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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL - Tel: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Disrespect The name of the company is itself a sort of indictment of the attitude displayed by its directors – the Superior Concrete Inc. As this paper has been covering over the past week of our reporting, Superior is a company that was mysteriously established in Guyana by several foreign nationals including Ian Charles Jones and Richard Austin Shamlin, both of whom distinguished themselves over the past few days by openly and disrespectfully defying State agency orders to cease operations on the construction of their factory until such time as the enigma of their arrival and establishment in Guyana, without the necessary permits, could have been resolved. In short, a company perhaps deliberately and selfconsciously named Superior began building a concrete factory to service Guyana’s soon-to-booming construction sector, right in the country’s capital city, without first seeking permission from the Mayor and City Council, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Further, the company – in setting up its operations – was damaging the public infrastructure in one of the more highly populated places in the city, South Ruimveldt Gardens. For his part, Jones allegedly tore up a first contravention order from the CH&PA instructing Superior to cease operations on the site until the company provided evidence of its permission to construct the facility. On his Linkedin page, the Superior director positions himself as a link between foreign investment and Guyanese developers/owners. Among the impressive list of services he offers are: Local representation of external companies in Guyana; Lawyer recommendation and company registration; Project identification and client match-up; Land identification and acquisition; Project planning, ensuring local content compliance; Liaison with local authorities, permit submissions, planning applications; Contractor identification and matchup : local, Caricom and international; Supply of qualified local, Caricom and international personnel; Set up of operations in Guyana - accommodation, vehicles, healthcare, employment law; Project Management; and, interestingly enough, Government relations. All this an incredible feat considering that Jones was here on work permit with a local company with whose, well, company he had parted since September of last year, having worked with that firm for only 11 months. Shamlin, yesterday, took the audacity displayed by Jones even further. After a second contravention order had been ignored by the company, yesterday Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, accompanied by his public relations team, media and Chief Executive Officer of the CH&PA, Sherwyn Greaves, only to be ordered by Shamlin off of the ‘private property’ upon which a foreign-owned company apparently had carte blanche to engage in whatever it wanted without permission from local authorities. Last night, the Government was swift to act, ordering Jones to leave the country within a week since his work permit, acquired under his erstwhile employer, has technically been invalid since last year – Shamlin might be suffering the same fate soon. Still – certain critical questions have to be asked with regard to how Jones, with an invalid work permit, Shamlin and a third foreign national director, Maxwell Christopher Snow, managed – as foreigners – to bypass every single regulatory authority that was needed to start construction on a significant project with potentially dire environmental impact in close proximity to a residential neighbourhood, when a single mother setting up a sweetie stand near government reserves or in front of her own cottage would find herself facing the full brunt of the relevant agencies. Finally, Guyana is poised to become an inordinately important, for our size, player in the global arena. This means that our Government ministers, the highest public officers in our land, have to cease the parochial manner in which they carry out what should primarily be policy tasks, and focus on initiatives that seek to match our national development agenda with what is progressively taking place in the region and around the world. It is bad enough that Minister Croal was insulted – that he was there to be insulted in the first place, with a full retinue of senior staff and media personnel, is worse. It is absurd that it took a Minister of Government to seek to intervene – with little result – on a city construction project,
American help with election reform DEAR EDITOR, I read that the United States has offered assistance with electoral reforms. Surely, this is in jest. I say this because of what is happening in America right now. It is not in isolated pockets of the country, but almost throughout its vast supposedly democratic expanse. My fellow Americans must fix their own house first, before they would be in a position to offer electoral reform help to anybody, especially a mentally backward place like this. Editor, my first words to the Americans can be understood even by morons: fix your own house first. A century and a half after the Civil War, voting rights in America are still under siege. Yes, advances have been made, but there always have
been found ways to go around them and hamstring them. And the perception and reality are the Black American voter is always the one who is hogtied from effectively exercising their franchise. The reality is that just over a short year ago, in the quaint pre-November election era, there were a mere 35 bills that sought to restrict voting access in 15 states; while as of March 24, 2021, lawmakers in 47 states have tabled 360 bills with restrictive voting provisions (“Lawmakers in 47 states have introduced bills that would make it harder to vote, CNN April 21). It is worth emphasising the astounding disparity that one-year later displays: 35 restrictive bills in one state versus 360 such voter suppression bills in 47 states. It is over 10 times the number
of restrictive and involving across almost the entire United States of America. And it is these same Americans, with a rather barefaced Ambassador, Excellency Sarah-Ann Lynch, who take the pole position in waving the flag of electoral help. Jesus’ words apply: heal thyself first. To my fellow Americans I say: better to leave things alone, since the three main objectives have been achieved; Oil, Venezuela and a puppet government. Stop any further meddling in the internal affairs of Guyana, it is not welcomed. I don’t look upon it as nobly intended, but more like gifts from Greeks, for which I hope that the Hellenists would pardon me. I would humbly recommend to the America Ambassador to fix black people and the voting
reforms-long delayed, long diluted and long humiliating - that they so urgently need. Fix that first, Excellency, and then come here and extend a hand with much-needed electoral reform. We have a very tainted system, so tainted hands only add to our troubles involving little brown and black people, who are mentally sluggish that it appears as though the whole world has to carry them on its collective back, and all the time, too. It is damning that over a hundred and fifty years after the Civil War that certain vaunted American freedoms are still up in the air for the lesser people, still enslaved in some ways. Rather than America seeking to heal the world, it should examine its soul. Sincerely, GHK Lall
Annandale woes getting more woeful - a permanent sore is running DEAR EDITOR, Stabroek News April 20, 2021 published a letter: “A number of issues in Lusignan, Annandale need to be addressed.” I pick up on this and inform all Guyana that things have gotten worse in scale and numbers, that, the woes are getting worse. Let me elaborate. For the umpteenth time, the Neighbourhood Village Council scooped the drains along the Market Road and in the streets, and for the umpteenth time, the muck was left right alongside the drains.
In the many streets, this means actually banking the muck on the two sides of the already narrow passageway. As expected, vehicles, including trucks, traversing these streets, along with the heavy rains, ensured that the muck returns to its origin - the very drains from which it was dug out. These streets are characterised by potholes, and when it rains, the muck forms messy puddles and walking through these streets becomes challenging and unhygienic. The northern Market
Road adjoining the Main Road is so badly ruined that accessing the Main Road or leaving the Main Road to access the Market Road, turning north is both messy and hazardous. Between the first street, that is Droom Street, and the actual Main Road it is so dilapidated and cave-eroded that when it rains, it is scornful to even drive through that stretch. The businesses that are on the two sides of this said stretch keep offloading goods and materials from heavy duty trucks and
sometimes that takes hours. This means that the already converted single lane becomes almost impassable, more so, that taxis are illegally parked, as hustling for passengers goes on. The funny thing is that some complaints have been raised now and again, but nothing substantial was ever done. Every now and again, the holes will be filled and that usually lasts a day or two. I am wondering if certain sections of Annandale North have become veritable (Continued on page 6)
Guyana’s import tax on cars is immoral DEAR EDITOR, On 26 May this year, it will be 55 years since Guyana obtained its independence from Great Britain, and as customary, there will be much organised jubilation... But I would like to ask my fellow Guyanese brothers and sisters to reflect on just one of many egregious aspects of life in Guyana, which is being caused by intentional Government policy. I recently saw another of the usual car dealership advertisements and I wondered whether any of the
numerous people commenting on the Facebook advertisement actually knew how cheap those cars were at their origin in Japan. I would like readers to think for a moment that the USED car is actually worth from about USD2,000 to USD2,500 max. Then shipping or freight costs to Guyana amount to another USD1,700 max. So far, you’re probably thinking that you can save up in a year or so to acquire your own personal vehicle. Nope! Think again, because for some cruel and unusual reason the Guyana
an intervention that should have been left to at best to midlevel bureaucrats working with law enforcement compelling Superior to comply with a legitimate order or suffer the consequences within the normal course of a workday. The leadership of this country needs to shift dramatically away from the petty and the picayune that has typified too much of how we do business here, and to start to act the part of serious people charged with serious responsibility. Otherwise, the disrespect isn’t only going to merely continue – it is going to grow and spread until we are in fact back under the yoke of what is effectively colonialism, exploited and belittled by relative nonentities like the principals of Superior.
Government levies an unjustifiable tax upwards of USD5,000, which immediately makes something so simple as a used Toyota car out of reach. If you were doing the arithmetic and G$ conversation, you’ll still have to pause because it’s not over yet. Local auto dealerships add a whopping markup of about USD3,000 for themselves. But it’s still not finished yet because working class people will take a loan from the commercial bank to buy this used car – which requires regular maintenance – and it will take five to six years to repay the loan, plus accrued interest of about USD6,000. I hope you have arrived at the final cost to you the consumer and taxpayer, because by now you should realise that it is so far beyond the actual value or worth of the car itself that it should raise serious moral questions about our leaders and how they view the people. Now, I ask you, is there an
alternative form of public transportation for our working class people, their families, children and our elderly? One that is modern, efficient and comfortable, such as trains, trams or standardised passenger buses? The answer is a resounding NO! Instead, what we have are vans known as minibuses that are NOT made for PUBLIC transport – the record of which has been harmful, dangerous and deadly. Our Governments clearly have neither the inclination nor concern for building and implementation of modern public transport infrastructure for our country and people. In my view, the senior politicians of both governments, past and present, are either indifferent, cruel or sadistic as to exacerbate the hardships of the Guyanese working class population (who earn an average disposal income of (Continued on page 6)
Wednesday May 12, 2021
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Humility to compromise for solutions, Entrepreneurial encouragement conscience to admit to failure DEAR EDITOR, Today as we reflect on the past one and half years of this COVID-19 pandemic. We are still puzzled about the new normal and the end result. As soon as the thoughts come that life can return to some normalcy, something happens in another part of the world that causes chain reactions in many countries and we regress. The people who we have elected to make policies and decisions for us are having nightmares in finding solutions to this evolving upheaval. This novel COVID–19 pandemic is the biggest challenge that has confronted the world. It has certainly established the limitations and vulnerability of human beings. One asks the question, is this an act of God for all the transgressions that have taken place for the past centuries? Let us look around the world and see the destruction, which was created by men’s greed for power, by some arrogant and
hasty politicians. Let’s examine the realities of Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Burma, China, the Balkans, Kashmir and Palestine, just to name a few. Poor innocent civilians are led to immeasurable sufferings for reasons even the oppressors cannot understand. We have seen in the Biblical scriptures how the Lord of the heavens and the earth humbled great nations, when they transgressed and overstepped their boundaries. The time has come for the leaders of the world to do some introspection and return to dialogue and compromise to settle international issues. On the contrary, we see the countries that are least affected in this crisis are those that did not participate in those unjust wars that have plagued the nations aforementioned. Recently, I read a disheartening story, which involved a decorated American soldier in Iraq.
Robert Bales a former sniper and spree killer of the United States Army who murdered 16 Afghan civilians in Panjwayi, Kandahar, Afghanistan, on March 11, 2012 – an event known as the Kandahar massacre. In his reports, he said that they were instructed to check a small flat house; they kicked down the door and killed the occupants by gunshot wounds to their heads and thereafter setting the bodies alight. They had not found anything harmful in that house. That soldier disclosed that he is so traumatised by the event that he almost lost his mind. He said that he has never seen so many frightened faces, until today, they are still staring at him. My question is do we really think that almighty God will give us a good and happy life when we transgress all boundaries? Never my friends! Respectfully, Nazar Mohamed
Let’s move forward in love and in unity DEAR EDITOR, When our children were young, we would occasionally get complaints from them of their peers calling them “false names.” Our conversation would go something like this: - Mummy, Jim called me mango head. - What is your name? - John! - So mango head is not YOUR name. - No mummy. - So you don’t have to answer if that is not your
name... Today our papers are inundated with episodes of “name calling.” I remember after writing about my positive National Service experiences, one writer described my thoughts as “vile.” There’s no need for me to respond to such abject folly. My life speaks to the contrary. My humble advice to those who are offended by insensitive utterances is to ignore them, as far as possible...and to the offenders, if the statements were not meant to be offensive, but rather spoken without due care and consideration; a simple
apology would ease the tension. I appreciate and admire the way in which President Ali, in clarifying his Arrival Day message could say, “To my fellow Guyanese who felt offended by the way in which the language was structured, you have my unreserved regret...” (KN, May 7). Come on, beloved fellow Guyanese, apologise when the occasion demands it. We all make mistakes! Let us endeavour to move forward in love and in unity, conscious of each other’s feelings. There’s too much at stake! Sincerely, Claudia Heywood
DEAR EDITOR, As the years went by, I’ve looked within the stretches of the entrepreneurial world and one thing I’ve come face to face with is the lack of enthusiasm when it comes to entrepreneurial encouragement. Like many aspiring entrepreneurs, I’ve sat down picturing what my entrepreneurial life would be like, the success and the wealth but one thing discouraged me, not because I was scared, but because, in Guyana, I saw limitations on getting finances to start a business of my own. The saying, “you don’t need money to make money” was partially true just like the saying, “you need money to make money” but as we all know, it depends on the type of business you want to start up that either one of those sayings would depict. Both phrases played a big part in my life for the past year while I was trying to figure what business I should pursue. I saw so many opportunities but that’s when I realised that the money wasn’t the problem, it was the lack of practical experience. I’ve listened to a few audio books, I’ve been around businesspersons, lawyers, doctors, teachers and many other people, but something was missing and that something became “someone.” I needed a mentor, I needed practical experience, I needed someone showing and telling me in person what the business world was all about, because over the phone was just another virtual world, like those fairytales I’ve read or
seen on television when I was a little girl. In Guyana, the banks favour giving small business loans, but what I also do know, is that a lot of people who they’ve turned down could’ve done right by that money. Business programmes in Guyana lack the credibility, exposure, enthusiasm and adrenaline that aspiring entrepreneurs need. Many successful businesses happened because owners decided how strategic their operations should be; without order there will be no business, but order can be fun and not boring like it seemed to be when printed on a piece of paper and stapled to the wall; the thing is, those people who make discipline less fearful are the people who earn millions annually. I really wish us Guyanese didn’t have to depend on foreigners to show and give us advice on how to become successful because that’s where the brain drain starts, especially when it comes to education. Currently, Guyana is going through a lot of development and will be permitting many future developments, but I don’t think Guyana is prepared to
extend the help that aspiring entrepreneurs or existing entrepreneurs need. For example, all those famous branded hotels that I’ve read about, I wonder if anyone would want to hype the small inns that are so homely, because all I’ve heard is people talking about those famous branded hotels. If Guyana only knew the talent they’re pushing away or the talent they’re stepping on or locking away in a dark room, it would be disappointed because oil might make a country rich, but it’s the people and the talents within it that makes a country economically sustainable by exposure and creativity. Probably Mr. Burnham really thought things through with local impact and even though things might have been tough, I could understand the fact. But that doesn’t mean that things should go back the same way, but all I’m saying is that, if Guyana gave the support needed to existing and aspiring entrepreneurs then foreign help would just be a BONUS. I hope one day something like this could be possible. Sincerely, Aneesa Razack
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Regrets and apologies, signs of Is indecent exposure still an offence? personal and political maturity DEAR EDITOR, When a sitting Head of State issues a statement expressing his ‘unreserved regret and assurance’ to his fellow citizens ‘who felt offended by the way (his) language was structured,’ it is a sign that there is some discomfort among his people and that corrective action is needed. This is precisely what was done following the President’s 2021 Arrival Day message. The President’s ‘unreserved regret’ was meaningful. It addressed a misunderstanding and was aimed at healing because the error in construction of the language was acknowledged. The apology strengthened rather than weakened the presidency. But it is not uncommon for those who disagree with statements issued by a sitting Guyanese Head of State to jump on what they consider to be inappropriate language, implicit or otherwise. Recall how in January 1998, then President Cheddi Jagan was subjected to similar treatment following remarks he made while delivering a speech at a Travelodge Hotel in Toronto, Canada. And although the words he uttered about ‘Blacks being at the lowest scale of the social ladder’ were taken completely out of context, nevertheless, on his return to Guyana, he issued a public apology. Suffice it to say, regrets are not issued by public figures mainly because their remarks in question were exclusively ethnically offensive. Many are politically motivated. Take, for example, Janet Jagan’s public admission in January 1998. Referring to the incident when she threw a Court Order over her shoulder to stop her
Swearing-in ceremony, Mrs. Jagan was quoted as saying; “Yes, I regret what took place and I wish to apologise for my action...it had nothing to do with disrespect for the laws or our Constitution.” In December 2018, Volda Lawrence publicly apologised for remarks in which she publicly advocated and expressed a preference for her party supporters to get jobs and contracts... “...to all those whom I have offended in one way or another, I humbly apologise,” Lawrence said. In October 2019, Bharrat Jagdeo said he was sorry that persons had to hear his use of foul language in a conversation concerning Chris Gayle’s visit to Linden. In September 2019, the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GMSA) apologised to then President Granger, “Our Executive Board express its sincerest apologies to you for the distressing display of bad manners exhibited with the obvious intention of disrupting the luncheon.” Later, Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, publicly apologised to media operatives following a public spat at Police Sports Club ground with a journalist whom he told, “Man y’all could haul yuh ass.” In a letter to the GPA, which was made public, Ramjattan wrote, “I apologise to you, your Press Association and Mr. Chabrol for what transpired on February 28, 2018.” This writer issued a public apology for remarks, which he made during a 2020 election campaign public meeting where he used inappropriate language about women. He was quoted as saying that his remarks were not intended to disrespect women implicitly or otherwise. Member of
Parliament, Patterson, during the 2021 budget debate was called upon by the Speaker of the House to apologise to Minister Edghill for unparliamentarily branding him a ‘liar.’ And although Patterson did not apologise, he nevertheless backed down and withdrew the word ‘liar.’ The latest ill-considered and derogatory remarks uttered by Amanza Walton-Desir about the support base of the PPP/C and the demand that she apologise has become the talk of the town. Mainstream media has dealt with this episode extensively. WaltonDesir’s lodging of a complaint to the police against Roshan Khan’s threat to her life has only helped push further what started out as an insensitive utterance that could have ended with an apology. Experience has shown that poor choice of words is not uncommon in the realm of politics with expressions of regrets and/or apologies being in order. Cumulatively, our experiences in these matters raise the question not about how we Guyanese treat with one another, but how we have become the people we are. This perceived threat by some that there are others out there who want to eliminate, revise or ignore the history of others has been hanging for too long like the sword of Damocles over the nation. The question is; what is the way out? Let’s hope that the recently announced GOG/IRI project aimed at strengthening Guyana’s constitutional framework, electoral laws and the entire electoral machinery will go a far way in putting an end to our going up the down staircase as a people. Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee
DEAR EDITOR, Videos have been circulating of a senior teacher dropping his pants and underpants and exposing his private parts to the public. This obscene parade is “decorated” by expletives. One question. Is indecent exposure (not to mention use of indecent
language) still a punishable offence? The Guyana Teachers’ Union has as its motto: “We mould the nation.” If this is the new educational standard for our children, Lord help us! Sincerely Claudia Heywood
Questions about V.E. Enterprises emergency contracts all over of Port Mourant awarded country? Does this company have any DEAR EDITOR, V. E. Enterprises of Port Mourant has been getting many c o n t r a c t s t o e n g a g e i n emergency works through the Ministry of Agriculture. V. E. Enterprises is a newly formed company with limited experience in State contracts. It has been awarded many government emergency contracts over the last few months all over the country. How is it possible for a contractor based in Port Mourant with minimal experience in infrastructure is being
connection with the Minister of Agriculture or some other individuals at t h e M i n i s t r y ? D o e s t h e M i n i s t e r ’s children have any role in this company? Were well-established contractors, who tendered for these very same contracts early in the year prevented from getting them in order to create emergencies? Are legitimate bids being nullified to create emergencies that are then turned into scams? Yours truly, Dharmendra Lalji
...Annandale woes getting more From page 4 ghettos and are now left in abandonment by the NDC. Or better yet, as it is being rumoured, a subvention for addressing these horrors was tactfully squandered. My second big-time grouse is that of garbage collecting. In any country with a semblance of order and common sense, garbage collecting is done quite strategically. Usually, it is arranged so that traffic and regular daytime activities are not encumbered. Also, those countries do not have to deal with human and animal scavengers and so can leave their garbage to be collected. Guyana is uniquely ugly in this area, as vagrants, pigs, horses and dogs, etc.
raid the garbage if left outside. Now with the Lusignan/ Annandale NDC doing pickups on Mondays and in an irregular manner, it necessitates accommodating them during the working days and times. This is preposterous. In today’s hard guavaGuyana, parents are working, so no one is there to open and take out the garbage when the open-trailer tractor comes. As with the houses, so are the gates - they are well barred for security reasons. The end result is that many have to resort to dumping their garbage in the drains secretly, or in open lots and the cross street. My final disgust is with the actual Annandale Market,
especially on Saturdays. In the presence of police officers, vendors are at the top of the Market Road, impeding traffic from entering and exiting the market. Also, all of the stands encroach on the Market Road, so that there is jostling to get by. Add the recently erected and now operating used auto spares dealer and we have a hellhole for a market. So, I am hoping that the Local Government Minister will take his responsibilities seriously. People need a touch of quality in their everyday lives. We do not need to see Phagwah posing and duck curry-eating leaders. Yours truly, Mark Udistir
...Guyana’s import tax on cars is From page 4 USD300 per capita per month) by imposing millions of dollars in taxes on the cheapest cars in the world, in one of the poorest countries in the Hemisphere. Guyanese people cry out for change every day, year and decade, but vote for the same major political parties and recycled politicians every election. We must recognise that it is not the party or persons in government who matter, but the
policies that affect our actual material circumstances or everyday lives. In other words, we must demand change of those basic things we need to have decent lives before we vote; and we should protest for the right reasons when necessary, like we did against the imposition parking taxes. We should always remember that the real political power lies in our hands. Yours truly, Joshua Faria
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The European Union should halt all developmental assistance to Guyana I cannot recall now who said it but I recall what was said, “There is a middle finger on each hand but no middle hand.” This saying was intended to convey the idea that there are two main ideological paths – the Left and the Right, no middle way. However, it is also said that on each hand there are four fingers and a thumb, which means that whichever way you choose – Left or Right – there are different paths to that process. This is worth remembering when one tries to assess where the PPP/C stands on the ideological continuum. The PPP/C leadership is now ideologically fixated to the Right. While it assumes a more moderate posture than the more extremist Right wing governments, there can be little doubt that the PPP/C’s primary interest lies more with the business class than the working class. The PPP/C has found its own route towards Right wing politics while still paying lip service to the working class. This is best illustrated by the manner in which it has addressed the COVID-19 pandemic. There has never been a government, which has treated Guyanese, particularly the elderly, as dispensable as has the present PPP/C Government. The majority of persons who have been dying from COVID-19 have been persons beyond the age of 60. Moreover, this catastrophe has not forced the government to consider tightening the social restrictions, even though the pandemic has exacted a huge cost to the Treasury, including $800M to procure vaccines from the United Arab Emirates. Is it because the majority of the victims are the
elderly that this callous approach is being adopted? There is a factoid, which is being advertised on social media in which there is a claim that more than 150,000 persons have been vaccinated locally and that 60 percent of these are persons over 60 years old. This would mean that 90,000 persons 60 years and over have been vaccinated. But how can this figure be correct when Guyana is estimated to have only 72,000 persons above the age of 60 years? Vaccine hesitancy was so high that on April 21, the government was forced to open vaccinations to persons aged 40 years and over. And two weeks later, on April 3, a mere 40,468 persons had been vaccinated. If 90,000 elderly persons were vaccinated, then the deaths should not have been as high as is being reported. The number of COVID-19 infections and deaths has also climbed appreciably since January and yet the PPP/C is stubborn to return to any form of post-August 2020 restrictions, including a closure of non-essential businesses, rotation of government workers and an extension of the curfew. The PPP/C has opted instead to further reopen the economy. Casinos and betting shops have reopened in the midst of the most recent surge and enforcement efforts are aimed mainly at targeting entertainment spots after 10.30pm and preventing social gatherings. But that is how Right wing governments operate. They make calculations and those calculations put profits above everything else. The PPP/C’s Right wing approach is also evident in the recent controversy over
the destruction of mangroves. The PPP/C, which has championed environmental protection, is however siding with big business when it comes to environmental destruction. The PPP/C is justifying the destruction of the mangroves on the basis that the removal of the mangroves is necessary for development. Yet, it was this very PPP/C Government, which launched in 2009 a campaign to protect the country’s sea and river defences by mangrove reforestation. The expansion of mangroves was intended to serve as a natural defence against rising sea levels and flooding. This was all part of the PPP/C’s much-vaunted Low Carbon Development Strategy. The PPP/C even launched Village Mangrove Action Committees as a means of adaptation to climate change. Now it is saying that development trumps the mangrove. In light of this latest retreat by the PPP/C Government, the European Union, which had funded the Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project, should cease all climate adaptation assistance to Guyana. Also, all those environmentalists who have accepted positions on government Boards and committees should immediately tender their resignations in protest against the government’s stance on the destruction of mangroves at Versailles. However, the government has four fingers and a thumb and so it will create a façade that it is committed to placing people’s health and environment above that of the business interests. And so it will aggressively move against persons who have
Dem Boys Seh…
De gradient at its steepest Y’all remember de man wah did write de long letter de other day claiming dat de COVID-19 infection bin falling and dat is because we testing more dan we getting more positive cases. He bin using de positivity rate fuh seh how de rate coming down. Well dem boys bin buss up he bag by pointing out dat de positivity rate is de number of positive tests per 100 cases. And it nah because de positivity rate come down dat de infection rate come down. Yuh could have more infections and still gat a low positivity rate; it all depends on de number of tests yuh do. Dat is why dem boys wan know wah de man now sehing seeing dat de positivity rate climbing. De overall positivity rate is 11.1 percent. But yesterday, de positivity rate was 25.5 percent. Dis means dat one in every
three persons tested positive. On Monday it was de same thing – more dan one in every three persons tested positive. On Sunday de positivity rate bin higher dan de overall overage but it bin slightly less dan one in every six persons. Last Saturday it was one in every four cases. But if yuh really want to know if de infection rate going up, all yuh gat to do is look at how steep de graph deh fuh showing total infections. Dem boys did learn in school dat de gradient or de steepness gan give de rate of change. If de gradient more steep, it mean dat de cases increases. Dem boys tek a peep and dem see dat de gradient nah only steeper but it at its steepest ever since April. Talk half and nah listen to people wah tell yuh de infection rate improving.
established industrial facilities without the necessary permits. And it will go around boasting about how many persons it has vaccinated even though question marks remain over its protection of the elderly. If the PPP/C were even a center-Left party, it would have long taken aggressive action to impose stricter
social restrictions in light of the pandemic. And it would have been outraged over the destruction of the mangroves at Versailles. But in so far as the PPP/C is concerned, business comes first. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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India Covid: Dozens more bodies Putin orders new gun control regulations wash up on Ganges river bank after school shooting kills 8 Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday ordered the Russian Federal Service of National Guard Troops to start working on new gun regulations following a school shooting that left at least eight people dead, according to the
Kremlin. Driving the news: A gunman yesterday morning attacked a school in the city of Kazan and killed seven students and one teacher, while leaving 21 other people hospitalized, AP reports.
President Vladimir Putin
...Govt. gives disrespectful foreigner
Funeral pyres are lit by the Ganges in Allahabad bodies have been washing up downstream for days BBC NEWS - Dozens more bodies have washed up on the banks of the Ganges in northern India as the country struggles with a second Covid wave. More than 50 bodies have been discovered in Gahmar, Uttar Pradesh over the past few days. On Monday, at least 40 bodies were pulled from the river some 55km (34 miles) downstream from Gahmar. How the bodies got there is unclear, but it is thought they are Covid-19 victims. Their identities are unknown. Yesterday, a local journalist told BBC Hindi that bodies have been washing up on embankments in the village of Gahmar for several days. Locals claimed they had been complaining about the smell for the past few days
but authorities had only taken action upon hearing the news about the bodies found downstream in the state of Bihar on Monday. Police in Gahmar have been pulling bodies out of the river with sticks. About 25-30 heavily decomposed bodies have been pulled out and buried since midnight. “We got the information, our officers are present on the spot and an investigation is under way. We are trying to find out where they came from,” he said. Has India’s pandemic peaked? The deadly ‘black fungus’ maiming Covid patients On Monday, officials confirmed at least 40 bodies had washed up on the banks of the river in Buxar, on the
border between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh states. Some media reports said as many as 100 bodies had been found, and that their condition suggested they may have been in the river for several days. An official said the remains would be buried or cremated. A second wave of the virus is ravaging parts of India, with deaths rising significantly in recent weeks. Most of the country’s crematoriums have run out of spaces. India is now the epicentre of the global pandemic and has recorded more than 22 million cases and 249,992 deaths. However experts believe the real death toll could be far higher.
Gaza block collapses after Israeli strike, rockets hit Tel Aviv GAZA/JERUSALEM (Reuters) - A 13-storey residential block in the Gaza Strip collapsed last night after being hit by an Israeli air strike, witnesses said, and three people were wounded in a retaliatory rocket attack from Gaza on Tel Aviv. Video footage showed three plumes of thick, black smoke rising from the Gaza tower, its upper storeys still intact as they fell. The building houses an office used by the political leadership of the enclave’s Islamist rulers, Hamas. Electricity in the surrounding area went out, and residents were using flashlights. Shortly after the attack, Hamas and the Islamic Jihad
group said they would respond by firing rockets at Tel Aviv. Air raid sirens and explosions were heard around the city, and the skies were lit up by the streaks of multiple interceptor missiles launched towards the incoming rockets. Pedestrians ran for shelter, and diners streamed out of Tel Aviv restaurants while others flattened themselves on pavements as the sirens sounded. Israeli television stations said three people had been wounded in the suburb of Holon. The Israel Airports Authority said it had halted take-offs at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport “to allow defence of (the) nation’s
skies”. The U.S. State Department urged restraint on both sides. “We are now carrying out our promise,” Hamas’s armed wing said in a statement. “The Qassam Brigades are launching their biggest rocket strike against Tel Aviv and its suburbs, with 130 rockets, in response to the enemy’s targeting of residential towers.” Hours earlier, Israel had sent 80 jets to bomb Gaza and massed tanks on the border as rocket barrages hit Israeli towns for a second day, deepening a conflict in which at least 28 people in the Palestinian enclave and two in Israel have been killed.
From page 16 second one was served on them on May 8, last, but they (the enforcement officers) saw no one at the site and so they pasted it very visibly on the facility. But what concerns us is that there was an investment of this nature without first seeking approval. No application was done,” the Minister said. Croal also expressed alarm that the Director treated a notice from one of the Government’s regulatory agencies as though it were a piece of garbage. The Government official said legal action would be considered for this sort of contempt for CHPA enforcement officers. CHPA’s CEO, Sherwyn Greaves, also condemned the disrespectful actions of the British Director. He noted that none of the company officials would be addressed at this time as the illegal use of the land is engaging the attention of the court. That action was undertaken by other landowners in Houston Estates. Greaves said, “Disrespect to staff I will not tolerate. There is a process that everyone has to follow and one of the key things in the process of seeking approval is the engagement of the residents. I am sure they are appalled this was taking place without their consent and we are angry with the actions of the Directors. We will follow up in the next few days to make sure that the Contravention Order is followed.” In addition to there being no approval granted by CHPA, Greaves confirmed with the media that no green light was provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In fact, the
agency was never even approached. City Mayor, Ubraj Narine, also expressed his disgust with the illegal operations yesterday during a press conference as he confirmed that no approval was ever given by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council for the construction at Houston Estates. He disclosed that the Council will also file an injunction against Superior Concrete Inc. to cease its operations. Last evening, Kaieteur News learned that Jones’ work permit – which allowed him to work in Guyana from January 17, 2020 to January 16, 2022 – was terminated with immediate effect. He has up to May 12, 2021, to depart Guyana. It is likely that Shamlin, the foreign director who disrespected the Minister and his team yesterday, may face similar action too. The illegal operation that was being led by Snow, Jones and Shamlin was taking place on land adjacent to South Ruimveldt. Kaieteur News was able to obtain a copy of the transport for the plot in use and observed that it is partly owned by Michael Vieira, who is the Chairman of Houston Estates. KN understands that Vieira has no part of the illegal operation but had leased the lands to Andrew Mekdeci. Vieira has indicated to concerned landowners that he does not know the owners of Superior Concrete Inc. and he has no arrangement with them. He has also stated that his lease to Mekdeci specifies that the land is to be used only for legal and lawful purposes. In a statement to the press last night, Mekdeci denied
having any involvement in this illegal operation, stating that “I will not flout the laws of Guyana.” He admitted however that his company was contracted to provide equipment and construction materials to the foreign controlled company while adding – it was observed by this publication during a site visit that machinery operating on the site is branded MMC, a company owned and controlled by Andrew and Marise Mekdeci. In light of this declaration, Kaieteur News sent an email last night, asking Andrew Mekdeci to answer the following questions: “1. Please state whether or not you or any company or person associated directly or indirectly with you has leased or licenced the lands in question to Superior Concrete; 2. Please state if that lease or licence is current; 3. Please state whether or not you have either (a) given Superior Concrete permission to install a cement batching plant or (b) informed Superior Concrete that the subject lands have a restriction prohibiting industrial use; 4. Since you have become aware of the cease work orders being issued by CHPA and the M&CC, have you either (a) written to Superior Concrete to terminate the lease or licence or (b) written them to stop the use of and remove the concrete plant.” Up to press time, no response was provided to these questions, which were emailed to Ajay Baksh of Perception Inc., a Public Relations and Advertising firm that sent the statement on Mekdeci’s behalf. Kaieteur News will continue to follow this story.
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Wednesday May 12, 2021
Kaieteur News
Health Ministry recorded four more COVID-19 fatalities FOR RENT
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The Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday reported that four persons who tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have died. Their deaths have now brought Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll to 331. The latest fatalities are a 63-year-old woman from Region10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) and a 66-year-old man from Region One (Barima-Waini), a 78-year-old man from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and a 69-year-old woman from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). According to the Ministry’s press release, all four persons died on Monday while receiving treatment at a medical facility. The Ministry in its daily COVID-19 dashboard recorded 89 new cases, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 14,531. The dashboard also shows that 16 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 101 persons are in the institutional isolation, 1,640 in home isolation and 17 persons are quarantined institutionally. To date, 12,443 recoveries have been recorded. WANTED In Parfaite Harmonie Eccles , Providence, farm, Zeelugt, Tuchen, Uivlugth, CI and elsewhere Call 666-2326
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While conducting his routine drops and pickups, a taxi driver was robbed by three of his customers on Monday. According to a police report, the 38-year-old picked up three individuals on Mandela Avenue at 20:30 hrs. The three men then requested to be carried to Ogle, East Coast Demerara. The driver had turned on
to the Ogle Access Road when the three suspects then asked to be taken into Pradoville. The man reportedly drove for a while until he met a dead end. When the vehicle stopped at the dead end, two of the suspects placed ice picks to the victim’s body and demanded his valuables. The other suspect then went on to take the man’s
Samsung Pro cell phone, which is valued at $27,000 and $47,000 in cash. The suspects then instructed the victim to exit the vehicle. The men then escaped with the victim’s $1.5 million silver Toyota Allion with number plate HC1720 in a western direction. The man also lost all his car documents including his driver’s licence. Investigations are ongoing.
...Cane Grove cattle rearers accused rice
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From page 12 some years back. He lamented that the situation is much worse now since the rainy season has begun. In videos and pictures seen by this publication, sections of the land are indeed severely flooded, while in other sections, there is a small amount of land for the cows to graze on. Some cow carcasses were seen in an advanced state of decomposition and were partially submerged under the floodwater. Another distressed cattle
farmer who said rearing cattle is his way of providing for his family, is pleading with the relevant authorities to look into their plight. The farmers said that since the situation started, they have been making numerous reports and visits to the Cane Grove Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, but have gotten no satisfaction. When Kaieteur News made contact with the NDC
Chairperson, Keshni Rooplall, for a comment on the situation, she said “I wish not to comment on that. I think that matter has reached to the level of the Ministry and the Ministry would be putting some measures in place shortly.” Contacted for a comment, the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, said that he was recently made aware of the issue and has instructed an engineer to visit the area, who will be accessing the situation to see how the flooding can be fixed.
...Belizean Dr. Carla Barnett appointed From page 14 provides opportunities for greater productivity and for CARICOM citizens to be much more involved in the strengthening of Regional integration well into the future, beyond COVID,” Dr. Barnett said. In a congratulatory message, Prime Minister of Barbados and former Chair of CARICOM, Mia Amor
Mottley, described Dr. Barnett as “perfect for the job in the Region at this time, when economies have collapsed and what we need is a sound economist to lead us on a path to growth.” Prime Minister Mottley said, “Her vast experience in regional organisations such as the Caribbean Development Bank, the Central Bank of Belize and elsewhere, has
sharpened her for the position she is about to assume — not because she is a woman, but because of her competencies.” “However, her being the first woman means that young girls across the Region can be inspired by Dr. Barnett’s accomplishments and begin their own moon journey,” she said.
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Russell Westbrook: Washington Wizards point guard breaks triple-doubles NBA record
Russell Westbrook had 28 points, 13 rebounds and 21 assists for the Washington Wizards on Monday.
...Rafael Nadal: World number Wednesday May 12, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You're looking good and feeling great, Aries. Now if only your home environment reflected who you are. As you look around, you may realize that it isn't as elegant as it could be. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Sign up for a class or workshop today. Your career could greatly benefit from more training. A short computer course might be all you need to move your career a giant leap forward. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You've been working especially hard lately, and today you may begin to reap the benefits of all your hard work. CANCER (June 21–July 22) There's no other way to say this- you're in the mood for love. Tonight you may feel a strong urge to be with your partner. If there isn't one in your life, you should take steps to correct that. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You have a generous spirit, Leo, which could get you into trouble if you aren't careful. When you get a gift of money or even a hint of one, your tendency is to buy presents for all your friends. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You hardly even believe in love, much less love at first sight, Virgo, but something that occurs today may turn you into a believer. You never know when it will happen.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) It's likely a hidden talent of yours is revealed today, Libra. All those scraps of writing could turn into something more concrete, such as a novel. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You will feel especially close to family and friends today. There's a lot of positive energy in the air, and people feel optimistic and congenial. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You're likely feeling confident, optimistic, and enthusiastic today, Sagittarius. You feel as though anything is possible, and indeed it is. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You have a wonderful combination of optimism and spirituality. You believe in miracles as well as angels, Santa Claus, and the Tooth Fairy. We support your attitude wholeheartedly! AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Don't be afraid to ask for help today, Aquarius. It may be that your friends and family help you with a task or you discover a mechanized solution that does the job for you. Technology can be a wonderful thing. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You can expect your love life to take a dramatic turn for the better, Pisces. This may be because you feel more self-confident than you have in a long time. In addition, you feel great and look even better.
From page 28 never think about missing Olympics, of course,” the Spaniard, 34, told a news conference. “Under these circumstances, I don’t know.” Nadal’s comments came the day after American 23time Grand Slam champion S e r e n a Wi l l i a m s r a i s e d doubts over her participation because she is hesitant to spend time away from her three-year-old daughter, Olympia. They also followed comments from Japan’s Naomi Osaka, who said rising Covid-19 levels in Tokyo were a “big cause for concern” and that she was “not really sure” the Olympics should go ahead this summer. Tokyo is under a state of emergency amid a surge in cases, 10 weeks from the start of the rescheduled Games on 23 July. Nadal, who was speaking at the Italian Open in Rome, said he would “see what’s going on in the next couple of months”. “I need to organise my schedule,” he said. “In a normal year, I normally know my schedule almost 100% since 1 January till the end of the season. This year is something a little bit different, no? “We need to be flexible. We need to adapt about the things that are happening.”
BBCsport - Washington Wizards point guard Russell Westbrook broke Oscar Robertson’s NBA record for the most career triple-doubles in his side’s defeat by the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. Westbrook reached double digits in rebounds, points and assists for the 182nd time in his career. The 32-year-old finished the night with 28 points, 13 rebounds and 21 assists. However, Westbrook missed a possible game-winning buzzer-beater as the Wizards lost 125-124. “I’m truly grateful for moments like this,” he said of his record-breaking achievement. “Normally, I don’t like to pat myself on the back, but tonight I will.” Robertson, 82, who played from 1960 to 1974, said he was “very happy” for Westbrook. “Your family is very proud of you, and I salute you for
all your accomplishments in the game of basketball,” he added. Magic Johnson - who sits third on the triple-double list - said he was “proud” of Westbrook and fifth-placed LeBron James called it “an incredible feat”. Elsewhere, Stephen Curry scored 36 points as the Golden State Warriors beat Western Conference leaders the Utah Jazz 119-116. The Memphis Grizzlies secured a place in the Western Conference play-in tournament with a 115-110 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans, while the San Antonio Spurs moved a step closer to that event with a 146-125 win against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Portland Trail Blazers beat the Houston Rockets 140-129 and the Indiana Pacers claimed a 111-102 victory at the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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Wednesday May 12, 2021
Guyana Amazon Warriors announce 2021 retentions The Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) have announced their retentions for the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League which gets underway in St Kitts & Nevis on 28 August. The Amazon Warriors have retained 11 of the players who guided them
to the semi-finals of the 2020 event. Nicholas Pooran made the only century of last year’s tournament and he will be back with the Warriors this year along with Shimron Hetmyer and Brandon King. The Warriors will also be
welcoming back South African leg spinner Imran Tahir and Afghan fast bowler Naveen ul Haq. The squad also features up and coming Guyanese players Kevin Sinclair and Ashmead Nedd, both of whom impressed in 2020 in their first Hero CPL.
The Amazon Warriors have six spots left to fill in their squad and these will be announced in the coming w e e k s . T h e G AW management team said: ‘’The Management of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Franchise are very pleased to
retain the core group of players which comprised our squad over the last two years. The Franchise is very appreciative of the retained players for their loyalty and commitment to the Guyana Amazon Warriors. It is the hope of the Franchise that with the majority of players being together over the last two tournaments, the team unity, camaraderie and support for one another in
working towards a common goal and purpose will bring the desired result of winning the tournament this year.” Guyana Amazon Wa r r i o r s r e t e n t i o n s ; Nicholas Pooran, Imran Tahir, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Naveen Ul Haq, Romario Shepherd, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Odean Smith, Anthony Bramble, Kevin Sinclair and Ashmead Nedd.
Sanmoogan, Fowler to represent Guyana at Tokyo 2021 Jamila Sanmoogan and Andrew Fowler will be representing Guyana at the Olympic Games in Tokyo after picking up the two FINA universality spots. In April, The International Swimming Federation (FINA) wrote to the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) informing them of the failure of any Guyanese swimmer to qualify for the Games in Tokyo, hence Sanmoogan and Fowler landed two universality spots. Universality spots allows a nation with no Olympic swimming qualifier to enter up to one man and one woman in the Olympics – typically, those ‘universality’ entries require that the athletes competed in the most recent edition of FINA’s Long Course World Championships. Sanmoogan will make her second Olympic appearance, having first represented Guyana at Rio 2016, where she competed in the Women’s 50 meters freestyle. She placed 63rd overall. The 23 year-old Fowler represented Guyana at the Commonwealth Games and the World Swimming Championships among other Meets. President of GASA,
Dwayne Scott told Kaieteur Sport that they are happy to have two swimmers at the Games and are looking forward to their performances. He expressed gratitude to FINA and the Guyana Olympic Association for the opportunity. Scott informed that they want to ensure that local swimmers qualify for future Games and a long term youth development programme is planned so as to give athletes a fair opportunity to hone their skills. In an invited comment, Sanmoogan said she is excited to be able to represent her country at the Olympic Games once again and is working hard to improve. “Not being able to gain access to the pool for about a year due to the lockdown has affected my training, but I am working hard to improve,” she added. Sanmoogan also represented Guyana at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, as well as the 2019 Wo r l d S w i m m i n g Championships. She currently trains five times per week at the National Aquatic Centre and is also doing gym work. The games will be held from 23 July to 8 August 2021. (Zaheer Mohamed)
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MCC gives thumbs-down to bamboo bats, says they are ‘illegal’ under current laws ESPNcricinfo - The MCC has turned down the idea of bats made with bamboo instead of willow, saying that it would be “illegal” under current laws, which says bats must be made only of wood and also bans lamination of the blade in bats meant for senior cricketers. But the guardians of the laws of the game did welcome the experiment, saying that “this angle of willow alternatives should also be considered”. A study by the University of Cambridge suggested that cricket bats made of bamboo offered a more sustainable alternative than the traditional ones made with willow. According to Darshil Shah, one of the researchers, the bamboo bat “was stiffer, harder and stronger than those made of willow, although more brittle”. “It is heavier than a willow bat, and we are looking to optimise that,” Shah was quoted as saying by the Guardian. But Law 5.3.2 states that the blade of the bat must consist solely of wood, so it
A study suggested that willow could be replaced by bamboo in bats to increase their sustainability. AFP via Getty Images
would require a change in the law for bamboo - which is a grass - to be considered. “… any potential amendments to the Law would need to carefully take this into consideration, particularly the concept of the bat producing greater power,” an MCC statement said. “The Club has worked hard to ensure that bats aren’t too powerful, taking steps in 2008 and 2017 to limit the materials and the size of the bats for this purpose. “Sustainability is a relevant topic for MCC and indeed cricket, and this angle of willow alternatives should also be considered. With the researchers stating that the most suitable types of bamboo grow abundantly across China and that lowcost production could make bamboo bats a viable and ethical alternative to willow, this could provide a pertinent angle for further research and the possibility of reducing the cost of producing bats in different areas of the world.” The statement added that the MCC would discuss the topic at the next laws subcommittee meeting.
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It is the fourth overall CFC title for the Ticos, with crowns won in 2000, 2012, 2016 and now 2021.
Costa Rica edge U.S. to win third straight CFC G u a t e m a l a C i t y, Guatemala – Costa Rica have won their third straight Concacaf Futsal Championship after defeating the United States 3-2 in the 2021 CFC Final on Sunday night at the Domo Polideportivo de la CDAG in Guatemala City, Guatemala. It is the fourth overall CFC title for the Ticos, with crowns won in 2000, 2012, 2016 and now 2021. Costa Rica had to dig themselves out of an early deficit after Lucho Gonzalez gave the U.S. a 1-0 lead. Goals from Daniel Gomez and Juan Cordero catapulted Costa Rica back into the lead, only for the U.S. to respond with an equalizer through Zach Reget. But Gomez would notch his second goal of the night shortly before halftime, and that goal would hold up as the winning score to complete another triumphant CFC tournament for the Ticos. The Ticos were also among the winners of the 2021 CFC awards given out after Sunday’s Final. Milinton Tijerino of Costa Rica earned the Best Player Award presented by Scotiabank. Tijerino scored two goals in helping Costa Rica claim their fourth CFC crown. Tomas Pondeca of the United States took home the Yo u n g P l a y e r Aw a r d presented by Scotiabank. Pondeca scored two goals during the tournament, including a score in the 2-0 quarterfinal win over the Dominican Republic that clinched a berth in the 2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup for the U.S.
Carlos Perez of Panama won the Top Scorer Award after tallying eight goals during the tournament, including hat tricks in two d i ff e r e n t g r o u p s t a g e matches. Cesar Vargas of Costa Rica secured the Allstate Best Goalkeeper Award. Vargas started all five of Costa Rica’s matches, registered a clean sheet in their opening 7-0 win over Haiti and gave up just five goals during the entire tournament. For the second straight CFC, Costa Rica won the Fair Play Award presented by Scotiabank. Guatemala claim Third-Place honors Guatemala downed Panama 3-2 to claim Third-Place in the 2021 Concacaf Futsal Championship on Sunday at the Domo Polideportivo de la CDAG in Guatemala City, Guatemala. It marks the second straight Third Place finish for the Chapines in the CFC. Roberto Alvarado struck early to hand Guatemala a 10 lead before Abdiel Ortiz managed to level things for Panama 1-1 in the second half. Right after the Ortiz goal, though, Guatemala hit b a c k t h r o u g h Wa l t e r Enriquez. The Canaleros were not about to throw in the towel though, and Panama’s top scorer in the CFC, Carlos Perez, scored his eighth of the tournament to make it a 2-2 affair. Locked in a 2-2 draw, the two sides went to extra time and Fernando Campaignac would win it for Guatemala at the end of the second extra time period with a right-footed shot to give the host nation the 3-2.
Rafael Nadal (right)and Marc Lopez
Rafael Nadal: World number three unsure over Tokyo 2020 Olympics participation BBCsport - Rafael Nadal says he does not know if he will compete at this summer’s Tokyo Olympics because of uncertainty relating to the coronavirus pandemic. The 20-time
Grand Slam champion, who won Olympic gold in the singles in 2008 and the doubles in 2016, says he does not yet know his schedule. “In a normal world I will (Continued on page 25)
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Reggae Girlz to play friendlies against USA and Nigeria Kingston, Jamaica The Jamaica Reggae Girlz will play two international friendlies, against Nigeria and the USA, as part of the US Soccer 2021 WNT Summer Series Presented by AT&T 5G in Houston, Te x a s . T h e f o u r- t e a m competition, which runs from June 10-16, will also
feature Portugal. The games are the first for Jamaica since participating in Concacaf Olympic qualifiers in 2020 and a precursor to World Cup qualifiers beginning in N o v e m b e r. J a m a i c a historically qualified for the 2019 World Cup. “ We a r e e x t r e m e l y
pleased to be part of this series of games,” said Reggae Girlz Coach Hubert Busby. “They come in handy as we begin to put our squad together for the World Cup Qualifiers beginning in November. These games give us a chance to see where we are and to incorporate new faces and talents. These
Jamaica Reggae Girlz. JFF Media
Anthony Joshua v Tyson Fury: Fight to take place in Saudi Arabia, says Eddie Hearn Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury
B
BCsport Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury’s w o r l d heavyweight title fight will take place in Saudi Arabia, says Eddie Hearn. A specific venue and date is yet to be confirmed for the all-British bout, which will see the winner become the undisputed heavyweight champion. Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, suggested it could take place on either 7 August or 14 August. “It’s a very bad secret that the fight is happening in Saudi Arabia,” Hearn told Sky Sports. He added they were working with the “same people” as they did for Joshua’s rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr. Joshua, 31, won back the WBA, WBO and IBF belts
by beating Ruiz in Diriyah, on the outskirts of the Saudi capital Riyadh, in December 2019. He had lost the titles in a shock defeat in June that year. “ W e ’ r e v e r y comfortable. Anthony’s comfortable, he knows those people,” added Hearn. “They delivered on every one of their promises last time. We’re ready to go.” This year’s rescheduled Tokyo Olympics are set to finish on 8 August, so Hearn said 14 August made more sense but that he hoped to secure the date and venue in the next few days.
Hearn announced that a two-fight deal between Joshua and Fury, 32, had been agreed in March after months of negotiations. Fury’s co-promoter Bob Arum subsequently said the fight was “dead in the water”, which Hearn denied. The fight will see all four belts contested in a heavyweight bout for the first time. The last undisputed heavyweight champion was Britain’s Lennox Lewis from 1999 to 2000. That was before a boxer also had to hold the WBO belt to be recognised as undisputed champion.
are two great opponents and we are always excited to match skills with the best in the world.”
The Reggae Girlz play N i g e r i a a t t h e B B VA Stadium on June 10, kickoff at 4:30 pm (CT). They face
USA on June 13, staring at 9 pm. Jamaica is ranked 51st, while Nigeria is 38th. The USA is first.
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Wednesday May 12, 2021
Manchester City win Premier League title after Manchester United lose to Leicester BBCsport - Manchester City have won a third Premier League title in four years after closest challengers Manchester United were beaten by Leicester City. Pep Guardiola’s side are now 10 points ahead of second-placed United, who
have just three games remaining. It is the seventh time City have finished top of the English football pyramid and the fifth in nine years. “This has been a season and a Premier League title like no other,” said Guardiola. “This was the hardest
o n e . We w i l l a l w a y s remember this season for the way we won. I am so proud to be the manager here and of this group of players. “They are so special. To come through this season, with all the restrictions and difficulties we’ve faced - and show the consistency we
have is remarkable. It is relentless. “Every single day, they are there, fighting for success, trying always to be better. They have been so, so resilient.” Manager Guardiola, 50, has now won eight domestic trophies since arriving in Manchester in 2016. City had the chance to wrap up the title themselves on Saturday, but suffered a 21 defeat by Chelsea at Etihad Stadium. However,
Leicester completed the job for them with a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford on Tuesday (yesterday). It is the sixth time the Premier League title was decided at Old Trafford the most of any venue, and three of which have been for other sides. It is City’s second trophy in a little over two weeks after they beat Tottenham to claim the Carabao Cup and they are also in their first Champions League final after beating Paris St-Germain in
midweek. Since being taken over by the Abu Dhabi Group in September 2008, City have won 12 cups and this is the third time they have clinched a league and EFL Cup double. They are set to lift the Premier League trophy after their final game of the season against Everton on 23 May. Up to 10,000 fans will be present inside the stadium after the latest lifting of coronavirus restrictions in England.
Manchester City have won a fifth Premier League title in nine years.
2021 Concacaf Beach Soccer Championship final rosters confirmed T h e 11 M e m b e r A s s o c i a t i o n s participating in the 2021 Concacaf Beach Soccer Championship (CBSC) have submitted their final 12 player rosters. The final rosters have been selected and submitted by each Member Association and are published as such. In order to be eligible to play in the 2021 CBSC, all players are subject to and must fully comply with the criteria stipulated in the applicable FIFA player eligibility regulations. In accordance with the Competition Regulations, changes to the final rosters will only be allowed in the event of force majeure or injury. Any changes made must be prior to each team’s first group stage match. Additionally, such replacements must be approved by Concacaf. All matches of the 2021 CBSC will be
played at the Complejo Deportivo FEDEFUTBOL Plycem, in Alajuela, Costa Rica. Group stage play will take place from May 17-19, followed by the quarterfinals on May 21, semifinals on May 22 and the final and third place match on Sunday, May 23. The two semifinal winners on May 22 will earn a spot in the competition’s finals and the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Russia 2021. The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup is scheduled to take place August 19–29, 2021, in Moscow, Russia. 16 FIFA Member Associations (two from Concacaf) will participate. The competing nations are Bahamas, Belize, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, El Salvador, Turks & Caicos Islands, Trinidad and Tobago and the USA.
Wednesday May 12, 2021
Kaieteur News
PAGE 33
Hundreds of mothers honored as RHTY&SC host DTV-8 Tribute to Mothers and Jessica Sandian Memorial Programmes
Winners of the RHTY&SC/DTV-8 awards pose with their children. The eleven cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) last weekend hosted three programmes as part of their Tribute to Mothers Project namely, the RHTY&SC/DTV-8 Tribute to Mothers, Jessica Sandian Memorial Programme and Basil Butcher Trust Fund Mothers Programme. Three outstanding mothers, Christina Jaipaul, Padmini Budhai and Savitri Ibaran were honored as the RHTY&SC/DTV-8 Mother of the Year for Berbice on Saturday last. The mothers were selected after their children submitted essays as part of the countywide search for role-model parents. DTV-8 invited children across the County to submit essays on the Topic, ‘I love my Mother and why she is a role model to me’. Chosen by a distinguished panel of judges, the three winners each received a Mother of the Year Plaque, medal of
excellence, framed certificate, a Mother’s Day rose, RHTY&SC anniversary cap, Mother’s Day candles and a special gift. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster congratulated the awardees and urged them to continue being their children’s best role models. Noting that the world was suffering from a rise in crime, drug abuse, suicide and alcohol abuse, Foster called on the parents to share their experiences with younger parents. He advised the youths to listen to their parents and to become agents of change. Assistant Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu expressed gratitude to the Management and Staff of DTV-8 for being supporters of the club for close to 30 years. The teams shared out close to 200 food hampers to less fortunate and single parent mothers under the Jessica Sandian Memorial Programme. Stephen
The late Jessica Sandian
Sandian and Andy M o o n s a m m y, s o n a n d nephew of the late Jessica S a n d i a n r e s p e c t i v e l y, sponsored the programme in her memory. Sandian, formerly of Nigg Village died several years ago in Canada after a long battle with Cancer. Members of the teams led by senior executives of the club visited the homes of the mothers to drop off the hampers and to e x t e n d M o t h e r ’s D a y greetings. The teams under the Basil Butcher Trust Fund M o t h e r ’s P r o g r a m m e donated Mother ’s Day hampers and gifts to several Churches including the St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church, Maranatha Faith Ministries, St. Agnes Anglican Church of No. 64 Village and the Rose Hall Town Wesleyan Church. The Wesleyan Church and St. Agnes received Mother’s Day gifts while the Faith Ministry collected 15 food hampers. Close to 40 mothers’ at the St. Francis Xavier RC Church were welcomed with a Mother’s Day Rose and Medal of Excellence. At the end of Mass, mothers were surprised with a Special Mother’s Day Cake cutting ceremony and received a special gift and a food hamper each. One Mother received a $20,000.00 bicycle while three others also won special prizes via a mini raffle. Four Nurses from the Port Mourant Public Hospital also received hampers from the teams. Pepsi Under-19 Captain Jonathan Rampersaud stated that the eleven teams; Poonai Pharmacy U-12 and 13, Farfan and Mendes U-17, Bakewell U-17 and Second Division, Pepsi U-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females, Vitality Inc. U-23,
Namilco Thunderbolt Flour U-21 and First Division were delighted to make the day a special one for all the mothers as the club appreciates their contributions to the overall development of their children. The teams have already started preparation for the hosting of the Walter Nero Memorial Father’s Day programme in June.
Catholic Priest, Father Ramesh Vandan hands over cycle to Petula King on behalf of the club.