Kaieteur News

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Wednesday Edition No gas leak NEWS management plan submitted by ExxonMobil for Gas-to-Energy pipeline

AIETEUR

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

May 11, 2022 - Vol. 17 No. 20

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 84,666

Govt. plugs loophole for accurate measurements of oil without renegotiating Stabroek Block deal - Yellowtail Licence reveals

Exxon commences drilling operation at Yellowtail-2 Well Lawyers raise Demerara contention over ‘prejudicial’ Bank records evidence used in High Court trial $2.4 billion in pre-tax profit

...as Neesa Gopaul appeal gets underway at CCJ

Uitvlugt sugar factory workers worried about future ...say still waiting on promised jobs by President

Govt. must come clean on details of energy projects - Ramon Gaskin …convinced Guyanese will be saddled with more problems 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

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday May 11, 2022

Exxon commences drilling operation at Yellowtail-2 Well Oil giant, ExxonMobil, has launched another drilling campaign, this time at the Yellowtail-2 well site in the Stabroek Block of G u y a n a ’s E x c l u s i v e Economic Zone (EEZ).

The offshore activity commenced Tuesday and will conclude on June 30, 2022.

The well site is situated approximately 99 nautical miles (183.3 kilometres) from the coast of Guyana and covers an area of 0.29

square nautical miles (1 square kilometre).

The MODU Stena Carron will be engaged in the drilling activities, while a total of 26 vessels will also be used to support the drilling operations.

The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) in a notice said all mariners are required to stay clear of the vessels and navigate with extreme caution when in the vicinity.

M e a n w h i l e ,

The Stena Carron drill ship.

development drilling operations will continue on May 15, 2022 at the LIZ_4P25 Well site and conclude on July 15, 2022.

The well site is located approximately 104.2 nautical miles (193 kilometres) from the coast of Guyana and covers an area of 0.29 square nautical miles (1 square kilometre).

It was only on March 30 that ExxonMobil got approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop its fourth project, Yellowtail 1.

The discovery was announced in April 2019 and is the company’s 13th oil discovery in the Stabroek Block.

The Yellowtail- 1 well was drilled in a new reservoir, encountering approximately 292 feet (89 metres) of high-quality oil bearing sandstone reservoir and was drilled to a depth of 18,445 feet (5,622 metres) in 6,046 feet (1,843 metres) of water.

Following that approval, the company announced an additional three oil finds in the rich Stabroek Block, increasing its estimate of the recoverable resource to nearly 11 billion oilequivalent barrels.

Expounding on the discoveries made, it said the Barreleye-1 well encountered approximately 230 feet (70 metres) of hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone and was drilled in 3,840 feet (1,170 metres) of water.

It noted too, that drilling at Patwa-1 encountered 108 feet (33 metres) of hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone and was conducted in 6,315 feet (1,925 metres) of water while the Lukanani-1 well encountered 115 feet (35 metres) of hydrocarbonbearing sandstone and was drilled in a water depth of

4,068 feet (1,240 metres).

Operations are ongoing at Barreleye-1 and Lukanani1.

“These discoveries and the updated resource estimate increase the confidence we have in our ambitious exploration strategy for the Stabroek Block and will help to inform our future development plans for the southeast part of the block,” said Liam Mallon, President of ExxonMobil Upstream Company.

Back in September, this newspaper reported that Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil’s subsidiary—will by the end of 2025 spud some 52 wells across the Stabroek and Canje Blocks in a five year period, having begun an aggressive campaign in late December 2020.

The cost for and oversight of the exploration wells by oil companies have been a bone of public contention for years given the fact, that the expenditure is recovered from cost oil in any of the producing fields in the contract area.

This publication understands that EEGPL, prior to 2020, would have spudded some 80 wells but to date, the nation remains in the dark as to the cost of any of the wells previously or the ones recently scheduled.

Wednesday May 11, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Govt. plugs loophole for accurate - Yellowtail measurements of oil without Licence reveals renegotiating Stabroek Block deal

The Liza Unity FPSO

The Liza Destiny FPSO

By Kiana Wilburg Since 2017, Kaieteur News has been at the forefront of highlighting the absence of provisions in the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) which preserve the country’s right to verify how ExxonMobil measures oil offshore.

It appears, however, that the PPP/C Administration has been able to plug this loophole without renegotiating the lopsided deal. The government has done so by inserting a suite of robust provisions on measurements into the Petroleum Production Licence (PPL) for Exxon’s US$10B Yellowtail Project.

According to the 69page PPL, ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) is required to measure and weigh the volume, quality and composition of all petroleum won and saved f r o m t h e Ye l l o w t a i l Production Area, using measurement appliances and procedures in accordance with good international oilfield practices, the development plan, and as from time to time, approved by the subject minister.

The document stipulates that the licensee is required to provide to the subject Minister, reasonable written notice of the conducting of measurements, and an opportunity to attend or to have one or more representatives attend the measurements on his behalf.

Furthermore, EEPGL is required to provide the minister, reasonable and written notice and the opportunity to be present, either in person, or through a representative(s) whenever a piece of equipment or an appliance for measuring or weighing crude oil or gas is being calibrated, re-

calibrated, tested, compared, measured or weighed against a standard. The PPL states that the said activities shall be conducted in accordance with accepted methods and procedures consistent with good international oilfield practices and as previously approved in writing by the subject Minister.

Additionally, EEPGL is not to make any alteration in the method or methods of the measurements used or in any equipment or appliances used for that purpose without the prior consent in writing of the minister, and the minister may in any case require that no alteration shall be made save in the presence of a person(s) authorised by him.

Kaieteur News understands that EEPGL shall carry out tests and examinations of any measuring or weighing appliance tested or examined in such manner, upon such occasions or at such intervals and by such means, in any case, as may be specified as directed by the Minister.

Finally it is also expected to submit the facility’s metering system design within 180 days of the date of the PPL being awarded (April 1, 2022). This newspaper understands that such submission shall include all relevant schematics, specifications, expected maintenance and calibration programmes, and justification of the selected design.

In addition to the PPL provisions, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is also taking steps to increase its role in the oil sector.

Broadly, the National Standards Body is responsible for the monitoring of measurements on the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity Floating Production

Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels.

Kaieteur News had reported that in January 2020, an official order was gazetted for the GNBS to perform the functions of measuring and certifying crude oil being lifted onboard the FPSO. Since then, GNBS Inspectors on a rotational basis, travel to the offshore vessel to conduct the requisite monitoring activities.

In 2021, the GNBS had established an Oil and Gas

Department to better streamline these activities and monitor the sector.

I m p o r t a n t l y, G N B S

monitoring activities in the sector are done in accordance with the American Petroleum

Institute (API) Standards, which are recognised globally. These standards Continued on page 9

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday May 11, 2022

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

Solidarity is strength, leads to serious change

O

ur workers are in a bind, and when they are in such a state that ripples across the nation. When our workers in many crucial segments in this society are so weighed down, this then spreads into families, then communities, and in the span of time and reach, the whole country. This had to do with their representation, with how fractured are the trade union bodies in this country.

This is what contributes to them being uncertain as to how they stand and, hence, lacking the muscular presence that is needed to better their lot. The source of the uneven stance of Guyanese workers can be traced to our politics.

This is what should hit home from our article titled, “Political environment biggest threat to workers solidarity union leaders should be demonstrating unity and strength to politicians -Chris Ram” -KN May 8). The evidence is there, for we have two union umbrellas spearheading the struggle for betterment for our working people.

One group is widely seen as being friendly to the PPP/ C Government, while the other is held to be close to the APNU Opposition. Our position is simple, should have some substance, because it is all about commonsense. It is that when trade unions, through their leadership, align too closely with local political leaders, it is the equivalent of the kiss of death, beyond rescuing.

Because when the trade union-political connection is this close, it has transformed into the dangerous. That is, what is dangerous for workers, in that their best interests could be jeopardised on the altar of political loyalty. To repeat the obvious, this is a great disservice to the workers of Guyana, regardless of which union lays rightful claim to their membership. It is also dangerous because this political loyalty, real or perceived, for one side or the other, serves as an obstacle to what could be best for workers. What is best right now for the workers of Guyana is that they are united via union membership under one umbrella.

When there are two union umbrellas, sometimes at odds with each other, then the workers are weaker. The strength that is needed, that which comes from one solidified and unified workers body, is just not there. Political leaders can play them against one another, use them for their own narrow priorities, and defeat the visions of our workers, which are filled with dreams that are likely to go unfulfilled.

It goes back to that old saying, which is more of the commonsensical than scriptural, that a house divided against itself will fall. It is sure to fall because it is only getting by in a limping, one-foot, fashion. This is where our workers and their unions are, and we invite thoughtful Guyanese to examine for themselves the self-destructive nature of such circumstances.

While local political leaders making hay with union division, and their consequential lack of a broad-based foundation for united and determined action, our workers end up losing, and always come up short. They are dependent on the charity of, what is convenient to, our politicians, who hold them hostage, and use them without letup. There it is as plain as day, and our unions seem helpless, or too committed to their respective courses of association, to do anything about what wrongs their constituents, what perpetuates their woes, what renders their voice all but meaningless, and reduces them to flailing futilely in the wind.

Commentator Chris Ram offered some words of wisdom: “if persons at the top level are compromised, there is little chance for those at the lower level.” There is the perception, if not fear, in this society that politics has infiltrated every layer and area of this country, and trade unions are no exception. Mr. Rams concern was that when some money, most likely a fraction of the oil money generating so much anxiety in this society, touches the little people, then “people will become unconcerned about the abstract issues, like good governance.” The PPP/C Government knows that, and that is why it is in its interests for unions to be divided. Thus, they will lack the strength to take a unified and forceful stance on what matters, workers rights, benefits, welfare.

Loss of oil revenues attributed to poor negotiation DEAR EDITOR, Prof Ganga Ramdass notes in another publication that Guyana is “missing revenue from contractor’s oil profits” in terms of loss of taxes. But Guyana is also losing revenues in other ways as well, all attributed to an appalling deal signed by the coalition.

The contract was poorly negotiated on our side.

As oil prices soar, along with that of gas, Guyanese are reminded of the terrible contract arrangement signed by the APNU+AFC coalition on royalty, bonus, and profit sharing. There should have been a clause linked to market price of oil at the ‘spot market’, especially if price ascends, as well as on royalty, bonus, profit sharing, and costs recovery. The price of oil has nearly doubled since the signing of the contract four years ago. Yet the percentage benefits to Guyana remains the same. One can’t blame or hate Exxon or the present PPP administration for the horrific arrangement of the coalition’s.

The company’s interest, like that of any entrepreneur, has been simply to lower expenses and maximize revenues (profits). It has achieved its end while Guyana has failed.

One has to salute the company’s negotiators for its

lucrative and pecuniary achievement in Guyana.

The royalty of two percent as well as the profit sharing of 12.5% and cost recovery of 75% is impecunious; no country has ever received such a low royalty and profit sharing and high cost recovery. It is inexplicable how the coalition could have made such an unfavorable agreement – of only US $18M bonus when it could easily have fetched in excess of US $1B considering the value (of hundreds of billions of dollars) of the amount of oil discovered. Ditto the royalty and profit sharing and reduction of costs recovery.

The government could have reached out to or consult with independent, nationalistic economists like Prof Ganga Ramdass, Dr. Ramesh Gampat, Prof. Tarron Khemraj, Dr. Thomas Singh, Dr. Compton Bourne, myself, and so many others to review (analyze) the contract or for guidance on how to maximize benefits (revenues) to our country. Guyana’s royalty interest is too low while the oil company’s working interest is advantageous to it. Guyana has lost out on billions of dollars of revenues through a really bad agreement.

Generally, oil and gas royalties, bonuses, and profit

sharing are paid on how much are produced and the value of the oil or natural gas at the time of discovery and extraction. Since exploration was ongoing, there should have been a clause in the contract for additional royalty and bonus if further discoveries are made. Since the signing of the contract, the amount of oil discovered have quadrupled and still climbing.

While it is true that the oil companies (given the working interest — term used in economics) took (take) the risk to explore for oil, a very costly venture, after the initial find the probability of hitting more finds, was high. The risk was very low after the first find. And indeed, several finds have been borne out since 2018 as recent as last month. As a non-interest owner (term used in economics), not responsible for the costs of prospecting, drilling, or extracting material and only interested in output, Guyana should have monitored (audited) costs so as to minimize expenses and maximize money received from profit sharing.

The oil companies that have leased the working interests to explore for and recover oil would naturally sought to quickly recover costs incurred in its oil investments,

maximizing percentage for costs recovery. And in fact, it has recovered a lot of money over the last year of some US $1B. When the contract was signed four years ago, the price of oil was around $60.

Since then, oil price has ballooned reaching $110. Now that the oil company is recovering its expenses faster, there should be a reduction in the time taken to pay off the oil companies for their investments giving Guyana earlier control of Guyana Exxon and total revenues. Alternatively, the oil companies can reduce recovery of costs to amounts similar to what they were in those in 2019.

The latter would increase the amount of profits going to Guyana (and Exxon) in the short term, making money available for infrastructure projects. I should note that in addition to royalty, bonus, and profit sharing, a natural resource owner has executory rights entitling it to lease payments. The oil contract agreement does not give Guyana any lease payments – another loss to the country. This can only be blamed on the poor negotiating skill of the predecessor government.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

President Ali instructs demolition of National Unity Monument DEAR EDITOR, It is with grave concern and urgency that I write this letter. On Monday 9th of May, I was informed by Mr. Liverpool, acting on the instruction of President Irfaan Ali that the National Unity Monument be demolished as it poses a threat to Guyana’s National Security.

The PPP had long since wanted to demolish the Monument but since it was Election year 2015 and the outcry that came from the diaspora and articles carried in the Kaieteur News and Stabroek News caused them to retract their position.

Now Mr. Liverpool has the audacity to tell me that the National Trust will have to give permission because it is the instruction of the Executive Authority.

So the Guyana National Trust which is supposed to protect this Historic site must now permit the PPP government to demolish it as a threat to the National Security of Guyana.

After making Art an object of ridicule with its impaled “Eagle”, they will spare no effort to destroy the only Monument that embodies Guyanese History and Cultural Diversity.

As a Guyanese Artist who has gained National and International accreditation for my work, when I returned to Guyana I built that Monument out of my own savings. It is an embarrassment to the PPP that has never given anything or built anything for this country. All they have ever done is to take and take all sustenance from the Guyanese Nation and to destroy anything that they view as a threat to their Divide and Rule.

Will Guyanese allow the PPP which has shown that it has absolutely no interest in National Unity to destroy the

National Unity Monument, which on June 13th of this year will be 27 years and can possibly endure another 100 years long after the PPP has gone. I was 41 years of age when I constructed that Monument, today I am 68 years old.

The PPP is aware that our Cultural and Historical Heritage can provide a basis for the Reconciliation of Guyanese society and they seek to undermine the process in every way possible.

Yours Faithfully Desmond Alli (Architect of the National Unity Monument)

I was wrong about Patrick Yarde DEAR EDITOR, I refer to Miss Indira Thakurdin’s letter published on Sunday, May 8th 2022 in the edition of the Kaieteur News, under the caption “ Head of “apolitical” GPSU did not attend President Ali’s Labour Day Breakfast”.

I stand corrected that GPSU President/CEO did not

attend the Labour Day Breakfast hosted for union leaderships. In my letter on the May Day March (held by the Guyana Trade Union Congress) published in the Kaieteur News, Stabroek News and Village Voice News, I inadvertently claimed that the GPU head attended the event. The error resulted from

reading the press release on the phone and paying keen attention to the speech from the podium. I apologised to Mr. Patrick Yarde and accepted that the release indicated representatives of the union attended.

I also appreciate the union’s explanation that its non-participation in the

Labour Day March was due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I will concede that decision is understandable given the persistence of the pandemic.

I also add that in the context of divisions in the Labour Movement, it was prudent and responsible that the GPSU leadership did (Continued on page 5)

Wednesday May 11, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Original SOPs will confirm the Aggregation of Recount SOPs DEAR EDITOR, Appearing in the news today is a claim of having in possession original SOPs that showed the then incumbent won the March 2, 2020 elections (presumably from Region 4 since the other certification of the counts of the other nine regions showed then opposition PPP well ahead.

The election law mandates that every party agent and polling agent be given an original (duplicate) copy of the SOP duly signed by the presiding officer after the count and posted on the wall.

So it is hardly any news that a person or party was in possession of the original SOP. All parties had the same original; the numbers for each agent in the corresponding SOP at each voting station would not be different. Anyone who claims possession of SOPs that showed their party won is an impossibility.

I was there as a media agent and observer. I verified numbers on my own.

A count and recount of the original SOPs in the March 2, 2020 elections revealed that the then opposition PPP won the elections.

Any further recount of original SOPS would be an almost exact duplicate of the recount SOPs that showed the then opposition PPP won the elections.

I was in Guyana days before the election as well as for voting, counting of ballots, and certification of SOPs (aggregation of the counts for each region).

I was at the counting certification building (Ashmin) from March 3 as an independent media observer/watcher and also visited it early on March 2 when there was hardly any activity.

I visited several polling

I was wrong...

From page 4 not make public before the event their decision not to participate due to the pandemic. Had the union done so, it ran the risk of being misunderstood.

I assured Mr. Patrick Yarde and GPSU that all editors of the newspapers that published my offending claim will receive this letter.

Again, my apology to Mr. Yarde.

Yours sincerely, Tacuma Ogunseye

stations in Regions 3, 4, and 5. There were some issues in the stronghold of one party in Greater Georgetown and on the East Coast during which there were attempts of skullduggery. These were limited in scope and the opposing party did not make ado about it.

On the evening of the elections, following the count of the ballots, numbers from the original SOPs (as posted on the door/wall) of the polling places were read to me by my contacts (agents/observers) from several polling stations in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10.

The trend showed the incumbent lost ground and the PPP made gains everywhere and was on course to victory.

The incumbent would have known that it lost from the preliminary count as presented to it by agents. On the very evening, I projected a PPP victory.

In fact, queries to me from phone calls from North America and the Caribbean as well as in Guyana late that evening as well as on early Tuesday morning March 3, I stated the projections showed the PPP won.

The certification of SOPs for nine regions were completed and they corresponded with numbers given to me on Monday evening as posted at polling stations. What was disturbing was when Gecom officials delayed the certification of SOPs for Region 4. It was not until late in the day at Ashmins counting station that I realized that an attempt

was being made to alter the results of the election. Numbers were being rattled at random that did not correspond with those on original SOPs from region 4. Officials were getting (feigning) sick and also seemingly feigning fainting. Certification of results were stopped. There was the attempted spreadsheet fraud that was followed a day later by the bedsheet fraud. Attempts were also made to alter results on the computer.

The region 4 official fraudulently declared results using the bedsheet fraud. It was done in a most shameful and transparent manner as the former Jamaican PM Bruce Golding (leading the OAS team) stated.

This led to Caricom intervention and the recounting process.

I also observed the attempt to change numbers on the computer and when the laptop, when the input person disappeared, and when the laptop was moved out of the room to fudge numbers. There were so many acts of skullduggery that I observed. All of these were noted by the observers and diplomats.

I was at a daily press conference by observers and or diplomats exposing attempts of fraud.

I was also in the room at the Ashmins building when the Foreign Minister threatened withdrawal of accreditation status.

Observers were asked to assemble in a room for a meeting with the Foreign Minister who requested it. There, the

FM threatened to withdraw accreditation status of the observers that could have led to deportation. I vividly remember former Barbados PM Own Arthur, head of the Commonwealth team, taking the accreditation ID around his neck and handing it to the FM who politely walked away. Arthur said it was an insult. “We are not doing a job that can be threatened”, he stated emphatically.

Many observers complained that a Minister of government should not have visited the counting center and speak with observers while the counting was going on unless she was there as a rep of her party. She should not have assembled the observers.

The counting was a sacrosanct process that should not have been violated by a Minister making threatening remarks to observers to behave themselves (read, accept the rigging).

As for the claim that the original SOPs of region 4 had showed a victory for the incumbent, why engaged in all the delays and acts of skullduggery.

Why ask Caricom to intervene in the process? Why go to the High Court, Court of Appeal, CCJ? Why not simply present the SOPS to the world to show that they aligned with those presented to the other parties and observers on the evening of March 2? Why make it a secret?

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

We, PPP/C have not been taking the Guyanese public for a ride DEAR EDITOR, Whilst I imagine that the KN editorial of May 02, “Blackout – a leadership industry” might have been written in a fit of great anger after a most aggravating loss of electricity supply (blackout), I must point out how wrong, inaccurate and unhelpful that editorial is. As the editorial speaks about successive PPP/C Governments and having been the Minister Responsible for Electricity over October 1992 to May 2015 I sense an obligation, and beg for an opportunity to say something reassuring to my fellow Guyanese people.

The editorial must have been written in such anger that memory, reason and facts were thrown to the winds. Our GEC/GPL-grid electricity supply was tremendously improved over the 1992 to 2015 period: from about 75,000 families receiving electricity about 60% of the time, to 175,000 families receiving electricity about 95% of the time. The PPP/C Administration was certainly not “a crooked cover under which

there is pretense of doing something better for Guyanese plagued by blackouts for decades”. The proportion of Guyanese households on- grid in the coastal grid area, was increased from about 50% to about 90%.!00,000 of our Guyanese families received grid electricity for the first time, and all had supply improved to about 95% of the time. That was truly a period of great improvements.

Yes, the PPP/C carefully spent lots of money, millions of dollars in bringing about the improvements above. It was money well spent in installing step by step new generation, transmission facilities and abandoning or upgrading much of what we found, and in regular payments to purchase fuel. I assure my fellow citizens that GPL was not “machinery, one of the many but one of the bigger ones through which the leaders of the country rob the people blind”. There was no robbery.

During the period, Guyana was in a World (Continued on page 6)

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday May 11, 2022

PNC supports renaming “Indian Arrival Day” - will PPP Government do it?

DEAR EDITOR, The PNC has released a statement supporting the renaming of May 5 “Arrival Day” as “Indian Arrival Day.” Kudos to the PNC. If this is new thinking from the new PNC Leader, this bodes well for them. Now, will the PPP which has not done that in their previous 23 years of their rule, do it this time around?

Or will they keep taking a large block of their supporters for granted, and not address their concerns, as usual? The PPP Government has done very little to diversify the civil service and state agencies, including GECOM; refused to accept previous offers to digitise the Indian Immigration records; did not charge

all of those West Coast Berbice thugs who pulled Indians out of vehicles and brutalized them and burned their vehicles, although an abundance of video footage exists to identify the perpetrators.

Indians should not be treated as collateral damage in political and ethnic conflicts.

One blogger said, “I’ve noticed the disappointment, discontentedness and displeasure expressed in these threads about the PPP’s actions or lack of it when it comes to supporting the ‘good’ of Indo-Guyanese. We want to see the PPP act swiftly and unhesitatingly when making decisions that would benefit Indians.” There is a view that the PPP do not want

to be perceived as an “Indian” party. On the other hand, the PPP tends to see Indians as a large “votes farm” that they own. That’s why at election time they say silly things as “Don’t split the vote.” It’s as if they own the Indian votes, and anyone campaigning in Indian villages are “poaching.”

The PNC must be congratulated for their repentance on this issue and now supporting the call by many IndoGuyanese in the diaspora for renaming the May 5 holiday as “Indian Arrival Day.” If the PNC continues this genre of repentance and apply it to the bad oil deal they signed that gave away the national patrimony of Guyana’s largest and

most valuable natural oil resources, they can redeem themselves. Take this repentance one more step further and apologize for all the years of PNC election rigging, and you may win some crossover votes.

The PNC statement said, “Given these changed circumstances surrounding the original purpose of Arrival Day – coupled with the fact that Guyanese of African and Amerindian origin have designated days or months to celebrate their distinct heritages – the PNCR hereby joins the call for the May 5th observances to be officially recognized henceforth as Indian Arrival Day”, the party said. The PNC party said that designating May 5th as Indian Arrival Day also respects the historic fact that the date specifically marks the arrival of the first Indian Indentured labourers to these shores.

May 5th therefore should be

wholly devoted to celebrating the valuable contribution that our East Indian brothers and sisters have made to the development of our country and the shaping of its rich cultural tapestry.

Indian rights activists in Guyana and abroad and a variety of groups have called over the years for May 5th, the day in 1838 when the first Indian indentured labourers arrived here, to be designated as “Indian” Arrival Day. The PPP has traditionally balked at this and when deliberations were ongoing in parliament on the designation of May 5th as a national holiday in recognition of indentureship, the then PPP government settled for the day to be described as Arrival Day to recognise all groups that came. We await with bated breath to see what the PPP Government will do, now that the PNC is taking a “One Guyana” approach to this “Indian Arrival Day” is-

sue.

“Eyewitness” who said he humbly adds his voice for the holiday’s name to be changed, said, “What’s the downside risk politically when the PNC has signalled it’s for the change?” Mr. President, all Indo-Guyanese are watching to see how your Government will respond.

While you are at it, please explain why your Government does not want to do annual national awards which gives you a chance to recognise Indians usually left out of the PNC’s lists, and annual Senior Counsel awards. Please explain to the nation why you have backslidden from your special address to the nation when you announced your Government will do, “Order of Democracy” awards for all those Guardians of Democracy that helped put the PPP in power.

Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall

We, PPP/C have not been taking the...

From page 5 Bank/IMF monitoring programme. Most of the projects were financed through the IDB which kept a continuous review on total management including all spending, from all sources.

We, PPP/C have not been taking the Guyanese public for a ride. A quality electricity supply takes a lot of money and trust. When GEC/GPL was offered for privatization, one attractive consortium which had been prequalified, declined to submit a final proposal saying that it had been mulling on and was finally yielding to the observation, that there is often social and political troubles in a society with a GDP less than USD 3,000 in getting the citizens to pay the prices required for the good quality electrification they want.

In 1992 Guyana was just getting to a GDP of 300 and we were at about 1,000 at the time of the privatization, October 1st, 1999.

We PPP/C over 1992to 2015 put a lot of thought and time and work in getting as good electricity as we could for our Guyanese people, in our Guyanese circumstances

of the day. The editor’s assertion about “blackout” being improved during the five years of the Coalition in office is an assertion that should be demonstrated – my recall is different, and the Coalition inherited a very much improved wicket anyway.

Allow me to refer to two news articles subsequent.

The article telling of Giftland having generation problems and falling short of its publicized, intended electricity deliveries to GPL, shows what a real challenge it is.

The report by the CEO of GPL about an increase in the number of trips of the GPL grid caused by large infrastructure and other equipment coming into contact with GPL transmission and distribution and other equipment is a good indication that things are taking off (not orderly enough) in our country.

I have no doubt that with experience, improved communications and awareness between GPL and all contractors and investments over the next two years to increase the stability of the grid, such trips will be reduced.

And we look further out, towards the coming on line of

the Wales gas generated electricity and Amaila hydro in the next four to seven years.

Editor, history and fate have thrown to us Guyanese the challenge of knitting ourselves together as a nation.

It is a challenge that most of us are accepting and are taking up, and we are making much progress. My concern is that your editorial “Blackouts – a leadership industry”(and other editorials), playing fast and loose with facts and feelings, even if driven by your understandable frustrations, would have unravelled billions of personhours knitting ourselves together; undermining the confidence that we will make good of the recent fortunate strikes of oil off our shores.

To use the words in that editorial – “That Editorial is the Greatest Robbery of Hope and Trust in our Guyana, in our People and Country. On my figuring, you owe our Nation an apology.

Regards, Samuel A A Hinds Former Prime Minster, Former President, and Former Minister Responsible for GEC/GPL.

Wednesday May 11, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Wednesday May 11, 2022

No gas leak management plan submitted

by ExxonMobil for Gas-to-Energy pipeline

By Davina Bagot Though gas leaks, and worse yet, explosions or fires are all listed as likely ‘unplanned events’ that can take place, as a result of the pipeline ExxonMobil will be laying to transport gas from the Liza One and Two development to the Wales

project site, the oil company has completely glossed over how it would respond to such a disaster as no management plan in this regard has been submitted to accompany its already submitted Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The document, which comprises three volumes,

was submitted to the local Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on April 20, last rounding up just about 5,906 combined pages of technical information.

Specifically, volume three of the EIA speaks to the developer’s management plans, which include an Environmental and

S o c i o e c o n o m i c Management and Monitoring Plan; Stakeholder Engagement Plan for Guyana Operations; P r e l i m i n a r y Decommissioning Plan for the Guyana Gas-to-Energy Project; Oil Spill Response Plan for Guyana Operations and a Comprehensive Waste

An offshore pipeline used to transport gas.

Management Plan. There was no mention of a gas leak management plan.

The company instead stressed on oil spill management, even though it said such an incident is less likely to occur, except in the event of a vessel collision or during other support activities.

In the absence of such a plan and the non-existence of details regarding Exxon’s expected response to such an occurrence, one attorney has questioned whether the oil company is willing to take responsibility should such a disaster take place.

The attorney, Elizabeth Hughes in a recent exclusive interview with Kaieteur News argued that while the pipeline is expected to be buried a good distance underground, it does not mean that toxins will not be released, which is not included in the company’s impact assessment.

She said, “Yes the pipeline is going underground but there are toxins all of the time that we are unaware of, chemical reactions and stuff like that, but they have no gas safety plan, there is one for oil spill resource management but there is no one specifically for the gas sector. Oil and gas are two completely different chemical substances so they need to be treated differently and they need to have a specific safety regulation for any gas related initiative or anything like that.”

Hughes explained that Guyana has recently started

experiencing heavier impacts of climate change, with specific activities such as tremors, becoming more frequent. Given that these natural activities are also likely to impact the pipeline, she argued that there must be regulations in place for the oil company to be held liable and more so compensate for losses as a result of such activities.

The attorney reasoned, “ We i n G u y a n a f e e l earthquake tremors so there must be earthquake tremors happening out there at sea also because this don’t just happen, it takes place in the Caribbean or wherever and it doesn’t get here without passing through those waters so what are the safety precautions for that? We have no baseline information on that and so how are they making a gas spill management plan and we have no baseline figures?

Guyana has no regulations presently, there are the oil spill regulations but we have no gas regulations.”

“Because they have no gas management plan, who will be compensating for losses and all these things are not really clear. They have an oil spill plan which lists a whole lot of people like MARAD and so on, but it speaks nothing to their insurance policies either so we are unable to say that about who will bear that liability,” she continued.

EXPLOSIONS In an earlier article, this Continued on page 13

Wendnesday May 11, 2022

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Kaieteur News

The PNC/R is leading its supporters down a blind alley In so far as the PNC/R is concerned, the elections of 2020 should have been seen as past and gone. The attempt to rig the elections in favour of the APNU+AFC failed and as such there is no need to maintain the discredited narrative about the elections being characterised by gross irregularities.

The PNC/Rs leadership is leading its supporters down a blind alley by persisting with this disreputable narrative. The PNC/R has nothing to gain and everything to lose by hanging on to such a storyline.

Originally, the APNU+AFC, of which the PNC/R is the principal partner, said that it had won the elections and that its statements of poll establish this.

But the party did not produce its statements of poll to substantiate its original claim that it had won the elections.

After then President, David Granger agreed to a recount, the party changed its tune. It began to contend that dead and migrant persons voted. Well, if this was indeed the case, it meant that the PNC/R was originally claiming victory in an election marred by irregularities.

Having boxed itself into a corner, the APNU+AFC tried to concoct irregularities during the recount process. It claimed, for example, that dead migrated persons had voted. The press, however, was able to dispute many examples of this and showed the so-called evidence which

the APNU+AFC produced about irregularities. Persons came forward upset that they were being referred to as either dead or out of the jurisdiction on Election Day. When the PNC/R now speaks about observation reports, it is referring to the pappy show it put on during the recount by raising numerous objections in the hope of aborting the process. On another front, court action was even taken to deem the Recount unlawful.

The observation reports referred to by the PNC/R is the product of the APNU+AFCs own shenanigans during the recount process. The Caricom mission, which observed the recount, dismissed these so-called observations.

In its report the Caricom Team exposed the game plan which it saw adopted by the party agents of the APNU+AFC. This is what it stated in relation to the APNU+AFCs tactic of demanding information on serial numbers at polling stations: “It was observed as well, that the party agents (APNU/ AFC) in particular, used this medium as a means of identifying voters who were presumed to be supporters of opposition parties and also to delay the process in a number of instances. This seems to have been a game plan for future reference. The numerous requests for information on serial numbers were so bizarre, that on one observed occasion, an APNU/AFC

agent was prepared to query serial numbers on the OLE in a work station where no one had voted. This was observed in Region 5, box 5157 where there was a single elector on the list, yet the APNU/AFC agent raised 5 serial numbers.”

“On more than one occasion, throughout the period of the recount, the Team observed that APNU+AFC agents requested information on over 100 serial numbers with GECOM providing the requested information on which the agents later launched their objections to the serial number (a voter) having cast a ballot in the March 02 elections. These challenges were often made on the grounds of: Death and Migration and presumably therefore the contention is that in the March 02, 2020 polls, the phenomenon of ghost voting occurred as well as voter impersonation and other forms of voter fraud.”

The Caricom Team described this tactic as a “fishing expedition” which led to considerable time being wasted during the Recount.

It went on to state that the APNU+AFCs objection had the “unfortunate effect of casting such a wide net in the face of the audio broadcast in the work stations and the decision to read the Observation Reports attached to the SORs during the tabulation process in the Tabulation Centre, was that it provided fodder to persons who peddled the queries as fac-

Dem boys seh...

Dem leaders gat to know time and place Ole people use to say everything gat it “time and place”. But awe political leaders nah seem to “know time and place.” Dem nah gat time and dem nah know dem place.

De EeeYou invite dem leaders to a cocktail. Well it look like de free drinks get to some people head. Dat was not de time or de place fuh talk bout any debate bout de elections.

We leaders gat to have a little more sophistication.

Dem gat to learn de art of repartee. Dem gat to know time and place also.

Nobody nah gat interest in no debate bout de elections. Dem interest shud deh in a Commission of Inquiry into de elections so dat all ah dem wah bin up to no-good would get expose. But de PeePeePee/See nah want spend millions pun duh.

De Opposition did talk how dem statements of polls show dem win.

But dem never publish dese statements of polls. If yuh win and somebody steal de elections from yuh and yuh gat de proof, yuh nah gon show de evidence fuh show

how yuh get rob?

Dem boys know if de PeeNSee/R did gat evidence dat dem get rob, dis whole country woulda bin in a uproar. In fact dem bin had dis country in turmoil when dem use to lose elections and know dem lose de elections.

If de PeeNSee/R gat evidence of irregularities it woulda turn dis country upside down.

But it couldnt convince it supporters to take to de streets to celebrate much less to protest. And it never will!

Talk half. Leff half.

Govt. plugs loophole for accurate measurements...

From page 3 relate to the Accuracy of flow meters, Tank Gauging, Sampling and testing of Crude. To ensure access to these standards and other crucial benefits, in mid-2021 the GNBS fortified its relationship with the API by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with them.

Regarding crude testing, the Bureau had previously

announced its intention to fully take over this responsibility to determine a number of quality parameters. In fact, the Bureau commenced this service in the first quarter starting with two of five parameters. With the acquisition of additional equipment, in the short-term, capacity will be fully built to test for all of the parameters. Crude testing would be done to determine

density and viscosity, basic sediments and water, salt in crude, hydrogen sulphur in crude, and water content.

The GNBS with support from the Government of Guyana and other partners in standardisation has said it will continue to directly ensure that its measurement and testing services are provided onshore and offshore to protect the interest of the nation.

tual. This invariably and unfortunately led to a false narrative in the public domain that the elections were not credible and that massive electoral fraud occurred on poll day. But perhaps this was precisely the political objective.”

The Caricom Team described the conduct of the party agents, particularly those of the APNU+AFC, as totally unacceptable. It said that this conduct not only cheapened the dignity of the Recount exercise but also contributed to an atmosphere

of intimidation.

The Caricom Team noted that, “The Team observed many instances of blatant incivility on the part of APNU+AFC agents particularly in Region 4 work stations which were acute during the first week of the national recount. Often these emotional outburst, loud shouts, arrogance, aggressive and dismissive attitude descended into shouts of “Shut up” and on one occasion to personal insults and invectives, including one which alleged

that the PPP/Civic party representation was a paedophile.”

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

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday May 11, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

The mediocrity of Guyana’s journalism has no global counterpart If you read any major newspaper in the US or look at any major talk-show, you will see that the nature of the Trump administration is a continuous curiosity. The interest goes on even though Trump lost power almost two years ago. The explanation is that the Trump administration was such a strange and debilitating US occurrence that the answers to questions will not cease even as the years pass on. Here, there were some letters in the newspapers on World Press Freedom Day and they failed to mention the state of Guyana’s journalism.

The media scene here is scurrilously disappointing. As someone who wrote columns in the golden age of journalism under Father Andrew Morrison of the Catholic Standard, one looks back with nostalgia at that era when one sees the pathetic nature of journalism in today’s Guyana.

One of the great moments in the evolution of this country was 2015. Four analytical perspectives could be used to justify that statement. First, there was a new PNC party that had changed substantially by (1) having a new leader without baggage and (2), teaming up with the WPA. Secondly, 2015 showed that the dialectics in Guyana had brought about sociological and psychological changes that allowed crucial space for a third party to have

strategic placement. Thirdly, the electoral strength of the PPP was weakened with the lost of government. Fourthly, the society was poised for historic changes.

The 2015-2020 dispensation has been one of the biggest failures not only in the Third World but in global politics. Our journalism has failed miserably to record that tsunamic damage. All the major players of the 2015 phenomenon are alive and living in Guyana but our journalism has failed to provide the Guyanese nation, whether in or out of Guyana, with a discourse with any of these men and women of the 2015 phenomenon.

What I read in an interview in a newspaper a week and a half ago must make Father Morrison turn in his grave. A journalist interviewed a well known name in the society and did not ask him about his conduct during the five months of election rigging in which he publicly urged the then president, to cancel the election process and put a halt to GECOM’s functionalism.

I say boldly and without any hesitation that this would not happen in the journalistic function of any other credible newspaper anywhere in the world. This was journalistic incompetence of the worst kind that you can ever imagine. The questions about the fiveyear reign of the APNUI+AFC are literally, and I repeat literally, endless. Yet none of the

major players have even sought for an interview so history could be recorded. What is even more disgusting is that since it lost power, the AFC has been hosting a fortnightly press conference and not one enquiry relates to those endless questions.

If I decide in this column to highlight some of those questions, they will literally fill volumes. I will just offer some tiny examples in the hope that it invokes your anger about the state of journalism here. Minister Raphael Trotman in February 2017 at a press conference in his capacity as leader of the AFC told this nation he was not made a minister by his own party, the AFC but, he, the Minister of Agriculture, and the president’s son-in-law, were selected by the president.

Only one journalist, Leonard Gildarie of Kaieteur News saw the importance of that extremely curious output to write about it.

None of the former leaders of the APNU and AFC since 2017 has ever been approached on the issue. Despite having frequent press conferences, not one journalist has ever asked the leaders of the PNC and AFC what the sections of the renewed Cummingsburg Accord were that had to remain secret.

No journalist has ever asked President Granger what he meant after Raphael Trotman in a local government election campaign

Frederick Kissoon meeting in Bartica in 2016 told the crowd that after they had won the election in May, 2015, Granger called him and said, “Raphael, this is Nassau.”

Our journalists are not interested in those pursuits which will make fascinating news.

What many of them want to do is score points against the president and his ministers. That is not credible journalism. It is one-sided journalism.

Last year, a prominent journalist stood on the street inside the Giftland Mall compound, I remained in my car with my dog. That journalist and I had a testy exchange on the nature of journalism in Guyana. Since then, I hold even more inflexibly to my position.

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

Wednesday May 11, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday May 11, 2022

Linden demolition exercise was “unfortunate” but “necessary” The recent government-spearheaded demolition exercise in Linden, Region 10 which rendered several squatters homeless, has been described as “unfortunate” but “necessary”.

Speaking with some of the affected persons, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of

the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Mr. Sherwyn Greaves explained that while the exercise was unfortunate, it was necessary as the area was earmarked for a new thoroughfare and the agency could no longer sit by and hold back development.

According to a CH&PA release, some 16

- CH&PA CEO

- as amicable resolution reached

CH&PA CEO, Sherwyn Greaves in talks with some of the affected squatters. persons who have laid claims to structures which were demolished during the exercise in a squatting area at Phase 4, Amelia’s Ward, Linden, were in fact part of a ‘fruitful’ discussion with the CEO. On Monday, May 9, 2022, the CEO along with officials from the Housing Ministry

engaged persons at the Regional Housing Office in Linden where they highlighted their plight and were informed of the Ministry’s approach moving forward.

“The engagement was very fruitful. I came in with some trepidation of hostility but Continued on page 22

Wednesday May 11, 2022

Kaieteur News

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No gas leak management plan submitted by ExxonMobil...

From page 8 newspaper reported that gas releases from the planned Gas-to-Energy project at Wa l e s , We s t B a n k Demerara can result in explosions which can pose grave risk to human and environmental health.

In the EIA document, prepared for Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), ExxonMobil’s subsidiary which will be developing the project, it was explained that a loss of integrity of the offshore pipeline, resulting in a natural gas release can be caused due to corrosion, objects striking the pipeline, and a buildup of stress in the pipe wall, causing buckling.

The EIA goes on to say that if an unplanned release of gas from damaged subsea

pipelines occurs, the released gas will generate a gas plume that rises from the seafloor to the sea surface.

Therefore, “Fire or explosion accidents can occur when the released gas disperses into the atmosphere and encounters ignition sources, which could have an adverse impact on human life and environment in the immediate vicinity of the fire.”

ERM added that the consequences of a release would likely be less severe offshore as it “is extremely unlikely that there will be an ignition source to cause a fire, and the gas will passively disperse without affecting any resources” rather than an onshore occurrence.

However, a release close to the Floating, Production, Sharing and Offloading (FPSO) vessel could result in a fire onboard the FPSO. EEPGL said that to reduce the likelihood of a gas release, the offshore pipeline design and installation will vary depending on the pipeline depth.

“At a minimum, the pipeline will be laid in a trench, with sections closer to the near shore area buried, which will reduce the likelihood of an external impact causing a release.

The offshore pipeline will be constructed using international good practices, which will reduce the likelihood of stresses building up in the pipeline walls and thereby reduce the likelihood of buckling,” the

EIA notes.

Added to that, the oil company said that a gas leak would be quickly detected and isolated using emergency shutdown valves.

While onshore pipeline integrity failures are rare, if a loss were to occur, the most likely causes would be due to a third party striking the line, or corrosion of the pipe.

A strike to the buried line can occur as a result of a third party excavating in close proximity to the pipeline without knowing the exact location of the pipeline and would present a source of ignition for the released gas, which could result in the immediate ignition of the gas, the EIA notes.

But if, “the release is not

ignited immediately, a flammable gas cloud would be formed and this could ignite, causing either a flash fire or explosion. An explosion would only be likely to occur if the gas is released into a congested space.

A congested space can be defined as any space within which there is an obstruction to the free movement of gas through the space.

The most likely places where obstructions would be present near the onshore pipeline would be densely forested areas or thick undergrowth.

THE PROJECT The project will involve capturing associated gas produced from crude oil production operations on the Liza Phase 1 (Destiny) and Liza Phase 2 (Unity)

FPSO vessels, transporting approximately 50 million standard cubic feet per day.

Construction will begin after the company receives a l l n e c e s s a r y 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 o ff s h o r e a n d o n s h o r e pipelines, is set to cost a whopping US$1.3B.

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Wednesday May 11, 2022

Uitvlugt sugar factory workers worried about future - say still waiting on promised jobs by President Over two months since the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate factory went out of operation due to a faulty mill, workers there said they are punishing and the Good Friday promise made by President Irfaan Ali to get them back into work mode has just been one of the many they received over the years.

“Nothing ain’t doing,” Gopal Singh said at the sidelines of the Labour Day rally held by the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG). Singh was one of several other workers who attempted to break up the rally when Carvil Duncan, the President of FITUG, took to the podium. “We ain’t getting work…and all y’all doing is promise, promise.”

Seepaul Narine, President of the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU) explained to Kaieteur News that the workers in the sugar industry at Uitvlugt had a time rated-job where they would get five days of work with pay and weekend work of harvesting the crop which offered overtime pay. However, he said “at Uitvlugt, where you

had a major factory breakage they were unable to offer weekend work to the comrades.”

During a meeting with the workers on Good Friday, President Ali announced that the estate would find alternative work for six days per week on a short-term basis for the sugar workers. “Having listened to management, I am convinced that there’s enough work for planting, weeding, chemical spraying, cleaning of the side-line to get you at least six days per week now, and I’ve instructed that this be implemented immediately,” President Ali was quoted in the Department of Public Information (DPI) as saying. The President said that the Government wants to see the sugar workers, like all other Guyanese, succeed. “You have a Government who understands your pain; you have a Government who is committed to working with you and helping you. As we said when we came back, we are here to ensure that the sugar sector succeeds and ensure that we keep employment and not displace employment.”

President Irfaan Ali interacting with Uitvlugt workers on Good Friday.

He said that while the estate is trying its utmost to resume grinding on a normal level, it continues to be plagued by issues with its gear. To remedy this, the Government has already procured another piece of equipment that will be delivered in July. While the Government waits, he said, they are working

on finding a factory in Miami that has similar facilities.

At the meeting, the President spoke of overall support for the workers. He said that plans are being formulated to register the workers to be part of a livelihood improvement Continued on page 18

Wednesday May 11, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Culpable officials in 2017 Kato School feeding fraud yet to be charged - Audit Report cites lack of implementation of recommendations Officials culpable in the school feeding fraud in 2017 in Kato, Region Eight are yet to be charged and this was highlighted at the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday during an examination of the Region’s expenditure.

The period under review was the years 2016 and 2017. In 2016, it was discovered that the prices for items purchased for the programme were higher than that of similar items purchased by the Region from other suppliers.

The discrepancy led to a special investigative audit which was undertaken in 2017 and that probe revealed that the items were overpriced to the tune of $33.663M. Auditors had found that a supplier had cashed cheques totalling millions but there was no evidence of the items being entered into the Goods Received ledger, nor any evidence of the Regional Tender Board’s approvals.

The investigation also revealed that the purchases were made from a particular supplier. As a result of the suspected fraud, the matter was reported to the police and an investigation was launched.

O n M o n d a y, t h e Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Prema Ramanah-Roopnarine was asked for an update on an investigation launched over four years ago into the school feeding fraud in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

But RamanahRoopnarine and senior members of the Auditor General (AG)’s chambers could not say what the outcome of that investigation was.

As such, Accountant General, Jennifer Chapman suggested that the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development write to the Police Commissioner (ag) for an update of the investigation.

Last year, during a m e e t i n g o f t h e PA C , Chapman described the lack of action as a “total breach” of the regional financial system.

At that time, Regional Executive Officer for Region Eight, Peter Ramotar had informed the committee that he will also follow up on the police matter.

Yet, no formal charges were brought against the regional officials fingered in the multi-million dollar ‘fraud’ in relation to the supply of dietary items for the Kato School Feeding programme in Region Eight.

Meanwhile, the issue of the lack of implementation of the Auditor General’s recommendations was also highlighted in the 2017 report.

According to the report, every year, the Audit Office issues recommendations to Ministries, Departments and Regions that are designed at improving systems and practices at these entities and improving the government’s governance and accountability mechanisms.

However, it was noted that in most cases, those recommendations are never implemented. This was highlighted by consecutive reports submitted by Auditor General, Deodat Sharma.

In 2017, for instance, 454 recommendations were made in the Audit Report.

Sharma noted, however, that his office reviewed each recommendation to determine what action, if any, was taken by the respective Accounting Officers.

He explained that: “At the time of reporting in September 2019, 110 or 24 percent were fully implemented, 116 or 26 percent were partially implemented, while 228 or 50 percent were not implemented.

Overall, I am concerned with the lack of action towards the implementation of these recommendations; since [on average annually] 76 percent of the recommendations have not yet been fully implemented.”

In addition, Sharma noted that in many instances, recommendations are repeated each year without appropriate action and as a result, weaknesses and issues that impacted negatively on government’s governance and accountability mechanisms continue to occur.

A hearing of the PAC.

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday May 11, 2022

Public consultation on draft electoral laws commences

T

h e p u b l i c consultation on the long awaited electoral reform legislation draft or the Representation of the People Act (ROPA) commenced on Monday.

This was announced by Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, S.C. As part of electoral reform efforts, the Government of Guyana reviewed the ROPA to iron out ambiguous provisions, and include penalties for persons attempting to carry out electoral fraud. The ROPA contains provisions specific to the conduct of elections and election related issues in Guyana.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Attorney General noted that the first installment of public

Monday’s session of the consultation.

consultations on the draft electoral laws was held in the boardroom of the Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Legal Affairs, Lot 95 Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

It was stated that the

engagement dealt specifically with the draft amendments to the ROPA which was publicly circulated by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, inviting a review, written

recommendations and views on the proposed law.

The AG noted that many stakeholder organisations, as well as individuals made recommendations and expressed their opinions in writing.

Also, representatives of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Electoral Reform Group attended the consultation on Monday – both groups were among the organisations that had made submissions and

recommendations pursuant to the invitation that was extended and those submissions were thoroughly interrogated and discussed.

Moreover, during the engagement, the Attorney General used the opportunity to explain the nature and purport of the legislative proposals and also made it clear that it is outside the scope of this exercise to address issues which will require amendments to the Constitution.

He also advised that those recommendations be deferred and be presented when the constitutional reform process begins.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e stakeholder organisations expressed their broad support for the proposed reforms.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday May 11, 2022

PAGE 17

Lawyers raise contention over ‘prejudicial’ evidence used in High Court trial - as Neesa Gopaul appeal gets underway at CCJ ought to have been used in a separate trial and not in one which included Small. He noted that the evidence Continued on page 28

By Rehanna Ramsay A review of the Neesa Gopaul trial and appeal got underway at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Tuesday, with defence attorneys representing the duo convicted of murder raising contentions over what they believe to be prejudicial evidence used in their High Court trial.

Neesa Gopaul’s case had gripped the nation in March

DEAD: Neesa Gopaul

CONVICTED: Bibi Gopaul

CONVICTED: Jarvis Small

of 2015, when her mother, Bibi Shareema Gopaul, and her stepfather, Jarvis ‘Barry’ Small, were placed on trial for her gruesome murder.

I n O c t o b e r, 2 0 1 0 , Gopaul, 15, a student of Queens’ College was reported missing from her L e o n o r a , We s t C o a s t Demerara home.

Her disappearance took a sudden twist when a partially decomposed body was found in a suitcase submerged in the Madewini Creek on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway – attached to the suitcase were two dumbbells and a red rope which was purportedly used to anchor the suitcase and keep it submerged.

A passport was also discovered in the suitcase and an investigation later confirmed that the passport and the decomposed remains were that of Neesa Gopaul.

A subsequent probe led to the arrest of her mother and stepfather.

Following a joint trial in the High Court before Justice Navindra Singh, Bibi Shareema and Small were convicted.

They were sentenced to 106 years and 96 years in prison respectively. However, an appeal to the Court of Appeal in Guyana saw the duo’s sentence being reduced to 45 years each.

Obviously not satisfied with the deduction, the two moved to the CCJ in hopes that the court will overturn the conviction and sentence and set them free.

PREJUDICIAL During the oral addresses, attorney representing both appellants raised issues with the trial and appeal conducted in the lower courts.

Attorney-at-law, Nigel Hughes, who is representing Small in association with attorney Ronald J. Daniels, specifically raised the issue of inadmissible evidence which was used to convict his client.

Hughes told the panel of CCJ judges, inclusive of the Court’s President Justice Adrian Saunders, Justice Denys Barrow, Justice Peter Jamadar, Justice Maureen Ragnaught Lee, Justice Jacob Wit, that an injustice was carried out against his client by having the prejudicial evidence of Simone De Nobrega, the prosecution’s main witness, admitted in a single trial for both persons.

De Nobrega had testified that Gopaul confided in her that it was Small who had killed her daughter by bashing in her head with a piece of wood.

As such, Hughes noted that De Nobrega’s testimony

The hearing of the Neesa Gopaul case at the CCJ.

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Kaieteur News

Uitvlugt sugar factory workers worried...

From page 14 programme to supplement their estate jobs.

One of the options is the establishment of chicken facilities where workers will be able to take part in poultry farming with approximately 150-200 birds.

“We are going to try to get the resources so that you don’t stay without work, you get the six days per week and at the same time, we are going to work with you to support you with the livelihood option.” President Ali added that he will consult with the Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, to see what

further help can be provided. Back in March, the Guyana Sugar Corporation had confirmed that the Uitvlugt Sugar Factory is presently out of operation due to a mechanical failure of its #1Mill gearbox.

In a statement, the Sugar Corporation said then that after the factory went down, immediately when the mechanical problem was detected, the technical team kicked into action and had the necessary repairs commenced at a fabrication workshop. “The promised delivery date from the workshop is March 8th, 2022. If this plan is fulfilled, grinding operations will recommence on the

evening of March 9th, 2022 where some 600 punts of cane are scheduled to be crushed,” GuySuCo said then. Since then, there has been no breakthrough in fixing the problem and recently reports surfaced that the sugar company was seeking to source the parts overseas.

In the meantime, the workers have been asked to stay home as there is no work. The Uitvlugt issue adds to the woes of the beleaguered sugar corporation that produced 30,865MT less of sugar when compared with 2020. Based on a report, GuySuCo’s preaudited production stood at 58,025MT of sugar in 2021 compared to 88,890MT in 2020.

Despite the significant shortfall, the Corporation had said it met all the needs of the local market for 2021. It was explained that the shortfall was a result of the loss of some 35 percent of the standing cane during the 2nd Crop of 2021 due to the flood.

Meanwhile, speaking with Kaieteur News some other workers who asked not be named said they are worried about their future. One

Wednesday May 11, 2022 worker explained that the jobs promised by President Ali are not what they were hoping for as they share their distressful thoughts on the matter. “We would show up to work and not know what to do and so we would end up going home back,” the worker said. Notably, the major problem stems from placing individuals with a specific skill in a line of work unfamiliar to them. Not providing the needed training to boot. “Me being an operator, they putting me to do porter work that I don’t really know to do. We need something better man,” another worker concurred.

As the hardship deepens for family, another ex-employee of the factory said, “they would have us weed grass around the area. They have us doing work whole day up to like four in the afternoon for lil bit pay.” He continued, “I end up quitting because the pay can’t provide for a family.” To add, a worker said, “sometimes we don’t really have the correct tools to do the work they giving us and some of us would be there all day doing nothing.”

Kaieteur News

Wednesday May 11, 2022

Chief City Constable laid to rest

The late Chief Constable of the Georgetown Constabulary, Peter Livingstone

Hundreds of persons, including executives from the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), gathered at the Square of the Revolution on Tuesday to bid farewell to the Chief Constable of the Georgetown City Constabulary, Peter Livingstone.

Livingstone died on May 3 at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital after a brief illness. Among those who attended his funeral were Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton; Opposition Member of Parliament, Volda Lawrence and Mayor of Georgetown. Ubraj Narine.

Livingstone was appointed Chief Constable back in 2019, following a noconfidence vote against former Chief Constable Andrew Foo. According to Narine, “Livingstone served the Council (Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) with distinction and executed his duties with

City Mayor, Ubraj Narine paying his last respects at the funeral service on Tuesday.

diligence and commitment.”

Livingstone had in recent times cooperated with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in an attempt to rid the Stabroek Market area of crime. He was personally involved in surprise raids “under the clock” at the market where

PAGE 19 quantities of marijuana were seized by his ranks. The late Chief Constable was described as a former PNC/R and Guyana Youth and Student Movement (GYSM) stalwart.

Lurlene Nestor, a letter writer to the Kaieteur News’ letter pages wrote, “If I were to describe Peter Livingstone, I would be compelled to use these words: provocative, committed, controversial, friendly, dedicated, proud, ambitious, tantalising and jovial.”

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Wednesday May 11, 2022

Duo accused of murdering Tuschen resident walks free The two men, who were charged for the 2016 murder of Dewaun Anthony Baksh, 22, of Lot 55 Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, were on Tuesday set free as they were found

not guilty of the crime.

Rocky Lallu and Somar Shako were arraigned before Justice Jo Ann Barlow at the Demerara High Court on April 25, 2022. They pleaded not guilty to the

charge which states that on January 1, 2016, they murdered Dewaun Anthony Baksh.

Lallu was being represented by attorney-atlaw Ravindra Mohabir and

Shako was being represented by attorneys-atlaw Narissa Leander and Sophia Findlay.

Representing the State were attorneys Latifah Elliott and Marissa Edwards.

On Tuesday, the jury found both men not guilty of the capital offence and they were set free.

According to reports, Baksh was stabbed to death around 22:00hrs on New

Dead, Dewaun Anthony Baksh Year’s Day in 2016 at a bar in Greenwich Park. The young man was at the time “liming” at the hotspot with his younger brother, Rafeek, and two friends when he was attacked, reportedly by a group of three men who had an old grievance with his brother.

There was an altercation during which Baksh was stabbed to the neck, shoulder, head and under the right arm. He was pronounced dead at the Leonora Cottage Hospital.

Freed, Somar Shako

Freed, Rocky Lallu

Wednesday May 11, 2022

12 Juvenile Drug Treatment Courts launched

The Juvenile Drug Treatment Court in Georgetown.

Guyana’s Supreme Court of Judicature on Tuesday launched 12 Juvenile Drug Treatment Courts (DTC) countrywide. The main event was held at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, while other courts joined the ceremony virtually.

The launch was attended

by Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Yonette CummingsEdwards, Chief Justice (ag) Roxanne George-Wiltshire, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, other members of the judiciary, Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken, Head of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), Ann Greene and UNICEF representative, Nicolas Pron.

The courts are situated at Georgetown, New Amsterdam, Whim, Fort Wellington, Leonora, Wales, Vreed-en-Hoop, Sparendaam, Charity, Suddie and Bartica.

The Juvenile DTC is i n t e n d e d f o r adolescent/juveniles who commit non-violent crimes to support their addiction to drugs. The court was launched with the aim of reforming the juvenile justice system, and reducing social ills, by providing alternatives to young offenders who are drug abusers.

In fact the mission of the DTC is to reduce crime and substance use by adolescents and adults through therapeutic intervention and judicial supervision.

The Supreme Court had stated that the institution is aware that drug addiction has become a societal and public health issue, with many offenders committing minor offences to support their habits.

It was noted in a statement that, through sensitisation and training locally, regionally, and internationally, there is a

better approach, other than punitive measures, in treating with persons who have substance abuse disorders.

The drug treatment court is essentially a problemsolving court that addresses the needs of each participant, including his/her drug use and the criminal behaviour associated with it.

Also, participants of the Juvenile DTC will learn about substance use and the effects of different substances, the various stages of adolescent development, assessing risk, needs and resilience of adolescents in conflict with the law, the need for specialised interventions for adolescents, trauma and its impact on adolescents, and related issues such as gender considerations.

In October 2018, the first C h i l d r e n ’s C o u r t w a s commissioned to support reform rather than punishment of young offenders under the age of 17.

The cases presently before the young offenders’ court include murder, manslaughter, attempted murder, discharging a loaded firearm, and other petty crimes.

The offenders are placed into the custody of the Juvenile Holding Centre at Sophia, Georgetown, while their matters are dealt with privately by the courts to protect their identities.

Moreover, in October 2019, the Adult Drug Treatment Court opened its door to adults who commit petty crimes to support their addiction. The pilot project for reforming adult drug offenders, showed that participants who completed the programmes were significantly less likely to be repeat offenders, compared to those sentenced with traditional punishments.

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Wednesday May 11, 2022

Woman arrested for allegedly stabbing son on Mother’s Day Region Seven police have arrested a Bartica woman, 49, for the alleged stabbing of her 21-year-old son on Mother’s Day. Her son has been identified as Keshan

Blackman of Lot 31 Fifth Avenue, Bartica, Region Seven. Police reported that he is presently in a critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The incident took place around 10:00hrs on Sunday (Mother’s Day). Police learnt that the mother and son got into a heated argument with each other.

While arguing with the

young man, she allegedly held a cutlass and knife in her hands and Blackman reportedly ran into her and was stabbed to his right side abdomen.

He fell and was

immediately rushed to the Bartica Regional Hospital where he was examined by a doctor on duty. He was later referred to the GPHC where he is presently admitted.

Hospitalised, Keshan Blackman

Linden demolition exercise...

From page 12 there was nothing like that and I must commend the people for that,” the CEO stated. When the occupational survey was done in mid-2021, there were no structures in the path of the road, however, squatters in the area were advised against erecting new structures, and making additions to existing structures.

“These structures weren’t here when we first visited in December 2021, they are new structures and unfortunately, they fell directly where the roads are going and had to be moved…Nevertheless, those persons will be reallocated house lots in other locations so that they will not be out of residence.”

Of the 16 informal settlements, only two habitable structures existed at the time of demolition, while the other structures varied from chain-link fences to wooden and concrete foundations. However, the CEO has committed to providing alternative housing solutions for all persons affected. The allocation of the house lots is expected to begin as early as Friday.

While the affected persons have agreed to the suggested resolution to the matter, the CEO pointed out that the issue of squatting is causing major setbacks in the housing drive for the region.

He noted that while there are genuine instances, where persons are forced to occupy lands illegally, this practice cannot and would not be encouraged.

Greaves further explained, “last year we allocated 400 house lots in Amelia’s Ward and we cannot give persons access to those lots because of those persons who are squatting.

Now we have to move around that and we have to constantly be changing our plan, and it is unfair to those 400 people to be affected by a few so as a result, those actions were taken.”

Wednesday May 11, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

Bicycle gang robs students at knife point Two students of the Critchlow Labour College, Thomas Lands, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, were on Monday robbed at knife point by a gang of eight men on bicycles. The victims have been identified as two women – a 20-year-old resident of Camp Street, Werk-enRust, Georgetown and a 28-year-old of Block 8 Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

They were robbed around 21:00hrs while waiting for transportation outside of the college’s compound located along Woolford Avenue.

Investigators learnt that the eight men on bicycles rode up to the women and attacked them. One held them at knife point while the others searched and relieved them of their

cellular phones and cash. According to police, they then escaped west along Woolford Avenue and then turned onto Albert Street before disappearing.

They carted off a total of $31,000 in cash and two Samsung Galaxy cell phones – one of them an A30 series. The estimated value of the stolen phones was given as $87,000. It is

believed that the same bicycle gang, which is still being hunted by police, might have attempted to rob a man a few days ago on Cummings Street, Alberttown, Georgetown.

The attempted robbery was captured on nearby surveillance cameras. As the gang ambushed the man, he armed himself with a large cutlass and was able to fend them off.

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Wednesday May 11, 2022

Ecuador prison riot: More than 40 inmates killed WANTED

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(BBC NEWS) At least 44 inmates have been killed in Ecuador’s latest deadly prison riot, the public prosecutor has said.

A fight broke out between rival gangs Los Lobos and R7 at a prison in Santo Domingo, some 80km (50miles) west of the capital Quito.

Ecuador is battling a wave of gang violence, and has recently seen its most deadly prison riots in history. Parts of Ecuador are under a state of emergency because of the rising crime that has shocked the country. A total of 108 inmates escaped the prison during the riot and remain missing, the local police chief says.

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An additional 112 prisoners made it out before being recaptured, he added. Scores were injured in the riot, but the exact number is still unclear. Ecuadorean newspaper El Universo reported that, according to the National Police Commander Fausto Salinas, the incident was triggered by a brawl involving the transfer of an inmate known as Anchundia into the prison.

He had been one of the ringleaders who had caused a previous prison riot in April, the paper said.

Pictures from outside the prison show bloodied inmates being carried from

trucks to waiting ambulances. As news of the riot spread throughout the community, many relatives gathered outside the facility, distraught and desperate for news.

President Guillermo Lasso sent his condolences to the families of those who died, and said it was the “unfortunate result of gang violence”.

Ecuador’s Interior Minister, Patricio Carrillo, wrote on Twitter that the government was working “to overcome the problems of the prison system, but it is complex to find quick solutions in an environment of... violence”.

Nearly 400 inmates have now been killed in six separate riots since February 2021.

One of the worst was in September, when 119 inmates were killed at a prison in Guayaquil in western Ecuador. Less than two months later, at least 68 prisoners died in fresh fighting at the same prison. The riots are particularly brutal, with some prisoners hacked to death, or beheaded with machetes.

Last month a 60-day state of emergency was declared in three western provinces Guayas, Manabí and Esmeraldas - in response to the violence. Bellavista Prison is not in these areas.

Lawyers raise contention over ‘prejudicial’ evidence used in...

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a safe trial…” he added.

Hughes submitted that the Court of Appeal in Guyana “wrongly considered” certain legal principles which led to the “gravest miscarriage of justice” that resulted in his client being convicted. As such, the lawyers are asking the court to set aside their clients’ conviction and sentence.

For his part, Daniels contended that the sentencing hearing was not competently informed, in that, the Court of Appeal did not indicate how it arrived at a starting point of 35 years.

Similarly, Bibi Shareema’s attorney, Arudranauth Gossai held that the trial judge “failed fundamentally” when he did not highlight the indicators that would trigger the necessary warnings in relation to evidence given by De Nobrega who was convicted of crimes of a “dishonest nature” and also had similar charges pending against her.

He claimed that the CCJ had one narrow issue to consider that was on behalf of the appellant that the trial judge failed to warn the jury to be cautious before accepting and acting on the evidence of De Nobrega, as he was bound by law to do.

“He also failed to give any warning to the jury on the danger of acting on such type of evidence,” Gossai added. Gossai noted that the Court of Appeal agreed, accepted and held that the trial judge failed to direct the jury to view De Nobrega’s evidence with caution and that the word “careful” should have been used by the judge instead of the word “needful”… And that if the word

“careful” was used the judge would have given the appropriate directions,” he added.

Interjecting, Justice Barrow said, “Are you saying Mr. Gossai, that Ms. De Nobrega’s evidence is the only thing tying Ms. (Bibi Shareema) Gopaul to the crime. What about the red rope, the dumbbells, the documentation…all found at the home of the appellant?”

To this, the lawyer insisted that there was not enough to convict his client.

Further, in relation to the sentence, he argued that the Appeal Court should have taken a more suitable approach in calculating the deduction.

He held that “the laws of Guyana provides that the sentence for murder should be life imprisonment or such other term as the court considers appropriate, not being less than 15 years.”

NO MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE Meanwhile, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C., submitted that there was no miscarriage of justice.

She urged the CCJ to consider that even without De Nobrega’s testimony there were other circumstantial evidence that links Bibi Shareema and her co-accused to the crime.

The DPP said, “The evidence of the witness (Ashram) Tiwari draws the inference that (Bibi Shareema) Gopaul could not have used the dumbbells alone.”

Tiwari, she noted, had testified that the dumbbells belonged to Small who lived between two houses - Bibi Shareema’s home and his (Small’s) wife’s residence.

The DPP noted that the

dumbbells were very heavy and there is no way that Bibi Shareema could have lifted them on her own. She added that Small was strong enough to lift the dumbbells and inflict the injuries on the victim.

The DPP was then warned by the Court’s President Justice Saunders that though there may be inference that however, is not enough to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Small committed the crime. “…But there were the dumbbells your honours and there is evidence that it belonged to him,” she responded. “But was there any forensic evidence to tie him to the crime?” the judge enquired.

“No your honours,” replied the DPP. As such, Justice Saunders noted that the decision not to have split trials was an extremely unfortunate one since Small was only linked based on the circumstances of the evidence.

Justice Saunders later added that “It is unfortunate that there was not any serious forensic evidence to provide proof as to who committed this crime…”

“This was a very serious case. It concerned a mother betraying her [daughter’s] trust with her lover killing…

The daughter was sexually molested by that lover and later suffered a brutal murder…” the DPP said repeatedly as she implored the Court to hold the convictions and sentence.

But the CCJ President cautioned her to be mindful of her statements. “That is not the evidence before the Court Madam DPP…,” the judge cautioned.

Ali-Hack, nevertheless, argued that there were no mitigating factors favourable to the convicts. “The aggravating circumstances were overwhelming,” the DPP submitted, urging the judges to return a ruling that reflects society’s condemnation of the heinous and gruesome act committed on Neesa Gopaul.

The CCJ has reserved its ruling for a later date.

Wednesday May 11, 2022

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Demerara Bank records $2.4B in pre-tax profit Demerara Bank Limited (DBL) reported yesterday that it recorded a $2.4B pre-tax profit. This is according to its unaudited financial results for the first half of the year ended March 31 2022. The bank said the $2.4B pre-tax profit represents an increase of 14% when compared to the interim period of 2021. Profit After Taxation also showed an upward trajectory recording an increase of 7% to $1.4 billion in 2022, up from $1.3 billion that was registered in 2021.

The financial institution said the increased volume of lending across traditional and non-traditional sectors have resulted in a 23% increase in the bank’s loans and advances, from $40.3 billion in 2021 to $49.6 billion in 2022. It disclosed that total deposits increased by 15% to $101.4 billion as compared to $87.9 billion in the previous year, while Net Interest Income showed an increase of 9% to

$2.3 billion from $2.1 billion last year backed by increased lending activities.

Capital adequacy ratios and liquidity metrics remain very healthy the bank said, while adding that it also saw a 17% increase in its total assets which grew to $123 billion compared to $106 billion during the period of review.

Additionally, DBL said shareholders earnings per share increased by 7% from $5.83 to $6.23 per share. In view of the bank’s performance, the Board of Directors declared an interim dividend of $0.40 per share. Despite the economic and social challenges globally, the bank said it is determined to take advantage of the opportunities that economic recovery brings by extending its product and service offerings, developing its product platforms, and enhancing its digital capabilities to ensure a seamless delivery of banking services.

Jovenel Moïse murder: Ex-senator charged with conspiracy (BBC NEWS) A Haitian former senator has become the third suspect to be charged in the US in connection with the murder of Haiti’s president, Jovenel Moïse.

Mr Moïse was killed in July by gunmen who stormed his home in Port-au-Prince.

Ex-Senator John Joel Joseph has been charged with “conspiring to commit murder or kidnapping” and of providing material support resulting in Mr Moïse’s death. He was arrested in January in Jamaica and extradited to the US last week.

The 51-year-old, who was a political rival of President Moïse, made his first appearance in a court in Miami on Monday.

The US Department of Justice argues it has jurisdiction in the case because it says some of the alleged coconspirators met in Miami to plot the murder. In a news release, it gave more details of the allegations against the former senator.

According to prosecutors, the idea had initially been to kidnap President Moïse by presenting him with what looked like an arrest warrant.

But when the alleged conspirators could not secure a plane to take the president out of Haiti, that plan “ultimately resulted in a plot to kill the president”, prosecutors say.

They accuse Mr Joseph of procuring cars and trying to obtain guns “to support the operation against the president”.

They also say that he met with “certain co-conspirators” the day before the assassination, “after which many of the co-conspirators embarked on the mission to kill President Moïse”.

Haitian police had identified Mr Joseph as a prime suspect just days after Mr Moïse’s murder.

Their investigative report said he “was instrumental in his fierce will to kill the president”.

According to the Haitian police investigation, a group of mainly foreign mercenaries - 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans - entered the president’s home in Port-auPrince on 7 July and shot him dead. A number of suspects have been arrested in Haiti but with the Haitian police’s investigation seemingly stalled, all eyes are on the US courts.

Apart from Mr Joseph, two other suspect are facing charges in US courts of conspiring to commit murder or kidnapping.

They are Colombian exsoldier Mario Palacios, 43, who pleaded not guilty last month, and Haitian-Chilean businessman Rodolphe Jaar, 49. If found guilty, they could face life in prison.

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Wednesday May 11, 2022

COVID-19 cases climb to 45, 3 in ICU Citizens are advised to take all necessary precautions even as the number of new COVID-19 cases in the country climbed to 45 on Tuesday the highest in recent weeks.

This information was shared by the Health Ministry via its dashboard which revealed that three persons are currently in the COVID-19

Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The dashboard data also shows that 150 individuals are in home isolation, three are in institutional isolation and four are in institutional quarantine.

The number of deaths remains 1,228 and the number of recoveries, to date, is 62,244.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday May 11, 2022

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Govt. must come clean on details of energy projects – Ramon Gaskin …CONVINCED GUYANESE WILL BE SADDLED WITH MORE PROBLEMS

By Rehanna Ramsay Expediting huge sums of taxpayers’ dollars on projects that are touted to be for the benefit of the Guyanese public requires transparency and accountability.

This position held by several transparency advocates, has been iterated by former Chairman of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL)’s Board, Ramon Gaskin.

Gaskin, a transparency advocate and economist, believes that there is still some crucial information, as it relates to proposed energy projects that should be released in the public domain.

He was at the time responding to questions as it relates to government’s proposed Amaila Falls Hydropower Plant and the Gas-to-Energy projects which are being pushed as part of the State’s agenda to end Guyana’s blackout problems.

However, based on the information that is available in the public domain, Gaskin is among those who remain unconvinced that these projects will indeed provide a solution for the nation’s constant power outages. In fact, the economist opined that based on his calculations, the Amaila Falls Hydropower Plant and the Gas-to-Energy project will cause more problems for Guyanese than solve them.

He explained that while the cost of GPL’s current arrangement with Wartsila – the engineering company contracted to service the current generation system – is known, the same cannot be said for the proposed projects.

The transparency advocate asserted that “With Wartsila you are seeing what you are getting…that power system has been there since I was chairman in 1993. You know exactly how much you are getting per megawatt…”

He continued, “Whereas with the Amaila Hydropower Project, the government is claiming that it will generate 160 megawatts at the cost US$750 million. Do you know how much that is? It’s five times more than what we are paying now and how exactly we the citizens will benefit when the Chinese will own and operate it, is a complete mystery to me.”

He noted, therefore, that Government should come clean on the details related to the project. He reiterated the need for transparency and accountability in both proposed energy projects.

“There has been no feasibility studies for none of these projects… the Gas-toEnergy is to produce some 300 megawatts of power but what the government is telling us is this thing feasible,” he said.

Gaskin asserted, “How much will it cost us to put

down and power that amount of energy and who will use it? That’s a tremendous amount of power which I’m pretty sure Guyanese would not be able to consume.

Where is all this energy going? Why should state funds totalling US$1 billion

go towards putting down a pipeline to bring gas to shore when we would not have the uses of it?”

He emphasised that this is reason why the information needs to be available to the public. “ We n e e d t h e

information on what the government is proposing; we need that information available, so we the engineering people, economic people and other experts can review and look at the numbers.” Gaskin added.

Former GPL Chairman and Economist, Ramon Gaskin

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Wednesday May 11, 2022

Wednesday May 11, 2022

JFF decides against change of coaching staff for Reggae Girlz SportsMax - The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Board has accepted the recommendation of the JFF Technical and Development Committee to retain the Technical Staff of the Senior Women’s National Team including Head Coach Vin Blaine.

In its report, subsequent to an initial investigation into concerns expressed by team members, the committee cited there was insufficient evidence to warrant any such change in personnel at this time.

According to the report, it’s in the best interest of the JFF to continue on its present course, with the current coaching staff, where the

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Kaieteur News

progress will be closely monitored and evaluated periodically.

Further, based on the results so far and with less than two months before the Concacaf Women’s qualifying tournament gets underway in Mexico, it is felt that introducing changes at this time would not be prudent.

Towards this end, the JFF has the full confidence in the Coaching Staff and the team members but recognizes the need to share in and support the process with some critical Core Values of the organisation, including professionalism, teamwork and respect.

The JFF pledges, as the

JFF Head Coach Vin Blaine body responsible for football in Jamaica, to put everything in place, within its powers, to

Wednesday May 11, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) If you give the impression that you're in a reserved and introspective mood (even if you aren't), you'll succeed in avoiding confrontation. Today there is no such thing as a simple exchange with someone, Aries.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) A challenging day is in store for you, Taurus. If you're part of a group or team or simply among friends, you may feel somewhat ill at ease.

Could it be that you instill jealousy in others?

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Sometimes dreams seem like just that - dreams. Travel, a project, or a new home could be a few of the things you've been trying to accomplish for some time now.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You'll go one of two ways today, Cancer. Either you'll turn inward and meditate in a corner or you'll find a good friend and confide your dissatisfaction.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today is going to be an excellent day for meeting interesting people. And there will be nothing superficial about these encounters.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You can expect today to be kind of intense, Virgo. Even if you've made a conscious decision not to let anything get you down, you may still harbor some negative emotions from the last few days.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) The little fighter that you are makes it very difficult for you to join us in the great communal river that we're all trying to navigate, Libra.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Be disciplined about all areas of your body, Scorpio.

Take extra care to eat healthful, balanced meals. Make sure you get enough sleep.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) If you've been feeling deep anger, today isn't the day to let it out but rather the day to consider its source. Any large gatherings of family or friends should be avoided at all costs.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) If by chance you still harbor some resentment toward someone, Capricorn, it will probably come out today.

You might be uncompromising or even vengeful.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You don't suffer fools gladly, and superficial fools even less. You have a mind to teach those around you a lesson. You're uncompromising today, and you can't understand why others don't have your high standards.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Here is a day of challenges, Pisces. You're a pro at questioning yourself, as you'll prove today when you take a hard look at your accomplishments. What have you created of a personal nature in the last ten years?

ensure the team is comfortable and can perform at their optimum to achieve Jamaica’s second consecutive qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The Reggae Girlz will compete in Group A of the final round of the Concacaf Women’s Championship alongside the USA, Mexico and Haiti beginning in June 4.

Cubans victorious...

From page 35 We saw a lot of positives from this trip. The team was very competitive against the Americans who are a volleyball powerhouse in the World.

We will regroup and prepare for the next tournament,” Weir said.

Jamaica was the highest placed team from the Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) region.

The Jamaican women’s team will participate in the next leg of the Norceca Beach Circuit which will be held in La Paz, Mexico from May 13 – 16, 2022.

UEFA approves eight-game...

From page 33 pleased that it was a unanimous decision of the UEFA Executive Committee, with the European Club Association, European Leagues and National Associations all agreeing with the proposal made. Another proof that European football is more united than ever.

“Qualification will thus remain purely based on sporting performance and the dream to participate will remain for all clubs.”

Similar format changes will also be applied to the Europa League and Europa Conference League, with both also including 36 teams in the initial league phase.

Johonel Munroe honoured...

From page 39 of his elder brother Keith, who served as the BCB President between 2009 and 2015.

The current President served then as Chairman of a special event committee under his brother and implemented a wide range of social programmes including an annual mother and father of the year award.

Foster explained that it is vital to recongise the role that parents play in the development of players especially in the first ten years of their career. Most players, he stated would join a club at about ten to twelve years when they would have already developed a trait where discipline, attitude and manners are already set.

The influence of parents is also important and he hailed Ms Munroe as a positive role model in that regard as she attends all of her son’s cricket matches and is always encouraging him on even when he is disappointed with his own performance.

The BCB President recalled that at the Berbice trials, young Thierry Henry was run out for a low score

and his mom was there to still give him a standing ovation and a warm hug with words of encouragement. Foster, urged the 2022 Mother of the Year to uphold her high standard as a parent and to share her experience with the younger generation of cricketing parents. He stressed the importance of parents teaching their children the importance of discipline, hard work and faith in the God they serve as once a tree becomes bent, it cannot be straighten.

Ms Munroe expressed thanks to the BCB for honouring her and stated that is was an honour to be selected by a cricket board that she greatly admires and respects. The Mother of the Year disclosed that she is very proud of her son, who has the potential to go far in the game. She urged other parents to attend matches and to look into the education of their children as education is the key to success on and off the cricket field.

The BCB Mother of the Year received a framed certificate of excellence, a medal of excellence and three special gifts.

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday May 11, 2022

Disciplined Bivol stuns Alvarez to retain world title C

anelo Alvarez suffered a surprise defeat on Saturday as Russia’s Dmitry Bivol successfully defended his World Boxing Association light heavyweight title with a win by unanimous decision at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

All three judges scored the fight 115-113 in Bivol’s favour at the end of 12 rounds as the Mexican was handed only the second loss of his career, nine years after he was beaten by Floyd Mayweather in November 2013.

Bivol silenced the sell-out crowd to take his record to 20 wins from 20 fights while Alvarez, widely considered the best poundfor-pound fighter in the world before the bout, slips to 57-2-2.

“I’m glad I proved myself today, I’m the best in my division and I keep this belt,” said Bivol.

“He’s a great champion, I respect him and all his team.

“If you don’t believe in yourself what do you do? You achieve nothing. I believe and my team believed in me.

“I felt his power. You can see on my arm, he beat my arm up but not my head. That’s better.”

Alvarez, the overwhelming prefight favourite, was rarely able to find a way through Bivol’s defensive guard as the 31-year-old put on a disciplined display.

The Russian regularly used his jab to keep Alvarez on his heels, unloading flurries of punches to redden the smaller man’s face and convince the judges to award him the fight.

Alvarez had previously won at lightheavy weight, defeating Sergey Kovalev by knockout to win the World Boxing Organization version of the title in Nov. 2019, but Bivol proved too good to succumb.

“You have to accept it, its boxing,” Alvarez said of the loss. “ H e ’s a g r e a t c h a m p i o n .

Sometimes in boxing you win and lose and I’m not giving excuses. I lost today and he won.”

Alvarez stressed he wanted the pair to fight again.

“Yeah, of course I do,” he said when asked about a rematch. “This doesn’t end like this.”

Dmitry Bivol celebrates victory.

(REUTERS/Eric Gaillard)

Bivol, too, is keen to face off once more.

“Let’s talk about a rematch,” he

said. “I wanted this fight because I wanted to get the opportunity and I appreciate this opportunity.

“I’m ready for a rematch, I just want to be treated as the champion now.” (Reuters)

Kaieteur News

Wednesday May 11, 2022

PAGE 35

IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships 2022 opens in Istanbul

T

he IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships 2022 were opened in Istanbul Sunday

by IBA President Umar Kremlev, marking the start of two weeks of groundbreaking competition. A record 310 athletes are entered, representing 73 National Federations, who will be boxing in an expanded 12 weight categories.

“Women boxers have demonstrated by their skill, by their strength and by their determination that they have so much to offer our sport.

And boxing has much to offer women all around the world,” said IBA President Umar Kremlev. “IBA has been working hard to provide opportunities for women and to promote them, both inside and outside the ring. And I am now looking forward to seeing new boxing legends to be born in the next 2 weeks.”

In addition to the competitions, a number of leadership development seminars will be held

throughout the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships 2022, to help ensure more women hold roles as officials, coaches and administrators within boxing. Meanwhile safeguarding measures have been implemented, following the IBA’s July 2021 adoption of a policy to protect IBA participants from harassment and abuse.

A wide range of improvements to sporting integrity are also being implemented to deliver on the promise of a fair fight.

Officials, including referees & judges, have been subject to a random draw and extensive background checks. These have been carried out by the team of Professor Richard McLaren, with team members also in Istanbul to support integrity work during the championships. “Over the last year and a half, IBA has moved to a culture of integrity that goes beyond the many measures we have put in place,” added Kremlev.

Following its successful

Participants gather during the opening of the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships 2022 in Istanbul. introduction at the IBA M e n ’s Wo r l d B o x i n g Championships 2021, IBA’s women’s Fair Chance team is also present in Istanbul,

The Tokyo Olympic 200m champion cruising to victory on Saturday. (Dwayne Richards)

Thompson-Herah happy with her 22.75 ‘blowout’ at JAAA/SDF Jubilee meet on Saturday SportsMax - Toyko Olympics triple gold medallist Elaine Thompson-Herah said her 22.75 200m run at the JAAA/SDF Jubilee meet on Saturday was about shaking the rust off as she continues on her quest to win her first gold medal at the World Championships in Oregon this summer.

The fastest woman alive said she felt good after the run which was her first 200m of the outdoor season and her second race following her 10.89 100m shake out at the USATF Golden Games in California on April 16.

“It was not a bad outing. I just came out here to get that blowout. I never took this long to compete but this is a very quick season with the trials and then the championships two weeks after but my aim is to take it race by race,” she said following her easy win on Saturday.

“My aim is to get a title at the World Championships. I only have Olympic gold

medals, I only have a silver from 2015, so my aim is to capture a gold medal this year. I am applying no pressure to myself, taking it race by race, enjoy my moment on the track, keep performing and have fun.”

She also revealed her intention to do the double in Oregon, as she did in Tokyo last year when she created history by becoming to the first woman in Olympic history to win the sprint (100/200m) double at consecutive Olympic Games.

With that in mind, she said she was very pleased with her 10.89 in early April.

“It was really good. I have never opened that fast. I am happy about that time. I never ran the finals because I only wanted to get one run in. I am grateful for what I have put in so far. I will continue to go on the track and do what I do best.”

Thompson-Herah races in Puerto Rico next weekend before getting off for another race in Birmingham, England.

allowing boxers who have been displaced or who are otherwise unable to compete for their National Federations to take part.

Returning to the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships 2022 are a n u m b e r o f Wo r l d Champions, aiming to

defend their titles, including Beatriz Ferreira from Brazil, Busenaz Surmeneli from Turkey, and Huang HsiaoWen from Chinese Taipei.

UEFA approves eight-game group stage for Champions League, bestperforming nations to be rewarded SportsMax - UEFA has approved changes to the Champions League format from the 2024-25 season, including an increase to eight group-stage matches.

European football’s governing body had already announced in April that the competition would expand from 32 teams to 36 in two seasons’ time.

And following talks in Vienna yesterday, the UEFA Executive Committee confirmed the number of rounds in the group stage will increase from six to eight.

All group and knockoutstage games up until the final will continue to be staged on midweek days, as it currently the case.

Tw o o f t h e f o u r additional places in the expanded format will be awarded on the basis of the highest-performing countries from the past season across UEFA club competitions.

If that had been the case this season, an additional team from the Premier League and Eredivisie would have qualified for next

season’s tournament.

It had previously been reported that those two places would go to clubs on the basis of their historic performance in European competition, but that is no longer the case.

Of the other two spots, an extra team will qualify from the fifth-ranked country in Europe, while another will go to one of the domestic champions who do not qualify automatically.

Commenting on the changes, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, said: “UEFA has clearly shown today that we are fully committed to respecting the fundamental values of sport and to defending the key principle of open competitions, with qualification based on sporting merit, fully in line with the values and solidarity-based European sports model. “ To d a y ’s d e c i s i o n s conclude an extensive consultation process during which we listened to the ideas of fans, players, coaches, national associations, clubs and

leagues to name but a few, with the aim to find the best solution for the development and success of European football, both domestically and on the international club stage.”

Under the new format, the initial phase will contain a single league consisting of all 36 teams, with each side playing four home games and four away games against eight different opponents.

The top eight sides in the league will qualify automatically for the knockout stage, while the teams finishing in ninth to 24th place will compete in a two-legged play-off to secure their path to the last 16.

Ceferin added: “We are convinced that the format chosen strikes the right balance and that it will improve the competitive balance and generate solid revenues that can be distributed to clubs, leagues and into grassroots football across our continent while increasing the appeal and popularity of our club competitions. “I am really (Continued on page 31)

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Wednesday May 11, 2022

Liverpool win 2-1 at Villa to keep title hopes alive BBC Sport - Liverpool maintained the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester City as they survived an early scare to come from behind and win at Aston Villa 2-1.

Jurgen Klopp’s side suffered a shock after only three minutes when Douglas Luiz bundled home after Liverpool keeper Alisson failed to hold his header.

Liverpool were on terms within three minutes when Joel Matip scored following a goalmouth scramble and the sides then exchanged chances before Sadio Mane put the visitors ahead with a superb angled header from Luis Diaz’s cross in the 65th minute.

The win means Liverpool now lie second only on goal difference before City’s visit to Wolves today.

Former Liverpool striker Danny Ings wasted opportunities to equalise and inflict a blow to his old club’s hopes of winning a historic quadruple - although the Reds did suffer an injury setback when influential midfielder Fabinho went off in the first half with a hamstring problem that must

make him doubtful for Saturday’s FA Cup final against Chelsea.

Liverpool pass stern Villa test Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp made five changes from the side that drew with Spurs at Anfield on Saturday, resting tired legs and freshening things up with Saturday’s Wembley showpiece in mind.

It was a ploy that worked in the end, although Liverpool were set back on their heels when they were punished for a slow start as Villa went ahead.

Liverpool showed their character and the threat they carry to reply instantly and, while this was not a particularly assured performance, the only thing that matters at this stage is the final result, and this was a case of job done.

The injury to Fabinho will be a serious worry to Klopp with FA Cup and Champions League finals on the horizon but he will hope the Brazilian’s swift removal in the first half will limit the damage. Once again January signing Diaz was a key figure, a danger all night and the provider of the cross that

Sadio Mane has scored nine goals in 10 games against Aston Villa. (Reuters) brought Mane’s decisive header. The Colombian’s signing has proved to be a masterstroke. Now the scenery switches to Molineux on Wednesday, where leaders City face Wolves, who still have European aspirations of their own.

Pep Guardiola’s side still have that advantage on goal difference but Liverpool’s win at least ensures they stay right on Manchester City’s shoulders as the season reaches its climax.

Gerrard with work to do Aston Villa will finish the season in a comfortable mid-table position but so much of this term has been about manager Steven Gerrard discovering what he has at his disposal then laying the groundwork for next season.

He has talent in the shape of Emiliano Buendia but big decisions remain about whether he will strengthen in defence - where captain Tyrone Mings still looks suspect - and on the

possibility of a permanent deal for his former Liverpool colleague Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian, on loan from Barcelona, only showed his ability in flashes here and it was clear the Villa fans felt more of a surge of hope when he was replaced

by Buendia.

Gerrard certainly has something to work with but a lot needs to be done and he is a driven personality who will not want to cruise along in mid-table.

Vi l l a , a n d I n g s i n

particular, had plenty of opportunities to take advantage of some uncharacteristic uncertainty in the visitors’ defence, with keeper Alisson fortunate to get away with one or two moments of poor judgement - although he then made a crucial save from the striker when he broke clear with a chance to equalise.

The end of the season will be the end of Gerrard’s fact-finding mission and the serious reconstruction will begin at Villa Park.

Raducanu retires in Rome Djokovic advances in Rome with as back injury persists number one spot on the line

B

riton Emma Raducanu was unable to overcome a back injury which forced her to retire from her first round match against Bianca Andreescu at the Italian Open yesterday.

Raducanu, who had also struggled with a back injury during her previous tournament in Madrid, was trailing 6-2 2-1 when she called it quits.

The battle of the reigning and former U.S. Open champions on clay looked an intriguing prospect but Raducanu struggled from the outset and served poorly, handing Andreescu a number of break points.

Raducanu was clutching her back when she took a medical timeout after going 5-2 down but returned to the court minutes later where the Canadian held to love to take the opening set.

The 19-year-old Raducanu held serve at the start of the second set but

Britain’s Emma Raducanu in action during her first round match against Canada’s Bianca Andreescu.

(REUTERS/ Alberto Lingria) looked uncomfortable yet again and this time she took the decision to retire when she was down 2-1 in the second. (Reuters)

ROME, (Reuters) Novak Djokovic kicked off his quest for a sixth Italian Open title and the defence of his world number one ranking with a 6-3 6-2 victory over Aslan Karatsev in the second round yesterday. Top seed Djokovic, who received a bye into the second round, is still seeking his first title of the year.

If Djokovic does not reach the semi-finals in Rome, he will surrender top spot in the rankings to Russian Daniil Medvedev for a second time this year.

The Serb, however, got the job done against Karatsev, who had beaten him in Belgrade last year.

“He’s a very strong guy, just solid from the baseline.

You never know with him. If he’s feeling the ball, it can be very dangerous because he stays so close to the line and puts pressure on his opponents,” Djokovic said.

“He was missing a lot of balls today though. He gave

me a couple of breaks... I’ll take this win, it’s a straight sets win against a quality opponent.”

Djokovic brought the crowd to its feet at one point, sprinting from one end of the court to the other, scrambling and sliding to reach for an outrageous drop shot at the net before opening up the court for a winner.

“Obviously that’s what the crowd is looking for — energy, excitement, they’re looking for fight. They want to see some good tennis,” the 34-year-old said with a smile.

“We had some nice points today. It’s always great to play in the Colosseum of tennis.”

Earlier, 2020 runner-up Diego Schwartzman saved two match points to edge Miomir Kecmanovic 6-2 3-6 7-6(3) to move into the second round while David Goffin upset 11th seed Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(8) 76(2).

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates winning his second round match against Russia’s Aslan Karatsev.

(REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane)

Wednesday May 11, 2022

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West Berbice Region 5 Police moves to revive youth and sport club with games day - Over 140 children involved in games day Children involved in athletic races during the day’s events.

With the ease of the Covid19 conditions in the country, the Guyana Police Force is making strident efforts to revitalize its Youth and Sports Clubs countrywide.

One such region that is taking the lead is Region 5 Mahaicony Berbice. Led by Regional Commander Senior Superintendent Mr. Kurleigh Simon, the Division has commenced

preparations to have the groups revitalized.

On Thursday last, the Region organized over 140 youths in the Division to participate in a games day at Park Square, Mahaicony.

The day’s activities were jointly coordinated by Wo m e n I n s p e c t o r s Grosvenor and David, the Community Relations Officer (CRO) and the Coordinator of the

Yo u t h / S c o u t G r o u p s respectively.

During the day the kids were engaged in several sports discipline including novelty events, rings games and traditional Sports activities such as athletics among others. According to Commander Simon the day’s activity was also used as a form as talent spotting.

He also noted that soon the Division will roll out an

elaborate plan that deals with youths in the Division.

The children were also made aware of the Division’s plans for their development for the remainder of the year.

Similar activities are being planned. The children were well taken care of during the day as they were feted and given goodies. Some of the children were accompanied by their parents. (Samuel Whyte)

Part of the large gathering.

Adams, Haynes blast players for being unable to meet minimum fitness requirements SportsMax - Cricket West Indies lead selector Desmond Haynes and Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams have blasted players for not being able to meet minimum fitness standards that would qualify them for selection to the senior men’s squad.

“I’m pretty disappointed as well,” Haynes said speaking in a press conference on Monday.

“When you look at the amount of cricket that is being played around the world, I think there is a certain level of fitness that is required and I think there is a standard that you should set as a professional cricketer,” added Haynes before going on to mention how picking players while being unsure of whether or not they can finish tours is a concern.

“I do get concerned when you have to be selecting the side and not sure if these guys are going to be fit enough to finish the tour,” he said. “For contracted players who are unavailable for fitness, there are

consequences that are outlined in the contracts,” Adams said.

One player who missed out on selection for the tour of the Netherlands in June because of failure to meet minimum fitness requirements is Trinidadian left-handed opener, Evin Lewis.

“We have players who, in our eyes are good enough to be considered for selection who are unavailable because of not even coming in on minimum fitness standards.

That is very disappointing.

For players who are contracted, that is doubly disappointing,” the former West Indies middle-order batsman added.

On a more positive note, Haynes commented on the inclusion of new faces in the team like St. Maarten’s Keacy Carty.

“As the new group of selectors, we have made it very clear that we will give opportunities to people and try to broaden the pool and start thinking with 2023 in mind,” he said.

Cubans victorious in both genders at Varadero Beach Volleyball Tournament Sportsmax - Cuba was victorious in both genders of the recently concluded Varadero Beach Volleyball Tournament in Varadero Cuba, the second stop of the 2022 Norceca Beach Volleyball Tour.

Leila Martinez and Lidy Echeverría were crowned at home as queens of the women’s segment. The pair of Martínez and Echeverría prevailed against Canadians Emma Glagau and Ruby Sorra 2-1 (21-12, 19-21, 1512) in a close duel. USA pair of Iya Lindhal and Alexandra Wheeler won third place after defeating Guatemalans Natalia Girón and Laura Quiñones 2-0 (21-14, 21-19).

M i g u e l Ay ó n a n d Yo s v a n i C a r r a s c o completed the Cuban double victory. Ayon and Carrasco scored a

comfortable 2-0 (21-13, 2117) win over the American duo of Travis Mewhirter and Thimothy Brewster. Third place went to another Cuban pair Jorge Luis Alayo and Noslen Díaz who edged Americans Ryan Smith and Michael Boag 2-1 (18-21, 21-12, 15-12).

The Jamaican pair of Ryck Webb and Noley Ferguson placed 14th of 16 teams. Coming into the tournament the Jamaicans were seeded 15. They played and lost their first two games against the eventual 2nd and 4th place teams USA A and USA B. General Secretary of the J a m a i c a Vo l l e y b a l l Association, Audley Weir is optimistic based on the performances of the team.

“Jamaica did well under challenging circumstances.

(Continued on page 33)

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Wednesday May 11, 2022

Space gym supports GAPLF Masters/Intermediate Chips Sarah Goptar will be looking to better her personal records at this weekend Championship.

Richard Fredericks has been in fine form recently.

Space gym has supported the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation’s Masters/ Intermediate power lifting championships which are set for Sunday the 15th at the Saint Stanislaus College.

The entity presented a cheque to the organization on Monday.

The GAPLF is extremely grateful to space gym for its contribution and they are looking for continued support from the business sector as they look to take the sport to another level.

The event was set for

May 8, but the Federation shifted the date due to the Holy month of Ramadaan to accommodate the Muslim athletes. Fierce rivalry is expected at the championships with athletes from Essequibo and Berbice set to battle with their counterparts from Demerara.

Among those expected to test their competitive strength are Winston Stoby, Nigel Phillips, Toni Ferreira, Marlon Wilson, Marley, Vyphius, Ashlie Abraham, Sarah Goptar and Richard Fredericks.

Wednesday May 11, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Gill 63*, Rashid four-for lead Gujarat Titans to playoffs ESPNcricinfo - Gujarat Titans booked their spot in the playoffs in their first IPL season by comfortably defending 144 on a spinning pitch in Pune as Lucknow Super Giants collapsed to 82 all out.

T h e I P L’s n e w e s t franchises knew that the winner of Monday night’s game would officially seal a spot in the playoffs as well as taking big strides towards a top-two finish, and the game looked in the balance after Titans posted the jointlowest total batting first this season in Pune while losing only four wickets in a curious innings. Shubman Gill batted through the 20 overs for 63 not out off 49 balls as Titans focused on keeping wickets in hand and rotating strike after choosing

to bat, but the value of his innings only became fully apparent when Super Giants crumbled against spin in the chase.

Rashid Khan and R Sai Kishore - the left-arm spinner from Tamil Nadu on debut for Titans - finished with combined figures of 6 for 31 from 5.5 overs as they ran through Super Giants’ middle and lower order. The convincing margin between the teams dented Super Giants’ net run rate and left them looking over their shoulder at Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore, with their hopes of a top-two finish - and qualification for the first qualifier - taking a significant blow.

Titans eye singles, not boundaries

BORA - hansgrohe’s Lennard Kaemna celebrates on the podium.

(REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini)

Kaemna wins Giro stage four, Lopez takes pink jersey AVOLA, Italy, (Reuters) - Lennard Kaemna of BoraHansgrohe rode to victory on the first mountain stage of the Giro d’Italia, pipping new race leader Juan Pedro Lopez in a sprint to the finish yesterday.

The fourth stage was a 172-kilometre ride from Avola to Etna-Nicolosi after a rest day and the two riders were out in front with a kilometre to go before the Spaniard made a mistake on the final turn to hand Kaemna the stage win.

“It was a super hard day, especially the last climb. It was really long and hard. I almost thought I lost it when Lopez had more than 30 seconds and I could just make it to bridge,” Kaemna said.

“I just made it. Then I tried to recover a little bit for the sprint and it worked out really well. Let me say it like this – maybe we had a silent

agreement (for the win and pink jersey).”

Trek-Segafredo rider Lopez, however, became the first Spaniard in seven years to wear the ‘Maglia Rosa’ since Alberto Contador and he holds a 39-second lead over Kaemna.

“I’ve worked so hard today to take the jersey. I attacked in the steepest part of the climb. Kaemna brought me back with two or three kilometres to go,” an emotional Lopez said.

“I tried to fight for the victory but it was so difficult. I’m so happy to have the Maglia Rosa. I don’t know for how long, but I’ll enjoy it.”

R e i n Ta a r a m a e o f Intermarche-Wanty-Gobert finished third and he is also third in the overall standings a further 19 seconds back.

Wednesday’s fifth stage is a flat 174-km route from Catania to Messina.

Hardik Pandya became the first captain this season to choose to bat in a night game against Punjab Kings last Monday and did the same again a week on, suggesting that the success of teams when batting first in Pune had played a role in his decision-making.

His side got off to a slow start, reaching 35 for 2 after the powerplay with the two Khans - Mohsin and Avesh each taking an early wicket.

Mohsin could have had a second - which would have seen Gill dismissed first ball - but Karan Sharma put down a tough chance diving forwards at deep third man at the end of the first over.

Hardik set about rebuilding with Gill but fell immediately after the strategic timeout, edging Avesh behind, and with Rashid carded at No. 7, Titans were cautious in their approach. They opted to rebuild by knocking the ball around rather than playing with much attacking intent, and David Miller’s six over cover was the only one of their innings. Krunal Pandya, who had bowled a solitary over in Super Giants’ last two games, rolled through his four overs for 24 runs; with Ravi Bishnoi dropped, he was the only spinner they used.

The 61 singles they hit were the joint-third most in an innings this season, with Gill alone hitting 31 of them.

Miller and Gill put on 52 in 41 balls, while Rahul Tewatia’s cameo - after he was dropped by Deepak

Rashid Khan fooled Krunal Pandya with a googly to have him stumped. •May 09, 2022•BCCI Hooda - and Jason Holder’s expensive final over of 16 runs ensured Titans reached a score that looked somewhere near par.

Dayal returns Yash Dayal, the left-arm fast bowler from Uttar Pradesh, had not played for Titans since their win against Sunrisers Hyderabad, missing their last three games with a niggle, but returned as Titans reshuffled their side, leaving out Lockie Ferguson, Sai Sudharsan and Pradeep Sangwan for Dayal, Kishore and Matthew Wade.

Dayal struck twice in the powerplay, having Quinton de Kock and Karan caught at cover point and deep third r e s p e c t i v e l y, a n d w a s unfortunate to concede 24 runs, with 10 of them coming from false shots immediately before he dismissed those two batters. With Mohammad Shami banging away on a hard length and inducing a top-edged pull from KL Rahul once the pressure burst the pipe, Titans had taken three wickets in the powerplay.

Rashid rolls through

Super Giants had shown few signs of vulnerability against spin to date but crumbled against Rashid and Kishore on what Rahul called “a tricky and challenging pitch”, which offered plenty of assistance for spinners throughout.

They were 44 for 3 when Rashid came on to bowl the eighth over but were 70 for 9 after the first ball of the 14th.

The first two wickets were stumpings by Wriddhiman Saha: Krunal was foxed by a googly and overbalanced, while Ayush Badoni found himself halfway down the pitch as Kishore tossed one up and beat him in the flight.

Hooda, Marcus Stoinis and Jason Holder were Super Giants’ last hopes, but Hooda called Stoinis through for an impossible second run and left him stranded mid-pitch as Miller’s throw came in from square leg, and Holder was trapped stone-dead by a fast, flat legbreak from Rashid.

Kishore grabbed another as Mohsin fell to a wild heave before Hooda fell topedging off Rashid. Avesh’s consecutive sixes denied Rashid a hat-trick and took some of the shine off his figures but a sharp take by Saha via a thin inside edge ensured he finished with 4 for 24 - remarkably, the first time in his 88-match IPL career that he had taken a four-wicket haul.

Scores: Gujarat Titans 144 for 4 (Gill 63*, Avesh 226) beat Lucknow Super Giants 82 (Rashid Khan 424) by 62 runs.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 40

Wednesday May 11, 2022

Harpy Eagles practice match

Chanderpaul’s unbeaten 139 highlight day two action

By Sean Devers T a g e n a r i n e Chanderpaul, who turns 26 on May 31, played a captain’s knock yesterday at Providence and shared in useful partnerships with the youngest batters in his side on the second day of the Guyana Harpy Eagles fourday practice match.

In a game which is being used as preparation for the resumption of the CWI FirstClass season on May 18 in Trinidad, Chanderpaul ended the day on 139 from 307 minutes, 229 balls with 18 fours and a six.

With him was Kevin Sinclair on one with their team, set 83 to avoid an innings defeat, on 245-5 from 72 overs, leading by 162 runs.

Scores: Chanderpaul’s X1 119 & 245-5, Johnson’s X1 202.

Chanderpaul, who made his First-Class debut in February 2013 as a 16-yearold, shared in a 69-run first wicket stand with West

Indies U-19 player Matthew Nandu (23) and 45 with West Indies U-16 batter Mavindra Dindyal (21) for the second.

Chanderpaul, the son of former West Indies batter Shiv Chanderpaul, also shared in a 96-run fifth wicket stand with Kemol Savory who made 49.

Resuming on their overnight score of 158-5 on another day blessed with brilliant sunshine, Bramble and Paul (24) added 33 runs for sixth wicket to take the score to 191.

But when Bramble had added 10 to his first day 67, he was trapped LBW to Motie to trigger a dramatic collapse as the five wickets fell for 11 runs.

Paul, who hit four boundaries in his cameo, was LBW at 194-7, while Clinton Pestano was caught behind for a duck at 194-8 as Motie struck twice.

Junior Sinclair ducked into a bouncer and was hit off his feet as the ball crashed into his helmet.

After being attended to by the Physio and checked for concussion, he opted to continue but did not last long; being caught at cover off Beaton who bowled fast.

The innings ended when Anthony Adams (5) was run out, eight runs later as the innings ended.

When the Chanderpaul’s X1 began their second innings, the Skipper and teenager Nandu survived a testing period from the fast bowlers who bowled a barrage of short balls at especially Nandu on a surface which encouraged fast bowling.

Watched by five fans in the Red stand, Chanderpaul, who has improved with his placement of his shots, found the gaps more often than not and along with fellow lefthander Nandu, whose confidence grew as his innings progress, took the score 69.

But Nandu, looking set for a big score, failed to control a short ball from

Beaton watches as Junior Sinclair is about to be caught after ducking into a short ball and being hit on his helmet with a few balls before at Providence. (Sean Devers photo) Tyndell and was taken at point after batting for 98 minutes and facing 50 balls.

Chanderpaul showed the type of positivity missing in most of his First-Class career and deposited Adams into the Presidential stand and followed it up with a scorching back-cut for consecutive boundaries.

Chanderpaul played a sweetly caressed cover drive when Demitri Cameron bowled wide and full and smashed a bullet like straight drive with raced to the boundary off his next ball.

Dindyal was peppered with shot stuff by Tyndell but released the shackles with an elegant cut for four, while Chanderpaul reached his 50 from 90 balls, 104 minutes with seven fours and six.

But with partnership on 44 and Dindyal on 21 from

Silas Tyndell bowled with lively pace as Mavindra Dindyal evades a lifter yesterday.

(Sean Devers photo)

42 balls, the stylish righthander inexplicable played no shot to an arm ball from Adams and had his off stump knocked out to leave the score 114-2.

At 21, Kevlon Anderson is one earmarked for Firstclass cricket, but his recent performances are not doing him any favours and yesterday was no different.

He was LBW by burly pacer Joshua Jones for seven off the last ball before Tea with the score on 146-4 and Chanderpaul on 91.

In the first over after the break Sachin Singh (0) played a brainless swipe at Junior Sinclair and skied a catch to Jones running back at cover at 146-5 and gave the Rosehall Town offspinner his fifth with in the contest.

Savory joined

Chanderpaul, who took 27 balls to move from 91 to 100; but got to three-figures with a slash off Adams for his 13th four in addition to the six. His century came off 153 balls and 210 minutes.

Savory was not afraid to sweep the spinners and executed some delightful shots with positive strokeplay but when one short of a well-deserved 50 he edged Paul to the Keeper in fading light after batting for 120 minutes, facing 95 balls and reaching the boundary seven times and clearing once.

Savory’s demise left the score on 242-5 before Kevin Sinclair and Chanderpaul, who has two hundreds from 45 First Class matches, saw their team to the close.

Today is the third day and play is set to commence at 10AM.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday May 11, 2022

PAGE 41

RHT Namilco Thunderbolt Flour teams hosts annual DTV-8 Mothers Day Programme - Honours four outstanding parents and distributes dozens of hampers The management and members of the Namilco Thunderbolt Flour cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club MS on Saturday last hosted their annual Mothers Day programmes in conjunction with Dave Television Station Ch 8. The teams under the direction of Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster hosted the 13rd annual RHTYSC/ DTV8 M o t h e r o f t h e Ye a r Programme and the third e d i t i o n o f t h e RHTYSC/Jessica Sandian Mothers Day Project.

The teams honoured four outstanding mothers under the programme with DTV-8.

Those honoured were Alicia Wiggins, Tulsi Dai Bisram, Shayvon Singh and Angela Fraser. Singh and Fraser were selected based on an essay competition that was organised with the television Station, while Bisram and Wiggins were selected by the cricket teams.

Bisram is the mother of RHTYSC member Tameshwar Bisram and plays a major role in his cricket development. On a regular basis, Mrs. Bisram takes her eleven year son to practice in the afternoon via cycle and returns for him over the course of five miles every day. Ms Wiggins is the parent of another club member- Tyrell Hutson who

plays a major role in assisting Club Secretary Hilbert Foster in fulfilling his duties and play for the club’s under17 team.

Foster urged the parents to continue to look after the welfare of their children with special emphasis been placed on education, religion, personal character and discipline. He committed the RHTYSC and its different cricket teams to working beyond the call of duty to make a positive difference across the ancient county. He stated that the RHTYSC, MS is the only cricket club in Guyana and perhaps the Caribbean, where members are mandated to make a positive difference in the lives of others under a wide range of community projects. He expressed thanks to the management of the popular television station for been a long time supporter of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation.

The teams also distributed hundreds of food hampers to single and elderly mothers under the Jessica Sandian Mothers Day Programme. Members of the team used two vehicles to drop off the hampers to mothers they had selected.

Food hampers were also handed over to the Anglican Church headed by Pastor Sydney Jackman at No64

The four mothers honoured pose with DTV-8 and RHTYSC Officials.

Village and to every mother at the St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church in Port Mourant.

The team also handed over special gifts to several youths who had their first communion at the church.

RHTYSC Assistant Secretary/CEO Jonathan Rampersaud a member of

Johonel Munroe honoured as BCB/ Brian Ramphal Mother of the Year 2022 Johonel Munroe, a resident of New Amsterdam was last Saturday named as the Brian Ramphal Mother of the Year 2022 by the Berbice Cricket Board. Ms Munroe is the mother of under15 player Thierry Henry, who captained the Select under15 team at the recent Guyana Cricket Board under15 tournament.

BCB President Hilbert Foster stated that the board started to honour parents under a special programme in 2009 under the leadership (Continued on page 33)

BCB President Hilbert Foster hands over the Brian Ramphal Mother of the Year 2022 Award to Johonel Munroe.

both the RHT Namilco Thunderbolt under21 and first division teams stated that the cricketers were delighted to honour the mothers and wished them

well in the future. Special thanks were extended to A n d y M o o n s a m m y, Namilco, DeSinco Trading Ltd, Bakewell, Feroze Islam, Rommel Ayasammy and

others. The RHTYSC cricket teams are officially sponsored by the National Milling Company of Agricola, East Bank Demerara.

rts Spo

Anthony Bramble took his overnight score to 77 for Johnson’s X1 yesterday at Providence. (Sean Devers photo) Tagenarine Chanderpaul clips Junior Sinclair yesterday during his well compiled century. (Sean Devers photo)

Harpy Eagles practice match

Chanderpaul’s unbeaten 139 highlight day two action Space gym supports GAPLF Gill 63*, Rashid four-for Masters/Intermediate Chips lead Gujarat Titans to

playoffs Shubman Gill wasn’t in full flow but ensured he didn’t lose his wicket early.

•May 09, 2022•BCCI

GAPLF PRO Mark Seymour (right) accepts the cheque from a representative of Space gym.

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