relationship that draws on the strength of each other, the equipment and knowledge provided by Mr. Hussain and the Human Resources to develop the sport provided by The Ministry of Education,” said Ms. Barker-King, head of the Allied Arts Unit. “We expect that golf will be introduced to our primary school learners in July and expanded to Grades 7-12 in the Secondary schools.”

Once these plans are realized, it would place golf as one of the most involved

sports with over 35,000 learners having access to the sport and the demand for golf friendly playgrounds across the country will increase drastically.

T h e G u y a n a government, through the efforts of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has demonstrated its commitment to development of Sports in the country and plans are in place for inclusion of a golf course in the Silica City project.

H o w e v e r, w i t h t h e rapidly increasing popularity of the game amongst locals and expats, it would be expected that many more golf course communities will have to be built to accommodate the demand.

Hussain explained, “The scaled version of a golf course that I designed on West Coast is a model that can be used to fulfill the need since it only utilizes 10 acres of land, reduces maintenance and membership costs and can be located closer to populated areas.

This is the next step that must be taken around the country as we build towards a national and Olympic team.”

For more information on how you can learn the game or sharpen your skills, contact the Nexgen Golf Academy via Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp 6450944 or visit them at the Scouts Association Ground on Woolford Avenue.

Harpy Eagles practice game at Providence

15 wkts fall as poor top order batting continues despite 116-run stand between Singh & Bramble On a rare day of sweltering heat yesterday at the Providence Stadium on a track with a tinge of grass and a hard and lightning fast outfield, Leon Johnson’s X1 were 158-5, replying to the p a l t r y 11 9 m a d e b y

Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s X1 when stumps were drawn on the opening day of the second and final three-day practice match before the Harpy Eagles depart for Trinidad next week Sunday.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul

top-scored with 22, but only Kevon Anderson (18) and Kemol Savory (19) of the other batters passed 15.

Junior Sinclair was again among the wickets with 4-44 although he encountered ‘no-ball’ problems and

Demitri Cameron had 3-23 for Johnson’s X1 yesterday. (Sean Devers)

Off spinner Junior Sinclair grabbed 4-44 to skittle out Chanderpaul’s X1 for 119 yesterday. (Sean Devers photo)

overstepped the bowling crease six times.

Cameron (3-23) and Kemo Paul (2-19) also bowled well for Johnson’s X1 who slumped to 42-4 before Vishaul Singh, who scored 93 in Guyana’s onewicket win against the Windwards in the opening round in Trinidad, and Anthony Bramble began ‘operation re-build’.

The pair showed

excellent shot selection and taught the top order batters on both sides a lesson in building an innings.

They had put together 116 runs for the fifth wicket before Singh was run out off the last ball of the day for a responsible 50 from 139 minutes from 95 balls with eight fours.

Bramble was unbeaten on 67 decorated with 10 fours and six.

Ronsford Beaton, who last played First Class cricket in March 2016 and has been included in the Harpy Eagles touring party, looked very impressive and bowled with genuine pace to remove Tevin Imlach (15) before bowling Akshaya Persaud, who spent 34 minutes at the crease for an 18-ball duck.

Neil Smith, also working (Continued on page 21)

s t r o Sp

Waveney Johnson (left) was one of the three players defeated by Jessica Callender (right) defeated.

Drayton, Callender lead National NSC injects Chess $1.8M into Independence Qualifiers Three-Stage Cycle race

Anthony Drayton

NSC Commissioner, Cristy Campbell (left), along with Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, handing over the Commission’s $1.8M cheque to president of the GCF, Linden Dowrich (centre).

Seales, Lewis, Carty selected for Netherlands/ Pakistan tour, Holder rested, Hetmyer unavailable Imlach is beaten for pace and is caught at 2nd slip off the lively Ronsford Beaton yesterday. (Sean Devers photo)

Harpy Eagles practice game at Providence

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