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EPA allows 'flawed' Sunday Edition NEWS environmental impact assessment to slide through AIETEUR

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May 15, 2022

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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

Price $140

…as Gas-to-Energy study only considers impacts of pipeline, NGL Plant

Online readership yesterday, 61,256

National Oil Company p.

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“unjustified & unwarranted”

- Why is Govt. so eager to create one when it failed to implement many prerequisites for

success?

-Dr. Jan Mangal, Oil Consultant

Govt. proposes amendment to legislations to help curb drunk driving Population warned against complacency as COVID-19 cases surge p.

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Security guards brave bullets Civil society group believes probe into to capture 2020 elections necessary for proper reform armed bandits p.

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'Large-scale thievery ...mega gold firms spell - Glenn coming'more doom for Guyana Lall p. 2

...country has little to show for Omai, Troy Resources, RUSAL investments Listen to The Glenn Lall Show @11am, 4&7pm on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

Kaieteur News

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Sunday May 15, 2022

‘Large-scale thievery coming’ - Glenn Lall ...mega gold firms spell more doom for Guyana ...country has little to show for Omai, Troy Resources, RUSAL investments Government’s announcement that three large scale gold firms are poised to set up shops here is cold comfort to Guyanese who continue to be shortchanged by foreign investors, businessman and Publisher of the Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall has said.

In fact, he believes given the heavy loss this country has suffered at the hands of foreign investors over the years it would not be too bad an idea to leave the resources unexploited until “we can find the right people to negotiate proper deals for us that will benefit this nation.”

Lall made the comments last Friday evening on his radio programme “The Glenn Lall Show’ aired on Kaieteur Radio (99.1, 99.5 FM).

Speaking at the Private Sector Commission Annual General Meeting last week Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh told business leaders that at least three promising world-class, large-scale gold mining operations are to be established here soon.

Regarding the gold mining operations, Dr. Singh said each of the operations will be bigger than Omai Gold Mines, one of the largest gold operations ever experienced

locally. “You know how significant Omai was.

Contemplate for a moment three large scale operations, each of which is larger than Omai. Consider for a moment that each one of these will be employing more than 100 Guyanese. Consider the food and other supplies, transport services, construction, equipment supply and maintenance services and all the multiplier benefit these operations will generate,” the Finance Minister said, as he assured that the government will continue to stimulate activities in all sectors and not just oil and gas. He said

emphasis will be placed on ensuring an emerging rapidly growing and highly competitive non-oil economy that will also include agriculture.

However, Mr. Lall said Guyanese should not be optimistic about the impending gold mining ventures, directing this country’s attention to the lopsided deals Guyana entered into with previous companies. “I have said from the day we discovered oil, in the quantity we did, Guyana should run out every single foreigner fetching out our natural resources, leave that

Mr. Glenn Lall (Kaieteur News Publisher) for bambai, leave that in the ground where it can’t spoil for future generations and live off this new found oil, in which we can live an extremely comfortable life, equal to and better than that

of an American citizen, and also save big m o n e y f o r f u t u r e generations, if it’s done correctly,” Lall told his audience tuned in both on the radio and on the station’s social media platforms.

H e u rg e d t h a t t h e authorities should concentrate on closing the loopholes in the oil contract with ExxonMobil, renegotiate the deal and Guyana will have more than enough to feed, clothe and not only develop this country but the region too. “That’s the kind of wealth we have out there. We already have Continued on page 57

Kaieteur News

Sunday May 15, 2022

PAGE 03

National Oil Company “unjustified & unwarranted”

By Kiana Wilburg

F

Why is Govt. so eager to create one when it failed to implement many prerequisites for success? – Dr. Jan Mangal, Oil Consultant

ormer Oil Advisor to Guyana and International Consultant, Dr. Jan Mangal does not agree with the government’s possible pursuit of a National Oil Company (NOC).

In a written contribution to the Energy Advisor (an online platform which features fresh analysis from business leaders and government officials on a range of issues), Dr. Mangal said there are numerous reasons why Guyana should not develop a NOC in the short-term, or even over the long-term, due to the climate crisis.

The consultant argued that developing a NOC would be putting the cart before the proverbial horse. Dr. Mangal said, “Guyana failed at most prerequisites for a successful industry. And I define success as an industry that benefits the people and future generations, and does not only benefit the oil companies, local business elites and politicians. Success also requires an industry that recognises its impact on the climate and constrains production.”

The former Presidential Advisor added, “Guyana failed to negotiate fair oil contracts even when it had complete leverage over ExxonMobil in 2015-2016. Guyana failed to award oil blocks in a transparent public manner and in ways to maximise revenues for the country. After seven years, it still failed to develop the human and organisational capacity to negotiate, regulate and manage the industry, and it failed to develop the basic laws, and also to protect its environment.”

Additionally, he said Guyana has not even started to consider and mitigate the very difficult issues associated with the so-called ‘Dutch disease’ and the resource curse, and has not embarked on sustainable/inclusive national development.

Dr. Mangal said the only positive step

Former Petroleum Advisor to Guyana, Dr. Jan Mangal

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

seen in Guyana was the publication of the oil contracts in 2017. Dr. Mangal said, “To now focus sparse resources on creating a NOC is unwarranted and unjustified, and one has to wonder why the government is so eager to create a state-owned company when it was incapable of completing many prerequisites for success.”

Dr. Mangal’s advice is also similar to that of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Back in 2017, the financial institution categorically stated that there is no business case for such an institute here.

In one of its analytical reports, the financial institution noted that many

countries have a NOC which allows the government to participate in the block like an investor would. The IMF said that this move also allows the government to have a “seat at the table” for decision making.

The Fund noted, however, that given the substantial regulatory powers the government can have over the upstream petroleum sector, it is not evident that participating would necessarily be adding much more value.

Furthermore, the financial institution warned that participating interest by government requires it to contribute to handling a portion of the costs, including in the development phase of the oil block.

It was keen to note that the government can raise its own money to handle those expenses, or it can lean on the operator and repay the oil company with interest. The Fund noted that the latter option delays the receipt of any major benefits for the government.

As such, the IMF said that the government may be better off securing a higher government take in the contract itself.

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has since made it clear that the IMF does not have the country’s interest at heart; therefore, it is the government that will decide what will be the best way forward on this subject.

Dr. Jagdeo had said a decision would be made by September, the same time the country is expected to enter its first action of oil blocks.

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

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

EDITORIAL

The foreign diplomatic contingent The foreign diplomatic missions have been on a bundle of energy locally. The energy has been sustained, the activity constant, something unprecedented in Guyana.

Against the context of this remarkable state of affairs, we table some questions triggered by their words on major issues, postures on troubling domestic matters, consistent presences across Guyana. What could be the driving force behind the efforts of the foreign diplomatic leaders here?

Where does this lead? What does this mean for Guyana in the short and long term? The fast and furious engagements of the foreign diplomatic corps took wing in the run-up to this countrys event-filled 2020 elections. From the start of Guyanas search for solid footing, beginning with the noconfidence motion in December 2018 to the 2020 elections season, and then the raging aftermath, the foreign diplomatic corps was ever-ready to go into action, to be everywhere, and to have the most influential say in how things should be, and what should be the natural result.

The senior diplomats all but openly crowned a victorious political group and triumphant leader. They were this involved, and mainly from the Western countries, as they still are today in the forefront of the charge relative to crucial issues. We will still withhold for the moment asking again or answering that fateful question: why? Since then, the involvement has continued, and strangely there has not been a single whiff of objection from either the ruling part or the opposition. At one time or another, the advice, the push, the stance of the Western diplomatic coalition consisting of ABC&EU has touched such huge and diverse areas as good governance, inclusive governance, transparency, and procurement, to name a few.

Most recently, the diplomats issued a joint statement on the duty of the Guyana press to commit to playing a powerful role regarding accountability over oil revenue streams, which are expected to bring a constant cascade of cash to this countrys coffers. The diplomatic call was for journalists to transform into truth seeker, truth finders, and truth revealers.

There was embedded in that diplomatic call, the subtle insistence, that the development agenda project and be about including all Guyanese as beneficiaries in this nations majestic oil prize. Once again, we return to that one question from above, and repeat the question: why? Why this energy and to this degree? What is for Guyana, and what is not self-serving? Now we must answer all these questions, face these issues, with the usual frankness that is a characteristic of this publication. It is all about Guyanas oil, this foreign diplomatic interest in, this intimate diplomatic nearness to, the affairs of Guyana. Our affairs are messy, even sordid, definitely wretched and barbarous.

But oil is the great sanitiser, the great fence remover, the great inciter. To put in the bluntest terms, the ABC&EU are not looking out for Guyanas interests, but their own.

They have a rich and powerful cause that compels their close involvement in the movement of Guyana, its trajectory, and its stability. When there is calm in this country, and citizens are satisfied that they are getting their share, then the oil powers here are cleared to carry away their fabulously bigger shares. When the press proves capable of holding the government to accountability with oil revenues, then it will pause with the corruption rampages; and the diplomatic community will have ammunition to weigh in further. When the issues of transparency, inclusivity, and unity really register progress, then Exxon, Hess (America), Tullow (UK), Repsol (Spain); others like Total (France) and ENI (Italy) line up to explore and exploit more of Guyana for their headquarters, their shareholders, and their countries.

The supporting downstream corporate behemoths of ABC&EU land here, and plunder and revel here. Oil is a magnet that oil majors find irresistible, their diplomats carefully nurture the ground. Columbus gave the Indians Christianity. Today, ABC&EU gave Guyana free and fair elections, and now insist that democracys ideals flourish here, so that their interests will prosper and soar. In many respects, the diplomatic corps holds itself out as good friend, a gift of a partner. In reality, it is the Trojan Horse present in Guyana, one that Guyana naively embraces.

Send your letters to Kaieteur News, 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com

What does “One Guyana” mean and who is a part of this one Guyana?

DEAR EDITOR, Permit me a few lines in your publication to express a few notable concerns. I note that Georgetown continues to grow and expand. It is the epicentre of the new oil and gas economy and the cultural melting pot of our country.

The infrastructure landscape continues to change and adapt to growing demands.

Stores along Regent Street have seen an influx of migrants from Venezuela, Haiti and Brazil. Communities are dotted with Chinese supermarkets. Restaurants have expanded their menus to offer a wider range of food

choices and food caravans abound in many streets and avenues. I remain concerned that the lack of collaboration and the tense relationship between the Government and the Municipality results in unnecessary stresses on our infrastructure and social fabric.

This development however has seen little shift in the living standards of people.

We recently celebrated International Nurses Day and our nurses who have been steadfast during the COVID pandemic and continue to work in the new normal, are paid meagre wages resulting in

many taking advantage of the opportunity to leave for a better way of life.

Public Servants who process applications for oil and gas workers, who require registration of business and work permits to engage in local business, are poorly paid and overworked and have limited opportunities for promotion. They are anxious now given the recent statements that NIS, a social safety net is now bankrupt. Young public servants I fear will seek opportunities in greener pastures in pursuit of a higher standard of living and a better way of life.

There is much talk of the fastest growing global economy, yet the City Council received a paltry 30 million dollars in subvention in 2021.

It has become almost predictable for some sections of the population to accuse the Council of sabotaging the Central Government without even doing a basic mathematical analysis. Under the previous administration (APNU+AFC), the Council benefitted from some 300 million dollars in subvention in addition to inter-agency collaborations.

This cooperation saw (Continued on page 5)

Sunday May 15, 2022

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Kaieteur M@ilbox

I had a horrible childhood, but I turned out OK DEAR EDITOR, Im a 58-year-old man, and there were countless times that my mom had mentioned that she thought about aborting me before I was born.

My mom had a choice to keep me or abort me. My mom chose life. This makes her pro-life. My mom is a single parent of eight children.

Growing up, whenever my

mom got frustrated and angry with me, she would say to me over and over again that “I should thank God that she didnt have an abortion.”

Being poor and powerless, she suffered greatly. She worked hard day and night at Far East Chinese Restaurant near Stabroek Market to put food on the table to feed us.

It wasnt easy. As a result of

our poverty, my oldest brother had to drop out of school to babysit us. Because of this, he barely learned to read or write and the same goes for my mom. Growing up in Albouystown among some of the most violent people was terrifying and scary.

During my childhood, did I go to bed many nights without food? You bet I did.

What does “One Guyana” mean and...

From page 4 a notable difference in the aesthetics of the City.

It is interesting that some sections expect this new petrostate to have its Capital City function on 30 million Guyana dollars.

What is even more concerning is the fact that while all of this is happening and Rome burns, there are echoes of a “One Guyana” mantra this must be interrogated.

What does “One Guyana” mean and who is a part of this one Guyana?

I highlighted two significant sections of society who make up several thousands of people and I wish to highlight another group, our indigenous peoples.

Sadly, our indigenous people have no place in Guyana’s oil and gas development, as they are not represented in this sector in the private sector or government agencies.

I am directed to other jurisdictions where direct initiatives are implemented by Government to ensure active participation by disadvantaged and underrepresented groups.

Over the past few months, I continue to read about massive collaborations, extensive capital investment projects, and the Governments support of initiatives to boost the private sector but sadly and no

initiatives specifically for the poor, the disadvantaged or the underrepresented.

It would seem that our population could easily predict who will be the next named local investor or partner in a quick shuffle of the pack of cards when the next announcement is made, same people and dare I say, same ethnic group. We then must ask what is this One Guyana?

Is it a homogenous group who consider themselves one and act in their own interest or is that we hope to say the same thing repeatedly and people embrace it as factual?

History warns us of what happens when we attempt to say a big lie long enough to convince the masses that it is the truth.

I urge the Government, Private Sector and Civil Society to be cognisant of the image of One Guyana lest we become a tyranny of the

majority…history will not be kind to us.

I once again welcome a collaborative approach where we can all sit at the table and make sound decisions that benefit “All Guyana” to truly achieve “One Guyana” Representation matters…let us not forget that we live in a plural society.

Sincerely, Pt Ubraj Narine, JP Mayor of the City of Georgetown

Did I go to school hungry?

You bet I did. Would I wish growing up in poverty on my worst enemy? I would not.

Although my brothers and sisters grew up in abject poverty, none of them wished we were aborted. In spite of my horrible childhood, Im glad that I wasnt an abortion.

I am glad she didnt aborted me. If she had aborted me, I would not have had five children and all attended university. I wouldnt have gone to university, and I wouldnt have served in the United States military and deployed to combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. And for sure I wouldnt have been writing this letter today.

Therefore, Im glad that my mom didnt have an abortion.

I am glad that my mom doesnt believe in abortion. Im glad that my mom gave me an opportunity in life by giving

me up for adoption. I am glad that my mom chose life over death. So I wasnt surprised when Steve Jobs became rich and famous, he wanted to meet his birth mother who gave him up for adoption.

He wanted to meet her mostly to see if she was OK and to thank her, because he was glad he didnt end up as an abortion, according to biographer Walter Isaacson.

Dont worry, “I had a horrible childhood, but I turned out OK,” Jobs said. There is no coincidence that the first right cited in the declaration is the right to life. The United States Declaration of Independence has become a well-known statement on human rights, particularly its second sentence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain

unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” There are Bible verses which state: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mothers womb. … My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. I would be happy if the United States Supreme Court make abortion illegal, and Guyana do the same. God bless the United States Supreme Court and God bless Guyana. Like Steve Jobs, I had a horrible childhood, but I turned out OK. Anthony Pantlitz (Tony from Maichony)

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Transforming education requires decolonization DEAR EDITOR, President Alis government declared policy is to use oil and gas proceeds to transform education, health, infrastructure, and the non-oil sectors (Guyana Chronicle, April 26, 2022). This policy is admirable and will divest the windfall from oil and gas into conventional sectors. In transforming education, the Government (the people’s representative) must address a fundamental question, what is (are) the outcome(s) from this transformation? Is it for more job opportunities? This is not transformational. Is it more access to education, building more schools, free education from cradle to grave, more computers, more digital whiteboards, tinkering with the current curriculum or adding more subjects?

This is also not transformational? Or is it the creation of a holistic education system within which creativity and innovation flourish with opportunities for an individual to understand who she/he is, her/his intrinsic connections to each other and nature, and to craft her/his own quality lifestyle for the 21st century?

The answer is crucial for any meaningful transformation.

This article is not intended to provide an answer, but it is a narrative to provoke public discourse to inform the Governments transformational policy on education. Guyana inherited a system of education created by our colonial masters (CM) to produce factory workers for the industrial

era, programmers, analyst, and so on for the current information technology era. This servitude system was about educating students to conform, to gather external data (imposed by teachers following strict preset curriculum and content) and to regurgitate some of the data in standardized tests.

It is a “one size” fits all system. Many countries including Guyana have tried to modernize this system. But the tendency is to copycat changes made or suggested by the CM and/or other World powers (WP), particularly the USA. For example, let us consider the evolution of the call to emphasize Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in schools. In the 1990s the US government, with staunch support from US businesses, created a program called SMET, an acronym for Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology. It did not get much attention.

In 2001, after US students performed poorly in Mathematics and Science among the industrialized nations as measured by an international test called the Program for International Student Assessment or PISA, the name was changed to STEM because it was alleged that SMET was not sounding good for marketing purpose. Since then, it has become a wildfire.

This is the true genius of Americans for which no PISA test can measure. Countries, with notable exception of

Scandinavia, assumed the US problem as their own and began emphasizing (in many cases, overemphasizing or obsessing) with STEM, which garner devoted attention within their existing curriculum or with some minor changes. This became a bonanza for the US. Many of the best graduates from these countries cannot find suitable jobs in their home countries and this creates a ready supply pipeline of students to US universities and colleges, and employees for corporate America.

What a waste of scare resources and a brain drain for the lower and middle-income countries (LMIC)? Make no mistake, I am an ardent supporter of STEM but not how it is taught and its overemphasis. In addition, living requires moral discipline, social and natural harmony, and security.

Despite billions of dollars spent on STEM by the US Government, State Governments and businesses, US students continue to do poorly according to PISA scores, and this is an embarrassment for the most powerful country on Earth. In 2010, US corporations realizing that STEM was not producing workers that can think and innovate and work as teams strongly supported the National Governors Association and Council of Chief State School Officers to develop Common Core State Standards Initiative called Common Core that stressed criti-

cal thinking, creativity and problem solving. Parents, teachers, and unions fought against its introduction and this initiative died allegedly when the then President, Obama, supported it. A key debacle in Common Core is the triple objectives of critical thinking, creativity and problem solving that are now incorporated in STEM. These are competing objectives and require different approaches in a “one size” fits all system. Critical thinking and creativity come from unfettered individuals, while teaming is best for problem solving. History showed that no magnificent work of art or great scientific invention resulted from a team of people.

How do countries such as Guyana start with transforming education. It must start with decolonization decoupling from the CM and WP and developing an education system (see last question in the first paragraph) for the hopes, aspirations, and wellbeing of Guyanese, stop copycatting, do not think that the CM and the WP are better than you and they know best.

The transformation of the current education system must allow our children to fashion their path early in life and prepare them for living a quality life in this 21st century.

No one can predict what life will be like as the 21st century advances but there are certain trends that provide clues. For example, rapid de-

The man has the right, the Vice President doesn’t DEAR EDITOR, Say it aint so! Was my first reaction when the word made its way to me. It couldnt be the Hon Vice President of Guyana saying something along these lines.

He has the right to speak to whomever he wishes, on what issue he chooses, and wherever he sees fit. I would defend his right with my all to speak to his idea of truth, and speak his mind in any way that pleases him, no matter how both may conflict with what I think.

But he is only due that unconditional right, is empowered to entertain those constitutional options, when speaking as an ordinary citizen, like run of-the-mill Guyanese, such as myself.

As a quick aside, and to set the record straight, the VPs version of truth and standard

of ethics almost always pale into the questionable when compared to mine. But in this instance that does not matter at all. On the other hand, when he wears the weighty mantle of Vice President for Oil, the omnipotent leader with the most significant portfolio for this nations present and future, then he not only has a responsibility at all times to the widest audience possible, but a duty to do so.

He has the obligation to articulate in the most overt manner, the frankest terms, and to the most statesmanlike degree that he is capable of, how the business of this country is conducted and delivered.

This is what he raised his hand for, and took an oath for, to serve the people, in weather fair and foul, and before those who aid and abet

his wordplays and gamesmanships.

It is not as it pleases him, or whenever and however he feels like. The mere fact that he holds that high office means that he directly or indirectly swore allegiance to a modicum of standards, to an immaculate comportment, in his stewardship of the vast responsibilities placed in his hands.

I must say it: He is no longer his own man. And I have still harsher news for the Hon Vice President, he is not a private citizen anymore, and some of the rights which he arrogates to himself under that banner become subsumed under the demands of the wider interest, the greater good. He knows that, and doesnt need me to enlighten him on the sum of what he represents now. It is, therefore, unbecoming of the public man and the public office enshrined in him to skulk away to the media dives that have found favour with him to make a spectacle of himself. A national leader with any iota of self-esteem within

doesnt ever resort to such self-serving exercises to get his messages across. A leader of substance, one of sturdier stock, would recoil from the mere thought of the latest public self-denuding and self-humiliation of himself, as the VP did. I cannot begin to imagine how he believes that such a sneaky step does him or his message or his work any justice, gives it a pass. It is beyond me to figure out how the VP, a man once a President, would conclude that the depths to which he lowered himself could pass muster, may be justified.

The Hon VP has had countless low points, but this ranks right down there. He cannot and should not have exercised such poor judgment and taste, with this right that he seizes for himself. It is not his to claim. Not while he is performing in the capacity of a national leader with an incalculable portfolio. It just cannot be justified. By his own hand, the words of his lips, he condemns himself.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

ployment of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, 3D printing, self-driving (autonomous) vehicles, quantum computing, Internet of Things, pervasiveness of social media, globalization, climate change and social and health problems (increasing obesity, increasing loneliness and depression, increasing rate of suicide, diminishing intellect, and so on) will impact our children’s lives. To prepare them to tackle these and other issues and live pleasant lives require a break from the past, bold thinking from a “one size” fits all, and teacher knows best attitude.

We must coach, facilitate and provide opportunities for our children to develop their individual creativity, be critical thinkers, be decision makers, be job creators rather than job seekers, while at the same time valuing, and understanding their connectedness to all things in the Cosmos.

Decolonization does not negate adopting educational innovations in other countries including the CM and the WP but must be studied carefully and modified, if necessary, for our educational outcomes.

Here is a potential example.

Sanskrit (Samskritam), an ancient Indian language, and mother of the Indo-European family of languages which include English, has been demonized by the British in their rule of India.

Sanskrit, however, is taught in British schools (e.g., St. James Junior School) and Universities (e.g., Oxford University), European and American Universities. Many linguists rated Sanskrit as the “perfect language.” However, the teaching of it in schools and Universities is not to resurrect it as a spoken language rather it is what it offers for 21st century living.

It helps students grasp math, science, and other languages better (it uses all parts of mouth and tongue), improve pronunciation and diction, and is the best language for computer programming, AI, and robotics (Rick Briggs, NASA scientist, AI Magazine, Volume 6 Number 1, 1985). In addition, it helps to alleviate social and health problems through spirituality (this is not religion) and Ayurveda.

Perhaps, Guyana should consider teaching Sanskrit, as one of a family of languages, in a Foreign Language institute.

Teachers should be coaches and facilitators rather than purveyors of an existing knowledge base.

With our mobile devices, we can access all human knowledge anytime and at any place.

No teacher can compete with this readily available,

updated knowledge. Parents have a vital role to play in this transformation. Too often parents think of their children as extensions of themselves and not as individual human beings, who should chart their own courses in life.

They want their children to be successful at things they themselves failed at or think that their children are inexperienced and prone to failure. Mistakes and failures should not be regarded as taboos but as means to creativity.

In any case, failure is relative and a construct of the brain. Many parents want their children to go to colleges and universities as a source of pride and accomplishments in child rearing.

But some of these children do not desire to be at these higher institutions of learning. Rather, they prefer doing other things in life such as being a carpenter, a plumber, a farmer and so on. However, this is often unsatisfactory for parents, who think that their children are making mistakes or are on a path to failure in life.

Consequently, these children miss creating a life of their own, underscored by their own passions, drives and goals. Guyana with a new source of wealth, a small population, and a non-entrenched education system is in a unique position to lead education transformation for the 21st century.

It should begin this transformation on an experimental basis, which can then be progressively enhanced, before embarking on nationwide adoption. Any implementation of such a grand, nationwide education narrative requires political will and stability, boldness and leadership, public involvement and acceptance, and decades of sustainable execution and adjustments. Some readers may conclude that this narrative is utopian and cannot be accomplished by Guyanese (perhaps, a legacy of colonial thinking).

Indeed, it is utopian, and I make no apology. It is bold, far-reaching, fresh thinking, self-confidence, unwillingness to accept conventional paradigm and a willingness to take risks that are the hallmarks for transformation.

Transformation is suspicious, threatening, arduous, and uncertain but it provides the opportunity for creativity and high rewards.

“Every child is a genius only to be converted into an idiot in school.” (Attributed to Nobel Laureate Alexis Carrel).

Dr. Muniram Budhu Professor Emeritus

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Sunday May 15, 2022

Kaieteur News

The Gas-to- Energy project can result in two major disasters – an oil spill or a gas leak.

While ExxonMobil has rushed to submit its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project, to get early approvals to start spending the US$1.3 billion on its side of the deal, the company has failed to include how it would respond to a gas leak.

Moreover, it is already dodging the important matter of full coverage insurance!

Guyanese must not sit by and allow the same mistakes to keep repeating itself.

It is time we stand up for our resources, our wealth and our future generations.

A gas explosion can result in serious damage at the proposed Wales, West Bank Demerara site.

We must demand full coverage insurance before the project is approved and the company slides pass this much needed pledge.

Promises are simply not enough since, as the old maxim goes, 'A promise is a comfort to a fool'.

We must not wait until a disaster happens to find out that this multi-billion dollar firm will not take full responsibility.

Instead, we must secure these agreements before approvals are issued.

PAGE 07

PAGE 08

Kaieteur News

Sunday May 15, 2022

Kaieteur News

Sunday May 15, 2022

Dem Boys Seh…

De Prezzy walk straight to he seat De DPI getting turn into a propaganda arm of d e P P P. D e m s e n d somebody outside de President's Office fuh pester Norton about de winning statements of poll.

De DPI don't give much coverage, if any at all, to de Opposition.

So dem boys was surprise when one ah dem start asking bout de statements of poll.

He bin going on and on even though de LOO wasn't even bothering with he.

Is like he was on a mission. Instead of

showing l'il interest in wat dem man discuss at de meeting, dis one reporter keep badgering de LOO bout whether he bring de winning statements of polls.

But is nat dat which mek dem boys vex. Is Prezzy.

Dem put de LOO and he representative fuh sit down opposite Anil.

And when de Prezzie walk in de LOO stand up respectfully. But de Prezzy walk straight to he seat and start de meeting without any formal or friendly handshake or elbow bounce. No wonder de LOO had such a stern look.

One ah de LOO

colleagues describe he as de President-in-waiting. But dem bring de LOO through de public gate rather dan allowing de man fuh drive through de presidential entrance.

And when he leave, he walk into de media brigade, including de DPI fellow wah more concerned bout de statement of polls dan de meeting.

De LOO and Prezzy gat to meet again.

And dem boys hope dat de next time, de LOO gan be greeted, on arrival, with a handshake or wan elbow bounce.

Talk half. Leff half.

PAGE 09

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Sunday May 15, 2022

Govt. proposes amendment to legislations to help curb drunk driving

I

n an effort to reduce road fatalities and accidents caused by drunk driving, the government has revealed several proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Cap. 51:02 and the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act, Cap. 82:21 which will see harsher penalties and fines for persons convicted.

In a press release on Saturday, Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, said that the move to amend the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act is “in response to the large number of motor vehicular accidents, inclusive of those resulting in fatalities on our public roadways, specifically caused by an unacceptable high incidence of drunken

driving.

He explained that the Government of Guyana has made a decision to take a series of measures to confront this serious problem.

According to the AG, legislative reform is one of those measures. In this regard, the government is proposing to strengthen and expand existing legislation and imposing more punitive

Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC.

measures.

Once amended, drunk drivers can face increased jail time, permanent revocation of their driver's licence, motor manslaughter and causing grievous bodily harm charges.

A draft of the legislation seeks to amend the Principal Act by inserting a new section, 35A. That section states that a person can be found guilty of motor manslaughter, where that person causes the death of another person while driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or a drug.

T h i s o ff e n c e i s a n indictable one and the penalty is a term of imprisonment of not less than 10 years.

Where the person has caused grievous bodily harm to another person, while driving under the influence, the penalty is a term of imprisonment of not less than five years.

It is further proposed that a person convicted under this section shall be disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence for three years.

Persons can also be disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence for 12 months.

Where the person is convicted for two consecutive offences, the person shall be disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence for 24 months, and where there is a third conviction, the person shall be permanently disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence.

At present, the penalty for driving under the influence and losing control of the vehicle is a fine ranging from $30,000 to $60,000 or imprisonment for 12 months and in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, there is a fine ranging from $40,000 to $80,000 and imprisonment.

It is now proposed that the fines will be increased to not less than $200,000 for first-time offenders and $300,000 for second-time offenders.

Additionally, the AG will seek to amend the Intoxicating Liquor Licencing Act, Cap. 82:21 for the purpose of strengthening provisions that prohibit drunkenness on premises licenced under the Principal Act. Clause 3 of the Bill seeks

to amend section 54 of the Principal Act by substituting for subsection (1), the duties placed on a licence holder to not permit drunkenness on the licenced premises and creates new duties for the licence holder to discourage drinking and driving.

The new subsection provides that a licence holder shall not permit any drunkenness on his premises nor sell, give or barter or allow another person to sell, give or barter intoxicating liquor to a drunken person within the premises.

Additionally, the licence holder is mandated to not sell, give or barter intoxicating liquor to a person he knows is likely to leave the premises by driving a motor vehicle unless a designated driver is identified.

Consequently, he shall not sell, give or barter intoxicating liquor to a person identified as a designated driver.

Further, where the licence holder knows that a drunken person is attempting to drive or is in charge of a motor vehicle, he shall inform the nearest police station and request their immediate assistance.

Moreover, a licence holder is also now required to conspicuously post signs and ensure that announcements are made, on the premises that discourage drinking and driving.

In addition, section 54 is also amended in subsection (2) to increase the fines for breach of these duties by the licence holder from $2000 to $100,000 for a first offence, and from $5000 to $200,000 for a second offence.

The effect of this amendment is that it is now mandatory that a licence holder must refuse to admit to the premises any person who is drunk, violent, quarrelsome, or disorderly.

Additionally, clause 4 amends subsection (2) to (Continued on page 12)

Sunday May 15, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Sunday May 15, 2022

Civil society group believes probe into 2020 elections necessary for proper reform T

he Electoral Reform Group (ERG) has called for an investigation of the 2020 general elections, more social consultations, and reform of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) as part of its contribution to the draft Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill and Regulations.

According to a release from the Attorney General's Chambers, the state authority met with the group on May 9. This group, along with GECOM and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, it noted provided the most “substantive” contributions regarding the reform election laws, and that representatives of the government were gearing to

meet with the organisation.

The release said that ERG had submitted comments on the proposed amendments in December 2021. But at the meeting with Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, SC., other government officials, and representatives of the Private Sector Commission, ERG pointed out that President Irfaan Ali was yet

to facilitate an investigation into the last election controversy. “The ERG observed that upon assumption of office, the President had stated that there would be a thorough investigation into the political crisis following the March 2 elections in 2020, but this has not occurred.

Such an investigation is a critical step toward

diagnosing the causes of problems and will better guide reform proposals,” the group submitted.

ERG representatives, while grateful for the opportunity to engage the government on electoral reform issues, noted that the meeting “fell short of what is required of an adequate process of social consultation”.

The AG, nonetheless, indicated government's commitment to electoral reform, but said that it is dealing “only with statutory c h a n g e s t o t h e Representation of the People Act at this time, specifically excluding changes to the Constitution.” He m e n t i o n e d t h a t constitutional changes would require bipartisan consensus.

The ERG maintained, however, that sustainable electoral reform requires comprehensive social consensus with effective civil society involvement.

ERG said that the narrow focus on the RoPA amounts to reinforcing a system in dire need of reform instead of fixing it. A key sticking point was that, the government continues to overlook the obvious, urgent need for restructuring and reform of GECOM. “The present GECOM structure is not working adequately to deliver elections that are free from suspicion and readily acceptable to major stakeholders, and thus needs to be reformed to enhance the Commission's capability and fortify its role in the ongoing process of

election system review and reform, as exists in other countries.”

The ERG representatives also indicated support for the principle of proportionality but held that this did not negate the urgent need for reform.

T h e A G , h o w e v e r, defended Guyana's current electoral system arguing that proportional representation guaranteed the democracy of the system. “This position ignores the findings of s t u d i e s a n d recommendations in the media for years that indicate that a large proportion of the population has no confidence in Guyana's electoral system,” the release added.

On the matter proposing the breakup of Region Four into separate districts for election purposes, the ERG reiterated its position that this was not justified, given that the problem that occurred in 2020, was caused by a breakdown within GECOM and not by Region Four voters.

“It is therefore not clear how this measure is an improvement of the electoral system.

The ERG representatives expressed the view that more careful consideration should be given to the proposal for dividing Region Four (and other regions) into a number of constituencies,” the ERG noted.

The AG's position during the meeting, according to the ERG release, took many critical issues off the table for consideration, including several matters listed in the ERG's submission.

Govt. proposes amendment to...

From page 10 increase the penalty for breach of this provision from $3000 to $100,000.

The proposed bills will lead off the g o v e r n m e n t ' s consultations with important national s t a k e h o l d e r organisations and interested members of the public on these proposed legislative measures.

These draft Bills can be accessed on the Attorney

General and Ministry of Legal Affairs website www.mola.gov.gy and submissions and recommendations are hereby invited within 21 days from the date hereof to agchambersmola@gmail.c om.

Additionally, these draft Bills will be circulated to relevant national stakeholder organisations for their submissions and recommendations within a similar timeframe.

Kaieteur News

Sunday May 15, 2022

PAGE 13

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY! In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecency in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

SUNDAY Love Your Neighbour As Yourself!

Many Guyanese have become numb and dumb when it comes to their own affairs, muchless that of each other.They have lost touch with reality and don't even care whether their neighbours live or die.

Gone are the days when the neighbour was the first to lend a helping hand.But as the saying goes: Once there is life, there is hope.

As such, we call on Guyanese – from the leaders sitting in their mansions to the lowly in their shacks: end the disgusting trend of selfcenteredness; selfishness is neither attractive nor progressive.

No matter what you may possess, none of us, no not one, is better than the other, so get over yourselves and lend a helping hand wherever possible.The act of giving generously to those in need opens the doors to tremendous blessings.

MONDAY Paying lip service to press freedom We said it last week, that the Media Conference hosted by the government was a farce. We showed you how, that despite the President Ali's boast about respecting the media and his government being accessible to the press he has not held a single post-cabinet media briefing since taking office.

And so we were not surprised, that amid the fanfare last Friday when the Brazilian President touched down here journalists were not allowed to ask a single question to the two leaders.

In fact, initially his administration wanted to shut out the private media from entering the Conference Centre where the official ceremony was held. For this government media freedom is about giving us a good gyaff like what the President did last week at the opening of the conference.

TUESDAY Choose Your Struggles Wisely.

In this life, we often get to choose the struggles that we think are worthy of our time.

In choosing though, others are given a clear picture of who an individual really is.Among us, there are many who are clearly selfcentred and those who are selfless are rarities.

Sadly, some people may

not be aware that selfishness often leads to a life of endless bitterness.

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

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

WEDNESDAY “All I want to say is that they don't really care about us”Emblazoned on the front pages of three of the daily newspapers yesterday was a photograph of Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo and the Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton.

In these times, and amid incessant claims of lack of inclusivity, on the surface, the two leaders meeting, though informally, was a good sign. What were they discussing is another matter.

From all accounts, they used the few minutes together at the European Day celebrations to resurrect the dead - Statements of Poll and the March 2020 elections.

No doubt, this is a big issue for these politicians, but for the rest of us who have to battle high cost of living; can't find jobs; unable to send our children to school; endure racial and other forms of discriminations and finally watch the plundering and mismanagement of this country's resources we could care less about their banter.

What the exchange signals to us however is exactly where the focus of our leaders is.

What was likely their first meeting, albeit on the sidelines of an event; they used it to further the bitterness and divisiveness that continue to blight this country.

So we ask today, when will we get leaders who truly care about us?

THURSDAY Norton losing his way …Someone needs to speak to Aubrey Norton and s/he needs to do so quickly.

He came to power at Congress Place with enormous goodwill and expectations from a frustrated constituency that was deceived by their leaders following the March 2020 elections. He has said some good things thus far, but his behaviour makes him ripe for a one-term leader of the PNCR.

M r. N o r t o n h a s t o understand that his supporters and Guyanese at large are impatient. Citizens are not enamoured by his looks, or his 'mouthing off'; they want real action. Him challenging Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo for a debate on the elections comes across very juvenile. Two years into a runaway administration with little checks and balances and an impotent and sometimes incompetent opposition, Norton would better be advised to pick his battle carefully.

If he needs things to do, we can suggest a few: 1. press for the renegotiation of the lopsided Exxon contract 2. have your MPs go on the ground and meet citizens rather posting all day on Facebook 3. get involved in the affairs of this nation, especially those expensive projects the government is undertaking After all the talks, some

fat ones too, Norton has been in the position for quite some time now and has not made any discernible impact. A tired, impatient and frustrated nation awaits action.

FRIDAY Schemers Must Not Be Allowed To Masquerade As Leaders Do you believe in curses?

Well it is said that curses can follow an individual, a family or even an entire nation if they are not broken.

Given the daily manifestations in this land – where evil is being embraced and good is being denounced; when the nation has at its helm schemers masquerading as leaders and the people seem inclined to worship them – there is no doubt that immorality abounds.

It becomes even clearer, and much more worrying, when many of our religious leaders are silent and seem fearful to stand up for truth and righteous.

It is for this reason that we at this publication must stand up, call out and shame those scheming leaders, wherever they are, who have had a hand in bringing curses upon this nation.

Guyana will rise again and every hindrance to this movement we reject and condemn to the abyss.

SATURDAY That indecent $8M parking shed It continues to befuddle us here at the Kaieteur News how idle some of our leaders are. One of the most powerful government departments – the Attorney General Chambers headed by Anil Nandlall took the time to respond to an article by this newspaper questioning the wisdom in spending $8M to build a parking shed when thousands of Guyanese are hungry and don't even have a roof over their heads.

And to think that the AG Chamber, which should be exuding brilliance not just in jurisprudence, but also commonsense would put out such piffle for a press release, yet has the audacity to attack the quality of journalism at this newspaper makes you want to puke.

This is the same AG Chambers that presides over some of the most egregious constitutional breaches in government. Since coming to power in August 2020, the AG Chambers advised the President that he could

appoint persons Parliamentary Secretaries who were on the party's list of candidates- a clear breach of the Constitution The chamber advised the President to fire the entire Police Service Commission, when he had no such powers, having not followed the procedures.

This very chamber advised government that it could decide the budget for the constitutional agencies only to have it overturned, but it seeks to lecture us about journalism.

So our advice to the folks on Carmichael Street, it would serve you best if you pay attention to the plight of the poor, the hiking of gas price again, the high cost of living, the lack of housing for thousands of Guyanese and access to potable water and stop wasting our money on a parking shed.

The $8M can adequately build eight small houses for poor families or two of the government-constructed turn-key ones.

But you good folks at the Legal Affairs Ministry do not want to hear this; you are bent on squandering taxpayer's money in the name of protecting vehicles.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Sunday May 15, 2022

Population warned against complacency as COVID-19 cases surge Even as the Ministry of Health continues to express concern about the COVID-19 vaccination rate, the country is currently seeing a new wave of infections.

On Saturday, the Ministry of Health reported that a total of 32 new COVID-19 cases were recorded from 1,530 tests, taking the overall number of confirmed cases to 63,804.

Over the past week, the active cases were more than 265, and on Saturday, the new numbers recorded in the following regions were: three - Region Three, 20 - Region Four, four - Region Five, two - Region Six and three -

Region Nine.

There are two patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), seven in institutional isolation and 266 in home isolation.

To date, 62,301 people have recovered and 1,228 have died.

Meanwhile, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony said that the rise in cases is a worrying trend. He made this disclosure while speaking at a health forum at the Grand Coastal Hotel, East Coast Demerara on Wednesday.

He explained that “The SARS-COV2 is a very tricky virus…there are different

variants and sub-variants some are very contagious. In January of this year we saw a spike in cases, close to 30,000 cases in that month before we saw a significant decline…

But the subvariant is highly transmissible, so we have seen over the last few days a rise in cases.”

In fact the Minister noted on Friday that “within the last 24 hours we have seen 45 new cases and today over 50 new cases.”

Dr. Anthony continued, “We have moved from having zero persons in the hospital to having six persons in the hospital. So what that is

telling us? That Omicron is still with us and COVID has not gone away.”

As such, the Minister stressed on the importance of being fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.

“One of the things that will help to protect you is to ensure you get your booster doses, but what we have is about 12.3 percent of the adult population taking the shot.

That's not nearly enough if you want to protect people; you need to take the shot,” he added.

The Health Minister explained that the initial vaccines which are two doses could provide protection for

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony.

about six months. “...After that, the immunity begins to wane, you need to take the booster shot but we have observed a lot of people who stopped

coming for the vaccines because they believe COVID is over,” Dr. Anthony stated.

He warned, however, that Guyanese are most at risk (Continued on page 56)

Kaieteur News

Sunday May 15, 2022

HIGH ENERGY AND HIGH STAKES DIGICEL GRADUATE PROGRAMME ATTRACTS 799 TOP DRAWER APPLICANTS - Top 18 selected as the Class of '24

K

ingston, Jamaica – W i t h applications for the inaugural Digicel Graduate Programme closing on 31 st January and an impressive 799 high calibre applicants applying, the successful 18 candidates who together make up the Class of '24 started their induction week in Jamaica on Monday.

In a release, the company revealed that the Digicel Graduate Programme is a high energy, high stakes programme that will take the lucky graduates from a retail environment experience right through to the boardroom and everything in between and has overall sponsorship from Digicel Chairman and founder, Denis O'Brien, and Digicel Group CEO, Oliver Coughlan.

After a tough and wide ranging multi-round selection process, the successful 18 now have the unique opportunity to learn and grow in a diverse, dynamic and competitive environment as they are exposed to a world-leading international organisation and brand and a worldl e a d i n g e n t r e p r e n e u r, businessman and philanthropist.

Representing the brightest and best of global graduate talent, the Class of '24 now embarks on a twoyear immersion which will develop technical knowledge, digital mindset, business acumen, commercial savvy and leadership skills through a combination of real world on-the-job experience, professional development, networking and mentorship.

The programme is designed to create a pool of candidates who are fully prepared to a s s u m e c r o s s

functional/multi-functional roles at the end of the period having worked alongside amazing Caribbean talent backed by a leadership team from across the globe.

Hailing from Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica, Ireland and Trinidad & Tobago, the graduates will each spend their first nine-month rotation in either Antigua, Cayman, Jamaica, St. Kitts, St. Lucia or the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Of the 18 graduates, two are existing Digicel staff members – one from Jamaica and one from Trinidad & Tobago.

Commenting on the programme, Digicel Group CEO, Oliver Coughlan, says: “Our Digicel Graduate Programme is our latest way of finding, developing and mentoring high performing talent which, in time and with a healthy amount of hard work and meaningful business and life experiences, may go on to become some of our future leaders. It's a serious opportunity for advancement. And since we pride ourselves on the calibre of the people we have here at Digicel, as you can imagine, when it came to finding our new batch of the brightest and best, the selection process was not for the feint hearted.”

He continues: “I would like to thank the 799 candidates who put themselves forward and congratulate the successful 18 who make up our Class of '24 – the fact that two members of our existing Digicel team are part of the cohort is a further point of pride. I wish them all luck and look forward to taking the journey with them.”

PAGE 15 Digicel Graduate Programme Class of 24

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Sunday May 15, 2022

==The Creators' Coven==

HJ Entertainment: Embracing a dream, serving a nation

By Zena Henry DJ/Businessman, Kerwin Boller

DJ/Businessman, Rawle Ferguson

Sunday May 15, 2022

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

Death or divorce – a tough choice for many healthy home where they don't learn to be abusers or think it's okay to be abused,” Ms Lawal says.

“When I pack my bags to leave, my husband would hit me. When I unpack, he would hit me. I started going to school to get a degree and then later I started trading.

When I had what seemed like enough then (N80,000/

By Claire Mom

R

ebecca* is a woman in her late 30s. She holds her head high and walks with a sway in her steps. There is an air of confidence when she speaks. So when she tells me how her husband has been abusing her throughout their 17 years of marriage, I am taken aback.

“Every day is a new experience for me. I don't know what version of husband I'll meet; the one who will scold me for forgetting to lay out his clothes or the one who will hit me for putting too much salt in the soup,” she says while wiping tears.

Seventeen years is almost two decades. I ask her why she has had to endure all that pain for a long time but she only shakes her head and does not answer.

Like Rebecca, hundreds of women experiencing domestic violence find it difficult to leave. For some, it is for reasons best known to them, for others, they simply do not know why or have the words.

People who have not experienced abuse find it unfathomable that survivors stay in their relationships and not leave. It seems almost like they enjoy it. But until an experience has been felt, it is easy to give directives on how to act.

For Ms. Ilavbare Goldfish Rahmatulai, it took six years to escape the suffocating grip of her abuser. “It was a traumatic experience,” she tells me. “I can tell you this for free; the same intensity used to abuse you is the same intensity used to beg. When he does this, pity begins to set in and you become confused on what to do.”

I ask Ms. Demilade Lawal, a psychologist from the University of Chester, in an interview, if there is a psychological reason behind this and she affirms.

“For a lot of women, it's a glimmer of hope that things are going to get better. And that glimmer of hope can be understood when we are aware of the social cycle of abuse. There is a tension

Ms. Ilavbare Goldfish Rahmatulai phase, an abuse phase and a honeymoon phase. In the honeymoon phase the abuser temporarily changes his ways and alters the victim's decision to leave. Then the tension starts and then abuse follows.”

Another reason women remain entangled with their abusers is the fear of the unknown, the unclear reality of what would be after leaving.

“The truth is, as much as this person abuses them, there is an emotional connection. They love this person, there is a traumatic attachment whether they are aware of it or not. It is not the best love environment but it doesn't change the fact that this is how they feel about the person that abuses them. So the thought of starting afresh without this person whom they have grown to love despite the abuse is just as frightening,” Ms. Lawal says.

Although this may sound like an unjustifiable reason to some who have not walked this path, Ms. Rahmatulai agrees.

“In my case, I loved him very much. I could not imagine going to tell my family members or friends that the man I loved started hitting me as early as a month into our marriage. I was embarrassed. So I stayed back, hoping it would get better,” she says.

Research shows that one of the many reasons why

women remain in abusive marriages is a lack of income which results in total financial dependency on the abuser. Could this be a strategy to trap the victim in an abusive cycle?

“While I was married, my husband would give me very little housekeeping money.

He knew I did not have a job and the money would be insufficient but I could not say a word. I had to feed my children. If I complained I would get beaten. He provided for everything in the house, what authority did I have to question him,” Ms Rahmatulai says to me.

I ask Rebecca if she has a job and she says no. She mentions she's an interior decorator but she barely gets offers. When she does, her husband collects everything.

A major factor for avoiding abusive marriages is to identify red flags.

However, these flags are sometimes mistaken for natural behavioural traits. In Ms Rahmatulai's case, she tells me she noticed her husband was quick tempered and ill mannered before marriage however, she waved them aside as he had never hit her during courtship.

How then can abuse survivors find the courage to leave?

“The decision to leave is a process, it takes a shift in perspective - realising that you deserve better and that your kids deserve to grow in a

$192), I left my husband regardless of the worst that could happen. I realised if I stayed long enough, I would be dead,” Ms Rahmatulai says.

“It's been 20 years since I left. I'm 51 and a lawyer now.

I have dedicated my life to helping women in abusive marriages leave. So many men have called me a home

breaker but I say it's better to break a home and save a life.” *Rebecca has asked to stay anonymous by using a pseudonym.

Claire Mom is a Nigerian journalist and an advocate for human rights.

E m a i l : clairemom26@gmail.com Twitter: speakclairely_

PAGE 18

Sunday May 15, 2022

Kaieteur News

>>>Young Entrepreneur on the Move<<<

‘Lotus Crafts’ …for intriguing hand-made creations

By Allyiah Allicock

L

ooking for handcrafted cards and gifts for that special person? Well, ‘Lotus Crafts’, a local arts and crafts business, just might be the place to go.

It offers a variety of hand-made cards, photo props, invitations cards, iris fold wall décor, and explosion boxes.

‘Lotus Crafts’ officially opened its doors to customers in January this year but has been around since 2017. The brain behind this venture is 27-year-old Dhankumarie Persaud.

Persaud in a recent interview with Kaieteur News revealed that it was her love for hand-made gifts and cards that inspired her to start the business. From a young age, Persaud recalled, she always had an appreciation for arts and crafts and it was this passion that drove her to pursue making cards in 2

017.

“The first card I ever made was for my husband in 2017 for his birthday. A very good friend saw the card I did for my husband and asked me to do one for her boyfriend. She was my very first paying customer. Since then I have been crafting and creating new pieces,” she said with pride.

The name ‘Lotus Crafts’ was named after the Lotus flower and Persaud said, without giving too much details, it is in fact a tribute to her grandfather.

Although it was only launched this year and her customer-base remains small, she noted, that the support from friends and family has been overwhelming thus far.

The business has, however, not been without some difficulties. “One of the biggest challenges I face is sourcing materials for my projects,” she confided, noting that most times she has to purchase ma terials online because they are not usually found locally. As such, in order to meet clients’ needs, she purchases the needed items regularly so as to never disappoint her customers.

While the onset of the pandemic caused a reduction of customers, Persaud said, “…there was a silver lining to it as I used that period to ponder on new ideas,

“Young entrepreneurs are special, they create new demands and tackle old problems with new technology and try to bring about a positive change in society by doing what they enjoy doing.”

Young entrepreneur, Dhankumarie Persaud, the owner of Lotus Crafts.

problems with new technology and try to bring about a positive change in society by doing what they enjoy doing,” she is convinced.

Boosting young entrepreneurs and small businesses locally, she revealed, can be done by encouraging localism while at the same time providing more awareness to emerging businesses.

“Shop Local,” she said, “I think that is the most important thing that can be done.

Encourage our fellow Guyanese to support each other’s businesses.”

For those interested in Persaud’s handiwork, you can check-out her Facebook page @ Lotus Crafts and Instagram @Lotuscrafts2022 or contact her on telephone number (592) 653-6737.

p ractice new techniques and introduce new items.”

Even as she strives to improve her business, since, according to her, “there is still a long way to go,” Persaud said that she plans to one day expand, making her operation full-time, with new and even more intriguing items. Of course, she also aims to become “…a recognised and successful entrepreneur,” by having an impact on the younger generations.

She believes that young entrepreneurs in society today are creative people, who are able to develop new markets by producing new business ideas. “Young entrepreneurs Some of the different creative pieces are special, they create new you can order from ‘Lotus Crafts’. demands and tackle old

Sunday May 15, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Sunday May 15, 2022

Security guards brave bullets to capture armed bandit

The suspect moments after being captured.

By Shervin Belgrave The proprietor of B l a c k Wa t e r Ta c t i c a l Security Firm is now planning to honour three of his security ranks who risked their lives on Saturday by dodging bullets to capture an armed suspect.

Eshwar Singh, the owner of the security firm told Kaieteur News that his employees displayed an act of bravery to save a group of foreign nationals from being harmed by two armed men who were trying to rob them around 02:00hrs at Light and Robb Streets, Georgetown.

Singh’s company is contracted to conduct patrols around the city to

surveillance both government and private properties. During the wee hours of Saturday one of the company’s patrol units, consisting of the three security ranks, was conducting such duties in Alberttown, Georgetown with a vehicle.

After reportedly finishing up a round of patrol, they decided to stop at “Nurse to Burst” – a fast food outlet located on Light Street, to purchase “something to drink.” While stepping out of the vehicle to make their purchase, the security ranks suddenly heard gunshots and decided to follow the sounds towards Continued on page 55

The bandit’s impounded getaway car.

The gun found in the suspect’s haversack.

Kaieteur News

Suriah Iqbal

Sunday May 15, 2022

Ms. Suriah Iqbal is competing as “Miss Broadway” for the Miss New York USA 2022 competition slated for June 3rd and 4th, 2022 at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino USA. The 25-year-old is the daughter of two immigrants – father from Islamabad, Pakistan, and mother from Georgetown, Guyana. She was born and raised in Queens, New York and attended the St. Francis Preparatory High School and then St. John’s University, both in Queens, where she majored in legal studies. For her platform, she chose mental health awareness as she has struggled with hers in the past.

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Sunday May 15, 2022

IVE CHANGES… SIT PO CE EN LU INF TO T OR EFF HIS IN G TIN LEN RE UN VOCATE, CAREER ACADEMIC AND CIVIL SOCIETY AD

Prof. Troy Thomas, Ph.D.

IS A ‘SPECIAL PERSON’’

By Rehanna Ramsay

I

n today’s world, environmental activism plays a key role in helping to raise awareness about important issues such as global warming and climate change.

In fact, the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 lists climate action as crucial in reversing the effects of climate change which increases the possibility of global food and water shortages, increases flooding and extreme heat as well as more diseases, and economic loss.

In this regard, the environmental and advocacy efforts of people like Guyanese scientist and university lecturer, Professor Troy Thomas, Ph.D., cannot be underestimated.

Prof. Thomas has engaged in a number of public consultations and forums geared toward making the Guyanese

Receiving a plaque on behalf of his Faculty at UG. populace less oblivious of the environmental impacts of climate change.

This week’s ‘Special Person’ has never shied away from an opportunity to shed light on the issue.

His capacity as a lecturer at the University of Guyana and Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences provides

Prof. Troy Thomas makes a point during a discussion on environmental issues.

him with an excellent daily platform to educate the nation’s young professionals on the need for climate action.

He revealed recently, “My ultimate goal is to irrevocably change something for the better. I apply this both in advocacy and in academia. Both addressing issues in society and generating new knowledge that fit well with the overarching goal.”

And while his efforts in this regard are noteworthy, Prof. Thomas is not new to using his time and resources to help raise awareness about important issues. In his capacity as head of the Transparency Institute Guyana Inc (TIGI) – a chapter in the formation of Transparency International – he has been a vocal advocate for several civil society issues.

As a lecturer at UG, Prof.

T h omas has for close to two decades used his influence to raise awareness about environmental and other matters.

Outside of his work, he is a husband and a father.

As his brief bio explains, “He is a father to two boys who works long hours even when he knows when it’s time to stop and play with toy cars, build structures, crawl through tunnels and read children’s books.”

Yet, it must be noted that family is the driving force behind Prof. Thomas’ efforts. As such, he has developed specific expertise in repairing toys, mimicking the voices of some favourite cartoon characters and giving warm baths.

‘ISLAND LIFE’ Born on March 31, 1981, at the Wakenaam Cottage Hospital, in the Essequibo Islands to parents Pamela

Prof. Troy Thomas Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, is a career academic and civil society advocate. and Harold Thomas, Prof.

Thomas recalled his childhood was often characterised by the carefree breeziness of living in the countryside.

He shared that he and his four siblings would regularly engage in many outdoor activities, some of which, he added “were quite dangerous.”

Reflective of those years, he would often joke with his friends that he climbed trees sometimes without a clear plan of how to get back

Our ‘Special Person’ has been vocal on several civil society and climate change issues.

down. “The way down was often more difficult and on a few occasions, I took the gravity elevator. That way down was always efficient but not the most comfortable. Thankfully I witnessed that approach more often than I participated in it,” he added lightheartedly.

Nevertheless, Prof.

Thomas said in hindsight his childhood prepared him for life. He noted, “There is much that I learnt from my Continued on page 54

Kaieteur News

Sunday May 15, 2022

PAGE 23

DEJA VU Guyanese are not likely to get excited about the announcement that manganese exports are due to resume after an absence of more than 50 years. Nor should they be enthused about the planned opening of new larger than Omai-scale gold mines.

In fact, Guyanese should be gravely concerned. Those announcements, made by the Hon Minister with responsibility for Finance, Ashni Singh, suggest that the PPP/C government is once again setting sails into the high seas of economic uncertainty and it is on the same course which led to its electoral demise in 2015.

The PPP/C lost the 2015 elections because of a number of factors, including incumbency fatigue. But the prime reasons had to do with corruption and a failed economic model of development which emphasised large-scale foreign direct investments in the extractive sectors.

Dating back to the Hoyte administration that model has been a palpable failure. It promised much but

delivered little. It has exacerbated inequality and become a breeding ground for corruption. But most of all, the resource extraction model has led to the plundering of the country’s natural resources akin to the 16th century Spanish plunder of the minerals of the South American mainland.

The Minister with responsibility for Finance has announced that manganese exports (and therefore production) has recommenced and that three large scale gold mining operations are soon to be established. Guyana is remaining on the trodden and beaten path of a primary resource extractive economy.

We do not need another three large than Omai-scale gold mining operations to remind us of the failure of that model. One Omai provided enough lessons for a lifetime.

Over three million ounces of gold were believed to have been plundered from the bowels of Guyana by OMAI. And despite

extracting so much gold, that company amazingly never turned a profit.

When Omai Gold Mines was first opened, there were high expectations. The Guyanese people were serenaded and told that this investment would do wonders for the country, create a great deal of jobs and improve the economy.

People were led to believe that this mine was the lost city of El Dorado. And that the gold, which would be dug up, would make millionaires of everyone.

Three million, seven hundred thousand (3,700,000) ounces later, Guyana was still the second poorest country in the western hemisphere. The riches did not materialise.

The number of jobs created was way below public expectations.

One defender of that deal said that Guyana got about US$500M in royalties and revenues. That, however, works out to about $40,000 Guyana dollars for every million ounces of gold extracted. Can you believe that?

And this is the model of development which the PPP/C is returning the country. It is a failed model which allows for the bleeding of the resources of Guyana.

Omai was responsible for the country’s and the Caribbean’s worst ever manmade environmental disaster. That US$500M cannot even compensate for the effects of that tragedy.

Omai once shuttled KFC chicken by airplane for its workers. This company once gave a loan to a union official.

The deal with Omai involved generous tax holidays for the company.

The taxes that the government derived from the operations did not come from the company, but from the workers. The company milked its tax holiday. It paid little or nothing in taxes. The government secured a mere five percent in royalties.

History is repeating itself and is about to be repeated again. Fifty six years after political independence, Guyana is being recolonised by foreign direct investment.

Under colonial Guyana, we criticised the foreign multinationals for their role in exploiting us and taking away their profits. We went as far as nationalising the industries, which were run and controlled by foreign multinationals – Bookers in the sugar industry and Alcan and Reynolds in the bauxite industry. It was our hope that with the commanding heights of the economy under our control, that we would be in charge of our wealth.

But within a short period of time, we were forced to invite other multinationals to come and take over these very industries. Booker-Tate came to manage the sugar industry, Green Construction and Mining and MINPROC were

involved in the bauxite industry. And they did no different from what the previous multinationals did.

Their executives lived like the old colonial overseers, while the workers had paltry returns.

Today the situation is not much different. Foreign multinationals have returned to target our gold, manganese, bauxite and oil.

And what are we receiving in return? A few jobs and pitiful royalties!

Our wealth is being plundered while our people continue to eke out a living.

And we continue to call that progress.

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

Kaieteur News

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Sunday May 15, 2022

THE SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS – WISE HEADS SHOULD PREVAIL

By Sir Ronald Sanders The Summit of the Americas, scheduled to be held in Los Angeles from June 8 to 10, should be regarded by all the Heads of Government, as a golden opportunity to address the many challenges now confronting the hemisphere.

Indeed, the impact of the present global environment on the economies, health and people of the area, is crying out for collective attention at the highest levels. Of critical importance are: the threat to world peace and stability, posed by Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine; the economic impact of the war in Ukraine and the consequent sanctions on Russia that have disrupted the global supply of food and oil, creating high costs and increasing inflation; economic recovery from the disastrous effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and planning for future pandemics; the urgency for action to halt Climate Change that remains as a dagger at the heart of every hemispheric nation, particularly small island states; and the preservation of democracy, including human, civil and political rights.

But the golden opportunity is being lost. The Summit is in danger of poor attendance.

Governments of several Latin American and Caribbean states regard an official US government statement, made on April 27 by Assistant Secretary of State Brian

Nichols, that Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela would not be invited, as exclusionary. They have indicated a reluctance to attend if the three governments are snubbed.

Since Nichols’ statement and the response by these governments, President Biden’s Press Secretary, Jen Psaki, said on May 10, that “We haven’t made a decision about who will be invited, and no invitations have been issued yet”. This may be an indication that some re-thinking is being done in the White House, and there could be modification of the plans that were previously being pursued and to which Nichols provided insight. We must hope that is the case.

But President Biden is under severe domestic political pressure to exclude Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela while he is also being urged to invite Juan Guaidó as the “Interim President” of Venezuela.

The latter is a farce, started under the presidency of Donald Trump, that the Biden administration has continued even though Guaidó has no control over anything in Venezuela – a fact tacitly acknowledged by US authorities when, on March 7, they dispatched a high-level team to Caracas to explore the possibility of the Nicolás Maduro government pumping more oil to help offset the effects of sanctions on Russian oil sales.

While Biden may be able to drop any plans for inviting Guaidó to the Summit, thus satisfying some governments that have steadfastly

not recognised him as President of Venezuela, it would be difficult in the present US political climate for him to invite Cuba, Nicaragua and the Maduro Government even if he wanted to.

The pressure on President Biden is coming from a number of sources, including US commentators and more particularly Congresspersons, such as Marco Rubio and Bob Menendez who have adopted a hard line on the governments in Cuba and Venezuela. There are as many Congressional representatives from the Democratic Party as they are from the Republican party who f e e l t h e s a m e w a y.

One commentator has suggested that Biden should tell those who suggest that they will not attend the Summit, “If you want to side with these dictatorships instead of with their victims, you are welcome to stay at home.”

All this places President Biden in a difficult situation. Both he and his advisors are aware that the Summit is a “Summit of the Americas”; it is not a US Summit.

The US is Chairing the Summit because it requested to host it. But does hosting the meeting give the Chair the right to disqualify attendance by other Heads of Government? Also, clearly the US government – and many other governments – are concerned about the violations of democratic principles and practices and of human rights in some hemispheric

states.

Therefore, does the Summit not present an opportunity for a frank discussion by all, including the Governments of Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela, of these issues?

It could not have escaped those who want a fully inclusionary Summit to recognise that such a discussion would have to happen.

The risk would be that it would dominate the Summit which could become rancorous, and which would fail to deal with crucial issues that should be discussed. In other words, the Summit could be in danger of imploding, accomplishing nothing but the creation of a very divided hemisphere.

All countries would have to think carefully about the immediate and long-term effect of such a development because there should be no doubt that the majority of countries in South and Central America, would side with the US. They will, after all, be very concerned about their own national interests, including trade, transportation links, investment, and development assistance.

At one point, consideration was being given by governments, including some in the Caribbean, to attend the Summit, and to argue for the positions of Cuba and Maduro from within the meeting. There is still every reason to maintain this position, thereby preserving the benefits of the Summit while putting forward arguments for an

Sir Ronald Sanders improvement in the relationship with the Cuban and Venezuelan governments.

Advancing vigorous arguments within the Summit on behalf of Cuba and Venezuela has to be better than being absent from the table and achieving nothing for anyone.

There is need for understanding by other governments of the difficulties faced by President Biden should he invite the governments of Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela, and a willingness, at the very least, by the President not to seek to impose Juan Guaidó on elected leaders.

The Summit is an opportunity.

Wise heads should guide the actions of all.

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States of America and the Organisation of American States.

He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto) Res pons es and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s : www.sirronaldsanders.com

Kaieteur News

Sunday May 15, 2022

PAGE 25

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

I haven't discovered my Indianness; I don't know what it is O

n We d n e s d a y morning, I was interviewed by television talk show host, Naim Chan on channel 6. I like Chan because I think essentially, he has an independent mind, a trait those who belong to the socalled independent media should acquire ASAP. I cannot and will not forget a journalist from the mainstream media interviewing someone about how civil society should make the government more accountable and failed to ask that person about the five months of election rigging during which the person publicly called on President David Granger to cancel the election process and stop GECOM from continuing to oversee the process.

Now why this person's emanation is egregious is because constitutionally the president could not have done that either legally or c o n s t i t u t i o n a l l y. T h e

president does not have even an ounce of authority to stop GECOM's functions. No office holder can do that.

GECOM's power comes directly from the constitution and not from Parliament.

There is no law on the books which a litigant can appeal to stop the function of the seven-person GECOM commission.

So, in effect, this person was demanding that the president act illegally to stop a free and fair election.

Equally egregious is the attitude of that journalist to interview that person and not enquire about the infamous call to President Granger.

These are the journalists who want recognition from the government and society but do not demonstrate not a drop of independent journalism.

This is why I like Naim Chan and I would willingly appear on his show each time a request is made.

During the interview, Naim was receiving

questions from his Meta (Facebook) page to put to me.

A lady from Canal Polder asked if I would like to comment on the eventual discovery of my Indianness. I did not understand the question because I don't know what my Indianness is.

I cannot say I have Indianness if I don't understand what it is. I would be happy if those like Ravi Dev, Vishnu Bisram, Ryhaan Shah, Baytoram Ramharack, who once publicly wrote that I am a self-hater, would explain to me what is selfhate and what is Indianness.

I don't know what those two terms means so if I see a description of both then I could offer a response. I know I like myself, the Guyanese people in general and the poorer folks in life who need opportunity for self-elevation.

I know I am Indian by genetic substance and I am not ashamed that I was born into the Hindu culture from

which I gave my only child a Hindu name. I married an Indian woman that I love immensely. I have extremely close Indian friends, including Charrandass Persaud whom I will not forsake. One of my heroes was a staunch Hindu practitioner – Yesu Persaud.

I don't know what that lady meant by Indianness.

My landline number is 2221615-1616, cell - 614-5927, e m a i l fredkissoon@yahoo.com.

She can contact me if she cares to. Maybe she can pay me a visit and sit with my wife and I, have coffee and define Indianness. I live at 47 Area Q, Turkeyen, next to the CARICOM Secretariat.

Unfortunately, I could not answer the question.

But I did touch on Indian people who chastised me for being critical of the PPP government before 2015. I had to remind those people that perhaps I was the only genetic Indian that exposed

the Buxton mayhem from the Mash Day jail break in 2002 until Frederick Kissoon the violent debauchery ended Guyanese that wanted to in 2006. overthrow an Indian-led Naim Chan did not know government.

I saw myself as that during those times when I was writing about the a media operative, a political Buxton terror, my house on activist and an academic that H a d f i e l d S t r e e t i n had to investigate this violent Wortmanville was shot at and marauding against Indian the bullet was lodged in the people. I will investigate and bed head, inches (yes inches) condemn any organisation from my wife's head. If you and government that seek to ever met my wife or daughter violently abrogate the rights you can ask them for their of any ethnic group in this country. reaction.

I end with the call that I Did I expose the Buxton would be happy for someone horror show because I was to intellectualise for me on Indian?

My answer is no. There what self-hate and what was no ethnic consciousness Indianness are. I will expand when I was writing those on two other questions in the c o l u m n s . I w a s a n interview in forthcoming investigative columnist that columns.

(The views expressed in sought to throw light on this article are those of the gunmen and their intellectual a u t hor and do not authors who were killing Indian people because they necessarily reflect the saw themselves as African opinions of this newspaper.)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday May 15, 2022

Kaieteur News

Sunday May 15, 2022

PAGE 27

Tips on how you can get the best out of your doctor's visit

By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Emergency Medicine Specialist

T

he average d o c t o r ' s appointment lasts 10 minutes. Lots of people are aware of this fact; but have you ever actually stopped to think how long that actually is? The answer is not long. If a doctor sees 20 patients during his/her shift, spending just two extra minutes with each person will cause an additional half an hour by the time the last person is ready to be seen.

So please try to remember this whilst you are gnashing your teeth in the w a i t i n g r o o m .

Clearly, time is tight.

In order that you get as much as possible out of this small time slot, there are a few things you can do to help things go as smoothly as possible.

Today we will discuss how you can get the best out of your doctor's visit.

Remember, I don't mean to sound rude, but its best that you know the facts so you can get the best out of your visit.

DON'T TAKE TOO LONG TO GET DOWN TO BUSINESS Don't take too long to put your bags down and settle into your seat before you start speaking with your doctor.

You are wasting valuable time that could be better spent discussing your problems.

The same applies to lovingly and caringly removing layers from your beautiful baby or changing their nappy. Not in the doctor's room unless you want every single patient the doctor sees after you to have to wait an extra five minutes unnecessarily!

IF POSSIBLE, LEAVE

THE KIDS AT HOME Inevitably, parents get distracted trying to keep baby in order. This results in a tendency to not only waste time, but also stops you from being fully focused and engaged in the consultation.

Children tend to run around and play with items in the office.

This distracts you and your doctor from focusing on your condition.

DON'T BRING A LIST Please don't come in brandishing a list of umpteen complaints that all need sorting today.

It is unrealistic to expect to deal with so many issues at one time. It's not in your interest, apart from anything else – faced with a list of five problems (that's under two minutes each) the doctor will be forced to address each one superficially, rather than giving it the time it deserves.

Pick the most pressing problem and try working through that, rather than leaping between troubles and not addressing any of them properly.

It's also not fair on your fellow patients, who will inevitably end up waiting longer. If you do have lots of problems to discuss, speak with your doctor for a repeat visit.

SPEAK ABOUT YOUR PROBLEM IN ASEQUENTIAL MANNER If possible, try to tell your story from the beginning; for example: 'It all began three months ago when I first had a pain in my side.' You want to try to paint a picture for your doctor of your symptoms and the story that goes with it.

WHEN GIVING TIMINGS, TRY TO BE ACCURATE When asked when your symptoms started, it's best to try to be as specific as

possible. Saying 'a long time', 'it seems like forever' or 'not long at all' are all really unhelpful because the meaning varies so much between patients.

If possible, try to talk about durations in terms of hours, days, months or years; broad-bush timescales which everyone can understand.

Again it just saves time if your story is as clear as possible from the outset.

DON'T BE EMBARRASSED Your doctor will most likely not be shocked by what you tell them. They have been sworn to keep your matter confidential and they should. The more you open up about your problem the better the chance of your doctor figuring out your condition.

BE AWARE OF HOW C O N S U LTAT I O N S USUALLY WORK Generally speaking, your consultation will follow this p a t t e r n : 1. You tell your story.

2. The doctor asks you specific questions based on your story.

3. Your doctor may examine you.

4. Your doctor will discuss what they think might be going on and suggest treatment options or plans.

5 . Y o u a s k questions/discuss 'the plan'.

This is how doctors are taught to do things, right from the start of our training at medical school.

GET THE IMPORTANT ISSUES OUT FIRST If there is something you

are really worried about – for example a breast lump or crushing chest pain – please,

By Dr. Zulfikar Bux please mention it Emergency first. Loads of Medicine Specialist people talk about something It's best to follow the steps relatively minor to start with above and then speak about as a kind of 'warm-up'. what you read in the end.

If your doctor doesn't know Give your doctor to do that the real problem is his/her thing before you coming up, they will spend change their direction with your 10-minute appointment your reading. discussing things that are not BE KIND relevant to help with your Yes! There are doctors condition. out there who are SHOULD YOU unkind/unethical, but despite QUOTE GOOGLE? what you might read in the This is a bit of a tricky one press, the vast majority of and I suspect all doctors feel doctors really are trying their differently about the internet. best to help you.

You may take your doctor If you can muster up a down the wrong path because smile or a thank you, it will of your reading. make their day.

PAGE 28

WEEK IN REVIEW SUNDAY EXXON’S RECOVERY OF US$1.3B PLUS INVESTMENT IN WALES GAS-TO-POWER PROJECT VIOLATES INT’L BEST PRACTICES INDUSTRY EXPERT Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has said that ExxonMobil Guyana will be able to recover its US$1.3B plus investment in the imminent gas-to-power project from Cost Oil; in other words, Exxon would be recouping its investment in the gas project from the country’s oil earnings.

Industry stakeholders are however concerned about this arrangement and worry that the government has not thought through the economic impacts.

Specifically, one industry expert told Kaieteur News that the arrangement leaves Guyana with an even smaller piece of the pie since cost oil should only be associated with expenses incurred for the extraction, development, production and sale of the oil in a specific oil field.

The analyst posited too that the Government of Guyana should not allow Exxon to make a case for recovering its investments in the gas project via cost oil.

“So can you imagine what Guyana is doing to itself? It already has a small share of the oil pie with the provisions of the contract. But now it is saying, ‘Come and take more of it.’ You are allowing them to recover the cost of the pipeline, then they will charge you to transport your own gas, and then they will be one of the third parties to buy the gas when the Government sets up the Natural Gas Plant at its own expense.”

The analyst said Guyana is, once again, asleep at the wheel especially when it comes to international best practices on cost oil and on what should be allowed as recoverable costs. “Industry best practices do not allow a company to get away with such blatant advantage on a country. It should not be allowed!”

Kaieteur News also reached out to Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram who has had a dedicated column on the oil and gas sector in the Stabroek News which is also published on his blog. This newspaper sought Ram’s comments on what some are calling a breach of contract and violation of international standards. He pointed out that if one examines the provisions of the Stabroek Block

Sunday May 15, 2022

Kaieteur News

Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), particularly at Article 12 (F), it states, all costs and expenses incurred by the Contractor in the production, use, and or disposal of the associated gas of an oil field and those incurred in carrying out any feasibility study on the utilisation of the excess associated gas shall be charged to the development cost of the oil field and shall be Recoverable Contract Costs.

Ram said while the Annex to the infamous Petroleum Agreement does not explicitly deal with costs associated with the production of gas, the Agreement is so loosely worded as to allow most costs to be deducted, including those related to gas. Ram also drew attention to the Agreement which gives first call on the gas arising from the petroleum operations to the oil companies. Ram said this is “the moral and economic equivalent of giving up our independence.”

The Government he says, “has the opportunity, duty and responsibility to redeem our patrimony not by any renegotiation or some hostile action but simply by using the Petroleum Act to set conditions to the granting of licences, including matching revenue with expenses and introducing some measure of ring-fencing.”

Ram lamented that it is for the Government to explain to the nation why its strategy for the exploitation of our nonrenewable resources seems so similar not only to those of the Coalition but to Exxon as well. ( h t t p s : / / www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2022/05/08/exxonsrecovery-of-us1-3b-plusinvestment-in-wales-gas-topower-project-violates-intlbest-practices-industryexpert/) YELLOWTAIL PRODUCTION LICENCE REVEALS… EXXONMOBIL MUST CONDUCT STUDY OF GAS IN ALL STABROEK BLOCK PROJECTS, DISCOVERIES According to the Petroleum Production Licence (PPL) for the US$10B Yellowtail Project, ExxonMobil’s affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) will be required to conduct a Gas Utilisation Study to examine the associated gas and nonassociated gas available from all approved oil projects and discoveries in the Stabroek Block.

It therefore means that the government is seeking to ascertain how much gas is in the Liza Phase One, Liza Phase Two, Payara and the Yellowtail Projects. The administration also wants Exxon’s help in understanding the oil to gas ratio of all its discoveries in the Stabroek Block.

The 69-page PPL as seen by this newspaper, outlines that this study shall consider several issues over the short, medium and long term. They include a forecast of the potential gas production for export from the Yellowtail floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel and the expected use that gas will be put to.

The study is also expected to consider scenarios for the demand for gas sales locally, regionally (the countries bordering Guyana), South America wide and internationally; and consider the cost and feasibility of gas export as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

Furthermore, EEPGL is required to examine the feasibility of utilising the existing and planned wells, flowlines, risers and production facilities for the export of gas both during and after the currently planned oil production phase. The licence also states that EEPGL must determine the feasibility and cost of adding gas export equipment, wells, well workovers, flowlines, metres, risers and pipelines for export gas not included in the original Field Development Plan (FDP) submission costs.

Government also wants the potential gas export rates and profiles to be determined at minimum and maximum feasible rates verified by reservoir modelling.

Kaieteur News understands that within 60 days of the date of the licence being issued (April 1, 2022), the EEPGL is required to propose for approval by the

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, terms of reference, methodology and workplan (including the schedule of activities), for each study.

Within 270 days of the approval of the terms of reference, methodology and workplan (including the schedule of activities) or such later timeline as directed by the Minister so as to ensure EEPGL’s full compliance with this condition and support a diligent and transparent exercise, the company is expected to complete the study’s final report. ( h t t p s : / / www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2022/05/08/yellowtailproduction-licence-revealsexxonmobil-must-conductstudy-of-gas-in-all-stabroekblock-projects-discoveries/) MONDAY EXXON IGNORES CALLS TO HALT GAS-TO-SHORE CONSULTATIONS - SAYS ENGAGEMENTS WILL PROCEED AS PLANNED United States oil major, ExxonMobil has said it will be proceeding with its planned consultations on the Wales Gas to Energy pipeline project, even though one Attorney and activist has called for the sessions to be postponed until after the 60 days public review period has ended.

The activist, Ms. Elizabeth Hughes on Thursday penned a letter to the Exxonmobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge as well as the Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) where she argued that the consultations are nothing but a distraction.

Hughes acknowledged the importance of stakeholder consultations, especially for such a massive venture but outlined that it is equally important for the public review period be honoured as

citizens have just a limited time to read through the ‘voluminous document’ to share their concerns.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) submitted

by Exxon’s consultant, Environmental Resources Management (ERM) is more than 1400 pages.

In fact, she said, “It is our “human right” to do so peacefully without the noise of a campaign that contributes neither to the procedure nor the process of: The spirit of the law, EPA, in mandating 60 days for concerns to be filed, Implementing your own selfgovernance as stated in the company’s CSR to responsibly manage impact on communities.”

She further noted that the public must be afforded ‘noise free’ time from the oil company to gain a full understanding of the gas to energy Project to be able to meaningfully be engaged at the appropriate time.

Sunday, the oil company’s Public Relations Officer, Ms. Janelle Persaud related that the disclosure meetings for the Gas-to-Energy project are intended to complement the comment process. She explained that the meetings will so by “…providing a format for the consultants to present the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment to community members in an impartial, nontechnical way. These meetings create an additional opportunity for individuals who would have otherwise been unable to review the document, which is available on the EPA website and at regional offices, to learn about the EIA directly from the consultants and provide further feedback and concerns as necessary.”

In this regard, the ExxonMobil representative noted that the consultations will proceed as planned. She was keen to note that the EIA remains available and the 60 day period continues unabated for the public to

review and submit their comments to the EPA directly.

Additionally, the PRO said the oil company was in the process of responding to Ms. Hughes concerns. On Sunday, Hughes said she did not hear from the EPA or ExxonMobil.

In her letters to the organisations, she also flagged the company for failing to consult with residents of Canal Number One in Region Three, where the project will be constructed. Hughes argued, “Kindly note that none of the stakeholders in the immediate vicinity of the proposed pipeline route through Canal #1 were ever consulted. How could the EIS document make it thus far when its preparation is lacking in the engagement needed to assess the impacts landowners and residents in the direct vicinity will suffer referred to as “primary stakeholders” in the “Stakeholder Engagement Strategy”? This is a failure in the implementation of your own self-created “Stakeholder Engagement Plan for Guyana”.” ( h t t p s : / / www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2022/05/09/exxon-ignorescalls-to-halt-gas-to-shoreconsultations/) GPL WAS PAYINGABOVE MARKET RATES FOR SERVICES BY WARTSILA - FORMER MINISTER PATTERSON REJECTS CLAIMS THATAPNU USED CHEAP SPARE PARTS TO SERVICE GENERATOR SYSTEMS Former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson said that pre-2015 the Guyana Power and Light was paying the German service company, Wartsila above market rates for some spares and that all of the maintenance of its systems was being conducted by local engineers, while the (Continued on page 29)

Sunday May 15, 2022

From page 28 power company was being billed for overseas personnel.

Patterson made the comments as he responded to a press release by GPL. Patterson also defended the formation of the Power Producers and Distribution Inc. (PPDI)— a state-owned entity established in December 2016, which took on the maintenance of GPL systems. Since returning to government the PPP/C has sought to downsize the operations of PPDI and has handed back some of the maintenance of GPL systems to the German company.

Patterson’s response came some hours after GPL released a statement claiming, among other things, that the generation systems were being maintained with cheap spare parts under his watch.

The exchange between GPL and the Former Minister comes even as the nation continues to experience a series of power outages.

In his written response, Patterson explained that Power Producers and Distribution Inc. (PPDI)— a state-owned entity established in December 2016 under (GPL) to maintain four of its main generation plants used original parts. He asserted that “As far as I am aware all purchases for parts

by PPDI, were original spare parts, additionally the company ensured that all companies that they procured from, had a reputable quality system and were on the Lloyd’s of London approved list of manufacturers.”

The former Minster explained that the PPDI was formed after a comprehensive review was conducted of the Wartsila (Guyana) maintenance performance.

During this review, he said “there was unmistakable

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evidence which highlighted that based on the company’s structure, GPL was paying above market rates for some spares and all of the maintenance was being conducted by local engineers, while GPL was being billed for overseas personnel and had a deferred maintenance schedule due to the lack of availability of staff.”

Further, Patterson said that in the period 2017 – 2020, there are no records of GPL raising any issues with the performance of PPDI but on the contrary, GPL was always in high praise of the service provided. The performance was so satisfactory, that by the end of 2020, the former Minister said that GPL and PPDI were in discussions on the expansion of maintenance services for other locations; Leguan, Wakenaam, Bartica, Anna Regina, etc. (https:// www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2022/05/09/gpl-waspaying-above-market-ratesfor-services-by-wartsila/) TUESDAY PRIMARY STAKEHOLDERS REMAIN IN THE DARK ON WALES GAS PROJECT ExxonMobil is pressing ahead with its planned stakeholder consultations in the various administrative regions that are likely to be impacted by the Wales Gasto-Energy project on the West Bank of Demerara, but in doing so, the oil company has no plan to meet directly with the residents of Crane and the Canal Polders – those who are likely to be most affected.

In its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Exxon’s consultant, the Environmental Resources

Management (ERM), noted that robust public consultations were done for the developer to not only gather information to inform the study, but also to understand stakeholder concerns. However, the document states that engagements were held with the government and agencies related to the offshore

activities while surveys of businesses and households within and around the direct area of influence (AOI) were conducted.

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

Importantly, in volume three of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the Consultant explained that “key informant stakeholders that have been engaged to date include, but are not limited to: African Culture Development Association, Association of Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors, Big Bird & Sons Fishing Complex (Charity), Bureau of Statistics, Centre

for Local Business Development (CLBD), Conservation International (CI), Department of Tourism, Fishing Cooperatives (e.g., Lima Fishermen’s Development Co-op, Georgetown Fishermen’s Coop Society Ltd., Parika Fishermen’s Development Co-op, etc.), Georgetownbased real estate agents, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha,” and a number of other organisations. It, however, made no mention of engaging communities that will be impacted by the project.

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

a general informational set of meetings?”

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

On Sunday, Exxon made it clear that it will be proceeding with its consultations as planned. ( h t t p s : / / www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2022/05/10/primarystakeholders-remain-in-thedark-on-wales-gas-project/ ) CGX, FRONTERAUPBEAT ABOUT OIL POTENTIAL IN CORENTYNE BLOCK -AS KAWA-1 WELL UNLOCKS LIGHT CRUDE Canadian exploration partners, CGX Energy Inc. (Continued on page 30)

PAGE 30

From page 29 and Frontera Energy Corporation, were pleased to disclose on Monday that light oil is not only confined to the ExxonMobil-led Stabroek Block. According to the integrated results they received and examined for the Kawa-1 exploration well, light oil and gas condensate have been successfully unlocked in the Corentyne Block. Moves will be made later this year to see if a second well can find this resource in commercial quantities. Gabriel de Alba, Chairman of Frontera’s Board of Directors and Co-Chairman of CGX’s Board of Directors told shareholders that the Kawa-1 well which was drilled to a total depth of 21,578 feet (6,577 metres) in the northern portion of the Corentyne Block actually found light oil in the Santonian and Coniacian and gas condensate in the Maastrichtian and Campanian plays. The Chairman said the Kawa-1 discovery adds to the growing success story u n f o l d i n g offshore Guyana while adding that the integrated Kawa-1 well results further support the partners’ belief in the potentially transformational opportunity they have in one of the most exciting basins in the world.

Following completion of drilling activities at the Kawa-1 exploration well, the partners said they engaged independent thirdparty laboratories and experts to complete detailed studies, refined mapping and analyses to provide opinions on reservoir quality and hydrocarbon type.

They said this integrated analysis has provided further support for their initial interpretations that the Kawa-1 exploration well successfully discovered light oil in the Santonian and Coniacian and gas condensate in the Maastrichtian and Campanian as supported by cuttings, mud gas and annulus fluid analysis.

The partners said these findings are consistent with discovery wells reported by other operators surrounding the

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Kaieteur News

northern portion of the Corentyne Block and de-risks the forthcoming Wei-1 exploration well, expected to be spud in the third quarter of 2022.

WEI-1 EXPLORATIONWELL Frontera and CGX were keen to note that they continue to integrate detailed seismic and lithological analysis and pore pressure studies from the Kawa1 well into preparations in advance of drilling its second exploration well, called Wei1, in the third quarter of 2022, subject to rig release from a third-party operator. The Wei-1 exploration well will be located approximately 14 kilometres northwest of the Kawa-1 exploration well in the Corentyne Block, approximately 200 kilometres offshore from Georgetown, Guyana. It will also be drilled in water depth of approximately 1,912 feet (583 metres) to a targeted total depth of 20,500 (6,248 metres) and will target Campanian and Santonian aged stacked channels in a western channel complex in the northern section of the Corentyne Block. (https:// www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2022/05/10/cgx-fronteraupbeat-about-oil-potentialin-corentyne-block/) WEDNESDAY GOVT. PLUGS LOOPHOLES FOR ACCURATE MEASUREMENTS OF OIL WITHOUT RENEGOTIATING STABROEK BLOCK DEAL – YELLOWTAIL LICENCE REVEALS Since 2017, Kaieteur News has been at the forefront of highlighting the absence of provisions in the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) which preserve the country’s right to verify how ExxonMobil measures oil offshore.

It appears, however, that the PPP/C Administration has been able to plug this

loophole without renegotiating the lopsided deal. The government has done so by inserting a suite of robust provisions on measurements into the Petroleum Production Licence (PPL) for Exxon’s US$10B Yellowtail Project.

According to the 69-page PPL, ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) is required to measure and weigh the volume, quality and composition of all petroleum won and saved from the Yellowtail Production Area, using measurement appliances and procedures in accordance with good international oilfield practices, the development plan, and as from time to time, approved by the subject minister. The document stipulates that the licensee is required to provide to the subject Minister, reasonable written notice of the conducting of measurements, and an opportunity to attend or to have one or more representatives attend the measurements on his behalf.

Furthermore, EEPGL is required to provide the minister, reasonable and written notice and the opportunity to be present, either in person, or through a representative(s) whenever a piece of equipment or an appliance for measuring or weighing crude oil or gas is being calibrated, re-calibrated, tested, compared, measured or weighed against a standard. The PPL states that the said activities shall be conducted in accordance with accepted methods and procedures consistent with good international oilfield practices and as previously approved in writing by the subject Minister.

Additionally, EEPGL is not to make any alteration in the method or methods of the measurements used or in any equipment or appliances used for that purpose without the prior consent in writing of

the minister, and the minister may in any case require that no alteration shall be made save in the presence of a person(s) authorised by him.

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

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

In addition to the PPL provisions, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is also taking steps to increase its role in the oil sector. Broadly, the National Standards Body is responsible for the monitoring of measurements on the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels. (https:// www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2 0 2 2 / 0 5 / 11 / g o v t - p l u g s loophole-for-accuratemeasurements-of-oilwithout-renegotiatingstabroek-block-dealyellowtail-licence-reveals/) GOVT. MUST COME CLEAN ON DETAILS OF ENERGY PROJECTS – RAMON GASKIN …CONVINCED GUYANESE WILL BE SADDLED WITH MORE PROBLEMS Expediting huge sums of taxpayers’ dollars on projects that are touted to be for the benefit of the Guyanese public requires transparency and accountability.

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

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

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

However, based on the information that is available in the public domain, Gaskin is among those who remain unconvinced that these projects will indeed provide a solution for the nation’s constant power outages. In fact, the economist opined that based on his calculations, the Amaila Falls Hydropower Plant and the Gas-to-Energy project will cause more problems for Guyanese than solve them. He explained that while the cost of GPL’s current arrangement with Wartsila – the engineering company contracted to service the current generation system – is known, the same cannot be said for the proposed projects.

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

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

mystery to me.”

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

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

Gaskin asserted, “How much will it cost us to put down and power that amount of energy and who will use it? That’s a tremendous amount of power which I’m pretty sure Guyanese would not be able to consume.

Where is all this energy going? Why should state funds totalling US$1 billion go towards putting down a pipeline to bring gas to shore when we would not have the uses of it?” He emphasised that this is reason why the information needs to be available to the public.

“We need the information on what the government is proposing; we need that information available, so we the engineering people, economic people and other experts can review and look at the numbers.” Gaskin added. (https:// www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2 0 2 2 / 0 5 / 11 / g o v t - m u s t come-clean-on-details-ofenergy-projects-ramongaskin/) THURSDAY GAS-TO-SHORE PROJECT… EXXONMOBIL REFUSES DISCLOSE COST TO TRANSPORT GAS …PROJECT MANAGER SAYS COST OF PRODUCTION NOT PART OF EIA Guyanese are still clueless about the cost it will be billed by ExxonMobil to (Continued on page 31)

Sunday May 15, 2022

From page 30 transport the gas, via a pipeline from the Liza Phase One and Two fields, in the Stabroek Block, to the Wales Power Plant on the West Bank of Demerara.

This is the case as the Gas-to-Energy Project Manager, Mr. Friedrich Krispin refused to field questions on this critical aspect of the deal during a public consultation hosted by the oil company Wednesday.

The consultation was hosted at the Umana Yana, in Kingston Georgetown specifically to hear from the public on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) recently submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, both the oil company and the government have been silent on the cost to transport the gas, even though some experts believe that the feasibility of the project hinges on this charge.

At the meeting on Wednesday, Krispin while responding to a question from Kaieteur News made it clear that the transportation cost is not in any way associated with the EIA and he will therefore not answer. He said, “I am very sorry, I will not be able to answer your question and that is for one simple reason; cost of production is not part of the scope of the EIA and I am not privy to disclose this at this time.”

Back in 2018, the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) had partnered with the State to conduct a feasibility study of the planned offshore natural gas pipeline which was initially pegged at US$900M, but now stands at US$1.3 billion. The primary objective of the study, which was executed by Energy Narrative for US$70,000—an international entity that provides strategic market analyses and advice was to determine the overall feasibility of transporting natural gas from offshore Guyana, building a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) separation plant and a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) production plant to market the liquids from the natural gas stream, as well as building a new electricity generation station to use the remaining dry natural gas. (See link for report: https://nre.gov.gy/ wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ Feasibility-Study-forGuyanas-Offshore-NaturalGas-Pipeline.pdf) According to the study, the project’s financial feasibility hinges on the price of natural gas that will be negotiated between the Government of Guyana and ExxonMobil’s subsidiary,

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Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL). The consultant was keen to note that in this negotiation, EEPGL’s priority will be to secure a price for the natural gas and LPG that will provide the greatest return on investment.

The environmental study for the gas pipeline was submitted to the EPA on April 20, 2022, triggering a 60 days comment period on the project.

The project The Gas-to-Energy project is being pursued by Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), on behalf of itself and its coventurers (Hess Guyana Exploration Limited and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited). It proposes to bring the associated natural gas, produced from the Liza field in the Stabroek Block, to shore for use.

The Government of Guyana is pursuing a separate project to construct a power plant that would use a portion of this associated natural gas as a fuel source.

Accordingly, EEPGL, at the request of the Government, is proposing the Project to provide fuel for the Power Plant.

The project will involve capturing associated gas produced from crude oil production operations on the Liza Phase 1 (Destiny) and Liza Phase 2 (Unity) Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels, transporting approximately 50 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd; 1.4 million standard cubic meters per day [MMsm3/d]) of rich gas via a subsea pipeline and then an onshore pipeline to a NGL processing plant, treating the gas to remove NGLs for sale to third parties, and ultimately delivering dry gas meeting government specifications for use at the Power Plant. ( h t t p s : / / www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2022/05/12/wales-gas-toshore-project-exxonmobilrefuses-disclose-cost-totransport-gas/) STATE-RUN OIL COMPANY WILL NOT PREVENT OIL CURSE - CONSIDER VENEZUELA PDVSA’S FROM GRACE AS A WARNING– LATIN AMERICAN ANALYST As the government contemplates the pros and cons of setting up National Oil Company (NOC) managed by a strategic partner, some industry analysts believe the country should quit while it is ahead on this route.

Mariana Zepeda, Latin American Analyst at strategic market intelligence firm

FrontierView, is one who holds this view. In her recent contributions to the Energy Advisor (an online platform featuring analysis from industry leaders), she warned that a State-run oil company could expose Guyana to the risks of corruption while adding that it does not necessarily prevent the dreaded oil curse. The oil curse, for those who are not familiar with the term, describes the political and economic dysfunction that occurs when leaders fail to properly manage and invest oil revenues.

In explaining her perspective on the matter, the analyst recalled that American multinational, ExxonMobil through its subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) had struck black gold in 2015 after a series of attempts. She recalled too that the government subsequently signed a Product Sharing Agreement (PSA) that is in favour of Exxon and its partners Hess Corporation and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC Group).

To strengthen its position vis-à-vis the current players, the analyst agreed that the government will need to diversify its management of the industry. The analyst warned at this point that the consideration of “working with a strategic partner”, as recommended by Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, “could expand the country’s stake in its burgeoning oil sector. She said this can only occur if the partnership helps Guyana develop the technical resources and know-how to forge a self-reliant oil company. But even if it does achieve this objective, Zepeda said, “A state-run company will not necessarily prevent the oil curse.”

The analyst argued that Guyana would be wise to consider the fall from grace of Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A which is otherwise known as

PDVSA, the state-run oil company of Venezuela. To date, it is believed to be the most corrupt energy company in the world. Given the country’s lack of key mechanisms to manage its oil resources properly, the analyst alluded that Guyana would be biting off more than it could chew with the establishment of a NOC. Zepeda said, “Guyana’s oil resources are vast—the country could have the highest oil production per capita in the world by 2025.

But almost three years after the discovery, the government’s ability to leverage potential oil wealth into stronger development outcomes remains shaky, particularly since Guyana lacks a concrete plan for managing its oil wealth.” ( h t t p s : / / www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2022/05/12/state-run-oilcompany-will-not-preventoil-curse/) FRIDAY THREE MEGA GOLD FIRMS TO SET UP SHOP HERE SOON - FINANCE MINISTER SAYS At least three promising world-class, large-scale gold mining operations are to be established here soon, Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh told business executives on Thursday at the Marriott Hotel.

He was at the time delivering the feature address at the Private Sector Commission’s Annual General Meeting. Regarding the gold mining operations, Dr. Singh said each of the operations will be bigger than Omai Gold Mines, one of the largest gold operations ever experienced locally. “You know how significant Omai was. Contemplate for a moment three large scale operations, each of which is larger than Omai. Consider for a moment that each one of

these will be employing more than 100 Guyanese. Consider the food and other supplies, transport services, construction, equipment supply and maintenance services and all the multiplier benefit these operations will generate,” the Finance Minister said as he assured that the government will continue to stimulate activities in all sectors and not just oil and gas. He said emphasis will be placed on ensuring an emerging rapidly growing and highly competitive non-oil economy that will also include agriculture.

Meanwhile, Dr. Singh also announced that Guyana was preparing to export manganese for the first time in 54 years. Dr. Singh told the gathering that ships docked in the North-West District are being loaded with the mineral for export. “Right now, as we speak, vessels are being loaded in the North West of Guyana with Guyana’s first shipment of manganese in 54 years,” the Finance Minister announced. He said this type of operation is important in keeping with the government’s efforts toward a diversified and resilient economy.

The mining of manganese ores is usually done in open pits. Some ores are upgraded by washing, and undersized ores can be agglomerated by sintering. Several processes have been developed for mining seafloor nodules, but they cannot compete economically with the ready exploitation of high-grade terrestrial deposits.

The community of Matthews Ridge Region One has a long history with manganese mining and companies stemming back to the 1960s. In 2016, the Guyana Manganese Inc. (GMI), a subsidiary of the Chinese state-owned Bosai Minerals Group, obtained the rights to operate there and since then, issues between the company, their operations and the local

community have been approaching boiling point.

There are substantial deposits of manganese ore in Matthew’s Ridge with estimates totalling some 26 million metric tonnes, which by today’s market price of US$4.5 dollars per metric tonne amounts to approximately US$117 million dollars, or in excess of $24 billion Guyanese dollars.

The scale of the manganese mine is vast with different grades and colours of manganese currently being extracted and laid out in preparation for shipment. The contrast between the rich, dark ore and the red clay landscape surrounded by lush green forest makes for a striking sight. ( h t t p s : / / www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2022/05/13/three-megagold-firms-to-set-up-shophere-soon-finance-ministersays/) GUYANANOT “IN RUSH” TO DRAFT NEW OIL CONTRACT – NATURAL RESOURCE TELLS INTERNATIONALMEDIA Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat has reiterated Government’s position that it is in “no rush” to develop a new production sharing agreement (PSA) for it’s offshore oil development.

Be that as it may, the Kawa-1 light oil and gas discovery in the country’s Corentyne Block may very well see a new agreement being signed with developers, Canadabased CGX Energy Inc. and its partner, Frontera Energy Corporation in the near future.

This was related days ago

by Bharrat during an exclusive interview with international media house, Reuters. Bharrat was at the time attending the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) held in Houston, Texas when he informed that Guyana is also (Continued on page 32)

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From page 31 looking for a long term arrangement with “the ideal partner” to market the country’s oil.

After a more than 20 year search, the joint venture by CGX Energy and Frontera Energy announced in January that it had found crude in its Kawa-1 well in the Corentyne Block.

Additionally the company is expected to drill its Wei-1 exploration well later this year.

The Minister said however that this is only the second well for CGX. “So I would say, in my own estimation, that in about three years from now, once everything goes well in terms of exploration, we might be ready to deal with CGX to sign a PSA,” the minister said.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had said in February that the government would be seeking better terms to increase its benefit in the country’s Production Sharing Agreement (PSA). While the Vice President did not divulge much details, he had mentioned some of the issues that arose relating to royalty rate and ring fencing. “All of those issues have to be looked back at,” including tax treatment. Issues concerning ring fencing, tax payments and insurance coverage are among some serious matters arising from the current agreement the government has with ExxonMobil and would be looking to correct with CGX. In fact, pressure continues to mount locally for the renegotiation of the oil deal to ensure Guyana gets better terms for its oil endowments. So far, these calls have fallen on deaf ear.

The Natural Resource Minister told the media however that Guyana aims to prioritize creation of an oil and gas regulatory body. “We have started some of the work on designing a model PSA according to internationally accepted standards.

However, there is no rush to conclude it immediately because we don’t see any other companies applying for

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a PSA just yet.”

Companies currently exploring in Guyana have in recent years signed or extended licences to complete drilling. The new PSA would be needed to move projects to the development phase.

Bharrat told the international press however, that the process for drafting a new PSA model will be similar to the mechanism for approving Guyana’s local content policy. A high-level panel will be nominated for the task and domestic and foreign consultants will be involved. ( h t t p s : / / www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2022/05/13/guyana-not-inrush-to-draft-new-oilcontract/) SATURDAY GOVT. CHERRY-PICKING REFORM OF OIL LAWS - INT’L LAWYER SAYS: COUNTRY NEEDS STRONGER RULES TO GUARANTEE TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY, IMPARTIALITY,AND INDEPENDENCE IN THE INDUSTRY Upon assuming office in August 2020, the PPP administration had promised an overhaul for Guyana’s petroleum laws. In fact, President Dr. Irfaan Ali during his inauguration address pledged to establish a Petroleum Commission to

insulate the oil and gas sector from political interference.

However, it has been 21 months since the government assumed office and it has yet to honour its promise to the nation.

The Petroleum Commission Bill was initially proposed by the APNU+AFC for the establishment of an independent body which would hold responsibility for monitoring and enforcing Guyana’s modernized petroleum laws, policies and oil agreements. The body was also intended to ensure oil companies comply with health, safety and environmental standards.

That Bill was however sent to a Special Select Committee since its most fatal flaw or characteristic was that it gave the Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman at the time, a toxic level of control over the said body.

Since assuming office, the PPP/C Government has not made any headway with the improvement of the Bill, much less its passage. Both the Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat have agreed that such a body is needed to ensure the sector is independently managed and kept away from political influence.

In fact, in March 2021, the Minister Bharrat had stated that within a matter of weeks, the independent regulator the government promised to establish for the oil sector

would be in place.

Minister Bharrat was also quoted on the Guyana Basins Summit website as saying that the Commission is needed so it can “manage this emerging sector without political interference.” Kaieteur News had reported that according to Bharrat, the commission will oversee the implementation of new regulations such as minimum local content requirements.

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, had told Kaieteur Radio during an interview with Guyana’s Oil & You hostess, Kiana Wilburg, that the Bill is at the Ministry of Natural Resources and it is being actively considered by a Legal Department within that Ministry.

The Attorney General had shared that the Department is working closely with the Chief Parliamentary Counsel attached to the Attorney General Chambers and had cited that changes are likely to be seen. Since then, the government has not disclosed the progress made on this front.

Notwithstanding the importance of the Petroleum Commission Bill, the government in the meantime has engaged in the cherry picking of legislative reform to award itself sweeping powers over the country’s oil revenue.

Kaieteur News had reported that the PPP/C Government had hurriedly passed the highly amended Natural Resources Fund Act (NRF Act) in December 2021, which gives it control over how the oil money is to be spent.

The administration even amended a small part the nation’s 1986 oil law so as to ensure ExxonMobil has a smooth flow with lands to be used or disrupted during the construction of the gas-toenergy project and other initiatives. It was last year August Members of Parliament had debated and passed the Petroleum (Production and Exploration) Amendment Bill-2021, which ensures oversight by the government during the

acquisition of private lands by a licensee for major oil projects. Significantly, it ensures that there is proper compensation for citizens when such lands are acquired. ( h t t p s : / / www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2022/05/14/govt-cherrypicking-reform-of-oil-laws/) ATTORNEY URGES EXXONMOBIL TO REDO GAS-TO-ENERGY IMPACT ASSESSMENT - CITES LACK OF DUE PROCESS, FUNDAMENTAL LEGAL BREACHES Attorney Elizabeth Hughes, a resident of Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara who will be directly impacted by the proposed Wales Gas-to-Energy project has urged that the entire Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process be redone, owing to a lack of due process and what she deemed “fundamental breaches” to the laws of Guyana.

ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) will be pursuing an aspect of the project and is currently conducting a series of consultations with the public on the project.

On Wednesday, one such meeting was hosted at the Umana Yana, in Kingston Georgetown where the resident made her concerns known to the Consultant, Environmental Resources Management (ERM) which was charged with preparing the EIA document on behalf of the developer.

During the question and answer segment, Hughes told the panel, “My concern is really with the lack of due process and procedure. There are fundamental breaches of adherence to the instruments that govern this country and also to the gunning principles but these can be fixed quite easily.”

She went on to state her suggestions; “What we can do is recall the EIA and fix the fact that, I am assuming that

we (residents in the Area of Influence) are primary stakeholders, the people who live next to the pipeline so recall it and have meetings with us because we are in the Area of Influence (AOI)…but yet we were never engaged.”

The resident reasoned that while it is established that the Consultant has conducted meetings, these were never done with those who are expected to be impacted, but rather State agencies.

She also requested that the address and signatures of the developer be attached to the EIA document. In addition Hughes pointed out that there was no gas management plan which speaks to response mechanisms and other related activities in the event of such a disaster.

On the other hand, the Canal resident told ERM that she believes that there ought to be one EIA document for the entire Gas to Energy project. So far, the EIA study has only been submitted for the pipeline and Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) Plant to be developed by Exxon, while the Power Plant aspect, to be pursued by government, is yet to be published.

According to her, “As the pipeline cannot exist without the plant and we are talking about it kind of as one here, we need one EIA because there is a major loophole between two different EIAs in that junction where the two projects meet so I would like to know why we don’t have one EIA for the whole entire project.”

Given her listed points, the Attorney said, “This is really not a competitive process, you are the only players in the field so I think we can take our time and do a proper job and you can also incorporate all of these 11 things (public meetings) you are doing and retender the EIA and EIS (Environmental Impact Statement).” ( h t t p s : / / www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2022/05/14/attorney-urgesexxonmobil-to-redo-gas-toenergy-impact-assessment/)

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>>> ENCOURAGING EVENTS, DISTURBING DEVELOPMENTS <<<

PAC on follow-up action, sugar workers and their worries, Linden demolition It encourages that the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is outraged that over GY33M in taxpayers’ dollars were spent and the children of Kato didn’t get to touch or taste the food that it should have purchased.

It disturbs that PNC officials in 2017 would stoop so low that even children were robbed. This was what occurred last year with COVID-19 and flood relief money under PPP agents.

The children, needy, sick, vulnerable are cheated and stolen from by the hundreds of millions, when aggregated, by both PNC and PPP comrades, and that’s it.

Nothing happens.

Nobody pays a price, is punished, is hung from the rafters as examples that others say: ‘Not going down that road. The Romans used to hang skulls on the roadside to warn others about getting ideas. I recommend the 21st century equivalent to get justice, to compel to ethical conduct, to establish a standard of public service honesty withz our public dollars.

It disturbs that the PAC had to ask: what’s going on? Why the police haven’t acted,

hauled in some people? I ask how the PS of Local Government and the REO for Region Eight could stand before the PAC and offer the lame and unpersuasive. If there is a genuine, unflinching, determination to root out corruption in our spheres, then start somewhere with someone.

We mustn’t continue with these processes and practices, which follow this pattern.

Public servants steal and celebrate; auditors investigate and report; the PAC meets and wages wars using words (only); senior public servants appear before it and express sorrow and readiness to pursue criminality; and then the curtain is drawn.

Case closed until next year’s PAC gathering. Meanwhile, the scoundrels who stole millions from the children are living high, having a long laugh, and plotting their next schemes using the same circle of contrite people who appear before the PAC gatherings to facilitate their frauds. Is this a farce or what? Is this a damn fool country, or what? Somebody seh sum ting nah….

It roils continually that sugar workers are worried over their future; currently the ones at Uitvlugt are. Billions have been spent,

most of those wasted, and sugar people are worse off than before, which is why they are sharply anxious.

The cheap political operators (PPP) who exploit them, incite them, and use them, tell them about all these ideas they have, the latest of which was hemp. It would add to the distressing, if the vision of the PPP is for them to smoke the output their toil, so that they can forget their pains, fears about their future.

This is the PPP’s constituency, and there are hurting.

Who is benefiting the most from sugar?

Clearly, after all the arguments are over, it is not the sugar workers, but a union that maintains its existence, and PPP leaders and their comrades who give these sugar folk a song and dance story, maximise their dependency, and drive the fear of God in them by always hoisting the convenient PNC demon. I think it is a lovely way to run a losing national industry, and to convert their never ended indentureship into total slavery.

Surveying the landscape of Oil Guyana, rich and swaggering, loud and rowdy, I notice the stragglers. First, there were/are fishers; then farmers in Wales; and before and now the sugar citizens of this society.

Last, I came across the story of squatters (some uncertainty over that depiction) of Linden demolition. It shouldn’t have come to that; not when squatting is now reflexive standard, embedded domestic culture.

By GHK Lall My take on what occurred was that it was a show of force by the PPP Government; a point to be made clear, as to who is boss. I am ashamed by the sequence of events: demolition, then connection from Housing.

Like the big man from the big city said: “unfortunate” but “necessary.”

Perhaps, we should have tried the necessary first, then degrade to the unfortunate last, and with the greatest reluctance. Patience and options have been extended to other squatters. Should have been so here. Ah! These days of wine and roses in Guyana.

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

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Guyana should brace for more extreme weather patterns

By Davina Bagot Over the past few months, Guyana has seen an increase in heavy winds – some that were intense enough to cause damage to

homes leaving families with added expenses.

But there might be even more to come. According to some commentators, these patterns are likely to progress, meaning such

- Environmentalist

conditions can become more extreme in the coming days.

While some are speculating that the country’s oil production could be blamed for this development, some

Overtopping of sea defences has become more frequent in recent years. In this 2018 image, the “worst waves in decades” forced the closure of the Leonora Hopsital in Region Three, after the health facility came under constant threat from a hostile ocean. environmentalists are certain that the impact is the result of climate change. Climate change, according to the United Nations (UN) refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, but since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like

coal, oil and gas, which produces heat-trapping gases.

Guyana discovered oil in 2015 and started production by 2019. It wasn’t long after that the country began burning or flaring associated gas, rather than re-injecting same, as the cost for the latter is the more expensive option.

T h e o i l c o m p a n y, ExxonMobil, has been

paying a small fine of US$45 per tonne of Carbon Dioxide equivalent released.

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 Continued on page 50

The aftermath of a “freak storm” that ripped through Region Five villages recently (Photo credit: CDC)

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17 Protein-Rich Foods For A Healthy Life Nowadays, people are more health-conscious and fitness enthusiasts who are very particular about their high protein diet plans. But why protein diet? Protein is an essential micronutrient for proper cell growth and to keep your body functioning well.

If you are doing exercise daily then your body may need extra proteins to maintain and repair tissues, muscles.

How Much Protein Do You Need?

The daily requirement of protein may vary according to the age, weight, gender, and level of physical activity.

The nutritional value of proteins is measured by the number of amino acids. The rec-

ommended daily dose of protein is between 46-63 grams for adults and it may increase to 65 grams in pregnant and lactating females.

What are the health benefits of Protein?

Protein-rich foods benefit weight loss and weight gain and aid metabolic health.

Some other health benefits include: · Curbs hunger and appetite Protein suppresses your hunger hormone ghrelin and boosts levels of peptide YY. this helps to promote a feeling of fullness and prevents you from eating unnecessarily. · Increases strength and muscle mass

Protein is believed to be the building block of muscle and so, eating protein-rich foods is especially important if you are engaged in strength training. · Great for improving bone health Studies have revealed that a diet rich in protein, especially animal protein may help to maintain bone health as you age thus, lowering the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. · Reduces binging habits Eating breakfast or dinner high in protein will restrict you from indulging in midmeal snacks or late-night snacks which can be very helpful for overweight adoles-

cent boys and girls trying to lose weight healthily. · Boosts fat burn Eating protein boosts your metabolism by degrees and helps you to burn excess fat faster. · Reduces blood pressure Contrary to popular belief eating a low-fat protein diet can help to reduce chances of heart attack, stroke and kidney conditions. This is because protein helps to lower systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. · Good for kidney health A protein-heavy diet can negatively impact those with already existing kidney disorders but for people with healthy kidneys, consuming protein-rich food is not harmful. · Helps in speedy repair after injury Protein is the building block of organs and tissues and so it speeds up recovery after an injury. · Maintains fitness even as you age One of the many effects of ageing is sarcopenia which is responsible for bone fractures, frailty and an overall lowered quality of life. Protein slows down the process of muscle deterioration and protects you from early sarcopenia.

What Are The High Protein Rich Foods?

Different food contains different proteins and they have various roles in our body.

There are 9 essential amino acids that are not naturally found in the body.

Hence, we need to include protein foods in our diet to get proteins easily for the bodies. Here are some high protein food options for you to get the best out of your body.

1: Chicken Boneless and skinless chicken breast is one of the common and best sources of protein.

Bodybuilders and athletes usually include chicken breast in their diet because it does not have saturated fat.

Chicken breast contains 31 grams of protein per 100 grams.

2: Pork Chops The pork tenderloin is considered as an extra-lean chop which is rich in proteins and has low-fat levels.

3: Eggs White It is one of the excellent protein sources for ‘eggetarian’ people who do not eat meat or seafood.

Egg contains almost all essential amino acids which are necessary for protein formation. You always think that egg yolk is more nutritious

than egg white but that’s not true. Egg white is a pure form of protein than egg yolk with less amount of saturated fat.

Four egg whites have almost 16 grams of protein.

4: Seafood Seafood is a rich source of proteins with a lot of health benefits. Fish like salmon contain about 22 grams of proteins and usually has low fat.

5: Greek Yogurt Greek yogurt is one of the tasty sources of proteins. It provides on average 10 grams of protein. Greek yogurt is more concentrated than regular yogurt hence it contains more proteins.

Also, better to choose a plain Greek yogurt than a flavored one as it may contain more carbohydrates and sugar.

6:Skimmed Milk Milk is always considered as a complete food as it is full of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, calcium, minerals, etc. But always choose skimmed milk as it has more proteins and no fats and carbohydrates.

It keeps your bone and teeth healthy and prevents osteoporosis. 1 cup of skimmed milk provides 8 grams of protein.

7: Paneer Paneer is an alternative for chicken. It is a rich source of casein protein. Paneer has 18 grams of protein per 100 grams.

8: Nuts and Nut Butter Nuts such as groundnuts, almonds, and cashew are rich with proteins, unsaturated fats, and satiating fibers.

They are slow-burning food which gives you stomachful feeling for a longer time which helps to reduce your cravings. ¼ cup of nuts provides 7-9-gram proteins.

Nut butter such as peanut butter, almond butter is new healthy products. These are high in proteins, potassium, and fibers.

9: Soy-Based Products Soybean is also known as “meat without bones” because of its protein richness.

It is available in various forms like the soy yogurt, soya milk, roasted soybeans, etc. It is a great source of protein and vitamin C with very low fats and no cholesterol at all. Soya is an alternative for vegetarians and lactose-intolerant people. It contains 36 grams of protein per 100 grams.

10: Red Lentils Lentils are excellent for proteins for vegetarian folks.

It contains grams of protein per cooked cup.

11: Split Chickpeas Chickpea curry or dal is the commonest dish present

in Indian plates.

It is one of the easiest protein-rich food available in India. Chickpeas are low in fat and high in proteins. It offers 30 grams of protein per 1 cooked cup.

12: Seeds Are you ever consult a dietician for a diet plan? If yes, then he/she must be told you to add different seeds in your diet like sunflower seeds. Seeds such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds are full of proteins. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids which are good for your immunity and heart and liver health. On an average ¼ cup seeds provide around 9 grams of protein.

13: Quinoa Quinoa is a gluten-free, plant food that is packed with all essential amino acids. It contains 8 grams of proteins in 1 cup cooked Quinoa.

14: Oats Oats is the new superfood for health-conscious people.

It is an excellent source of protein. They contain 11 grams of protein per 100 grams.

15: Tofu Tofu is full of proteins as it is prepared from soy milk. It also contains magnesium, copper, zinc, and vitamin B1.

It is gluten-free and low in calories helps to reduce and maintain weight.

It contains 8 grams of protein per 100 grams. Protein is an important nutrient to keep your body healthy and fit.

There are various food sources available around us to add to our diets like chicken, egg whites, lentils, nuts, etc. These high protein foods help you to be energetic and strong without adverse effects.

16. Granola Granola is a healthy cereal that helps you lose weight when you pick a version that’s high in fibre.

A bar of granola provides you with about 100 gm of protein. You can either consume a granola bar on its own or have granola like cereal by mixing it with milk or greek yoghurt for a high-powered yet light breakfast, perfect for hot summer months.

17. Edamame Beans Edamame beans are high in protein and contain amino acids essential for the human body. About half a cup of cooked edamame beans offers you around 9 grams of protein.

A medium-sized bowl of lightly cooked edamame beans pairs well with roti or rice. (https://pharmeasy.in/ blog/15-protein-rich-foodsfor-a-healthy-life/)

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==GNBS IN FOCUS==

Metrology in the Digital Era M

etrology is the science of measurements.

Can you think of some things which are not measured?

It is easier to think of the many things which are measured as you engage in daily activities at home, at work and in commerce.

The system of measurements dates as far back as 6,000 B.C. but the methods and tools used to measure solids, liquids, gas and other phenomena have evolved from using parts of the human body to digital tools.

On May 20, 2022, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) as the National Measurement Institute will be joining with other measurement institutes around the world to celebrate World Metrology Day. This year's theme is Metrology in the Digital Era. According to the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), France and the International O rg a n i z a t i o n o f L e g a l Metrology (OIML), the theme was chosen to recognise the role of digital technology in revolutionising the field of metrology.

Indeed, more widely, measurement plays a central role in scientific discovery and innovation, industrial manufacturing and international trade, in improving the quality of life and in protecting the global environment.

Over the years, developments in digital technologies have led to the use of various digital measuring tools including the digital scales, Digital Tape Measures, and infrared thermometers among others, to provide more accurate results.

Higher levels of automation in the industry also involve the connection of sensors to cloud, to supply, secure and accurate measurement data to local and international clients in a timely manner.

As global industries expand across borders, this year's theme looks at how international metrology systems provide the necessary assurance and confidence that measurements are accurate, providing a sound basis for global trade and helping to

prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.

Realising its mandate as the National Measurement Institute, the GNBS offers Legal Metrology and Industrial Metrology Services to ensure there are accurate measurements in trade and in specialised environments.

The Legal Metrology Department is involved in the verification of scales, masses and measures, electricity meters, breathalysers, moisture meters, tanker wagons and many other instruments which are used in trade.

This is done to ensure customers get value for money and ensure traceability to international standards.

In 2021, the department verified 44,501 measuring devices and is on its way to meeting this target in 2022.

Additionally, to fulfill its measurement role in the Oil and Gas Sector, the GNBS in 2021 established its Oil and Gas Department to monitor the verification of meters used for the custody transfer of Guyana's crude oil following production.

This measurement services of the GNBS are crucial to ensure transparency.

Meanwhile, the Bureau's Industrial Metrology Department calibrated a total of 2,127 measuring instruments in 2021 including precision balances, thermometers, and pressure gauges, among others.

This figure is likely to increase this year as more companies servicing the Oil and Gas and other sectors utilise the GNBS services.

World Metrology Day commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention in 1875 which forms the basis for international agreement on units of measurement and celebrates the contribution of all the people that work in metrology.

The GNBS has a list of activities planned in observance of this World Metrology Day including the launch of its metrology portals, creating awareness on metrology services, and providing training to industry personnel and technical institutes.

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Houses allocated to 18 young Linden professionals - represents first phase of Reg. 10 1000 Homes Project

E

ighteen young professionals from the mining town of Linden, Region 10 will soon be moving into their new homes, having finalised the documentation process for the units.

This is according to a release issued by the Ministry of Housing's Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

The release noted that on F r i d a y, t h e C H & PA C h i e f Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Sherwyn Greaves, and staff of the Land Allocation Department, facilitated the exercise at the Regional Housing Office in Linden.

A number of the young professionals, including doctors,

teachers, police officers, and other public servants were given a walkthrough of the homes allotted to them in Amelia's Ward.

The beneficiaries will officially receive the keys to their homes in the coming weeks as construction wraps up.

Another 22 units will also be handed over in the coming weeks, accounting for the first 40 units which have been built.

“This is just the start of a lot of exciting things that are coming to this region. Right now, we're spending close to $400 million doing preparatory works, and so when that is done you will see roads, medical facilities, schools, etc,” the CEO stated.

In January 2021, during a

A young police professional who will soon move into her housing unit. cabinet outreach, His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali outlined a massive development plan for Linden, inclusive of a 1000 Homes Project.

This project will see housing units being constructed to cater for young professionals of all income

brackets.Following this announcement, the Ministry of Housing and Water, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority met with several young professionals who indicated their interest in these homes.

The first phase of the project

saw the construction of the 40 twobedroom, one toilet and bath elevated units. Already preparation has started in the form of land clearing and infrastructure development for the second phase of the Government's 1000 Homes Project for Region 10.

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Guyana set to produce US$61Trillion in oil from four projects OP-Ed

- Good governance will be key to maximising our take

By Kiana Wilburg Guyana has sanctioned four projects thus far in the ExxonMobil-led Stabroek Block: Liza Phase One, Liza Phase Two, Payara, and Yellowtail.

Liza Phase One, which commenced production in 2019, carries a breakeven of US$35 per barrel. It also utilises the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Ve s s e l w h i c h w i l l b e producing up to 140,000 barrels of oil per day following a period of optimisation. The total resource estimate for the Liza Phase One Project is 500 million barrels of oil.

As for Liza Phase Two, it achieved first oil this year and utilises the Liza Unity FPSO. Its daily production capacity will soon reach 220,000 barrels of oil per day with a US$25 breakeven. The resource estimate for this project is 600 million barrels of oil.

The Payara field was initially anticipated to reach first oil in 2024 but that date has been brought forward to the latter part of 2023. It will produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day and carries a resource estimate of 600 million barrels of oil. Its breakeven per barrel is $32 and it will utilise the Prosperity FPSO. The most recently sanctioned project for the Stabroek Block is Yellowtail and it is poised to utilise the ONE GUYANA FPSO. Kaieteur News understands that it will likely achieve first oil in 2025 and produce up to 250,000 barrels of oil per day.

Exxon and partners have said over a 20-year life cycle, it will produce 925 million barrels of oil from the field with a US$29 breakeven per barrel.

From these four projects alone, all of which carry a 20year life cycle, Guyana will produce 2.6 billion barrels of oil. At US$112 per barrel Brent, this would amount to US$294B or GYD$61.5 trillion worth of oil.

ExxonMobil has said that the resource estimate for the Stabroek Block has increased to almost 11 billion barrels of oil with potential for up to 10 FPSOs. If the magnificence of the reserve has not hit home as yet, here are some

other perspectives for consideration.

By the end of the decade, Head of Upstream Oil and Gas at ExxonMobil, Liam Mallon has said oil production from Guyana could exceed one million barrels a day – enough to make us one of the world's top 20 producers. He noted in one of his recent blogs that the increased resource base represents more than 10 percent of all the new conventional resources discovered anywhere in the world between 2015 and the end of last year. (https://energyfactor.exxon mobil.com/perspectives/guy ana-oil-gas-production/) Dr. Zainab Usman, a senior fellow, and director of the Africa Programme at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, D.C has also spoken about the significance of the country's reserves as she noted in an analytical piece that Guyana's oil wealth could result in oil earnings that are beyond what Qatar, Kuwait, and Norway earn on a per

capita basis by 2025.

With such mammothsized resources, Guyana is poised to be a key player in the global oil and gas sector given her advantaged, low carbon barrels. Importantly, just recognition of her black opulence must be met by just management of this endowment so that future generations are able to benefit too.

To do so, there are several keys Guyana's leaders must use to unlock and maximise value from the US$61T in projects sanctioned to date.

These keys include but are not limited to the following: 1) Conduct timely audits of cost recovery statements by oil operators 2) Ensure the Local Content Law is effectively implemented 3) Putting in place appropriate and independent technology offshore to monitor the measurement of oil remotely 4) Outline benchmarks for what constitutes meaningful Corporate Social Responsibility from oil companies

5)Establish a Decommissioning Policy 6) Outline a structure for what is to be expected in Field Development Plans 7) Strengthen key auditing agencies, specifically the Office of the Auditor General 8) Strengthen institutions that will be responsible for the expenditure of the oil money-including the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Ministry of Health 9) Improve Guyana's capacity to monitor and record emissions offshore, particularly in the case of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 10) Provide resources to the EPA so that it can make unannounced visits to the FPSOs while following safety standards 11) Hire technical experts needed within the Ministries of Natural Resources, EPA, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), etc. to ensure proper contract

administration 12) Update our oil laws and regulations to address issues of ring-fencing, health and safety of workers, monitoring of the environment (regarding issues such as flaring and stiffer penalties for such infractions), prequalification criteria for oil blocks, etc.

13) Establish a Petroleum Commission 14Implement appropriate fiscal policies and sound public financial management (PFM) infrastructure 15) Ensure amendments to the Income and Corporation Tax Acts to minimise tax avoidance.

16 Build capacity for revenue forecasting, modeling, and tax administration The foregoing recommendations are but a few of the many mechanisms Guyana must put in place to realise its goals as it embarks on a transformational pathway with its oil.

As a brief reminder, I wish to note that one should not be fooled for one moment

that oil discoveries automatically guarantee high incomes. Angola, Indonesia and Nigeria are all among the world's top 20 oil producers but they remain lowermiddle-income due in large part to their low-rents per capita.

Additionally, attaining high-income status from natural resources wealth does not translate into improved human development outcomes. This was explicitly noted by Dr. Usman, and we, like many others, concur with her views.(https://www.kaieteur newsonline.com/2022/04/20 /guyana-will-need-morethan-updated-laws-properoversight-for-oil-to-bespringboard-fordevelopment-expert/).

It is on this premise that I argue, for Guyana to truly be the Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the Saudi Arabia of this region, we have got to do our part in good governance.

Exxon is doing its best by its shareholders; the onus is on us to do same or more for current and future generations.

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Guyana should brace for more extreme weather...

From page 38 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 at lower efficiency.

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.

This newspaper spoke with one environmentalist, Simone Mangal-Joly, who explained, “If you look at the climate models, the main weather pattern change that is expected is more intense rainfall during rainfall events, from this we can expect more incidences of land-side flooding and the losses that come with that.

At the same time there may be longer or more intense dry periods or drought conditions in some parts of the country during the dry season.

So basically when it's wet it will be really wet and when it's dry, really dry. We have been seeing many instances of high precipitin events and flooding already, where public funds have to be used for flood relief.

Drought also comes with losses, crop losses, for example, and public funds have to be allocated for relief. We can expect more of this in the future.”

On the other hand, she noted that the ambient temperature is expected to rise by 1-4 degrees Celsius by the end of this century.

As a consequence, the environmentalist explained, “So folks will feel hotter and be hotter. We can also expect Sea Levels to rise about 1-3 feet, which means rougher, higher seas and a higher probability of flooding from sea defence breaches.”

On this note, she stressed the importance of mangroves and the current trends relating to the removal of these species in the interest of development.

“Water as you know finds its way around things. The key is to try to have an uninterrupted line of mangroves between us and the sea along the coast and riversides wherever possible, and to bolster this with built defences in areas where mangroves do not grow.

There's no point in protecting one patch of mangroves but removing another.

The cost of built defence is enormous compared with the option of maintaining and protecting mangroves.

Plus the cost of floods and losses are significant, this is why it makes sense to build shore bases in front of mangroves rather than

remove them. The shore base facility planned at Vreed-enHoop by a local consortium is a good example - it shows that it is possible to build infrastructure without pretending that the environment and social wellbeing must be sacrificed for this thing I hear people call 'progress',” she said.

Development According to the environmentalist, “Progress and development are two words I hear folks using a lot, along with the false assumption that measures to protect the environment and human quality of life somehow stand in the way of progress and development.

These words only mean change.

They are not inherently positive. Progression to where?

A place where some people have lots of money and the rest of the country is catching its tail with floods droughts, diseases, and taxpayers have to pay for disaster relief as par for course? Development of what? A society of high buildings and fancy bridges but ordinary people can't afford to buy rice and flour and their children must sleep, wake up, and play next door to a toxic waste facility or under a bridge ramp, or perhaps we all swim in a soup of toxic waste when floods come to the coastland?”

Further, she reasoned, “Isn't a progressive place or developed country one that upholds careful and lawful environmental planning and decision making? Would America's buildings stand up if their government hustled past environmental protection laws and procedures, codes and practices?

Does it really make sense to keep investing Guyanese money in more fossil fuels based energy?”

Mangal-Joly was keen to note that she is not advocating for an end to oil production, but instead believes in a safe process to extract the natural resource.

She questioned, “Do we need to rush recklessly ahead trying to pump as much of it out of the ground and to burn it for energy where it is not necessary, and without consideration of the tangible weather and financial consequences here at home and the rest of the world?”

A February 2022 report

by Client Earth Communications states: “The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has found that

emissions from fossil fuels are the dominant cause of global warming. In 2018, 89% of global CO2 emissions came from fossil fuels and industry.Coal is a fossil fuel, and is the dirtiest of them all, responsible for over 0.3C of the 1C increase in global average temperatures. This makes it the single largest source of global temperature rise.

Oil releases a huge amount of carbon when burned - approximately a third of the world's total carbon emissions.

There have also been a number of oil spills in recent years that have a devastating impact on our ocean's ecosystem.”

The Government of Guyana, however, argues that most of the country's land is covered by forests, making the country a carbon sink, meaning our forests sequester more carbon than the country's human activity generates.

Even though this may be the case, it does not slow the progression of climate change locally nor does this fact shelter the people when their roofs are blown away by tornado-like winds.

Just recently, residents in the villages of Plantation Hope and Experiment, West Coast Berbice, Region Five, complained that their homes sustained damage when a “freak storm” of unprecedented proportion wreaked havoc.

During the mayhem, electrical poles were uprooted, leaving several homes without electricity until it was fixed by the Guyana Power and Light Inc. Va n i t a P a r i a g , a n affected resident, shared that she was in her bed when she felt a “trembling” sometime after 22:00hrs on Friday, May 6, 2022. She said she and her husband got up and when they looked through their windows, they saw what looked like the smaller version of a tornado coming from the seaside, which is behind her home.

Pariag said that her children, who were also aroused by the storm, started to scream and she too was scared. “I thought the windows would have popped,” she said.

According to the woman, she noticed several zinc sheets from other houses as they were being blown off and a house opposite her home, where an old man lives, also collapsed.

Over 20 houses were affected during that freak storm.

Kaieteur News

Sunday May 15, 2022

g tin s... s re re te atu n I re C

T

Rhaphidophoridae

he orthopteran f a m i l y Rhaphidophorid ae of the suborder Ensifera has a worldwide distribution.

Common names for these insects include the cave wçtâ, cave crickets, camelback crickets, camel crickets, spider crickets (sometimes shortened to “criders”, or “land shrimp” or “sprickets”,) and sand treaders.

Camel crickets get their common name from their humpbacked appearance, which is similar to that of a camel. Also commonly known as cave crickets or spider crickets, this species can be found in caves, as well as damp, cool areas underneath damp leaves, stones and rotting logs.

They are widespread in the world, and have a lifespan of about one to two years. Camel crickets do not possess sound producing organs, and therefore do not chirp. Additionally, the adults do not have wings, unlike other cricket species.

Using their long limbs, camel crickets leap when they are frightened since it’s the only defense mechanism they have to scare off predators.

All species are flightless and nocturnal, usually with long antennae and legs. More t h a n 11 0 0 s p e c i e s o f Rhaphidophoridae are described.

The well-known field crickets are from a different superfamily (Grylloidea) and only look vaguely similar, while members of the family Tettigoniidae may look superficially similar in body form.

Most cave crickets have very large hind legs with “drumstick-shaped” femora and equally long, thin tibiae, and long, slender antennae.

The antennae arise closely and next to each other on the head. They are brownish in colour and rather humpbacked in appearance, always wingless, and up to 5 cm (2.0 in) long in body and 10 cm (3.9 in) for the legs.

The bodies of early instars may appear translucent.

While they are commonly found in caves or old mines, some are also known to inhabit other cool, damp environments such as rotten logs, stumps and hollow trees, and under damp leaves, stones, boards, and logs. Occasionally, they prove to be a nuisance in the basements of homes in suburban areas, drains, sewers, wells, and firewood stacks.

One has become a tramp species from Asia and is now found in hothouses in Europe and North America. Some

reach into alpine areas and live close to permanent ice, such as the Mount Cook “flea” (Pharmacus

montanus) and its relatives in New Zealand. (Source: W i k i p e d i a , www.pestworld.org)

PAGE 51

Kaieteur News

PAGE 52

Sunday May 15, 2022

Jaxx International Grill brings world’s most decadent cuisines to your table

By Kiana Wilburg Ryan Chin, Director of Dachin Services Inc. showcases a sumptuous meat-lovers meal.

Whether it is to unwind after a stressful day, celebrate an important occasion in one’s life, or break the monotony of cooking, going to restaurants is an activity many Guyanese love to indulge in. But not all restaurants are created equal. Some simply offer the traditional appetisers and entrées along with a space to congregate with your friends and family.

Then there are the others, those which fall into the crème de la crème category.

Jaxx International Grill (JIG) which is nestled within the corner of the M o v i e To w n G u y a n a Complex is a slice of culinary heaven that easily sets itself apart from its competitors.

This ultra-sleek facility is a fusion of the easybreezy island vibes, modern décor, and professional service. These memorable hallmarks of its lively and

inviting spaces allow for enjoyable indoor dining experiences and use of a private room setting. There is also an outdoor patio addition that faces the Sea Wall and allows patrons to enjoy persistent breeze together with live guest performances. Indeed, these features make the Jaxx International Grill venue, a world-class experience for locals and tourists.

But perhaps the highlight of this enchanting Three mouth-watering dishes you can order at the Jaxx Weekend Brunch.

The Classic Bruschetta is a must-try. sanctuary is its gorgeously plated, decadent cuisines from around the world.

Every dish nourishes, delights, and fuels you for the day.

To better understand the c o m p a n y ’s i d e n t i t y, characteristics, and culinary experiences patrons can look forward to, Kaieteur News conducted an interview with Ryan Chin, Director of Dachin Services Inc., which trades as Jaxx International Grill (JIG).

With respect to JIG’s identity, the Director said, “It is the embodiment of a family restaurant concept which brings dishes and styles of cooking from around the world to your

An all-you-can-eat burger

table featuring Asian, Italian, North American, and East Indian cuisines to name a few…”

He was keen to note that Jaxx is not like its other counterparts. Chin said, “We believe what sets us apart is our service and guest-focused approach.

Factor in our indoor dining, outdoor patio, and private dining room settings, and these allow for guests, families, and function gatherings alike to be catered for with excellence while providing the flexibility many patrons desire.”

In terms of culinary experiences, Chin said the menu caters to meat-eaters Continued on page 56

Kaieteur News

Sunday May 15, 2022

PAGE 53

EPA allows ‘flawed’ environmental impact assessment to slide through …as Gas-to-Energy study only considers impacts of pipeline, NGL Plant citizen, attorney Elizabeth Deanes-Hughes asked the oil company to explain why separate EIAs were being

EPA Executive Director, Kemraj Parsram

By Davina Bagot Since last year July, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was alerted that the law which governs the sector does not allow for impact studies to be conducted for selected parts of a project, but rather cover the entire scope of a proposed venture. To the astonishment of some, the state owned institution has completely ignored this fact, which was brought to its attention orally and in writing during the 28-day consultations on the Terms of Reference for the gas-toenergy project.

For example, in a letter to the Executive Director of the EPA, Mr. Kemraj Parsram, dated July 25, 2021, environmentalist and geologist Simone MangalJoly alerted the EPA that the Environmental Protection (EP) Act, Section 11(5)(a)(1), states that an EIA must address the “whole project”.

Despite this clear mandate being set out in the law, the EPA has allowed the project developer, ExxonMobil, via its subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), to submit an environmental impact assessment which does not meet the standards set out in the law, as the document merely takes into account the onshore and offshore pipeline and the Natural Gas Liquids Plant (NGL) Plant – the two aspects of the project to be pursued by the company.

The Government of Guyana will be pursuing a power plant at the same identified site at Wales, West Bank Demerara to generate some 250 megawatts of electricity. Even though the issue was raised back in 2021, ExxonMobil has gone ahead and already submitted an impact assessment that only considers their piece of the whole project.

During consultations with the public last week on the proposed venture, another

done for parts of the gas-toe n e rg y p r o j e c t .

The Consultancy firm, Environmental Resources

Management (ERM) shared that the power plant is being pursued by another developer, therefore a

separate application has to be made to the EPA which will determine whether an EIA is necessary for the power plant

and inform the applicant on the steps required.

Todd Hall, the Guyana Continued on page 57

Kaieteur News

PAGE 54

Sunday May 15, 2022

...Prof. Troy Thomas, Ph.D. From page 22 parents and others around that guide me even now.”

“For example,” he continued, “the level of interest in and support for me and my siblings’ education demonstrated by my parents has stuck with me. At the time, I did not realise it but reflecting on things, now that I have a family of my own, it is clear what my parents were doing. I hope that what I have achieved to date…gives them some sense of having realised their goal.”

A CAREER ACADEMIC In many respects, Prof. Thomas noted that his upbringing helped thrust in him into an academic career.

As a youngster, Prof. Thomas attended the Arthurville Primary School and later the Anna Regina Secondary (Multilateral) School which is located on the Essequibo Coast before heading to the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and later the University of Guyana (UG) where he would solidify his efforts as a career academic.

Today, Prof. Thomas is the Director of Undergraduate Research at UG. He holds a PhD in Comparative Science of Cultures with a focus on survey methodological issues from the University of Ghent.

Prof. Thomas also holds an MSc in Statistics – Quantitative analysis in the social sciences track (University of Leuven) – and an MSc in Development, Policy and Analysis, a Graduate Diploma in Education (Mathematics) and a BSc in Mathematics from UG in addition to being a graduate of the CPCE. At UG, he teaches mathematics and statistics in the Department of Mathematics, Physics and Statistics and collaborates across faculties to deliver courses such as Biostatistics at the graduate level.

For some time, he has been involved in research on response styles in surveys with a focus on methods for and approaches to measuring and correcting response styles while analysing survey responses.

Apart from response styles, he has been engaged in research on technology adoption in education and on social issues including institutional trust and poverty. To a

large extent, his work in these areas has focused on measurement and data analysis issues.

In this regard to his journey, he said, “That I am an academic today seems like what I was preparing for all my life whether or not I was cognisant of it.”

In fact, Prof. Thomas said that early in his academic journey, he was not even aware of the possibility of attending UG. He explained that it was while studying that his awareness and interest emerged. Prof. Thomas shared that as a teacher training at C P C E, s p ecif ically o n th e Secondary Mathematics programme, “…I did stints of teaching at North Georgetown Secondary, Queen’s College and worked at the New Campbellville Secondary and on a secondment from Essequibo Islands Secondary School.”

He noted that it was while doing this that he was selected to attend UG. He explained that once at UG, he realised that academia was where he wanted to work.

“I liked the challenge of learning and as I progressed what most was

by setting a good example and caring for them. On the other hand, I enjoy generating new knowledge and academia.”

CIVIL SOCIETY ADVOCATE Just as he progressed in academia, Prof. Thomas’ role and interest as a civil society advocate also deepened. He revealed that engaging in advocacy began as a lecturer at UG in 2005.

Specifically, his role as a civil society advocate started out at TIGI – an organisation, he was entrusted with leading for some four years.

In fact, he said he was recruited

“I believe that as humans we must continue to seek improvement and advocacy is a natural evolutionary process.” appealing is that I was at a level where one can contribute to new knowledge,” Prof. Thomas said.

He continued, “I have many people to thank for assisting me as I navigated education but I want to single out Mrs. Savitri Balbahadur, former principal of CPCE, who had a profound impact on my eventually applying to the University of Guyana and who again was a guardian angel when I did my first stint overseas as an exchange student studying Mathematics at York University in Canada.”

Today as a lecturer, more so, as a Head of Department at UG, Prof.

Thomas shared what he likes most about his career. He said, “On the one hand, I interact with many young people and there are opportunities to impact their lives

by one Mrs. Esther McIntosh to be a part of the efforts. “I was interested in becoming a fully engaged citizen especially after consciously shutting politics and current affairs out for a long time have witnessed, with full awareness of the politics of the 1990s. Like many youths, I was disillusioned by our dismal state of affairs and by how nasty and unprogressive the space was; and still is,” he said.

Nevertheless, Prof. Thomas said his work at TIGI was quite rewarding. In his time at TIGI, for example, Prof. Thomas saw Guyana move from having entirely secret petroleum contracts to making them public.

He noted that “This was unprecedented and I believe that it is a fundamental change though it is

(At Left) Pictured with members of the Health Sciences Faculty at UG.

not the end of things.”

During the time of his civil society engagements, Prof. Thomas said he operated on the basis of a few principles; listening to ensure that he understand the issue at hand, providing evidence-based arguments as the basis for finding solutions and finding ways to work with the people to help implement those solutions.

He said, “At the Institute, I worked on the basis of a strategy and whereas there were some things for which we lacked the resources, there were things that we kept alive in the eye and mind of the public.”

As it is with most efforts, being a civil society advocate has its downside. Prof. Thomas noted that “For example, I had to learn that getting attacked in the press, whether warranted or not, is part of the deal.”

As an advocate, Prof. Thomas said that his satisfaction derives most from working to make some situations better, especially for the next generation.

“I believe that as humans we must continue to seek improvement and advocacy is a natural evolutionary process,” he said.

And although the political climate and other negative factors may contribute to placing a damper on his efforts, Prof. Thomas continues to be vocal on several fronts.

He explained that something changed when his first child arrived.

“Ambitious as it might seem, I wanted to help in carving out an improved environment for him to operate. Notwithstanding, the slow and sometimes regressive movement of things, I still believe that my effort is not being wasted,”

(Fourth from right) Prof. Troy Thomas is pictured with members of Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc.

he stated.

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFORTS While his work with TIGI has, to some extent, concluded, Prof.

Thomas explained that at present, his effort in relation to the environment is especially important.

He noted that his work in this regard is especially crucial given the overarching goal of contributing to improvement for the future. In fact, his work here has been leaning more in the direction of activism, having mounted litigation against oil giant E x x o n M o b i l ’s o i l d r i l l i n g operation, offshore Guyana on environmental grounds.

To this end, Prof. Thomas noted, “That while I have just begun to place more focus on environmental issues, there are other people and organisations that have been working in this domain for many years. What I have been doing is applying my general approach to advocacy to environmental issues.”

As such, Prof. Thomas is motivated by an innate desire to learn and contribute to knowledge.

He said “...Every time someone refers to or uses my work, I believe that I have made a contribution. In the domain of advocacy, my motivation is really my belief that continuing the fight will lead to incremental results and sometimes big shifts.”

Even as he continues to strive to make positive impacts in his area of interest, Prof. Thomas is often challenged in striking a balance between his professional and personal life. He told Kaieteur News that having a very supportive wife helps his cause.

Prof. Thomas explained “She understands the importance of what I am attempting to do in civil society and I am eternally grateful to her for that. Nevertheless, civil society work for me is voluntary and along with it, I am employed on a fulltime basis.”

He continued, “So, naturally, there are often challenges in allocating time, especially with respect to keeping up with developments.”

According to Prof. Thomas, the decision to step away from the leadership of TIGI for example, happened after the demands of work and civil society had taken a toll.

He admitted, “I am still engaged in civil society at present, but not with the consistency I did previously. I do need to find a better balance since both my professional and my civil society lives are important to me.”

Kaieteur News

Sunday May 15, 2022

Security guards brave...

From page 20 the corner of Light and Robb Streets.

“They investigated and there they saw two men robbing some foreign nationals, they (security ranks) couldn't say if they (the victims) were Cubans or Brazilians but noted that one of the men was armed and appeared to be shooting wild, wild behind these people,” Singh told Kaieteur News.

Two of the security ranks reportedly alerted their command centre and were advised to chase the suspects while the other returned to the vehicle. According to Singh, the suspects ran in separate directions in an attempt to elude being captured.

The security officers, however, continued the chase despite the men opened fire on them.

“These guys started shooting at my officers,” Singh said.

The chase continued onto South Road where the suspects entered a waiting car and drove off. The security officers called for back-up on their radio and the third security rank decided to cut off the men's getaway car with the firm's vehicle.

The suspects reportedly had no choice but to abandon their car and run west along South Road. While one managed to escape, the security ranks zeroed in on the other carrying a yellow haversack on his back.

He ran in a southern direction along Louisa Rowe until he decided to jump a fence.

The suspect threw his haversack into a church yard along Cummings Street and then made one more attempt to escape by running back towards Croal Street but the security ranks did not give up the chase and he was finally captured there.

By this time, related Singh, a member of the Community Policing Group (CPG) showed up at the scene with a vehicle and together they cuffed the suspect and decided to retrieve his haversack.

They reportedly opened the bag in his presence and found an illegal gun, a .32 Sig Sauer pistol, along with two spent shells and a magazine.

“My ranks along with the CPG member decided to carry the getaway car, the gun and the suspect to the

Alberttown Police Station and hand them over to police” recounted Singh.

At the station, the captured suspect identified himself to investigators as Dexter George, a resident of Timehri, East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

Investigators also found evidence that the car might have belonged to a soldier. In pictures seen by this media house a camouflage cap was seen on the dashboard.

Singh said that he commended his ranks and the command centre for following all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) during the apprehension of the armed suspect.

“They could have chosen to fire back at the men but they decided against it because they did not want to be reckless, they were taking into consideration their backstop, which means that they were trying to avoid harming bystanders,” added Singh.

“They did not even use excessive force to apprehend the suspect, he was captured without a scratch on his body,” he continued.

Singh related that he wants to give them an incentive for their brave efforts because if anyone of the three was hit by the suspect's bullets, the firm would have been mourning the loss of an employee and a family the loss of a loved one.

The acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken has since lauded the firm's effort in collaborating with the force to capture the bandit.

R e c e n t l y, P r e s i d e n t Mohammed Irfaan Ali announced that his government is seeking to integrate private security firms into the country's national security plan to assist in fighting crime.

The top cop had also held a recent meeting with the private companies as a step in moving forward with the government strategy to involve them in crime fighting.

While Hicken welcomed the idea, he noted that these firms must follow some rules and that is for its ranks to act responsibly and professionally.

Should these companies fail to adhere to such rules, then their licences could be revoked.

PAGE 55

Kaieteur News

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Sunday May 15, 2022

Jaxx International Grill brings worlds most decadent...

From page 52 and vegetarians, which he opined is always essential for guests with special dietary requirements.

For those who may be new to JIG, Chin said there are two options from their newly introduced Weekend Brunch Event that are a must-try—Chicken & Waffles and then try their Double-By-Pass Burger. The Director said, “It is a fully loaded double-beef patty burger with 16oz of beef if you can handle it! It is epic – very few can hold it in their hands, and finish it.”

Outside of the foregoing, the Director shared his top five meals and drinks which capture the heart and soul of what Jaxx International stands for. “...Overall, our Asian and East Indian dishes are a favourite due to a touch of spice which the Guyanese people enjoy such as our Red Thai Chicken Curry and our Asian Sesame Chicken; these are top of the list followed by our Ginger Soy Salmon, Fire-Roasted Half Chicken and hearty pastas like our Creamy Chicken Alfredo which many add chicken, prawns or even both

to it. As for drinks – I would just say all of our cocktails rock but our Mojitos and margaritas are sensational.”

JAXX –THE ESSENCE OF FAMILY Chin shared that Jaxx International Grill is one of his family's many restaurant brands that is under its group of companies. Ryan said he manages and co-owns the business with his father and siblings. He has been doing so for over 17years. “Jaxx is a family restaurant which in itself is family-owned and family-run and therefore we will always capture that

Population warned against...

From page 14 given that a sizeable portion of the population has comorbidities.

According to the Minister, the challenge now is to get people to start getting vaccinated again.

“We also must remind ourselves that we are in a pandemic, and in this pandemic one of the most effective tools that we have is to use vaccination to immunise people so that even if

they get infected, they would not get the most severe form of the infection,” Dr. Anthony said.

The Health Minister added that the World Health Organization (WHO) has set a target of having 70 percent of a country's population vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of June 2022.

This, he said, Guyana can achieve with additional efforts in educating the

population about the effectiveness of the vaccines.

Minister Anthony emphasised too, that the population should not become complacent as the pandemic is still ongoing.

He added, “We are not very far from achieving that target of 70 percent, we are in our 60s, and so if we make an additional effort, we will be able to get to that 70 percent mark before June of this year.”

essence of what makes us special…and what makes us Jaxx,” expressed the Director.

Chin added, “Jaxx is firstly our brand, meaning it was a concept my family came up with; everything from the menu construction and guest experience was born out of what we wanted it to be – so to be able to actually call it our own is something special – many think it is an international franchise from the US but it's not. While our first location started in Trinidad – my father and founder Derek Chin is Guyanese born so to have a Jaxx International Grill here really makes it come full circle.”

Additionally, he was keen to note his passion and love for every aspect of his job too. He particularly stated, “I love that every day is different from the one before. I love meeting and interacting with many people. But most of all my staff keeps me motivated and passionate about what I do and to keep presenting new challenges for them by way of new dishes which allows them to grow professionally and that is priceless and gets

me out of bed every day. My staff becomes an extension of my family as often I spend most of my time with them than my actual family and therefore we all work hard and value each other and this is how we try to maintain the guest experience.”

With April 17, 2022 making it three years since Jaxx has been part of the local restaurant industry, Chin said it has been an honour serving the Guyanese people. Chin shared that the last two years have been challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He noted, however, that the Guyanese people are resilient and therefore Jaxx has been fortified by this unwavering quality of the citizenry.

“We are happy to have celebrated three years already and I look forward to many more to come. I appreciate Jaxx slowly becoming a favourite when it comes to dining with family and friends and for those special and intimate occasions as well with loved ones.”

Chin shared that local aficionados of delightful culinary meals can stay

tuned for new international dishes and themed nights to be introduced as well as in the not too distant future –a New Year's Dining Event which is now in the planning phase.

Interested in learning more about the Jaxx International Brand? See below for some interesting facts we've learned about the company.

- The Founder of JIG, Mr. Derek Chin was born and raised in Guyana - JIG (Guyana) was opened on April 17th 2019 which is also the birthday of o n e o f t h e c o owners/Directors Ryan Chin who oversees and operates the Guyana location - The Jaxx Menu features dishes from over 25 different countries and counting….

- All of JIG's kitchen prep and sauces are prepared from scratch using local ingredients where available - JIG Guyana is the first location within the Jaxx Brand to offer its extensive Brunch Menu and its sister locations in Trinidad may soon follow in its footsteps as the JIG Guyana location and its ambitious team continues to be a pioneer.

Kaieteur News

Sunday May 15, 2022

PAGE 57

'Large-scale thievery coming' - Glenn Lall From page 2 foreigners, for instance in the bauxite industry, fetching out we bauxite, for over a decade and say they not making money, so why do we still have them here fetching out our resources?

If they not making money after 10 years in your country, why are they still here?” the newspaper publisher questioned.

At the said AGM of the PSC, Minister Singh announced that Guyana was

preparing to export manganese for the first time in 54 years. Dr. Singh told the gathering that ships docked in the North-West District are being loaded with the mineral for export.

“Right now, as we speak, vessels are being loaded in the North West of Guyana with Guyana's first shipment of manganese in 54 years,” the Finance Minister announced. He said this type of operation is important in keeping with the

EPA allows 'flawed'...

From page 53 Programme Lead for ERM said, “In this case, EEPGL applied as the proponent for the NGL Plant and of course the pipeline and a separate entity applied for the power plant, GPL (Guyana Power and Light) specifically. So its GPL remit, under the law of course to do whatever the EPA directs it to do with respect to environmental assessment in the process of acquiring a permit for the plant.”

In the meantime, Hall told the resident that ERM has considered the likely impacts of the power plant and has included information in its cumulative impacts assessment chapter of the EIA. In her letter to the EPA head, environmentalist, Simone Mangal-Joly had submitted back in July 2021 that the Terms of Reference for the EIS must include the impacts of the broth, the power plant and the mechanism that will be used to bottle and move the natural gas liquids from the site and that the study must account for the “full impact footprint” of the project as required by law.

According to MangalJoly, “The Act does not permit the EPA or any other party to use who the developer is as a criterion for defining the scope of a project. The litmus test for determining a project scope is whether the component can exist on its own, which the (NGL) plant obviously cannot.”

In an invited comment to this newspaper, she argued that the Environmental Protection Act does not say that a project can be applied for, based on who the owner is. Instead, she pointed out, “You can apply based on who the developer is. You apply based on the project and the project cannot exist if a power plant isn't there to take the gas; it would blow up! This is a steady state

system. Gas is fed from offshore, treated and natural gas is piped to a power plant for consumption while the natural gas liquids are bottled and shipped. The three components must work together. So you can't give an environmental permit for just the pipeline from o ff s h o r e a n d t h e g a s processing facility, a permit for something that has no guarantees because obviously the outputs are not just going to go into the atmosphere…”

To drive home her case, Mangal-Joly added, “The developers of the various components of the project ought to apply together.

There is nothing that says you can't apply as a consortium. The (EP) Act however says that you can't take a piece of the project and go to get an EIA done.”

On the other hand, she said that as an ordinary citizen, she has now seen firsthand how the EPA and ExxonMobil are operating.

According to her, “These consultations, and all others they have held, are mere charades. They are designed to give the impression of a democratic process, but every time we gather there, we are being used as the agents of our own disempowerment. The performance of meetings is being used to create an illusion of democratic engagement to legitimise illegalities and their failure to be responsible and accountable to the people of Guyana. I need not remind the public that from the inception of this gas-toenergy project's statutory process, the EPA has flatly refused to disclose the application that ExxonMobil made for the environmental permit.

This is illegal.

The application ought to form part of the National Register. I don't think we need to look much farther beyond this behaviour to see the rot.”

government's efforts toward a diversified and resilient economy.

Lall told his audience that he had been told frequently that barges upon barges have been traversing the Demerara River in the night with lumber going to the large cargo ships waiting out in the Atlantic Ocean.

“What Guyana getting?

More and more damaged roads that can't even patch, right across this country.

Who is watching out for us, who is safeguarding our wealth, who is leading this nation with its resources…?”

He said Bosai Minerals, that owns bauxite and gold concessions here, was also “part and parcel of the same group fetching out our manganese at Matthews Ridge…”

He referenced previous newspaper reports where workers complained about poor treatment at the manganese company at Matthews Ridge.

“The workers complained how the Chinese are taking out NIS and PAYE from their salaries and not paying it over to the government. This is what

Ashni Singh is proud to say after 54 years Guyana restarts exporting manganese and how the citizens will benefit with the slice bread money what them getting from the manganese.

That is how Guyana and the citizens going to benefit from our wealth, slice bread money…” the businessman lamented.

Turning his attention to the soon-to-come large scale gold firms which Dr. Singh said will employ more than 1,000 Guyanese and each larger than Omai, Mr. Lall said the minister ought to be ashamed to mention the name Omai. “What has this nation benefitted from Omai, from Troy Resources, from Aurora Gold Mines, from Zijin, from the manganese company, from Bosai, from RUSAL and the many other foreign companies, who come and enrich their countries with our wealth, while we can't fix a piece of mud road in any part of Guyana without going and stretching our hands, at foreign banks for loans to build roads and bridges in the interior.” He complained, “These people coming here,

fetching out our rich, rich resources, building for themselves in their countries highways, skyscrapers and modern cities with modern airports, while these clowns (our leaders) running to the international banks to borrow money to renovate airports and build bush roads, and buy flash drives for our children in school.”

Guyana can't breathe Mr. Lall said when one examines the problems associated with all of the foreign companies operating here, their treatment of Guyanese is like “having their knees on our necks and our leaders instead of taking it off, giving them a hand to squeeze our necks even tighter…”

Alluding to Dr. Singh's comments that 1000 Guyanese will be employed at these new firms, Lall said, “This is how they measure progress, the billions of US dollar leaving this country versus the few cents being thrown at the Guyanese people as wages, supplying food, driving trucks, maintaining and operating machines. This is the arrangement Guyanese have

been living with since Omai.

And Ashni Singh is now extending or expanding this arrangement further, to the Guyanese people, that is what you will benefit…”

Meanwhile, even as Dr. Singh spoke about the benefits from these possible new gold mining operations he did not disclose the names of the firms and Mr. Lall believes something is sinister in this move.

“Three more larger than Omai companies coming soon. He did not name them nor did he tell us where they are coming from or what the deal is. All he said, Guyana will benefit [with slice bread money]. When a leader could tell you consider the food and other supplies, transport services and 1,000 people who gon get jobs, in which a company will fetch out billions in US dollars from we backyard, speaks of the tragedy that they are creating for us.”

To t h i s e n d L a l l mockingly said Omai's significant contribution to Guyana remains “the cyanide spill that Guyanese died from, still suffering from and got nothing from.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 58

Sunday May 15, 2022

Junior page How to make your bumble bee cup craft Cut the template out and set aside.

Cut a black cup straight up the middle. (refer to the photo). Cut the bottom from the cup. Cut strips from the cup. (refer to the photo) Glue the strips onto a yellow cup. (refer to the photo) Allow the glue to dry completely.Trace the template onto card-stock or

The Moral There's strength in unity.

Once upon a time, there was an old man who lived in a village with his three sons.

Although his three sons were hard workers, they quarreled all the time.

The old man tried to unite them but failed.

Months passed by, and the old man became sick. He asked his sons to remain united, but they failed to listen to him. At that moment, the old man decided to teach them a lesson — to forget their d i ff e r e n c e s a n d c o m e together in unity.

The old man summoned his sons, then proceeded to

tell them, “I will provide you with a bundle of sticks.

Separate each stick, and then break each into two. The one who finishes first will be rewarded more than the others.”

And so, the sons agreed.

The old man provided them with a bundle of ten sticks each, and then asked the sons to break each stick into pieces. The sons broke the sticks within minutes, then proceeded to quarrel among themselves again.

The old man said, “My dear sons, the game is not yet over. I will now give you another bundle of sticks.

Only this time, you will have to break them together as a bundle, not separately.”

Instructions The goal of this puzzle is to build a fence fully containing all the cows and excluding all the cacti.

The fence must be a single closed loop that does not cross itself at any point!

The sons readily agreed and then tried to break the bundle. Despite trying their best, they could not break the sticks. The sons told their father of their failure.

The old man said, “My dear sons, see! Breaking every single stick individually was easy for you, but breaking them in a bundle, you could not do. By staying united, nobody can harm you. If you continue to quarrel, then anyone can quickly defeat you.”

The old man continued, “I ask that you stay united.”

Then, the three sons understood there's power in unity, and promised their father they would all stay together.

COWS must be kept inside the fence, or they will wander away.

CACTI must be kept outside the fence, as they will give cows indigestion.

CIRCLED NUMBERS are always inside the fence; they indicate

construction paper and cut out. Glue the black part of the head onto the yellow part of the head and then use scissors to trim off any excess paper.

Cut 2 circles from white card-stock and 2 smaller circles from black card-stock. Glue together.Cut a small circle from red paper.

Cut 2 small black strips from black paper and 2 tiny black circles. Glue the circle at the top of each strip.

Glue the eyes, nose and antenna onto the bee's head. Use a black marker to add a smile to the bee's face.

Glue the bee's head

visibility. This number counts the total squares visible looking north, south, east, and west from the location of the clue (including the clue's square).

You cannot see squares that are beyond the fence.

There is only one solution!

onto the cup. Glue the smaller and larger pieces of the wings together. Glue the wings onto each side of the cup.Once your Paper Cup Bee Face is finished, glue these onto your paper cup bee body, and glue on the wings (again you may wish to “pre cut” these for y o u r child).

TRY E O P ITH

FUN W

by Uncle Roy Sometimes we find that boys and girls Join together to bully someone, And this can make that person Become afraid and sad and alone.

What should we do when we see this?

Many children do not know, And so the bullies get more bold, And their bad behaviour continues to grow.

The first thing to do to bullies Is to ask them calmly to stop, Or else you should find an adult – A parent, a teacher, or even a cop.

You can also help someone being bullied, By making him feel you care; Talk to him and be kind to him, So that he will get rid of his fear.

Kaieteur Kaieteur News News

Sunday May 15, 2022

TEEN TIME

Prepare yourself to do your Best in your Examinations The time for your final examinations is now drawing closer. For some of you, this would just mean that you either fail or pass in moving ahead to a bigger class. But for the seniors, this would be most important in that it would decide whether you become successful in graduating to higher education or starting your career in the world of work.

As the time for these examinations draws nearer you should ensure that your studying for these becomes more efficient in every way.

One way to ensure this is to eradicate any habits that work against your efficiency, and we deal today with two of the most common of these:1.Avoid distractions: You will need to do avoid using up unnecessary energy and attention taken up by these things that only prevent you from focusing on the material you are studying.

If during your studies you find yourself constantly on the cell-phone, or watching programmes on the television, you will not get the best results from your efforts to learn and retain the material you are dealing with.

Another type of distraction that works against your study efficiency is internal. If you

are bothered by feelings of worry or anger at anything or anybody, your mind will

not be capable of absorbing much. Try to get rid of these feelings, either by working

out your problem with those involved, by praying for peace of mind, or by just making the effort to set these aside until you can deal with them later.

2. Stop any negative thoughts about the material you are studying or about your ability to learn it.

Some of these are: “I am never going to learn this”; “This is too difficult”; “This may not come up in any of the tests.”

When you repeat any of these often enough, your inner self will believe it and your negativity will affect your test score.

You will need to be your own study champion by replacing anything negative in what you are telling yourself with positive thoughts like: “I need to work harder to understand this”; “This will get easier as I focus more on it.” When you change your whole attitude, you will find yourself even enjoying your study periods.

This will in turn make you better at learning, and your results can only get better after this.

Getting rid of these bad habits and concentrating on the work at hand will ensure that you use all your energies towards studying, and this will work towards making you more successful at learning.

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The Man who thinks He can

If you think you are beaten, you are; If you think that you dare not, you don't.

If you'd like to win, but you think you can't, It's almost certain that you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you've lost; For out in the world you'll find Success begins with a fellow's will — It's all in the state of mind.

If you think that you are out-classed, you are; You've got to think high to rise.

You've got to be sure of yourself before You can ever win a prize.

Life's battles don't always go To the stronger or faster man; But sooner or later, the man who wins Is the man who thinks he can!

by Walter D. Wintle

Concentration always works to achieve any objective, just as it would now help you in your studies towards your examinations.

l Tel o it t Hello, readers, Uncle Roy is again asking all of you to try in some way to make a contribution to this page, and thus to the welfare of you and your fellow readers.

This contribution can take any form that you feel would be valuable – an account of what is going on in your community and country, any advice you would like to pass on to your fellow teen readers and, on a broader level, any comment or recommendation you would like to make to your fellow Guyanese.

Please remit same to my email – roypaul2002@yahoo.com, and be assured that your worthwhile contribution will have a prominent place on our page.

Solutions to last week’s

Killer sudoku

Killer Sudoku (also called Sum Sudoku) are a kind of hybrid puzzle that combine the best features of Sudoku and Kakuro (cross-sum) puzzles. Like a regular Sudoku, the rows, columns and 3x3 blocks contain the digits 1

thru 9. In addition, the dotted lines indicate areas, called cages, which also contain a set of non-repeating digits. If you add up the digits in a cage, you get the sum shown in its clue.

Suguru

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1. Wash Your Hair Regularly Washing your hair regularly ensures that your scalp and hair is free of dirt and excess oil. However, the right frequency depends on your hair type and personal preferences. If you have extremely dry hair, limit your washing to twice a week. If you have an oily scalp, washing your hair on alternate days can help.

2. Use Chemical Free Shampoos You really can't control all the environmental factors that damage your hair, but what you can control is the kind of shampoos you use. Lesser the number of chemicals in your shampoo, healthier your hair. Go for gentle shampoos that suit your hair type.

3. Condition Correctly Your conditioner contains ingredients that make the hair fall straight and manageable. It protects your hair from environmental aggressors and heat styling. However, it should be applied only on the tips of the hair and not on your scalp. Also, make sure to rinse it off thoroughly post application.

4. Dry Your Hair Naturally We know. Blow drying makes your hair as beautiful as that of your on-screen idol. But excessive heat styling can damage your hair scalp. Limit it to important events, if you have to style. Air drying or towel drying after shampoo is the best way to go. Never sleep in wet hair or comb wet hair. Harsh rubbing with a towel can damage the cuticle of your hair. Be gentle.

5. Oil Your Hair Properly Pre-shampoo treatments like oiling and massaging improve blood circulation on the scalp, relax your muscles, boost shine and nourish the hair. It also restores moisture content, enables hair growth and repairs split ends. You can choose from coconut oil, almond oil, olive oil, castor oil and the likes. Avoid using mineral oil on your hair.

6. Use A Wide-toothed Comb Wet hair is fragile and prone to breakage. Let your hair dry and then use a wide-toothed comb to brush your hair. This kind of a comb prevents damage to your hair.

7. Style Your Hair Naturally Who does not like those gorgeous curls or perfect waves? But you can achieve these without putting your hair through heat.

Here's how: 8. Trim Your Hair Regularly Trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to get rid of split ends. Split ends form when the hair is damaged due to heat styling, pollution, smoking, stress and so on. Trimming does not magically make the hair grow faster. Hair growth happens at the scalp level, but trimming ensures healthy hair.

9. Drink More Water Internal hydration coupled with external hydration is the key to well-balanced and healthy hair. You may be using hydrating hair care products and oils, but drinking at least 3 litres of water everyday ensures good hair health.

10. Eat Healthy We will go on repeating 'you are what you eat' as long as we write about hair care and skin care.

Your hair is made of proteins and amino acids. It needs the right nutrition to grow well and maintain itself. Eggs, berries, nuts, fish, green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes are some of the many great foods for healthy hair.

11. Use Hair Caps/hats Just as sunlight has a damaging effect on your skin, it applies to your hair too. Harsh sun rays can remove the moisture from your hair making it dry, brittle and damaged over the course of time. Use hats when you step out to protect your hair from this damage. Protect your hair with caps when you are in a swimming pool. Chlorinated water is bad for your hair.

12. Use Hair Bands We love to flaunt our open hair, but do use hair bands to limit the hair exposure to environmental aggressors. Use fabric hair ties instead of the plastic ones. Don't pull your hair too tight when making a ponytail or any other hairstyle.

Kaieteur News

Sunday May 15, 2022

Kaieteur News

Sunday May 15, 2022

PAGE 61

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox Performance Management USA reaches 1 million COVID-19 deaths, Guyanese must learn in the Public Service Dear Editor, The concept and conduct of the once fundamental component of management called Performance Appraisal/Evaluation has long been extinct as far as the Guyanas Public Service is concerned.

The formal exercise of studious review of the behaviour and productivity of individual staff, supervisors and executives within and across Ministries, has been unknown to the imperious decision-makers of recent decades.

Nor do the professional appointees, qualified as they would have been, seem to have been specifically informed of, or interested in, such an exercise.

The lapse in the monitoring of individual, group and organisational productivity fundamentally contradicts the achievement of targets espoused by the political decision-makers at budget time.

Perhaps, more importantly, it undermines ambition to achieve what is (euphemistically) called human development.

No one can be applauded (or blamed) for contributing to the employees career growth (despite deficiencies).

Promotion is quite perfunctory an event, often extraneously decided on, from distanced nonmanagerial levels.

But there are in fact two critical disarrangements that facilitate the subversion of the once motivational activity of performance evaluation. is the (political) preference for recruiting employees almost compulsively on contract.

The other disincentive must be, of the imposition (called award) of across-the-board increases an act that makes salary scales but an ongoing (dis)illusion.

As other Public (and Private) Sector organisations could authoritatively advise, salary scales are intended to accommodate awards of increases increments based on regular well organised performance evaluation.

But very contradictorily the Public Service compensation structure, and its management, constitute a myth of historical proportions, with the personnel most affected being Teachers, Doctors, and their medical colleagues, the results of whose performances are sufficiently visible as to make the appraisal exercise virtually superfluous.

But even they seem to be disallowed the formal opportunity to remonstrate, advocate, rehabilitate, motivate, importantly themselves, their colleagues and subordinates.

The question arises as to who in these days can boast

of being congratulated and specially rewarded for their work?

Meanwhile even those who are remunerated with gratuity every six months, are not subject to the evaluation process that should prove that they are more valuable than their pensionable colleagues doing exactly the same jobs.

From this milieu emerges the issue of self-respect, ones value as a human being, whose work experiences inform, enhance, (de)value relationships whether professionally or socially.

All the foregoing cumulate into an establishment of mediocrity as an acceptable level of organisational delivery, more so for future employees, however bright and ambitious, but who in some cases may well succumb to the lure of convenient employment offers.

It is in the light of all the foregoing deficits one must ponder the almost jocular insistence on human development.

For nowhere is accommodation made for the sensitive, humane discussion about anxieties, aspirations; frustrations, ambitions; discipline, counselling; in sum weaknesses and strengths cumulating in the human being.

E.B. John

Unsavoury behaviour MUST STOP

DEAR EDITOR, It must be with a sense of relief that the public now has reasonable access to the Head and Deputy Head of the General Register Office (Birth Certificate Office), GPO building.

Additionally, from all reports, most of the Supervisors are also very helpful. I had reason to interact with a Ms Khan during that organisations outreach at Enmore and I was positively impressed.

It is my humble view that, subject to legal requirements being met and/or due guidance given to the public, matters of

obtaining birth certificates, corrections to erroneous entries, etc. should not be the nightmare it used to be.

Sadly, however, the same cannot be said for many Government organisations.

NIS stands out as a proverbial “pain-in-thea$#”.

At the Melanie Office, while some senior Officers guide the public, many counter staff “push around” old people as if they are “foot cloth”.

I know because I see hard evidence on a regular basis.

NIS Inspector Thomas at that location is regarded as a gem by the public. People praise

her because of her down-toearth yet professional approach to her job. The same cannot be said for many other staff.

We are in an era in Guyana where Public Servants must render service to the public without regard to ethnicity or age or ability to “lef a raise”. We are on the move forward. This unsavoury behaviour MUST STOP. We have no use for these miscreants.

Ministers and HODs, step on the pedal of justice and fair-play. Release those who embarrass the system.

Respectfully, Taajnauth Jadunauth

lessons and get vaccinated now

Dear Editor, This week the USA has reached one million deaths due to COVID. That is more than the population of Guyana and Barbados combined. In the state of North Carolina, USA, there were 17,000 new cases one day this week. People of Guyana, COVID is not over as yet. We cannot be reckless in our behaviour. We must still wear our masks, practice social distancing, and use utmost common sense as we move about. Especially in minibuses and cars, masks must be worn in those closed places.

As you noticed, the numbers of daily infections are going back up, and the ICU hospital is getting patients again. In Guyana, about 1,228 persons have died so far. Some of these deaths could have been avoided if folks were vaccinated.

The Government must be commended for acquiring enough vaccines for

everyone. Minister of Health Frank Anthony recently said the Ministry was expecting some special vaccines to immunise children aged five to 11 years old against the novel and changing coronavirus. Parents must take advantage of those vaccines for their children.

The Minister has been making desperate appeals for people to get their booster shots, and for the unvaccinated to get their first shots. They say you can take the horse to the water but you cant make it drink. But we must listen to the Minister and the smart health personnel and do what is in the best interests of our own health.

It would be nice if the Government releases the latest figures on vaccination rates.

What percentages of teachers and students are now vaccinated in schools, and across all government agencies? Was the Education Ministrys ultimatum to get

vaccinated or show negative tests enforced for teachers?

How about the nurses? What percentage of staff in the hospitals and clinics are now vaccinated? What quantities of those expensive vaccines are at risk of expiring?

It would be a shame for vaccines that cost a lot of money to go waste through expiration because our people refuse to get initial vaccination or to get their booster doses. Are the unions doing more to encourage workers to be vaccinated?

Are the churches and NGOs doing anything more? How about the Opposition? Are they encouraging their party members to be vaccinated?

For its part, the Government must avoid assembling large groups of people that can become “super spreader” events.

People, let s listen to Minister Anthony and complete our vaccinations now.

Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall

GWI DID NOT LAY OFF 300 WORKERS Dear Editor, We wish to bring clarity on our restructuring process which occurred within approximately two years.

This is in response to an article published by News Source titled “GWI saving $240M annually after laying off 300 workers in 18 months”.

First and foremost, it

should be noted our retrenchment process did not affect 300 employees.

Rather, the reduction of our workforce from a total of 1320 to 998, is owing mainly to attrition.

Our termination exercise only targeted 77 personnel, many of which were redundant positions. The remaining 223 departed the

company's employ as a result of resignations and retirement.

We also wish to state that where key personnel such as Engineers may h a v e r e s i g n e d , management has moved to hire skilled persons to ensure our mandate is efficiently executed.

GWI PR Dept

PAGE 62

VACANCY

FOR RENT

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Bobby’s Reality,good for business–4.018 acres of prime land in New Amster dam, Berbice. Reduce Price.

Call: 679-2497.

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

2014 Kia Sportage,brand new excellent condition 49,000km $5.7M negotiable. Call:6697644.

LAND FOR SALE Double lot for lease or sale,Bent St.Call:661-2828.

Furnish house and land for sale on Ferry Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice.Call: 679-2497.

Specialized repairs/service refrigerator,washing machine, pressure pump, stove, treadmill,dryer,filteration system, deepfryer.Call:6949733.

Glasgow's Executive Cleaning Service.We offer residential and commercial cleaning & maid services. Call:6503133/672-6935.

FOR SALE Passion Fruits for sale.

Call:661-2828.

Stall on Merriman's Mall, Alexander St Entrance. Call: 658-3274.

Cases of Hand Sanitizer, 500ml for $300,100ml $75, Disinfecting Wipes 300 pcs in bucket for $2,500.Tel:6251514.

Cases of Hand Sanitizer For Sale: 250ml at $250 While Supplies Last. Call 650-5626.

FOR RENT Business place to lease or rent,23 Saffon St G/Town.

For more info contact:6631876.

Apt for rent at La Grange W.B.D $45-50,000.Tel:6347487.

One,Two,Three bedroom apartment furnish & un furnish in Providence, Diamond, New Road,Vreed-enhoop.604-6664,682-6238, 216-2299.

Large supermarket and huge Bond in Cumberland, East Canje for sale or rent.Call:679 2497.Bobby's Reality.

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

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

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

Accounts Clerk. Quick books knowledge & Accoun ting Experience. Tel: 6092995,email:survival. humanresources@gmail.com.

Inventory/Data Entry Clerks, with passport size picture.

Tel:609-2995,email: survival. humanresources@gmail. com.

PM Shift Cashiers.Math & Eng required.Tel:609-2995, 227-5286 email: survival. human resources @gmail.com.

PM Shift Sale Representatives. Tel:609-2995,227-5286 email:survival.humanresources @gmail. com.

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

Sunday May 15, 2022

Kaieteur News

WANTED Male & Female to work in factory. Apply to R.P's Ent.Area K LeRessouvenir E.C.D. Tel:220-2818.

Cook,Kitchen Helper & Young man for Bar-B-Que Cook.Tel:629-2044.

Experienced general domestic vaccinated for Tue & Saturday, salary $3500 +250(travelling) between Enmore to Unity,259-0953/623-3231.

Farmer seeking workers to live on Pomeroon farm. Call: 661-2828.

Waitress to work in a bar live in.Must have ID card. Contact:659-1930 or 221-2785.

One experienced female able bodied sales clerk.Tel:2252313,226-1497.

One experienced male able bodied worker. Tel:225-2313, 226-1497.

1 experience housekeeper to work in Providence,age 40.

Tel:697-0157.

Pitman to work in Interior.

Call:223-7165/225-8645.

One live in babysitter needed.Contact Melissa on 693-6617 or 636-2310.

S&S Security Service. Security Officers.Contact:6916081.

Urgently Needed female Bartender and shop attendant.

Must have experience. Serious person can call:689-4461 or 662-6254.

Urgently Needed female cook for cook shop in the interior,38 yrs & over.Call or whatsapp 689-4461 or 6626241.

Domestic Maid/Nanny,age 41 & over.Call:634-6595.

Security Officers.Tel:6092995, 227-5286 email: survival .humanresources@gmail.com.

Masons & Carpenters, wages $7,000-$10,000 per day.

Call:650-1394,650-1941.

Pump Attendant/Cashier, shifts (6am-2pm & 2pm-10 pm).Shell Station Providence E.B.D, email: Shell ramsburg @gmai.com.

2 Experienced hairdresser, location E.B.D.Contact:6770040.

Cleaner,Time keeping,Tool issuing clerk,2 security (night & day).Contact:621-6969/ 615-7784.

1 salesgirl/pharmacy assistant. Drop application at Patient Needs Pharmacy, stall 16-18 Section A Bourda, Phar patientneeds @ gmail.com.

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

Teachers for Grade 5,preschool & janitors. Contact: 649-8174.

Millenium Manor Hotel,43 Hadfield St.1 experience housekeeper,come in with application.Call:223-0541/2.

Experienced Skidsteer (Bobcat)/Mini Excavator Operator.

Tel:623-2728,619-0898,6984321.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area.Call:615-9132 Female Cleaner for office.

Call:642-9823.

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

Must be vaccinated photo & recommendation. Keyfood McDoom Village.

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE 1-(2) story house 3 1/2 bedroom, 9st Cummings Lodge.

Tel:622-8748/652-3158 negotiable.

One 4 apt building at 14st Diamond New Housing Scheme.Contact:619-9191/ 501-2824.

PENPAL Male seek non racial female.

Must be single.Whatsapp 698-6391.

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

Say no to it.

Sunday May 15, 2022

Kaieteur News

Digicel Guyana recognised for best mobile network, best mobile coverage and fastest mobile network Digicel offers customers in Guyana the best mobile network, as well as the best coverage and the best speeds – that's according to Ookla, the global leaders in internet testing and analysis.

In a release the phone company shared, Ookla's Speedtest testing data for the period July to December 2021 showed Digicel's mobile network averaging download speeds of an impressive 40 Mbps and fast upload speeds of 10 Mbps with the Digital Operator also winning on coverage and quality – more than four times faster than the competitor network.

Digicel Guyana CEO, Gregory Dean, commented: “Our promise to customers is to give them the best network with the best speeds and the best coverage across the length and breadth of Guyana.

Keeping that promise is what gets us up and at it every day.

He continued: “Ookla's recognition of our speed, quality and coverage is a

Digicel Guyana CEO, Gregory Dean

testament to the hard work of all of our staff and proof of our commitment to ensuring that our customers can live and enjoy their digital lives to the fullest, thanks to Digicel's superfast connectivity everywhere in Guyana.”

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Kaieteur News

Sunday May 15, 2022

Sunday May 15, 2022

TATA IPL 2022: Russell...

From page 67 out to deep mid-wicket as Malik claimed his third wicket of the innings. KKR were 5 down after Rinku Singh was trapped LBW courtesy of a brilliant yorker by Natarajan.

Andre Russell announced his arrival with a four and six each while Billings hit

consecutive fours at the other end against Malik.

The fifty partnership was up for the sixth wicket off 39 deliveries and KKR crossed the 150-run mark with two overs to go. Billings was out in the penultimate over against Bhuvneshwar Kumar before Russell hammered 3

sixes in the final over to help KKR reach 177/6 in the first innings. Brief Scores: Kolkata Knight Riders 177/6 (Andre Russell 49*, Sam Billings 34; Umran Malik 3-33) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad 123/8 (Abhishek Sharma 43, Aiden Markram 32; Andre Russell 3-22) by 54 runs.

GFF outfits Hinterland Teams...

From page 70 through our groundbreaking M-FAP development strategy.”

Regional competitive football kicks off across Guyana on Sunday, May 15, under the auspices of

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Kaieteur News

the Bartica Football Association, the Berbice Football Association, the East Coast Demerara Football Association, the East Bank Demerara Football Association, the Essequibo/ Pomeroon Football Asso-

ciation, the Georgetown Football Association, the Rupununi Football Association, the Upper Demerara Football Assoc i a t i o n , a n d t h e We s t Demerara Football Association.

Sunday May 15, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You would make an excellent judge, Aries. You're able to consider all aspects of a situation. This is a bit of a blessing and a curse, because it can make it difficult to come to a decision.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Things aren't always as they first appear. People you thought you knew well and circumstances that you thought you understood thoroughly now seem anything but straightforward.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Just because one person is no longer a part of your life doesn't mean that all people are unreliable. People change, as do situations.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Difficult as it may be for you to face all those projects you've left undone, Scorpio, know that you'll be free to move on once they're complete. People from your past figure prominently now.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) It can be hard to release old habits and beliefs even as new, better ways of thinking struggle to gain a foothold. It's time for you to do this, Gemini.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) It can be hard to release old habits and beliefs even as new, better ways of thinking struggle to gain a foothold. It's time for you to do this, Gemini.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Just how long has it been since you indulged in a big helping of your favorite guilty pleasure, Leo? It's time to let the youngster in you come out and play today. Eat that chocolate, read those mindless magazines, or skip down the sidewalk.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) If you feel like you're trying to push a square peg into a round hole, you're probably right, Virgo. Whether you're having personal or professional difficulties, there are times when it just doesn't pay to try so hard.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You could have a “eureka!” moment today, as events from your past unexpectedly bubble to the surface of your mind and crystallize in a surprising new way.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) It's easier to tend to life's mundane details rather than lift your eyes and see the big picture. For example, it's likely that you've grown complacent at work.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Change is in the air, Aquarius. Whether it's a dramatic change of faith or a major shift in your life's goals, prepare yourself for a profound transformation.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) It's time to refill the well of your soul, Pisces. You spend so much of your life in service to others that it's only natural that you feel drained sometimes. Rather than try to push past this feeling and go on as though nothing is the matter, consider it a sign that something is amiss.

GCF/NSC three-stage road race

Campbell poised to take overall male title - John wins second stage Akil Campbell is poised to take the overall male title while Clavecia Spencer is set to take the female crown as the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF)/National Sports

Reigning champion...

From page 69 Member and we would have welcomed him to participate.

“We wish Phil and Amy the very best and look forward to his return to golf.”

Mickelson’s public image took a hit when the author of an unauthorised biography on the six-times major champion said the golfer told him he was willing to look past Saudi Arabia’s human rights record to gain leverage with the PGA Tour. Saudi Arabia’s government has denied accusations of human rights abuses and Mickelson later apologised for the comments, which he claimed were off the record, and then said he planned to take time away from the sport.

Mickelson became golf’s oldest major champion at last year’s PGA Championship when, less than a month shy of turning 51, he held off Brooks Koepka and Louis Oosthuizen to triumph by two shots at Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course. Last month Mickelson filed for a release from the PGA Tour to play in the inaugural LIV Golf Invitational event, to be held June 9-11 near London, and also registered for the PGA Championship and June 16-19 U.S. Open. The PGA Tour on Tuesday rejected requests from several players, including Mickelson, for clearance to play the LIV opener.

Giro d’Italia...

From page 67 three minutes ahead of the peloton, allowing him to jump from 14th to fourth in the overall standings. Sunday’s stage, which features a number of large climbs, will be the first test of the contenders, which includes Britain’s Simon Yates. On his stage win, De Gendt said: “Today was one of those days that suits me.

“Ten years after the Stelvio stage [his first Giro win] I finally win a stage at the Giro again. “If you asked two weeks ago if I was able to I would have said no because I was in such bad shape. Now the good legs are coming.”

Commission (NSC) Independence Youth and Culture Three-stage road race commenced on Saturday.

Campbell and Raynauth Jeffrey were dominant in the first stage which commenced in the Town of Corriverton and proceeded to New Amsterdam for the finish, a distance of 40 miles.

The duo from Team Foundation did well to break away from the pack with Campbell crossing the finish line ahead of Jeffrey. The both clocked one hour, 47 minutes and 13 seconds. Deeraj Garbarran placed third in a time of 1 hour, 51 minutes and 28 seconds.

Clavecia Spencer won the female division ahead of Denise Jeffrey. Meanwhile, Jamual John overpowered his rivals to win the second stage which

pedaled off from New Amsterdam and ensued to Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown, spanning a distance of 60 miles. John crossed the finish line in 2 hours 35 minutes and 35 seconds while Curtis Dey placed second with an equivalent timing. David Hicks placed third in a time of 2 hours, 37 minutes and 10 seconds. For the Women, Spencer once again bested Denise Jeffrey in the second stage.

The third and final stage will pedal off today from 07:30hrs in the mining Town of Linden and culminate at Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown, a distance of 65 miles. The presentation of prizes will be done at the conclusion of this stage. (Zaheer Mohamed)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 66

Sunday May 15, 2022

Liverpool beat Chelsea in FA Cup final shootout (BBC Sport) - Liverpool remain in the hunt for a historic quadruple after winning the FA Cup following another Wembley penalty shootout against Chelsea.

Jurgen Klopp’s side repeated their Carabao Cup final victory in February, the decisive moment coming when Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson saved Mason Mount’s spot-kick, leaving Kostas Tsimikas to secure Liverpool’s second trophy of the season.

The Reds are still in the Premier League title race and have the Champions League final to come against Real Madrid.

Liverpool had the better of an eventful final, with the outstanding Luis Diaz and Andrew Robertson hitting the woodwork, although it may come at a price with Mohamed Salah going off injured in the first half and Virgil van Dijk going off after 90 minutes.It is a devastating blow for Chelsea and manager Thomas Tuchel to lose in this manner yet again as they had chances - with Marcos Alonso hitting the post and also being denied by Alisson - but become the first side to lose three successive FA Cup finals.

When Edouard Mendy saved Senegal team-mate Sadio Mane’s penalty in the shootout, when the Liverpool forward only needed to score to win the FA Cup, it just seemed for one moment that the Reds’ assault on four trophies might just be interrupted.

Alisson put Liverpool back on

Liverpool lifted the FA Cup for the eighth time in the club’s history (Getty Images)

course when he saved from Mount, who was inconsolable as Tsimikas sent the Liverpool fans wild by converting the final penalty.

Once again Liverpool had prevailed against fiercely disciplined and determined opponents, even though they lost Salah to what looked like a muscle injury before half-time and Van Dijk did not emerge for extra time.

It remains to be seen how serious those problems are but at present it looks like Liverpool can overcome most obstacles put in front of them, even though it once again took penalties to claim their first FA Cup since 2006.

D i a z w a s t h e g a m e ’s outstanding player, running Chelsea ragged and peppering Mendy’s goal with efforts until he

was substituted, exhausted, to a standing ovation.

Klopp refers to his players as “mentality monsters” and this illustrates why. Players from both sides gave so much that they were almost out on their feet at the final whistle.

Manchester City remain favourites in the Premier League, three points ahead and with a

superior goal difference, and this was a strength-sapping occasion that will have taken much out of Liverpool before they face Southampton at St Mary’s on Tuesday.

What we do know, though, is that Liverpool possess remarkable powers of resilience and recovery as they continue their march on history.

Reigning champion Mickelson GCOS Independence 5km race fires off today withdraws from PGA Championship

Marketing Director of Guybisco handed over sponsorship for the event to Avril Black (left), who received on behalf of the GCOS The National Park will play host to the Guyana Committee of Services 5km Independence Run and Walk race today, Sunday, May 15th.

Organizers have set the categories for seniors and juniors for the event which has garnered much needed corporate support prior to the event.

The under-12 athletes will do one lap around the park, while senior and masters’ athletes will tackle a 10K run.

Attractive incentives will be awarded to the top three performers in each category.

The event has received some support from corporate Guyana pitching in to help in the smooth running of the event. Included among the sponsors is Payless Variety Store, Guyana Beverages Inc., and E-Networks.

Phil Mickelson said on Friday he will not defend his PGA Championship title after having stepped away from the game in February amid fallout from comments he made regarding a Saudibacked golf league.

Mickelson had kept golf fans guessing about whether he would be at Southern Hills Country Club next week but the speculation ended with the PGA of America confirming he would not be in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The 51-year-old American becomes just the third PGA champion not to defend his title after Tiger Woods in 2008 and Ben Hogan in 1949, both of whom bowed out due to injury.

“We have just been informed that Phil Mickelson has withdrawn f r o m t h e P G A

Phil Michelson.

(USA Today Sports) Championship,” the PGA of America said. “Phil is the defending champion and currently eligible to be a PGA Life Member and we would have welcomed him to participate.

“We wish Phil and Amy the very best and look forward to his return to golf.”

M i c k e l s o n ’s p u b l i c image took a hit when the

author of an unauthorised biography on the six-times major champion said the golfer told him he was willing to look past Saudi Arabia’s human rights record to gain leverage with the PGA Tour.

Saudi Arabia’s government has denied accusations of human rights abuses and Mickelson later

apologised for the comments, which he claimed were off the record, and then said he planned to take time away from the sport.

Mickelson became golf’s oldest major champion at last year’s PGA Championship when, less than a month shy of turning 51, he held off Brooks Koepka and Louis Oosthuizen to triumph by two shots at Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course.

Last month Mickelson filed for a release from the PGA Tour to play in the inaugural LIV Golf Invitational event, to be held June 9-11 near London, and also registered for the PGA Championship and June 1619 U.S. Open.

T h e P G A To u r o n Tuesday rejected requests from several players, including Mickelson, for clearance to play the LIV opener.

(Reuters)

Sunday May 15, 2022

PAGE 67

Kaieteur News

Canada-based Guyanese Lewandowski will not sign delighted at commencement new contract at Bayern of SCA T20 Elite season

President of the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) Canada-based Guyanese Shiv Persaud is delighted with the start of the 2022 T20 Elite season.

On Saturday at Ashtonbee Park, Scarborough, Persaud’s side Victoria Park Cricket Club suffered a 54-run defeat to United Titans as one of the 12 matches got underway in brilliant sunshine. Persaud who failed to touch the score, stated that he was indeed pleased to see the turn out and more importantly games were played in a friendly manner. Reflecting on the past two years after games were badly affected due to the Global Pandemic, Persaud is now anticipating an actionpacked season in the other tournaments as well under the auspices of the SCA. “I [am] happy to see cricket is being played given the fact we had two difficult years with the pandemic; yes, we are expecting a great season and I am sure every player is excited to get on the field, too,” Persuad mentioned.

In the match, United Titans piled up a respectable 165-6 from the 20-over and then bowled out Victoria Park for 111 in the 20th over.

Farrukh Chodhry led the way for the Titans with a scintillating, 43-ball 83 laced with ten fours and

Shiv Persaud

four sixes.

When Victoria Park batted, Anand Erramilli made 51 not out as right-arm seamer Roshan Ali snatched 4-19 from 3.5 overs while Chodhry proved his all-round capability by picking up two wickets having conceded 12 runs from his four overs.

“You could have seen the excitement in the players coming out and played the game; last year the season was shortened but as I said we are expecting some fascinating cricket until October in every division,” the right-handed batsman Persaud related.

The Elite 50-overs com-

petition was slated to get cracking too Saturday afternoon and Persaud believes there will be the same level of enthralling cricket in that version because a large number of teams will be taking part while the different divisions will begin next week, including youths and women.

Meanwhile, over the years several former Guyana cricketers have been featuring for their respective clubs in the SCA’s tournaments. Some players are Royston Crandon, Harrienarine Chattergoon, Trevon Garraway, Krishna Deosaran, Eugene LaFleur among others.

Giro d’Italia: Veteran de Gendt wins stage eight in breakaway in Naples (BBC Sport) - Belgian veteran Thomas de Gendt claimed another fine breakaway victory at a Grand Tour by winning stage eight of the Giro d’Italia in Naples.

The 35-year-old was part of an initial breakaway before attacking again in the latter stages and winning a fourman sprint at the end of a hilly circuit.

It is the Lotto-Soudal rider’s fifth Grand Tour stage win, 10 years after his first in the Giro.

Spaniard Juan Pedro Lopez kept hold of the leader’s pink jersey.

Lopez, the early leader but not seen as a real challenger for the overall race win, finished in the peloton with

De Gendt has been seen as a breakaway specialist throughout his career (Getty Images)

most of the main contenders for the general classification.

Frenchman Guillaume

Martin was part of the initial breakaway which finished (Continued on page 65)

(BBC Sport) - Striker Robert Lewandowksi has confirmed he will not sign a new contract at Bayern Munich after the club said he wanted to leave.

Director Hasan Salihamidzic said the Pole, whose contract runs until next June, had told him he wants to leave.

Lewandowski said: “I told the club that if an offer comes in, then we have to think about it - also for the club.

“We have to find the best solution for both sides.”

He added: “I won’t sign a new contract.”

Lewandowski, winner of the past two Fifa player of the year awards, was speaking after scoring in Bayern’s final match of the Bundesliga season, a 2-2 draw away at Wolfsburg.

He has scored 344 times in 374 games for Bayern since arriving in 2014 and is their second-highest scorer of all time behind Gerd Muller.

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowksi Salihamidzic suggested the striker, also the secondhighest goal scorer in Bundesliga history behind Muller, would not be allowed to leave.

“Our position has not changed,” he said. “The fact is he has a contract to 30 June, 2023.”

Since joining from Borussia Dortmund, Lewandowski has won the league in all eight of his sea-

sons at Bayern and also won the Champions League in 2019-20.

Last year, Lewandowski broke Muller’s 49-year record for most Bundesliga goals in a calendar year with 43 in 34 games.

He has scored 49 in 45 appearances in all competitions going into Bayern’s final Bundesliga game of the season, away to Wolfsburg, on Saturday.

TATA IPL 2022: Russell keeps KKR’s hopes alive

KKR celebrates one of Andre Russell’s three wickets against Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL) - The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) registered their 6th victory in the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 after beating the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 54 runs on Saturday at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.

Andre Russell put on an all-round show in KKR’s comprehensive 54-run victory after scoring a blistering 49*(28) followed by a threewicket haul.

Chasing 178 to win, SRH openers – Kane Williamson and Abhishek Sharma were off to a steady start before Andre Russell rattled the stumps of the SRH skipper inside the powerplay. SRH were 31/1 at the end of 6 overs.

Sharma capitalised on his start and dispatched

consecutives sixes against Narine. Tim Southee took a brilliant catch off his own bowling to dismiss Tripathi for 9.

Aiden Markram joined Abhishek Sharma at the crease and SRH were 66-2 at the halfway stage. Varun Chakaravarthy dismissed the well set Abhishek Sharma, who was caught on 43.

Nicholas Pooran was out in the next over after Narine took a catch off his own bowling. Markram dispatched three sixes and looked dangerous before the righthanded batter dragged Umesh Yadav’s delivery on to the stumps in the 15th over.

Russell then dismissed Washington Sundar and Marco Jansen in the 18th over.

Southee scalped his second wicket to dismiss Shashank

Singh in the next over before SRH fell 54-runs short of the total.

Earlier, KKR, who opted to bat first, made two changes – Umesh Yadav and Sam Billings were named in the eleven.

Ajinkya Rahane was off the mark with a maximum but KKR lost Venkatesh Iyer’s wicket early after the opener chopped on to the stumps against Marco Jansen.

KKR were 55/1 at the end of the powerplay after both Rana and Rahane smacked a six each. Umran Malik scalped two wickets in an over after Shashank Singh grabbed excellent catches to dismiss Nitish Rana and Ajinkya Rahane.

Skipper Shreyas Iyer creamed two fours but holed (Continued on page 65)

PAGE 68

Sunday May 15, 2022

Kaieteur News

Novak Djokovic wins 1,000th Tour-level match with semi-final win at Italian Open (BBC Sport) - Novak Djokovic became the fifth man to win 1,000 Tour-level matches by beating Casper Ruud in the semi-final of the Italian Open in Rome.

He joins record-holder Jimmy Connors, Roger Federer, Ivan Lendl and Rafael Nadal in passing the landmark.

The 34-year-old Serb, who won his first ATP Tour match in 2004, was presented with a cake topped with the number 1,000 by organisers afterwards.

“I am blessed and privileged to have that many victories,” Djokovic said.

“Seeing Roger and Rafa celebrate these milestones in the last couple years, I was looking forward to getting to that milestone myself.

“It is a long time since I won my first match on Tour.

Hopefully I can keep going and there are many more victories to come.”

As the players shook hands, Ruud congratulated

the 20-time Grand Slam champion on his landmark win.

The world number one has reached 1,000 wins more quickly than rival Federer but has taken two more matches than Nadal and was also slower than Connors and Lendl. Djokovic had to battle at times against Norwegian Ruud, 23, but impressively came through 6-4 6-3.

He will play Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday’s final as he chases a first title of the season.

Most ATP Tour wins: Jimmy Connors – 1,274, Roger Federer - 1,251, Ivan Lendl 1,068, Rafael Nada - 1,051, Novak Djokovic - 1,000.

Tsitsipas reached the final of the clay-court event for the first time by beating Alexander Zverev 4-6 6-3 6-3.

The 23-year-old Greek overcame a perfect start from Germany’s Zverev to reach a fifth Masters final and his fourth on clay. Swiatek in Women’s final…

Iga Swiatek extended her

winning run to 27 matches and moved within one victory of a fifth consecutive title by reaching the Italian Open final.

The 20-year-old Polish world number one brushed aside third seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-2 6-1 in her semifinal. Swiatek has not lost since February but will play Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur in Sunday’s final - a meeting of two of the form players in the women’s game. Jabeur beat Daria Kasatkina and is going for her second title in a row.

Her semi-final was far more hard-fought, the 27-yearold having to save a match point in a 6-4 1-6 7-5 win over Russia’s Kasatkina.

Jabeur became the first Arab or African player to win a WTA 1000 title by winning in Madrid last week. Swiatek has won her last four events, in Doha, Indian Wells, Miami and Stuttgart. The last player to win five events in a row on the WTA tour was Serena Williams in 2013.

Novak Djokovic is chasing a sixth title in Rome Iga Swiatek won the French Open in 2020 as a 19-year-old

GSW beat Memphis Grizzlies in Western Conference Klay Thompson (left) top scored for the Warriors with 40 points

(BBC Sport) - The Golden State Warriors reached the NBA Western Conference play-off final with a 110-96 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.

Klay Thompson’s 30point haul and 29 from Stephen Curry helped the home side to a 4-2 series win.

They next face the Phoenix Suns or the Dallas Mavericks, who play on Sunday.

In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics beat the Milwaukee Bucks 108-95 to level their series at 3-3 and send it to a game seven decider on Sunday.

The Warriors had taken a

hammering in Memphis in game five but game six was a much tighter affair, with each side trading the lead three times in the final quarter before the Warriors managed to pull clear.

It means they have reached their sixth Western Conference final in eight years.

“Such a special season with a special group, and I want them to cherish that, remember that, despite this loss.”

The Bucks, defending NBA champions, also had a chance to progress, going into a home game with a 3-2

series lead.

Star man Giannis Antetokounmpo played his part, scoring 44 points and 20 rebounds - the first 40-point, 20-rebound game since Shaquille O’Neal in 2001.

But the Celtics’ Jayson Tatum outshone even Antetokounmpo with 46 points to see the visitors keep their semi-final series alive.

“Our season was on the line. I knew that and we knew that. We had to give it all we’ve got,” Tatum said.

The winners of the Bucks-Celtics series will meet the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference final.

Sunday May 15, 2022

GCB Women’s Inter-County T20 Tournament...

Berbice remain unbeaten after 8-wkt win over Demerara

By Sean Devers Pre-tournament favourites, Berbice, remained the only unbeaten team when they inflicted an eight-wicket defeat over Demerara at Everest yesterday in the second round of the GCB Women’s Senior Inter-County T20 cricket tournament.

Berbice crushed Essequibo by nine wickets at Albion on Friday to open their campaign with a win.

Demerara set 75 to win after batting first and being restricted to 74 - 7 when their 20 overs expired. Berbice reached 75 - 2 with 8.4 overs remaining to take the lead in four-team tournament, which also features a Select X1.

Berbice invited Demerara to bat on a heavy outfield and a track with some pace and bounce in good weather conditions. Only Skipper and West Indies player, Cherry Ann Fraser, who followed up her 43 in Berbice with 16, was the only batter to reach double figures.

Guyana’s off-spinner, Plaffiana Millington, captured 3-10 from four overs to take the Most Valuable Player Award.

When West Indies batter Mandy Mangru (5) walked past an arm ball from Millington after pulling the spinner over square-leg for four, two balls earlier it was 16-1.

It was soon 22-2 when the burly Latoya Smith was bowled by Millington before the handy Fraser and Lawshawna Toussaint provided a token of resistance with a 21-run partnership before the latter was removed by

Selecter Peter Persaud presents Plaffianna Millington with MVP trophy Dian Prahald at 43-3.

Akaze Thompson (9) and Fraser were Demerara’s main hope of posting a challenging total but Fraser, who is a level above the others, was run out five runs later and Thompson provided Millington with her third wicket.

It was always going to be hard total to defend against the best prepared team in the tournament.

When Berbice began their run chase, Sherica Campbelle, was dropped at first slip twice

by Mangru and at second slip by Kaysia Shultz off the fired up Fraser, charging in from Atlantic Ocean end.

Campbelle and Katana Mentore survived the impressive opening burst and put together 47 before Campbelle tried to clear long-on a was taken by Fraser off Mangru for 26.

Thompson, who replaced

Fraser, also used the overcast conditions well and troubled the batters but although West Indies batter Shabika Gajnabi (1) was removed by off-spinner Latisha Jordon, who had 4-7, including a hattrick on Friday in Berbice, Mentore (19) and Shanetta Grimmond (12) saw their team to another emphatic win.

In the morning game, Essequibo led by a well compiled 43 from Skipper Kumari Persaud and 10 from Navika Narine, gave their team a 57run first wicket stand before they eventually reached 1074. The Select X1 were restricted to 84-7 with Skipper Sara Amin top scoring with 17 as Nafeeza Sabar (3-12) and Analesia D’Aguiar (2-18) did the damage with the ball for the lasses from Guyana’s largest County.

The competition continues tomorrow at Everest with another double header.

Reigning champion Mickelson withdraws from PGA Championship (Reuters) - Phil Mickelson said on Friday he will not defend his PGA Championship title after having stepped away from the game in February amid fallout from comments he made regarding a Saudi-backed golf league.

Mickelson had kept golf fans guessing about whether he would be at Southern Hills Country Club next week but the speculation ended with the PGA of America confirming he would not be in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The 51-year-old American becomes just the third PGA champion not to defend his title after Tiger Woods in 2008 and Ben Hogan in 1949, both of whom bowed out due to injury.

PAGE 69

Kaieteur News

Phil Michelson becomes just the third PGA champion not to defend his title after Tiger Woods in 2008 and Ben Hogan in 1949. (USA Today Sports)

“We have just been informed that Phil Mickelson has withdrawn from the PGA Championship,” the PGA of

America said. “Phil is the defending champion and currently eligible to be a PGA Life (Continued on page 65)

White Castle Fish Shop onboard with GAPLF for today’s meet White Castle Fish Shop has supported the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) Masters/ Intermediate Championship which is being staged today at St. Stanislaus College’s Auditorium.

Proprietor of White Castle Fish Shop, Jermaine Langevine, presented the sponsorship cheque to Mark Seymour who is the PRO/ Organising Secretary for GAPLF. Seymour thanked Langevine for his contribution and said he hopes the entity will continue to lend support.

Fierce rivalry is expected at the championships with athletes from Essequibo and Berbice set to battle with their counterparts from Demerara.

Among those expected to test their competitive strength are Winston Stoby, Nigel Phillips, Toni Ferreira, Marlon

Jermaine Langevine (left) presents the sponsorship cheque to Mark Seymour

Wilson, Marley, Vyphius, Ashlie Abraham, Sarah

Goptar and Fredericks.

Richard

PAGE 70

Sunday May 15, 2022

Kaieteur News

GFF outfits Hinterland Teams for Regional Leagues kick off

GFF outfitted the Rupununi clubs ahead of the country-wide kick off of the Regional Leagues on May 15

In line with its long-term strategy to accelerate the development of male and female football in hinterland regions, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has supplied football equipment to teams across the Rupununi in preparation for the national relaunch of regional association league football this weekend.

The GFF provided 52 footballs and 300 training bibs to 26 clubs, including men’s and women’s teams, affiliated to the Rupununi Football Association, which operates four district-based leagues across Region 9.

“This is a historic weekend for football in Guyana – the first time that all nine regional association senior leagues have kicked off in unison across the nation,” said GFF President Wayne Forde. “As we all know, the Rupununi has an unrivalled passion for the beautiful game, among both male and female players, and it is vital that we provide the support needed to ensure they can perform to their best as we return to play after the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The recent provision of equipment has been made possible through the GFF’s Members Financial Assis-

tance Programme (M-FAP), which democratises and redistributes FIFA Forward and other funding received by the GFF among its membership under strict accountability criteria to give members the resources they need to drive the development of football nationwide.

“We look forward to following the progress of these teams across Region 9 as they compete to play in the national playoffs later in the year,” Forde added. “The GFF is committed to continue providing the necessary technical and logistical support to our members and community (Continued on page 65)

In another tragic blow to Australian cricket, Andrew Symonds has died in a car accident, aged 46.

Senior cricket journalist Robert Craddock reports that the former all-rounder was killed about 50kms outside To w n s v i l l e on Saturday night.

A Queensland police statement says Symonds

was in a single-car crash about 10.30pm.

Symonds was driving on Hervey Range Road near the Alice River Bridge when his car left the road and rolled, police say.

Paramedics arrived at the scene but couldn’t revive the former Australian fan favourite, who was the only person in the car.

Symonds is the third Australian cricket legend to sudd e n l y p a s s a w a y t h i s y e a r following the t r a g i c d e a t h s o f Shane Warne and Rod Marsh in March.

Symonds played 26 Tests for Australia, and w a s a n i n t e g r a l p a r t of Australia’s white ball sides that dominated the world between 1999 and 2007.

Aussie cricket legend Andrew Symonds dies in car crash, aged 46

Football action returns to Berbice - Eight teams to feature in Men’s League All is set for the restart of football action in the Ancient country of Berbice today.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/ Berbice Football Association (BFA) 2022 Senior Men’s League which involves squads from both East and West Berbice will see eight teams participating.

The competition will get underway at the Monedderlust (No. 5) Ground, West Coast Berbice with a double header.

Paradise Football Club of West Coast Berbice will be taking on Corriverton Links FC of Corentyne in the opener encounter from 15:00 hrs.

That match will be followed by the march past of the teams involved which will be taken by officials from both the GFF and BFA. The second game is expected to commence at 17:00 hrs with Rosignol United out of West Bank Berbice playing Monedderlust Football Club of West Coast Berbice.

The other clubs involved in the competition are Cougars FC, New Amsterdam United and Hearts of Oak FC of New Amsterdam along with Hopetown Rangers FC of West Coast Berbice.

At the end of the competition the top three teams

BFA President Sherwin Forde

along with outstanding individual players will be rewarded with incentives. The top two teams will be selected to represent the Association in the National League which is expected to follow.

Four venues have been earmarked for play with the other three being the Esplanade Ground in New Amsterdam, the Corriverton

Ground and the Rosignol Play field.

According to BFA President, Sherwin Forde, the Association is presently seeking sponsorship to help offset the staging of the competition.

Forde also stated that he is expecting a keenly contested competition since the teams are all set and ready for competition.

Sunday May 15, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 71

GCF/NSC three-stage road race rts Spo

Jamual John crosses the finish line unopposed in the second stage (Zaheer Mohamed photo)

Campbell poised to take overall male title - John wins second stage Spencer won the second stage (Zaheer Mohamed photo)

Aussie cricket legend Andrew Symonds dies in car crash, aged 46 Andrew Symonds

GFF outfitted the Rupununi clubs ahead of the country-wide kick off of the Regional Leagues on May 15

GFF outfits Hinterland Teams for Regional Leagues kick off Football action returns to Berbice - Eight teams to feature in Men’s League GSW beat Memphis Grizzlies in Western Conference Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.