Kaieteur News

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Local Content Friday Edition NEWS to be key focus at Vickram upcoming oil confab -Bharrat AIETEUR

GIPEX 2021

May 14, 2021 - Vol. 23 No.20

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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

Price $80

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- Pandemic forces organisers to host exhibition virtually

Online readership yesterday, 89,764

China’s troublesome confidentiality clause p.

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found in US$43 million contract with Guyana Taxi driver

Ex-cop freed of committed manslaughter Two to lead to stand on no-case defence, trial for David submission one walks free Barclay’s death Money changer and daughter murder PI…

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Bus driver’s $23.8M in forged GRA cheques in-laws cashed at commercial bank arrested for - Police launch investigation his murder p.13

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Govt. amends Liza Phase 1 permit; now demands US$30 on every tonne of carbon dioxide flared p.

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Liza 1 we were robbed, Liza 2 we were ripped off, Payara @11:00hrs on Kaieteur we were raped. What will happen to the 4th Yellowtail? Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Kaieteur News

Friday May 14, 2021

Kaieteur News

Friday May 14, 2021

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Govt. amends Liza Phase 1 Permit; now demands US$30 on every tonne of Carbon Dioxide flare T

By Kiana Wilburg

he Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced yesterday that it amended the Liza Phase One Permit to have ExxonMobils subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), pay US$30 for every tonne of Carbon Dioxide equivalent (CO2e) a term for describing different greenhouse gases in a common unit burnt after yesterday, May 13, 2021.

It is significant to note that ExxonMobil was projected to exceed flaring 14 billion standard cubic feet of gas by May 13, 2021 in its Liza Phase One Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). In light of this, the EPA said it engaged EEPGL to amend the Liza Phase One Permit.

Kaieteur News understands that EEPGL agreed to the changes which include: revised terms and conditions relating to emissions reporting requirements, technical considerations for flaring,

Flaring that is ongoing on the Liza Destiny

timelines for flaring events and an obligation on the company to pay for the emission of Carbon Dioxide equivalent (CO2e) as a result of flaring in excess of these timelines.

The modified Permit was signed between the two parties yesterday.

Extensive research conducted by Kaieteur News shows that gas flaring contributes to climate change, which has serious implications for the human security and wellbeing g l o b a l l y. I n f a c t , t h e Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ibadan,

Ibadan, Nigeria, outlined in one of its studies, that gas flaring is actually a major source of greenhouse gases, which accelerates global warming.

It was noted that flaring releases Carbon Dioxide and Methane, the two major greenhouse gases. Of these two, Methane is actually more harmful than Carbon Dioxide. It is also more prevalent in flares that burn a t l o w e r e f f i c i e n c y.

Of the greenhouse gases researched so far, Kaieteur News understands that the global warming potential of a kilogramme of Methane is estimated to be 21 times that

of a kilogramme of Carbon Dioxide when the effects are c o n s i d e r e d .

The University of Ibadan study also noted that flaring contributes to local and regional environmental problems, such as acid rain with attendant impact on agriculture, forests and other physical infrastructure. The acid rain results in environmental degradation, which includes soil and water contamination and roof erosion.

Furthermore, there have been over 250 identified toxins released from flaring including carcinogens such as benzopyrene, benzene,

carbon disulphide (CS2), carbonyl sulphide (COS) and toluene; metals such as m e r c u r y, a r s e n i c a n d chromium; sour gas with Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2); Nitrogen oxides (NOx); Carbon dioxide (CO2); and methane (CH4) which contributes to the greenhouse gases.

GAS COMPRESSOR ISSUES Since start up in December 2019, Kaieteur News would have followed and reported on ExxonMobils continually malfunctioning gas compressor system. On December 20, 2020 it had announced that the gas compressor issue was fixed.

But during that one-year period, it had already flared 12.4 billion cubic feet of gas per day, equivalent to the removal of 1.6M acres of forest. In simpler terms, this means that Exxon flared toxic Natural gas that could have been offset by a forest the size of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). https://www.kaieteurnewso nline.com/2020/12/22/exxo

ExxonMobil Guyana Head, Alistair Routledge ns-flaring-this-yearequivalent-to-the-removalof-1-6m-acres-of-forest/).

But the issues didnt stop there as the system malfunctioned for a second time on January 13, 2021.

The company did not reveal the cause but said that it was fixed within a matter of hours, or so it thought. https://www.kaieteurnewso nline.com/2021/03/07/exxo nmobil-had-flared-earlyjanuary-claims-it-lastedless-than-hours/).

On January 29, 2021, the gas compressor broke down for a third time, forcing ExxonMobil this time around to send the faulty equipment to Germany for repairs and upgrades. A detailed assessment of the (Continued on page 19)

$23.8M in forged GRA cheques cashed at commercial bank - Police launch investigation

An investigation has been launched by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) after three-forged Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) cheques amounting to over $23.8M were discovered to be cashed at a commercial bank. The discovery was made after an employee at the bank called GRA to confirm the issuance and the amount of a fourth cheque that was attempted to be cashed.

Commissioner General of GRA, Godfrey Statia, confirmed that the cheques are not authentic GRA cheques.

He further highlighted that all cheques issued by the GRA are stamped “not negotiable.”

He explained that this means that commercial banks are not allowed to cash them and that they must be deposited into a payee account. He told this newspaper that the forgers have been encashing cheques at a

commercial bank that purportedly shows that the cheques were issued by the GRA. He further noted that the fact that the forged cheques were cashed at a commercial bank demonstrates some level of collusion between the forgers, the banks employees and likely some GRA employees who may have provided the forgers with the cheque numbers.

According to Statia, GRAs original cheques are issued by the Bank of Guyana (BOG) and all of the cheques are in their possession. He disclosed that GRA will not be conducting any fraud investigation since the agency has the original cheques, whether blank or cancelled. After the discovery was made, the entity notified the police and an investigation was launched into the matter.

When this publication

contacted the commercial bank at which the forged cheques were reportedly cashed, a representative stated that she is aware of the matter but will desist from commenting on the issue since the police have launched an investigation. It was also stated that the bank will not be conducting an independent internal investigation into the matter.

According to a letter seen by this publication addressed to the Governor of the BOG, Dr. Gobin Ganga, Statia explained the discoveries and outlined several discrepancies.

The letter stated that the three forged cheques that were cashed amount to $23,810,000. It was further revealed that the monies were withdrawn from GRAs IR revenue account. GRA is requesting from the BOG to not accept the withdrawals from its IR account and asked that the BOG not

honour the payments since the commercial bank must be held liable for the act.

Five discrepancies were highlighted in the letter. The first noted that the GRA does not issue refund cheques with electronic signatures and in the case of such cheques, the BOG and other commercial banks should have been notified.

The second point that was outlined is that, “All GRA refund cheques or payments to individuals and companies are affixed with the non-negotiable stamp.”

It was stated that the only time such stamp is not affixed on the cheques is when transfers are done between GRAs accounts or to the Consolidated Fund. It should be noted that the aforementioned is a standard policy that all government agencies must adhere to.

The third discrepancy that was highlighted in the letter is that the payee

signatures on the cheques do not match the signature on the identification cards. This shows collusion or negligence.

The letter stated that the discovery was made after one of the commercial banks employees found it obligatory to call GRA to confirm the issuance of one of the cheques and the amount listed. After that phone call, checks were made at GRA and the original cheques were discovered still in GRAs possession. It was stated that the fact that an employee called, shows that the commercial bank has rules and operating procedures to reduce or prevent such occurrences and as such, the banks failure to follow these rules in the three previous instances is either negligence or collusion with the perpetrators. The last discrepancy that was outlined is the fact that all of

Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia. the forged GRA cheques were cashed at the same commercial bank, which is further evidence of collusion.

It was expressed in the letter that until the police investigation is completed the liability of forged cheques lies with the commercial bank, which would have negligence insurance for such occurrences

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Friday May 14, 2021

Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

THE BIG LIE There is a saying attributed to Nazi Government Minister of Propaganda, Joseph Goebbels, that says, if a political machinery must lie to a people, it must create a Big Lie and repeat it until the people eventually accept it as truth.

The term “Big Lie,” has in the past few months in keeping with the United States media’s penchant for packaging of buzzwords, to describe the ongoing campaign by recently ousted septuagenarian one-term American President, Donald Trump and his political machinery, to fool his hapless MAGA supporters and keep them convinced that he was cheated out of a victory in elections last year.

Instead of being stopped in its tracks by repeated losses in court challenges, Trump’s Big Lie machinery continues to gain momentum, crushing even defiant Republican politicians in its wake. On May 3, Wyoming Congresswoman – and daughter of former Vice-President Dick Cheney – Liz Cheney tweeted “The 2020 presidential election was not stolen. Anyone who claims it was is spreading THE BIG LIE, turning their back on the rule of law and poisoning our democratic system.”

A little over a week later, on Wednesday of this week, in a closed-door session, she was voted out of the post as the third ranking Republican leader in the US House of Representatives.

This is not a situation with which Guyanese are unfamiliar.

The APNU+AFC political machinery, led by David Granger, has sought to perpetuate the tremendous and tremendously stupid Big Lie, that they had won the elections and he had been elected President for a second term but, like Trump, were cheated. They sought to do so with a thousand supporting contortions and falsehoods, sending out from top tier leadership to bottom-feeding propagandists to mislead and misdirect, even as Granger himself led bravely away from the glare of the media spotlight.

When AFC Executive and Granger’s son-in-law, Dominic Gaskin, did the decent thing and refused to endorse the indecency, he was ostracised by the party machinery and cast into political oblivion, even as his now former comrades were – with a straight face – spouting nonsense about Russians seeking to hack the elections and preparing secret dossiers begging for interference and support for the rigging from the very American political machinery it was telling its supporters was interfering against it.

People need to come to grips with the full scale of the dangerous and senile adventure David Granger et co took Guyanese on last year, and how it made pale in comparison, both in real and contextual terms, anything that preceded, including the rigging of the 1970s and 1980s that his machinery sought to blatantly reproduce, the perpetual Big Lie of Burnham that the PNC was a unifying electoral powerhouse in a multiracial, post-colonial society and not a dictatorial regime illegally propped up for the political convenience of Western countries in the middle of a global ideological conflict.

The irony of the Big Lie of 2020 is that so much of it was based on the Big Truth that dominated Guyanese political reality of the 1970s, from the use of dead and overseas voters and the blatant tampering with documents, to the involvement of a corrupt judiciary, to the conspiratorial involvement of external global forces. Every fever dream machination concocted by the political machinery ran by the man referred to last year by one distinguished Caribbean diplomat, as a “sanctimonious gangster” was in fact virtually perfect recall of the reality of the Burnham dictatorship at the height of its powers.

Of course, we do not need to go back five decades in history to get a sense of the scale of the APNU+AFC’s Big Lie. Six years ago, three days after the elections of May 11, 2015, the incumbent PPP/C was contesting the results on claims of spoilt ballots et cetera, while the APNU+AFC coalition was providing its SOPs as a tool for analysis to show that it won the elections.

The Donald Ramotar administration would concede defeat shortly after with the official results from GECOM and a peaceful transition of power would take place. In stark contrast, a year ago, the APNU+AFC had already spent over two months seeking to thwart the elections of March 2, 2020, with false claims of discrepancies, while refusing to show its

Government must act forcefully DEAR EDITOR, It is time that Guyanese governments get tough.

Since the PPP is the government in the driver’s seat, its leaders must drive.

They have to drive over errant people.

As our history confirms, different Guyana governments at different times have enthusiastically beat up on locals crossing their paths. I think that same determination and energy must be employed to whip foreigners into shape.

Certainly, we need investments, expertise and technology, but not like this, not at these prices. The Chinese have cannibalised us with the airport extension; the Russians have brutalised our people in different sectors; the Indians have economised at our expense; and now the British have vandalised our dignity. For its part, mighty

Exxon has pauperised our people and demoralised our leaders. For those who forget, I urge recall of that insulting ultimatum by the Exxon’s Country Manager, which could not have been blunter: take us as we are, or we are out of here. In other words, the middle finger and a four-letter word for what bastardises our prospects.

It is time that this damn (confounded) nonsense stops. We cannot and must not allow one single foreigner to come here and insult us, mistreat our workers, degrade our officials, whether elected or selected.

Just get rid of these swaggering, contemptuous foreigners. There was a time, when even diplomatic personnel were declared persona non grata (unfit and improper) and given marching orders. If that could have been the case for

country-to-country representatives, then a sharper, swifter fate has to be the lot of those who fall afoul of our rules and regulations and then turn around and spit in our faces.

This was what the Superior Concrete Inc. people enacted, not once, but twice.

People like these and entities such as these, have to be taught a lesson, with clear messages delivered.

Not here! Not like this!

No mas! I have had my fill of these outsiders coming here and pretending to be our friends, patronising us with their cheap corporate baubles, and paternalising our top leaders, and bottom of the ladder citizens.

I do not think that they would be allowed to get away with such slave plantation behaviour in any other part of the world. Guyana is not America’s Old South. It is not

a British possession. Or a Chinese satellite. Therefore, the harshest and strongest messages have to be sent to those who offend our standards and our dignity.

We are not that touchy to be lurking for the tiniest of missteps. But we are nobody’s fool and nobody’s poodle that is available to be kicked around at will.

Hell, no! Let there be an end to these corporate atrocities, these buccaneering barbarities of foreigners, who come here to pillage and harbour a barely concealed and astonishing readiness to push us around willy-nilly and pulverise us to boot.

I have had enough. PPP leaders in government should have had enough, if they have any self-respect. And so, too, should all Guyanese.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

EXPLOITATION OF RESOURCES DEAR EDITOR, In Guyana, this week we had the issue of Superior Concrete Inc. The big relief was that the earlier perception was that the local company headed by Mr. Andrew Mekdeci was somehow involved in an impropriety. This is not the case and the Mekdecis were simply dealing with a client and had nothing to do with the client being in breach of local laws and regulations.

I was relieved because I know the Mekdecis operating in Guyana for several decades, I have found them to be the essence of

patriotism, decency and correctness. As a public figure, we ought not to be concerned about what may or may not be the political leanings of individuals and families.

But I can state confidently that the Mekdecis represent the kind of high quality of behaviour that we are short of in Guyana, helping the ordinary people to uplift themselves and contributing to the general good and betterment of our country.

But Dear Editor, the issue of getting Superior Concrete Inc. and the treatment of the

SOPs. That attempt would continue indecently for a further three months, defying logic, sanity and reality as independently observed by the citizens of Guyana and the international community.

It is only when a foreign power decided to revoke their visas, did the Granger government in August of last year, five months after the elections, finally step down from power, in the middle stages of a global pandemic.

Still, from that time to now, Granger’s political machinery has continued to clumsily and stupidly, but unrelentingly, perpetuates the Big Lie that they won the elections and the Irfaan Ali administration was conspiratorially installed by some shadowy, nebulous international forces. In the grand scheme of things, it is almost an exact parallel version of Trump’s delusional and insidious Big Lie agenda, except far shabbier, far more picayune.

As is currently being illustrated, America’s democratic institutions are – as complex and layered, as they are – resilient to the grant assault that the Trump administration represented. Liz Cheney might have been ousted from Republic leadership in the legislature but she is free to continue to be defiant having been directly elected by the people of her congressional district.

There is no such parallel here for now since, until there is constitutional and electoral reform, the Pied Piper of Pearl, as head of the APNU+AFC list and “leader” (used loosely) at Congress Place, will have his organ continue to perpetuate the fiction of being cheated, as parliamentary peons shackled to the single list amble along to the tune of the Big Lie, headed to whatever cavernous, abysmal irrelevance he is leading them into. That cannot be good for their constituents, which means it cannot be good for our democracy.

Honourable Minister Collin Croal and Sherwyn Greaves, Chief Executive Officer of Central Housing and Planning Authority, when they visited is worrisome and clearly unacceptable.

However, in our present environment, this behaviour is not surprising and this is my concern and I believe should be that of every responsible citizen of Guyana.

For some time now, our political party leaders have drifted away from the philosophical underpinnings of our two National Heroes, Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham.

These men offered ideological guidance to ensure that the ordinary people and the disadvantaged masses were the main beneficiaries as a result of independence and the utilisation of our considerable natural resources.

We’ve noticed the alacrity by which our new political Leaders are embracing the local and foreign private sectors, extolling their virtues, ignoring history and the fact that “the Leopard never changes its spots.”

At his May Day Feature Address in the presence of Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, the General Secretary of the TUC, Bro. Lincoln Lewis, urged the Government thru the Ministry not to ignore the plight and just demands of the working class.

He made particular reference to the treatment of RUSAL workers and the apparent soft response by successive Ministries of Labour.

I have no doubt that the

fulsome statements made by members of the present cabinet about the magnificent role that the local and private sectors are being urged to play have clearly emboldened, some unscrupulous and uncaring private sector entities.

We’ve seen this happening elsewhere where a Government originally boasting that they are for the People allowing those whose interest does not go beyond securing tax concessions and maximising their profit margin.

All the while, the interest of the working class and as we now see in the cement case, our local institutions and laws are completely subordinated.

Let us not fool ourselves that the attitude of the management of Concrete Superior Inc. to local laws and officials did not come about by accident.

Of interest, a group discussing workers’ management relations are of the view that we are being recolonised.

This is not a matter to be taken lightly. The behaviour of Concrete Superior Inc. must not be seen in isolation and I hope that it is not treated as an isolated case that has come to the notice of the public.

In the interest of this and succeeding generations, I again plead that Government and Opposition have a civilised discourse and settle the details of how we deal with the local and foreign private sectors.

Fortunately, lessons in Latin America, Africa, the Continued on page 5

Friday May 14, 2021

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Kaieteur News

The tragedy of Palestine With a central port facility, DEAR EDITOR, On Monday May 10, clashes between Palestinians and Israelis erupted once again. The reason for the clashes this time was due to the fact that the Israeli regime have moved to expel Palestinians from their homes in East Jerusalem to make way for new Israeli settlers. They are people who were not just born in East Jerusalem but whose ancestors have been living there since time immemorial.

Naturally, the people are resisting, fighting to protect what little they are allowed to have in that tragic Israeli Apartheid state.

What is even sadder is that the repressive, racist Israeli regime is being supported by some of the most powerful countries in the world, including the United States, which is the most powerful. These are the same countries that are most vociferous is speaking about Human Rights. Yet in the issue of Israel and Palestine they are fully on the side of the Apartheid Israeli State. It is that support that has allowed the Israeli regime to act with such impunity.

To justify this inhuman position, they have been manipulating the news. On Tuesday May 11, they BBC reported that the Israelis were bombing “military targets” in the Gaza Strip. Aljazeera is more or less saying the same thing.

What is the reality? Israel is a nuclear power. It has one of the strongest army in the world. It is also generously supplied with the most modern weapons, airplanes, tanks, drones, etc. It is a producer of modern sophisticated weapons. It has its own military industrial complex.

The Palestinians on the other hand, have been made into one of the poorest people in history. It has no army, no factories, no airplanes, no tanks and limited amounts of light weapons. They fight mainly with stones and sling shots. What military targets are they speaking about?

The rockets that are spoken about being fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel is probably the only weapons they have. Yet it is almost nothing compared to what Israel has. Indeed, there are locally produced in some kitchen in someone’s home.

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union international, support for the Palestinians have been drastically reduced. All of these powerful states in the world have diplomatic relations with Israel and have become conspicuously silent to the plight of the unfortunate people of Palestine. The strongest statement that they

have made is that both sides must show restraint. As the slaughter continues, Palestinians are losing their lives and limbs at an accelerating rate. As of May 11, thirty-two Palestinians have died, about a dozen children among them and hundreds seriously injured.

Only three Israelis lost their lives.

This is the most unequal struggle in history. It is also the most injustice being perpetrated anywhere in the world. Yet the Palestinians are being equated with Israel is and are being told to show restraint. This is while they are being forcibly evicted from their humble homes.

The Arab world has become so compromised that they have been reduced to making meek statements but unwilling to take any action.

Egypt, Saudi Arabia and others make feeble statements because they have become dependent on Israel.

Even many Muslim Organisations, example those in Guyana, are deafeningly silent. They seem more afraid of losing their US visas than standing up against the injustice and genocide that have been constantly visiting the Palestinian people.

It is time that democratic states take a firm stand on this matter. They can make a big difference if they do.

Let us recall that before the Apartheid Regime in

South Africa fell, it was the powerful countries that refused to sanction that hated regime. Recall too, that Israel was Apartheid South Africa’s main ally.

It was the stirring of the masses, the people in the street and small states that made the difference. That movement eventually forced the large countries to take a stand. Today the same states that collaborated and supported the racist South African regime, the very same forces that described Nelson Mandela and his comrades in the ANC as terrorists became the loudest in extolling the virtues of Mandela.

Well the Israeli Apartheid regime is much worse than what existed in South Africa.

To change this, we must stand up with the oppressed people of Palestine, we must force the leading countries in the world to condemn the murderous actions of Israel.

We in the Caribbean should take the lead and, as a first step, break diplomatic relations with the racist, apartheid regime in Israel. We must work to uphold human rights wherever it is being trampled upon.

Failing that, the blood of the people of Palestine will continue to be shed and they could lose everything including their lives. Let us show some humanity. Let your voices be heard!!

Sincerely Donald Ramotar

Exploitation of resources From page 4 Caribbean and Asia, offer us many examples to help us avoid repeating the pitfalls of some Governments.

When these companies come, they must know that they are not dealing with a particular political grouping that represents less than half of the Guyanese population, whether the PNC, PPP, the Coalition or otherwise. These conglomerates are grand masters, in exploiting divisions in a society and I once again plead, there is only one way to attenuate this.

All political leaders need to set aside their personal or petty differences when it comes to the utilisation of our bounteous resources. We should be at one in unity. In unity there is strength and perhaps this ugly incident where a foreign operative can be disrespectful to a Government Minister and a high ranking Official from the CH&PA, might be a classic case that out of evil cometh good.

Remember the song ‘Solidarity Forever,’ we can bring to birth their haughty power, gain our freedom, when we learn.

That the union makes us strong.

The sentiments expressed in the song ‘Solidarity Forever’ must not only be for May Day or for the month of May, but must resonate and be practiced every day of the year.

Sincerely, Hamilton Green

the mangroves will breathe a sigh of relief

DEAR EDITOR, We are now in an epoch whereby we are trying to mitigate and correct most of the wanton destruction that humankind as a whole had done to the environment since the start of the Industrial Revolution.

It, therefore, sounds very callous and insouciant that a Minister of both Works and Divinity can pass such a harsh penalty on one of nature’s beautiful blessings, that of our pristine mangroves. To condemn the mangroves to extinction at the altar of development must surely be making a mockery of the gods.

Is it not more sustainable and commonsensical to build one adequately sized modern port facility at the Vreed-enHoop Stelling that can handle all the offshore activities of the warehouses on the West Dem, rather, than each individual developer building their own wharves along the riverbank?

The main reason for having the waterfront

wharves, is to ship and receive the materials and equipment for the offshore platforms, which with effective programming, one modern central port can suffice.

Allowing individual developers to build along the riverbank will exemplify that the lessons of the past were not learnt and all that we will be having are repeats of more Tri Stars and the decimation of our eco-system.

An adequately sized modern port facility with powerful gantry and mobile cranes, adequate space for handling and storing all the merchandise for the offshore platforms with concrete jetty for docking, will allow developers to locate their warehouses away from the river.

This will also develop a system of inland freighting from the various warehouses to the central port, which will rebound to the benefit of locals.

This central modern port facility can be built either by

the government or a consortium and will create a host of employment opportunities for citizens over on the West Demerara.

It will maintain itself from the reasonable handling and storing charges affixed to its customers’ base. Bunkering and supply of fresh water can also be a supplemental trade of the port facility to vessels using our other ports.

With a central port facility, the mangroves will breathe a sigh of relief. It’s a win-win for both the mangroves and rapacious developers.

Yours Sincerely, Reggie Bhagwandin

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Friday May 14, 2021

Kaieteur News

RISING DISGRUNTLEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT DEAR EDITOR, When the government was changed last August, the country cheered. Within a few months, opinions began to change. People never expected that misgovernance, arrogance and perceived corruption would raise its ugly head so soon.

There are too many questions about contracts and acquisition of lands. The government also failed to raise the issue of renegotiation with Exxon on the oil contract, while local content laws are not being enforced.

The last government was rightly and justifiably replaced for its arrogance and widespread corruption. Its corruption is still being exposed. But this government is not much better. Hardly anyone of repute known for integrity and incorruptibility, honesty and as an advocate

for good governance has been employed by this government. Critics of the government are not recruited or consulted. As someone pointed out, this government has hired “nuff, nuff tiefman.” And if you look around at various offices, so many are back with corruption allegations pre-May 2015.

Not much has changed after nine months. Despite what the NACTA pollster says, disenchantment is rising even in PPP strongholds. Reform and prosperity, promised in the manifesto, are not anywhere on the horizon. The promised 50K jobs have not even led to the hiring of 1,000. The closed sugar estate workers are betrayed; the three reopened sugar estates are stagnant. Workers have been given letters that their last day of employment is June, suggesting that government

will close or sell the estates to friends as was expected from the outset. The government is letting down the poor whose lives have not been made better after nine months. A grant of $25K for a family (of five mouths) is not enough. It is more than what the coalition gave. But compare the amount with government ministers who get $1.5M a month plus perks and gifts from contractors.

People know the Ministries where there are deficiencies in accountability and companies that are favoured for contracts; kickbacks determine awarding of contracts. Greed by the political elite drives almost every policy and decision. There are allegations involving the procurement of COVID-19 equipment, drugs and vaccines, plus other contracted pharmaceutical purchases; one company,

favoured by the two main political elites, gets 80 percent of the contracts.

One man thinks he knows everything and makes all decisions for the government including hiring, firing, allocating of contracts. Thief men are favoured for employment. The small political elite engage in bullying behaviour. Rules, norms, laws are violated. The elite are heartless and victimises those who oppose them. Those who take a position opposed to the elite and or call for reforms are abused and alienated. These critics, people of integrity are finding themselves in trouble.

In government offices, the staff is coerced to approve unpalatable policies. Oneman dominance must be rejected. People need to speak up. The regular letter writers must make their views known on political dominance

Recent foreign executive expulsions DEAR EDITOR, It is unfortunate and intolerable that our esteemed ministers were insulted, but we must make our decisions with a calm mind. The recent expulsions of foreign executives involved in the illegal Superior Concrete factory in Houston are worrying. I am surprised that legal proceedings and heavy fines were not the next step in addressing this issue.

We must be cautious to not create the impression that Guyana is not investor friendly and reverting back to the days of nationalisation of foreign investments. Substantial fines, a public apology and a suspension of business activities while replacements are sent for those executives that are no longer welcome on our shores should be

considered.

Guyana remains open for business and foreign direct investment. Play by the rules and reap the benefits should be the takeaway from this experience. We must stay ahead of the potential negative publicity in the business class that could result from this incident.

The head of the parent company should be invited by GO-Invest to make amends and given an opportunity to present a solution for this serious issue.

In addition, our permit and monitoring processes need to be more efficient in preventing illegal business activities from getting this far. Superior Concrete has been at this project for a while and the GO-Invest office is one of the best agencies that can be used to raise a red

flag on the issues mentioned, whether it be visa renewals for executives or business permits for each phase of an investor’s project.

After fines are paid and apologies made, if Superior Concrete is willing to incur the additional expense, we should consider helping them find a more suitable location for their project.

Guyana must ensure our business environment continues to be viewed as favourable to foreign investment.

Otherwise, our economy could unravel and experience much slower growth than is currently forecast.

Best regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman, The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana

and abuse. Those who spoke out against the opposition are silent on government abuses and perceived corruption.

This government is warned that pervasive corruption is unacceptable to foreign government. The western powers are not going to stand by idly and they should not on pervasive corruption and flouting of global norms. The West will not take too kindly to the elimination of mangroves that is in clear violation of Guyana’s laws as well as against the spirit of the recent climate summit. Investors are warned not to allow themselves to be duped by the political elite in government. Once the global community turns against the government, and once local people rise up (as they will sooner than the government thinks), the elite can’t save the investors.

Arrogance, marginalisation of critics and professionals, and abuse of the opposition will lead to

domestic insurrection. The opposition cannot sit by and allow ongoing abuses to themselves and their supporters.

Foreign governments will turn against this government for damage to the mangroves, corruption, and other abuses.

Foreign governments are increasingly uncomfortable with this government especially its commercial, fishing and financial links with China. Major powers and CARICOM will back the opposition and critics, who speak out against corruption and one-man dominance of the government.

Disgruntlement is rising.

Government is becoming unpopular. To save face, this government needs an urgent reshuffling. Unfit and unqualified front figures must go, especially at Natural Resources, Housing, Local Government, Agriculture and Infrastructure.

Yours truly, Joshua Emmanuel

Petty Crimes on the rise?

DEAR EDITOR, While we have a surge in COVID cases, it seems as though petty crimes are on the rise as well! Within the past four days, I have heard of at least three persons who were robbed by regular young men.

One of these incidents happened across from my home! I am not sure of the police’s response to such crimes but given my family’s experience with the regular junkies I am doubtful that something will be done! I believe it is now unsafe to sit in your own yard!!

To be blunt and to save society, it is my opinion that we need to crack down on those that push illegal substances throughout the town of New Amsterdam. It is also my belief that more interventions in the town is needed for those unemployed so they can learn an honest and decent living.

Sincerely, Tanya Niamatali

PAGE 08

Long-serving former Presidential Protocol Officer, Vic Persaud dies

F

ormer Head of Protocol at the Office of the President, Mr. Eshwar Vevakanand Persaud fondly known as Vic Persaud or ‘Uncle Vic’ has died.

Kaieteur News was informed that Mr. Persaud died yesterday at his home after a period of prolonged illness.

The veteran public servant known to many had reportedly suffered a stroke a few months ago. As news of his death circulated yesterday, tributes from several high ranking officials started to pour in.

President, Irfaan Ali, noted that ‘Uncle Vic,’ as he was also adoringly and respectfully referred to, has been an ‘institution’ within the country’s public service.

The Head-of-State said that Mr. Persaud has provided more than 60 unbroken years of exemplary public service as an Accountant, Foreign Service Officer and as Chief of Protocol and Advisor on Protocol Affairs.

In addition, he pointed out too, that Persaud has had the distinction of providing protocol duties to nine Executive Presidents, from

Friday May 14, 2021

Kaieteur News

Mr. Eshwar Vevakanand Persaud called Vic Persaud or ‘Uncle Vic.’ Forbes Burnham to himself.

“He was a model public servant, embodying the finest attributes of professional public service.

His wit, charm, grace, sophistication, courtesy, excellence and efficiency were the hallmarks of his exemplary service. Guyana has lost an outstanding public servant and the Office of the President one of its most beloved and respected stalwarts,” the President said.

Opposition Leader and former Minister of State, Joseph Harmon noted that

Persaud was not only a colleague but also a friend and mentor to many. “I had the pleasure and honour of working closely with Vic during my tenure at the Ministry of the Presidency. I found that he possessed the highest integrity and an unflinching attention to detail. His pleasant and calming demeanour and his exemplary professionalism will be missed by all those whom he mentored and worked with throughout the years,” Harmon said in a statement on behalf of his party expressing his condolences. Up to press time, there was no message of condolence from former President, David Granger, under whom Persaud most recently served.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry where Persaud was once employed as a diplomat issued a statement describing him as “dedicated to all that which he held dearest – his family, his country and his friends.” The ministry noted that Mr. Persaud’s character epitomised humility and respect.

“In turn, he was loved (Continued on page 19)

Taxi driver committed to stand trial for David Barclays death

C

hief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, yesterday committed 29-year-old Kester Lewis, a taxi-driver to stand trial in the High Court for the killing of 29year-old David Barclay, of Tr i u m p h , E a s t C o a s t Demerara. Lewis is expected to go on trial in the High Court for murder at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara Assizes.

On Thursday December 31, 2020, Lewis made his first court appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts for the offence. The charge alleges that on December 27, 2020 at DUrban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, Lewis killed Barclay.

According to reports, Barclay was struck down and dragged by a motor car for some distance on DUrban Street following a row over $700, with Lewis.

The police in a statement had said that Barclay, had approached Lewis, who was believed to be a mechanic, to fix his vehicle after it encountered problems on DUrban Street.

Kaieteur News had

Dead, David Barclay reported that Lewis lawyer had told the court, “the victim approached the suspect in a bid to have a tyre on his vehicle repaired and in the process of making a payment; an argument ensued over the said payment, during which the suspect took a knife and slashed a tyre on the victims car.”

In Lewis statement to the police, he said that after the argument, he jumped into his vehicle and while driving off, Barclay jumped onto the right side door and held onto him, causing him to lose

control and he crashed into several vehicles that were parked.

However, new details had emerged stating that Lewis was operating as a taxi driver that morning and took Barclay home for a spare tyre and upon returning to DUrban Street with the spare tyre, Lewis requested $4,000 for the fare.

Barclay gave him $5,000. However, Lewis claimed he did not have change.

Barclay then gave him $3,300 and an outburst over the short money began.

Further, it was stated that Barclay then went to his car where he had left his childs mother to find more change and Lewis took out a knife and slashed the spare tyre, which led to a heated argument between the two.

Lewis then got into his car and when Barclay attempted to snatch him from the window, Lewis held on to Barclay and drove into five cars that were parked.

Video footage seen by this newspaper showed Barclays child mother holding his motionless body, screaming for help.

Kaieteur News

Friday May 14, 4021

PAGE 09

The developing world is being made a scapegoat

S

ince the start of the pandemic, the western world has been searching for a scapegoat for the pandemic.

The initial target was China where the virus originated but it was in the West where the virus’ spread and became a pandemic.

The United States has recorded more than 33.6 million infections, more than 10 percent of its population and 600,000 deaths. It is followed by India and Brazil with 24 million and 15.4 million cases respectively.

The deaths in both Brazil and India while high are below that of the United States.

Yet from the reports in the western media, you would tend to believe that the situation in India is worse than it has ever been in the United States.

On Wednesday, India recorded 4,126 deaths; the USA, which has seen an appreciable decline in daily deaths, recorded 483 deaths.

However, India’s population is almost five times that of the USA and therefore the present death rate in India, while dire, is comparable on a per capita basis with that of the United States.

On the 8th January, the United States registered 304,916 new cases. India, with almost five times the population recorded 414,000 on May 6th this year.

However, prior to this present wave, India’s highest number of daily infections was below 100,000 last September.

On 12th January, the United States recorded 4,468 deaths. India, with almost five times the population of the United States recorded

4,200 deaths three days ago.

Comparably and adjusting per capita, India has so far done better in managing the pandemic than the United States which still has the highest number of cases and deaths globally.

However, if one looks at the infection and death rates, the present wave in India is deadlier and it will get worse.

In comparison, the present wave in the United States is deadlier than earlier waves but the bell curve, tracking daily cases and deaths, suggest that within the next few months, the situation will be brought under control.

The United States is therefore likely to exit the pandemic by the end of the summer, while India will likely not be able to do so until next year.

This has to do with the vaccination rate. The United States has so far administered at least one dose of the vaccines to 46.6% of its population, while India is straggling far behind at 10%.

The prognosis for India therefore is not good. By the time the pandemic ends, cases and deaths in India are likely to surpass that of the United States. But on a per capita basis, the USA will still be the global leader in infections and deaths.

The US is therefore no paragon of efficiency when it comes to managing the pandemic. Even the UK, which had one of the world’s poorer records on a per capita basis, has done far better in reducing deaths than the USA. The UK still has a higher per capita

COVID-19 death rate than the USA. However, its total deaths are now in double figures.

O n We d n e s d a y, i t recorded a mere 11 deaths.

From all indications, the UK is now exiting the pandemic on account; it is believed to have a smarter vaccination policy.

Guyana has much to learn from what is taking place around the world.

The government is now saying that 63% of the elderly population (those 60 years and older) have been vaccinated. Since the highrisk group is 55 year plus, this rate is much too low to result in a drastic reduction in deaths.

H o w e v e r, v a c c i n e hesitancy has been high and the government did the next best thing and extended vaccination to all adults even before it has vaccinated more than half of the over 55 population.

Since it does not appear as if the government is prepared to extend the curfew, introduce work from home and rotation and close non-essential businesses, its best option, all things being considered, would be to obtain more vaccines, including those from Johnson and Johnson, which many countries now appear to be rejecting.

The present surge in cases globally has been attributed to variants that are more virulent. But there is no conclusive evidence as yet on this.

The western media however wants people to believe that it is the variants, which have driven the increase in cases rather than

Sleeping is a boys thing of beauty seh...

Dem

De Gone Home for Rest Association (GHRA) wake up. Dem bin deh in a deep sleep when de attempt was being made to rig de 2020 general and regional elections. De Gone Home for Rest Association wake up like Rip Van Winkle.

It rub de boo-boo out of it eyes and spring to life calling fuh de government to abort de electoral reform project because it divisive.

Dem boys wan know how come de attempt to rig de elections and lockdown de country fuh five months was not divisive in de eyes of de Gone Home for Rest Association.

But den again; sleeping is a thing of beauty!

Dem boys remember a few months ago

when de Guyana Rest Association (GRA) bin accuse some of dem big oil company of not remitting de full taxes pun fuel.

Dem seh how is billions of dollars involved. Dem boys nah hear nothing about dis matter. Like de matter gone to sleep, like Sleeping Beauty.

Is de same thing with de alleged procurement fraud at GUYOIL. Dem boys seh was one big noise bin keep. One-man seh he calling in de Auditor General. De police arrest a man and den had to release de man.

Up to now dem boys nah hear nuttin about de story. Like dat tun one cold case. Or it gone to sleep like Sleeping Beauty!

Talk half and wait fuh de melody when dem who sleeping wake up!

poor management of the pandemic.

As part of this agenda, it will continue to point to variants from Brazil, South Africa and India as being sources of concern but will

downplay the variants in the US and the UK, which ought to be of similar concern. This is all part of the scapegoat tactic of blaming others for the West’s own mistakes.

(The views expressed in

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Friday May 14, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Kenny Rogers sings, “My Way” at Giftland Mall’s alfresco cinema Ravi Persaud, one of the heirs of King’s Jewellery World and son-in-law of prominent Guyanese entrepreneur, Roy Beepat of Giftland Mall’s fame, was kind enough to tell me that despite his alfresco dining and open air cinema have been constructed where I walk my dog, I can still walk my pet around the perimetre of the structure.

Mr. Persaud read my article, “Listening to Julio Iglesias and reflecting on my life,” of Sunday, March 28, 2021, where I stated that his alfresco dining facility with open air cinema will d i s p l a c e m y d o g ’s perambulation space. So he

told me one afternoon when the construction was taking place that there is sufficient space around his project for the dog to do her thing.

Last Tuesday, I parked near the place and before I could open the car for my dog to jump out, I saw the cinema showing a live performance by crooner and country rock star (deceased recently), Kenny Rogers. He was doing one of pop music’s most covered songs, an autobiographical ballad made famous by Frank Sinatra, “My Way.” If any tune is a classic, My Way certainly is.

I was jolted. That song reminds me of me. No other

song, apart from Sammy Davis’ rich voice in “I’ve gotta be me,” reminds me of me. Persaud’s place look superb and as I watched Rogers singing My Way, I couldn’t help thinking of how life has passed by so many thousands of my age group. We didn’t have an alfresco restaurant where you can take your date and while you eat, you see a life performance on the big screen.

When you think of what life was like in Guyana for a 30-year-old university graduate 40 years ago, then Guyana is definitely a different world today. I came back from studies in Canada in 1984 to a virtually broken, run down country. There was no supermarket. The cinema was dying. There was no television station. Only the state-owned Chronicle was printed. Father Morrison of the Catholic Church kept Guyanese informed by his weekly mini-newspaper, “The Catholic Standard.”

But it was the food situation that reduced

Guyana to a 10th rate banana republic. I still cannot understand and will never understand how any Guyanese can have even a modicum of admiration for President Burnham. Soap, tooth paste, toilet paper, cooking oil, butter, you name it, it was not in Guyana.

In 1986, I joined the teaching staff at UG, and it was an emotional transformation for me. To say that UG was a university in 1986 is to say that a village cricketer was better than Brian Lara. Coming from Canada, it was impossible to imagine dozens and dozens of university courses were being taught without the availability of the relevant books without which the courses could not have existed.

I still think Guyanese are not intellectually familiar with the historical importance of President Desmond Hoyte who succeeded that demonic ruler, Burnham. Hoyte opened up Guyana to the world and allowed Guyana

to interact with the world. As I watched Kenny Rogers singing M y Wa y l a s t Tuesday at Giftland’s open-air cinema, I Frederick Kissoon thought of what I his watch that his noise missed. I truly wished that this was the Guyana I level was in accordance with the national requirement. had when I was 30.

I kept writing and saying Now brace yourself for this it since the March 2020 revelation.Persaud told me general election that I was a the national requirement is parent in March 2020. I owe 60 decibels. What this means it to my kid to help make is that nowhere in any part of Guyana different from the this sprawling country is that dried, unlivable society that I standard being met. I would existed in when I returned like to think that in all, not home in 1984. It was for this most but all places where f u n d a m e n t a l r e a s o n I music is played, the decibels crusaded against rigged exceed 100. I don’t think it is election in March 2020. I ever under a 100. Persaud know in my heart, if rigged says it is simple to monitor. election had succeeded then He showed me how his wrist there would be no one left in watch can monitor the this country. We would have decibels if you are in a place returned to the dead society of entertainment. I learnt something new about shaped by Forbes Burnham.

I would like to end with a Guyana.

(The views expressed in revelation of last Tuesday that you would not believe. this article are those of the As I watched Kenny Rogers a u t h o r a n d d o n o t singing, Ravi Persaud came necessarily reflect the up to me and showed me on opinions of this newspaper.)

Friday May 14, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Friday May 14, 2021

Kaieteur News

Skeldon Energy Inc. to increase output capacity to 30 megawatts

T

he Skeldon Energy Inc. power plant, which is co-owned by the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) is slated to now produce 30 megawatts of power, after an additional 14 megawatts of electricity will be produced by the plant.

This extra source of power comes from the instillation of a new transformer and the additional megawatts of power will be added to the transmission line when the t r a n s f o r m e r i s commissioned.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, visited the power plant on Wednesday and commented on the plant’s upgrade. Deodat stated that the transformer would help increase the current megawatts and also produce reliable energy.

Deodat relayed while on a tour of the power plant that the capacity at the plant stands at 40 megawatts in

total, between the two cogeneration engines, that is 30 megawatts and the Wärtsilä set as well, which gives the plant the capacity to grow.

Wärtsilä engines are fast starting with the capability to provide the necessary load balancing for the future integration of renewable energy supplies, primarily solar and wind, into the grid.

He stated that the capacity is available, but needs the transformers to move it from generation into the substation so it can get to the transmission line, which is what is being done to grow the capacity so that more power can be diverted into the transmission line.

In addition to this, the

Deodat Indar with the Skeldon Energy Inc. Board of Directors. minister stated that the plant now awaits the contractors to come and commission the generator.

The base of the project has already been installed along with the new transformer.

The minister said that he was pleased with the job done by the Board of directors since the Skeldon factory was restarted.

Since taking office, the PPP/C Government focused heavily on expanding reliable electricity supply. In December 2020, the government purchased 10 new generating systems

The new generator used to power the plant.

valued $500 million or US$2.5 million for the Guyana Power and Light in

order to boost the DemeraraBerbice Interconnected System capacity.

Dead man identified after brother sees photo

in Kaieteur News The gold miner who was murdered on Labour Day at Perseverance Backdam, North West District, by a co-worker, has been identified by his brother who saw his photograph in the Kaieteur News’ Edition of May 5.

The dead man has been identified as 47year-old Ramlall Singh, of Grove, East Bank Demerara. Singh was slain sometime in the late afternoon on Labour Day, by a 15-yearold Venezuelan national while in his mining camp.

The teen was last week charged with Singh’s death and remanded to the Juvenile Holding Centre after appearing in the Matthew’s Ridge Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate, Dylon Bess.

Based on information received, the dead man and the juvenile were well known to each other and were together working on a mining operation owned by a Brazilian national.

This publication was informed that sometime around 11:00 hrs, the dredging operation had just “washed down” its gold production for the day, after which both men were paid by the owner.

Police sources close to the investigation had informed this publication that the suspect got annoyed after learning that the deceased got paid more than him. Sometime

Dead: Ramlall Singh. after that, it was alleged that the young man confronted Singh and inflicted the fatal injuries on him.

The gold miner was found later in the afternoon in his hammock clad in only his pants with multiple stab wounds across his body.

He was rushed to the Port Kaituma District Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Singh’s body was then transported to the hospital’s mortuary where a post mortem examination was conducted.

Kaieteur News

Friday May 14, 2021

PAGE 13

United States CDC endorses Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children 12-15

On Wednesday, the United States (US) Centers for Disease Control and P r e v e n t i o n ’s ( C D C ) advisory committee endorsed the PfizerB i o N Te c h C O V I D - 1 9 vaccine for use on children ages 12 to 15.

This comes after the US F o o d a n d D r u g Administration (FDA) announced on Monday that it has amended the Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, catering for that age group.

The FDA had also amended the EUA in December 2020, where it allowed for individuals 16 years and older to receive their jab of the vaccine.

The CDC’s Director, Rochelle Walensky, during her speech said that following the endorsement by the Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices, the CDC is also now

recommending the use of the vaccine for individuals in that age group. “CDC now recommends that this vaccine be used among this population and providers may begin vaccinating them right away,” she noted.

Furthermore, she posited that though most children - when infected with COVID-19 have mild or no symptoms (are asymptomatic), some also get severely ill, to the point where hospitalisation is required. She added that there have been rare and tragic cases where children died from the virus and its effects, which includes multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, also referred to as “MIS-C.” With children ages 12 to 15 now set to receive the jab, Walensky was keen to note that it is another important step to getting out of the COVID-19 pandemic and closer to normalcy.

“For vaccination to do its job, we must do our critical part. That means vaccinating as many people as possible who are eligible.

This official CDC action opens vaccination to approximately 17 million adolescents in the United States and strengthens our nation’s efforts to protect even more people from the effects of COVID-19.

Getting adolescents vaccinated means their faster return to social activities and can provide parents and caregivers peace of mind knowing their family is protected,” she affirmed.

The Director also indicated that while some parents have already made plans for their adolescents to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, understandably, some parents are awaiting more information before making such a step. “I encourage parents with

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

questions to talk to your child’s healthcare provider or your family doctor to learn more about the vaccine and if your adolescent is behind on routinely recommended vaccines due to the pandemic or for other reasons, now would be a good time to work with your child’s nurse or doctor to make sure they get caught up,” she advised.

Nevertheless, the FDA has determined that the (Continued on page 19)

PAGE 14

Friday May 14, 2021

Kaieteur News

Money changer and daughter murder PI…

Two to lead defence, one walks free T

wo of the defendants accused of murdering money changer, Aaron Latchman and his d a u g h t e r, 1 8 - y e a r- o l d Arianna Latchman, during June 2019, yesterday opted to lead their defence after Magistrate, Alisha George, ruled that a prima facie case was made out against them the Magistrate also discharged the matter against another accused.

Five persons were accused of the double murder. Those persons are, 25-year-old Mark Rufino called Mark, a labourer of Parika Facade, East Bank Essequibo; 37-year-old Paul Chan called Long Hair or Anthony, a conductor of 10 Dennis Street, Sophia, Greater Georgetown; Troy Abrams called Troy or Rasta Man, a vendor of 34 Middle Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara; and Lloyd Sadloo, self-employed of 220 Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara.

Yesterdays hearing was set for the ruling on the nocase submissions made by

Dead, Arianna Latchman the defence and the submissions made by the prosecution in the Sparendaam Magistrates Court. Magistrate George ruled that the prosecution had provided sufficient evidence against Chan, Sadloo and Abrams, and as such, a prima facie case was made out against them.

The Magistrate further noted that the prosecution failed to satisfy her that a prima facie case should be made out against Thomas, and as such, she discharged the matter against him. The fifth accused, Rufino is still on the run after escaping

Dead, Aaron Latchman from the Lusignan Prison during last October.

Following the Magistrates ruling, Sadloo, who is being represented by attorney-at-law, Glenn Hanoman, went into an uproar accusing his lawyer of not doing enough for him, which he claims caused the Magistrate to make out a prima facie case against him.

Magistrate George then notified Hanoman that throughout the deposition, his client was disrespectful to the court.

The matter was then adjourned to May 21, 2021, after Hanoman indicated that

Troy Abrams

Lloyd Sadloo. he will be calling one witness to lead his clients defence, someone who is expected to provide an alibi for his client. While Magistrate George allowed for the witness to appear, she however stated that, throughout the deposition, a witness in relation to an alibi for Sadloo was never mentioned.

Accused Abrams, informed the court that he will be calling two witnesses

Sean Thomas to lead his defence, one of whom is his girlfriend. Chan declined to lead his defence.

Kaieteur News had reported that the indictable charge alleges that on July 4, 2019, at Robert Street, Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, the defendants murdered the Latchmans during a robbery.

According to the facts of the charge, on the day in question, Aaron Latchman arrived home around 15:15 hrs. and was attempting to park his car in his yard, when two gunmen struck. One of the gunmen reportedly entered the house and shot Arianna Latchman. The other then attacked the father. The two men got into a scuffle, which resulted in a bag ending up in a neighbours yard.

The gunman who had allegedly shot the young woman then exited the house and came to his accomplices aid, shooting Latchman as well. After Latchman fell to the ground, the attackers

Still at large, Mark Rufino.

Paul Chan snatched a bag of cash and fled. The gunmen escaped in a car. The money changer and his daughter were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where they were both pronounced dead on arrival.

The matter was reported and an investigation was launched. The five accused were later arrested and subsequently charged jointly for murder.

Friday May 14, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Friday May 14, 2021

Pritipaul Singh Investments Inc. moves to appeal previous judgment over Providence Lands

- Plans to sue DDL for millions in damage to property, theft, loss of production days etc.

Damage that was done to Pritipaul Singh Investments Property.

(Paid Publication)

Kaieteur News

Friday May 14, 2021

PAGE 19

Ex-cop freed of manslaughter on no-case submission Former police sergeant, Shawn Sandy, who was charged for the 2016 unlawful killing of dredge owner Feroze Khan, was freed on a no-case submission when he appeared virtually before Justice, Navindra Singh, at the High Court in Essequibo on Wednesday.

Sandy had pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleged that on March 24, 2016, he unlawfully killed Khan at Buoy Hole, Mazaruni.

Reports had suggested that Sandy accidently discharged the gun. He was reportedly struck to his right hand and Khan to his abdomen. The reports indicated that Khan and Sandy were close friends and attended the New Mosque Jamaat in Alexander

Dead: Feroze Khan.

Village together, where Sandy is a resident. On the day in question, both men were in the backdam when a firearm was discovered, and as they examined the weapon, a round was released.

At trial, Sandy was represented by attorney, G e o rg e T h o m a s , w h o vehemently argued that there was no case for his client to answer. In his argument, Thomas noted that the caution statement and oral statement do not suggest that the accused aimed or pointed the gun to the victim.

“There is no evidence of malice or any assault by the accused to the deceased.

Throughout, the accused claimed the incident was an accident.

The prosecution must establish that [the action] which led to the demise of the deceased was an unlawful act,” the lawyer said in his submission presented on Wednesday.

It was submitted further, that the accused is not

Man finds neighbour dead outside home An investigation has since been launched into the death of a 59-year-old man, who was found dead outside of his house by one of his neighbours.

According to information reaching Kaieteur News, the dead man has been identified as John Lancelot Richards, of Monument Hill Squatting Area, Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

On Wednesday around 18:30 hrs, Richards was found lying face down on the

sand near a wooden bed frame, just next to his house. Based on the information received, the man lived alone in a flat zinc structure. Police sources close to the investigations told this publication that when his body was examined and no marks of violence were seen. His body was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was pronounced dead. Richards body was later then taken to the Lyken Funeral Parlour, where it is awaiting a post mortem examination.

United States CDC endorses Pfizer-BioNTech ...

From page 13 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has met the statutory criteria to amend the EUA and that the known and potential benefits in individuals 12 years of age and older outweigh the known and potential risks, which

supports the vaccine’s use in this population.It said that the safety data to support such includes 2,260 participants “ages 12 through 15 years old (being) enrolled in an ongoing randomised, placebocontrolled clinical trial in the United States.” Of that

figure, 1,131 of the participants received the vaccine and 1,129 received a saline placebo. At least two months following their receipt of the second dose, more than half of the participants were placed under scrutiny for safety.

Govt. amends Liza Phase 1 Permit;...

From page 3 compressor subsequently revealed that an axial vibration of the compressor rotor is what led to other mechanical disruptions.

The equipment was back in Guyana by the second week of March where it was installed on the Liza Destiny vessel.

Tests during installation were being carried out.(https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2021/03/14/exxons-repaired-compressorback-in-guyana/).But before that could be

completed, the gas compressor, which was supposedly repaired and upgraded, malfunctioned for the fourth time.

It was subsequently removed and is now in Houston, USA where it is being torn down and looked at, with the expectation that it will be restored within the next three months.

ExxonMobil has said that an order was made for a new compressor, which is due to arrive by year-end.

Long-serving former Presidential...

From page 8 and respected by so many of us,” the statement said. The Foreign Ministry noted too the staff “will miss his engaging smile and cheeky banter. Above all, they say they will miss all the vast knowledge that he

brought to bear in his profession and was so willing to share.”Persaud had served as a Foreign Service Officer in the then Soviet Union, Suriname and the United States.

He had also served as Consul General in Toronto.

charged with possession of the gun or discharging it, but rather manslaughter.

“The Prosecution must prove the act was unlawful and the act of examining the gun alone is not sufficient to establish this [crime],” added Thomas.According to him, the only evidence adduced by the prosecution to establish the guilt of the accused comes in the form of the caution statement and that statement taken as a whole, establishes the defence of accident.

“There is no other evidence to contradict this statement of sequence of events. Then, the

prosecution has failed to disprove the defence and failed to establish the act of the accused was an unlawful act… It is respectfully submitted that the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case of manslaughter [and] sufficient enough evidence to have this Court call upon the accused to lead a defence,” Thomas contended.

After considering the facts, evidence and submissions before the court, Justice Singh upheld the arguments of the defence attorney and acquitted Sandy.

Freed: Ex-cop, Shawn Sandy.

Friday May 14, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Man’s electric Two Region Four men succumb to COVID-19 vehicle torched while in friend’s yard A silver-gray Nissan Leaf electric car belonging to a Coldingen, East Coast Demerara (ECD) man was on Wednesday torched, while in a friends yard.

This publication understands that the electric car belongs to Aubrey Bolton of Track A

Coldingen, ECD. Reports are that Bolton left the vehicle bearing registration number PYY 4090 in a friends yard at Area ‘K’ La Bonne Intention. At about 01:15 hrs, the friend called Bolton and informed him that his car was on fire.

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) was immediately called in to extinguish the blaze and upon inspection, it was observed that the window was broken with a brick and the seats were damaged. The GFS has since launched an investigation into the incident.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday announced that two persons who tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have died. Their deaths have brought Guyanas COVID19 death toll to 333.

The latest fatalities are two men, a 55-year-old and a 64-year-old, both from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica). According to the Ministrys press release, both

persons died on Wednesday while receiving treatment at a medical facility.

The Health Ministry in its daily COVID-19 dashboard recorded 186 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 14,845. The dashboard also shows that 12 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 111 persons are in institution isolation, 1,696

in home isolation and eight persons quarantined institutionally. To date, 12,693 recoveries have been recorded.

A breakdown of new cases per Region shows that Region Four leads with 86 new cases, Region Three with 28, Region Six with 25, Region Seven with 21, Region Nine with 16, Region Five with seven and Region 10 with three.

Kaieteur News

Friday May 14, 2021

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GIPEX 2021 Local Content to be key focus at upcoming oil confab- Vickram Bharrat - Pandemic forces organisers to host exhibition virtually Advancing Local Content opportunities as the country sets about developing its oil fields in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), will be the key focus of the third annual Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit and Exhibition (GIPEX) scheduled for next month.

This, according to subject Minister, Vickram Bharrat, who in joining with organisers to announce the three-day activity slated to begin on May 28, said, “this year we would like to put more focus on the advancement of local content and are looking forward to facilitating maximum participation of the indigenous companies.”

Additionally, he said GIPEX 2021 will also be targeting “the small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the startups, in addition to international companies interested in exploring tremendous opportunities in our oil and gas sector.”

GIPEX 2021 is being o r g a n i s e d b y Va l i a n t Business Media (VBM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat.

Valiant Business Medias CEO, Shariq Abdulhai.

Resources and the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GMSA).

Bharrat in announcing this years confab remarked that, “GIPEX remains our largest oil and gas conference and exhibition, providing a great opportunity for all stakeholders to convene, in order to discover opportunities, be updated on the latest developments, network, establish business contacts and discuss opportunities and developments within the oil and gas sector in Guyana.”

President of the American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana, Zulfikar Ally.

The conference, according to the organisers, will include presentations and panel discussions giving insights on the latest trends and techniques in the industry as well as prevalent challenges and solutions to tackle business disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This years activity will notably mark a stark departure from previous years, taking into account the COVID-19 pandemic and has forced organisers to host GIPEX 2021 online.

Chief Executive Officer

Giorgio Martelli, President and Chief Executive Officer for Saipem.

(CEO) of VBM, Shariq Abdulhai, said the ongoing impacts of the pandemic influenced the organisers decision to hold a virtual version of GIPEX before returning to in-person events.

He anticipates however, that the benefits of participating will be equivalent to what was offered during the physical events and even more.

According to Abdulhai “we are confident that the benefits will not be diminished in any way” and that “GIPEX will be hosted

Republicans draw ‘red line’ in negotiations with Joe Biden on infrastructure package WA S H I N G TO N — Republican leaders drew a l i n e We d n e s d a y i n negotiations with President Joe Biden on a massive infrastructure package, calling an increase to corporate taxes a “nonstarter” and saying they’re only willing to pay for physical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airports and broadband expansion.

For 90 minutes, Biden met in the Oval Office with the “Big 4” legislative leaders from both chambers including Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell and House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy.

The meeting did not appear to lead to a major breakthrough as Biden seeks more than $4 trillion in spending.Biden’s sweeping $2.3 trillion American Jobs Plan would include billions for caregiving for seniors and the disabled, the expansion of electric vehicles, research and manufacturing and other investments on top of

Pres. Joe Biden speaks during a meeting with congressional leaders in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, in Washington. From left, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Calif., Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., Vice President Kamala, Biden, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y. traditional infrastructure.

He’s also pushing $1.8 trillion in investments for families and children.

“Not to negotiate here, but you won’t find any Republicans who’s going to go raise taxes,” McCarthy told reporters after the meeting. “I think that’s the worst thing you could do in this economy when you watch inflation.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Leader Chuck Schumer and Vice President Kamala Harris also attended

the meeting, which came shortly after Republicans moved to oust Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyoming, from House GOP leadership.

The president has proposed raising the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28% to cover the jobs and infrastructure package, undoing tax cuts that former President Donald Trump and Republicans passed in 2017.

“We’re not interested in reopening the 2017 tax bill,” McConnell said. “We both made that clear to the

president. That’s our red line.”Still, Biden said he’s “encouraged” there’s room for compromise on a “solid and significant” bipartisan bill that would not put the burden on the working class to pay for it. In an interview with MSNBC after the meeting, Biden seemed to signal a possible new legislative strategy: offer a trimmed down bill focused on traditional infrastructure to appeal to Republicans followed by a more robust proposal.

via a new-age, interactive virtual platform that will maximise communication and networking among participants.” Speakers billed for GIPEX 2021 in addition to the Minister of Natural Resources include M i n i s t e r o f To u r i s m , Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond; Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal and GMSA President, Rafeek Khan.

Other presenters billed

for the forum are President and CEO of Saipem, Giorgio Martelli; Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr. Paloma Mohamed; President of the American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana (AmCham), Zulfikar Ally and Chairman of the I n t e r n a t i o n a l Association of Drilling Contractors, Carlos Ortiz R i g e u r, a m o n g o t h e r industry experts.

PAGE 22 WANTED

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China’s troublesome Confidentiality Clause found in US$43M contract with Guyana A worrisome Confidentiality Clause used

by Chinese state lending agencies, that was flagged by the Center for Global Development (CGD) has been found in at least one contract, that for a US$43M January 2017 loan contract inked between Guyana and the China Export-Import (Exim) Bank for an East Coast Demerara (ECD) Road Expansion project.

In yesterday’s edition, Kaieteur News would have covered this clause and its serious implications within an article titled, “China ramped up use of loan contract confidentiality clauses after 2014 – report highlights.” In the article, it was first noted that the damning revelation about the clause was made in a recent CGD report titled, “How China Lends: A Rare Look into 100 Debt Contracts with Foreign Governments”the first systematic analysis of China’s lending, which assessed 100 loan contracts between China and governments in 24 developing countries within Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Oceania and compared them to other contracts those very countries inked with other bilateral, multilateral and commercial creditors.

Secondly, it highlighted that China’s state-owned lending entities would have ramped up the use of confidentiality clauses in their loan contracts after 2014, showing a greater shift towards secrecy and the CGD report also cited the clause as “unusual” and “binding.”

This prompted independent research being conducted by this publication, during which the exact clause was spotted

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Kaieteur News

Farmers / farm workers Contact: 621-4992 or 227-5289 Location Canal No:2 West Bank Demerara CXC Mathematics and English required 173 Sheriff street, Campbellville, Georgetown Tel#227-5286-9, E m a i l survival.humanresources@gmail.com Requirements: Valid Drivers License (With Motor Lorry) 173 Sheriff street, Campbellville, Georgetown Tel: 227-5286-9, Email: survival.humanresources@gmail.com

The Confidentiality Clause in the contract.

Works being done on the East Coast Demerara road some time ago. in one of Guyana’s contracts.

The US$43M contract seen by this newspaper was signed by former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, and China Exim Bank official, Gao Ning, and it stipulated that the project was to be carried out by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (now Ministry of Public Works) with its supplier being China Railway First Group Company Limited.

As it relates to the goods, technologies and services purchased using the proceeds of the loan, the contract mandates that the purchases are made from China preferentially and for the technical standards used, preference should also be given to China. It also pronounced that Guyana is required to pay a 2 percent Continued on page 24

The contract signed between Guyana and the China Exim Bank.

Friday May 14, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Friday May 14, 2021

PAGE 25

Bus driver’s in-laws arrested for his murder Three in-laws of a bus driver were yesterday nabbed in Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), Region Three, for his brutal murder on Tuesday last.

The bus driver, Marcus Julius Thomas, 39, of Kuru Kururu Sandpit, Linden/ Soesdyke Highway, was slain by three men who invaded his home around 18:30 hrs.Kaieteur News received information that his attackers were his in-laws who had reportedly attempted to murder him three times in the past.

Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, stated that police ranks had received a tip off that the men were at Parika.

They headed down to the location and captured them sometime after 12:00 hrs.

Blanhum added that the captured suspects are currently in the custody of the East Bank Demerara detectives.The suspects, he said, have been cooperating

with police.

Blanhum related too, that one of the suspects had previously chopped Thomas and a report was made with police but the individual was never arrested because he always managed to elude police.Kaieteur News understands that one of the most recent attempts on the life of Thomas was back in August, 2020. They had allegedly chopped him to his belly and head. This newspaper has been in receipt of a video of that incident, part of which showed a wounded Thomas being transported in a police vehicle. He was bleeding from a gaping wound to his left side abdomen and another to his forehead. Two of the suspects were arrested then but were later released on bail.

A family member had told Kaieteur News then that they had attacked him over an old grievance they had for

a number of years.

It seems that it might be that same old grievance that led to him being murdered on Tuesday.Kaieteur News learnt that Thomas had arrived home that afternoon and decided to rest. Not long after his killers reportedly kicked opened his door and barged in.

Neighbours reportedly recalled hearing loud noises and rumbling from his home. A few minutes later they saw the suspects fleeing the scene. Shortly after, Thomas was seen staggering out of his house and calling out for help. It reportedly did not take long for him to collapse in his yard where he remained motionless.

Crime scene experts who visited the scene later reported that several wounds were seen about his body. It is believed that the men slit his throat and then stabbed him several times before they escaped.

Murdered allegedly by his in-laws, Marcus Julius Thomas.

A wounded Thomas being transported in a police vehicle following a previous attack by the same suspects last year.

PAGE 26

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Friday May 14, 2021

Friday May 14, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Rafael Nadal & Novak NBA: New York Knicks make play-offs for first time in eight years Djokovic into Italian Open quarter-finals as fans return after Celtics lose to Cleveland BBCsport - The New York Knicks are assured a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs for the first time in eight years after the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Boston Celtics 102-94 on Thursday.

Boston’s defeat sealed a top-six finish for the Knicks, while the Celtics are likely to have to come through the new play-in tournament, for sides placed seventh to 10th, to seal their place in the play-offs. The Atlanta Hawks also sealed a postseason return after a fiveyear absence.

They overcame the Washington Wizards 120-116 in a game that had play-off implications for both sides.

John Collins’ three-pointer with 24.8secs remaining helped Atlanta secure the crucial comeback win that saw them move a half-game ahead of Miami and New York in their battle for fourth spot in the Eastern Conference, and home-court advantage in the first round.

The loss means the Wizards will miss out on the East play-in tournament, keeping Chicago’s hopes

alive. Meanwhile, Kyle Kuzma ensured the Los Angeles Lakersremain in contention for direct entry to the playoffs.

His layup with 6.9ecs left earned them a 124-122 victory over the Houston Rockets, which leaves the seventhplaced Lakers a game behind Dallas and Portland.

Elsewhere, James Harden scored 18 points, contributed 11 assists and came up with seven rebounds on his return from a hamstring injury as the Brooklyn Nets beat the San Antonio Spurs 128-116.

Friday May 14, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You need to move closer to what you think of as home. That could just mean skipping work or school, or it could involve a long-term lifestyle change.

Whatever it is, take it seriously!

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Your communication skills are extra sharp today, so keep the lines open for anyone who needs them. In fact, you should go out of your way to reach out to those you miss.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You could be feeling a bit moody today, especially if you’re frustrated about a recent setback. You’re better off just letting it wash over you and moving on, but if you have to wallow in it, go right ahead.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You need to push yourself out there. You’ve got enough energy to tackle two days’ worth of action!

Things are getting really interesting, so don’t be shy about making a difference.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Things are unlikely to progress quickly today, but you should be able to get people to see your point of view if you press them. You may find that your mood determines the outcome, so brighten it!

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Travel could be at the forefront of your mind today, and the farther you can go the better!

Your great energy needs an outlet, and making getaway plans should suit you just fine.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You feel a bit of a mismatch between you and a friend or colleague, but this isn’t the day to repair it! In fact, if you go your separate ways for a bit, it’s likely to just take care of itself.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Someone is taking things far too seriously and you’re not sure what to make of it. Try not to push this too far. You need to give them the respect and space they deserve.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You just can’t believe how people are stirring up trouble over nothing today, and all you want is to calm them down. That may be easier said than done, but you can still make a real difference if you want to.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You may find a little health problem is starting to take over too much of your mental space, so see a professional or do something else to take care of it! You’re sure to feel better afterward.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You need to fall back on someone close for a little assistance. It may be easier for you to ask ahead of time, but sometimes you have to just accept that things aren’t going to go your way.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You need to indulge your creative side a bit, so write out that business e-mail as a haiku, make your shopping list a work of art, or otherwise mix the mundane and the artistic.

Make a habit of it!

Spectators were allowed into the Italian Open on Thursday for the first time this week.

BBCsport - Rafael Nadal saved two match points to overcome a huge test from Denis Shapovalov and reach the Italian Open quarterfinals. The Spaniard was a set and a break down but outlasted the Canadian to win 3-6 6-4 7-6 (7-3) in a near threeand-a-half-hour contest.

Nadal, chasing a 10th title in Rome, forced a third-set tiebreak by saving match points at 6-5. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic reached his 15th Rome quarter-final in a row.

The world number one and

defending champion dropped his opening serve but recovered immediately to beat Spanish qualifier Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-2 6-1.

Is Nadal wobbling on clay? Nadal will bid for a record 21st men’s Grand Slam singles title at the French Open starting on 30 May, as well as a record-extending 14th Roland Garros title.

He may have won this match on Thursday but it still raised question marks over the Spaniard’s form before the French Open, even if his

determination to win was as strong as ever.

He was beaten in the Madrid quarter-finals by Alexander Zverev last week and at the same stage in Monte Carlo by Andrey Rublev last month. Although he won the Barcelona title in April, Nadal had to save a championship point to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final.

Against 22-year-old Shapovalov he saved a break point that would have put the Canadian 4-0 up in the second set and also went a break down in the third set. That, alongside some struggles with his serve and the match points he faced, were yet more dents in the aura of invincibility he has exuded on the clay for so many years.

Nadal, 34, will face German sixth seed Zverev or Japan’s Kei Nishikori for a place in the semi-finals.

Djokovic enjoys return of crowd in Rome - The previous rounds of the tournament had been held behind closed doors but on Thursday the venue welcomed back spectators with 25% capacity allowed. “It was not good, it was great. I missed the crowd,” the five-time champion Djokovic, 33, said. “It was nice to see them back.”

After losing his opening service game against Davidovich Fokina, Djokovic went on to outclass the Spanish qualifier - who staged some late resistance by saving five match points - in a clinical display.

He said his performance had been “at least 20-30% better” than against American Taylor Fritz in his opening match on Tuesday, when he directed a furious outburst towards the umpire over the playing conditions and had been prone to errors.

Djokovic will take on fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the last four after the Greek beat Italy’s Matteo Berrettini 7-6 (7-3) 6-2.