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Thursday May 20, 2021
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL - Tel: 624-6456 Editor: SHARMAIN GRAINGER Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
IRI and Intervention Seven years ago, at the end of April 2014, the then Government of Guyana the Donald Ramotar Administration revoked the work permit of a man called Glenn Bradbury. Bradbury was at the time the Head of something called the Leadership and Democracy Project (LEAD), a US State Department initiative launched just a year earlier and executed by an agency called the International Republican Institute (IRI). A year before, the LEAD project was launched with ostensible buy-in by both the governing party of the day, the PPP/C and the then separate parliamentary majority opposition, the APNU and the AFC. Within a year however, things had broken down between the US Government at the time, led by Barack Obama, and the Ramotar Government. Two months after the attempted ouster of Bradbury (his revocation would ultimately be revoked), then (and now) Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, blasted then US Ambassador, Brent Hardt, during a Fourth of July celebration at the Ambassadors residence, waxing woeful about the historical impact of US intervention in Guyana. IRI would remain and back a popular youth voter education drive called Vote like a Boss,” one that was warmly welcomed by what would become the APNU+AFC 2015 elections campaign. Today, the IRI is back in Guyana, this time involved in two interlinked governance-related projects, one “Strengthening Democracy in Guyana through Polling Data and Peace Building” slated to last from February 2021 to January 2022; and the other, “Advocating for Electoral Reform in Guyana,” with a project duration from April 2021 to September 2022. Unlike seven years ago however, the PPP/C Government is in full support of the IRIs activities, this week blasting not the IRI but, of all things, APNU+AFC and some civil society vehement opposition to IRIs current projects, based on some tinfoil hat claim that the projects are part of some larger, clandestine imperial plan. The Vote like a Boss campaign, while it encouraged young voters to come forward and vote for the first time, was not the catalyst for regime change that the Ramotar Administration made it out to be or fancied that it was. What took place in 2015 was what happens in democracies the world over, without some nefarious external interventionist cabal wielding some inordinate influence over the will of the people; and it was the same thing that took place in 2020. IRIs current two initiatives are at best useful as a small part of a grander scheme of movement that cannot and will not escape the role of the constitutional actors of this country.It is interesting that, in the era of social media and infometrics and big data and behavioural projection, any organisation would believe that any project with clandestine intent would show itself openly and announce itself, even as some benevolent aid. The PPP/C has clearly evolved from whatever feral manifestation it exhibited in 2014 while the Opposition which progressively supported a Vote like a Boss campaign that did not even tangentially pander to its partisan interests now, after a brief stint in government, has now regressed to opposed two projects that do not even directly have anything to do with any pending elections. Both IRI projects end three years before the next scheduled polls. As for the NGOs that have come out with claws bared against the IRI projects with an absurd and clownish ferocity, the most glaring thing is not the false sense of enlightened resistance to a straw man imperialism, but the blinding hypocrisy that comes with what pretends to be principled resistance to the projects. The same Guyana Human Rights Association, for example, that spoke about the IRIs capacity for “fascism” was silent last year when, after losing an elections, the Granger Administration spent months using the tools of the State, including the Guyana Police Force, to artificially extend its time in office months after losing an election and the better part of two years after being defeated in a No Confidence Vote. Guyana needs electoral reform. Guyana needs constitutional reform. However, for both to happen, it needs principled consistency and integrity from both sides of the political divide, and from what passes piss-poorly for civil society, not the clownish theatre and hysterics that prevailed seven years ago and that has not only apparently been transferred but has amplified now.
GUYSUCO not handling COVID-19 right DEAR EDITOR, Permit me a space in your newspaper to highlight a few issues that are happening at the training centre managed by GUYSUCO. To my understanding, the centre now trains soldiers from the Guyana Defence Force along with apprentices for GUYSUCO, which is very commendable. My issue with GUYSUCO is how it is going about doing the training. We all know the COVID-19 virus is very rampant in the East Berbice area. But I was made to understand that training is going on as normal where
students dwell together, work together, train together and even play sports together. I am wondering isn’t this against the COVID-19 guidelines that has to be followed? I would like to know if the Ministries of Health and Education fully endorsed this, and if they did, why other training institutions are not allowed to operate in the same manner. I was also made to understand that the students are not allowed to go home which I don’t have a problem with, but the staff members are going home on a daily basis, which poses a
threat to the students in contracting the COVID-19 virus. I was also informed that the school had to come to a halt over the Easter holidays because of students who tested positive on arrival at the school after the holidays; thus, they were told that they are not allowed to go home back until they finished their training. Finally, I overheard a conversation with my nephew and my sister, where he was saying that apprentices are bombarded with maintenance and extra work, and when they ask for it to be eased up they were threatened to be
sent home by management. What he was saying after I took the phone from my sister is that, exams are coming up and they are nowhere near completion of their syllabus; thus, it is hard on them to
concentrate when they are doing so much physical training and maintenance. I am calling on the COVID19 task force and the Ministries of Health and Education to visit the school and evaluate what’s happening, and if what is happening at the school is the correct thing to do in the midst of a pandemic. Yours truly, Concerned Aunt
PNC must begin to work on winning next elections DEAR EDITOR, Mr. Joseph Harmon is not a very experienced Parliamentarian or Leader of the Opposition. This fact reverberates in parliament and among PNC supporters, who are becoming discontented and falling away from the party. I will mention three examples of this: i) - He seems to have given Mr. Alexander a carte blanche to do as he likes. This results in Mr. A. projecting that he wishes to carry on with dense obfuscations and circumlocutions to delay. His refusal to hear what the IRI (International Republican Institute) had to say is a bad
move, since it sends a message to the USA and the International community that the PNC had no interest in strengthening Democracy in Guyana. This is politically an unwise thing to do. ii) - Mr. Harmon and those around him have been crying “race and racial discrimination” on almost everything the Government does. This silliness has lost Mr. Harmon and those around him credibility, so if any kind of genuine problem of racial discrimination were to arise, people would not be able to distinguish what is factual and what is not. PNC supporters have been calling on Mr. Harmon to analyse issues and attack PPP/C on
issues and not aimlessly crying “race” which is meaningless. iii) - Mr. Harmon’s recent demand that his office as Leader of the Opposition be given more times funds than Dr. Jagdeo, the last LOA received just a year ago, has awakened memories of the splurge of millions APNU+AFC gave itself as soon as it got into office. That was a very unpopular thing and is being equated with Mr. Harmon’s new financial demands where he indicates that he would pay $800,000 per month for janitorial services to clean a small building. Mr. Harmon keeps shooting himself and the PNC
in the foot, making the party seem irrelevant and destined to disintegrate. I would like to suggest to Mr. Harmon (a) to privately ask the Speaker, Ms. Lawrence, and Mr. Corbin to give guidance to him and his parliamentarians as to his role and how to perform it, (b) that he attacks the PPP/C on issues and not to carry on the meaningless refrain “race,” (c) be careful not to alienate the US and the international community and to sincerely and transparently move the party to full commitment to democracy, and (d) begin to seriously work to win the next elections. Yours truly, Paul Validum Ramlochan
Foreign pressure saved Guyanas democracy DEAR EDITOR, Does PNC Leader, David Granger, realise how preposterous he sounds when he was reported as saying in SN on May 16, that foreign intervention made the 2020 elections “toxic?” No one can fail to disagree when he said, “Our electoral laws have to be seriously reexamined, but I believe we live in a society where we are (sic) mature enough to conduct elections.” Yes sir. It was the same PNC that colluded with GECOM to rig the March 2020 elections with Clairmont Mingo giving conflicting and false figures, which GECOMs CEO, Keith
Lowenfield, fraudulently used to advise GECOM Chairman, retired Justice Claudette Singh, to declare the winner. Editor, this “... type of mischief perpetrated on the people of Guyana last year” according to Grangers own words was all due to PNC fraud. If it wasn’t foreign pressure a fraudulent election would have resulted in a coalition victory, which would have been a travesty. Foreign pressure contributed to the upholding of Guyana’s fragile democracy. Furthermore, the PNC leader cannot pick and choose which court delivers justice in Guyana. The CCJ will remain the final court of
Responsiveness and drive by government is refreshing DEAR EDITOR, The rainy season is upon us and as it has happened in previous years, flooding usually follows right after due to blocked canals and drains in my community. Im a resident of Greenfield and a lot of the drains in my community have been blocked with excessive
vegetation in recent years. I decided to make contact with the Ministrys hotline asking for some assistance with clearing these canals. I was told that my request would be forwarded to the engineer for my area to see what assistance could be (Continued on page 6)
adjudication of Guyana regardless of what Granger wishes. It is so enshrined in the Guyana constitution and requires a two-thirds vote to change it. When the former President criticises the makeup of the election commission with the appointment of three election commissioners each by the government and opposition as a recipe for “gridlock” he has forgotten this was a Carter Centre formula with which the same PNC agreed to in 1992 and which is now part of the Guyana constitution. It will require a constitutional amendment to change this issue.
What has been most obvious is that the PNC is not a party that has any respect for laws, rules and democracy. When it loses, it wants to change the rules of the game by rioting and violence. This does not augur well for a multiracial Guyana. How far have we come from 1964 when outside “toxic” pressure left hundreds dead, racial riots and subversion of democracy to put the PNC-led coalition into power, which bankrupted Guyana for 28 years. That same outside pressure put the PNC lead coalition in 2015 and all was hunky dory then. Sincerely, Sultan Mohamed
Pensioner appeals for assistance DEAR EDITOR, I am a pensioner of 65 years and would like the General Manager of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to look into my old age claim, which I applied for over two months ago. I took some time to apply for the claim because NIS was frustrating me when it comes
to my contributions. I do not understand why the establishment takes so long to look at peoples pension claim. So, I am appealing to the Government of Guyana and the General Manager of NIS to assist me in getting what is due to me. Yours truly, Fitzgerald Scott
Thursday May 20, 2021
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Kaieteur News
Question remains how to maintain Diaspora Unit should comprise staff of unquestioned integrity a balance between massive developmental undertakings and the Sonny Ramdeo fame) that and experience went bankrupt; KN exposed maintenance of a green economy DEAR EDITOR, diaspora engagement the scandal relating to that I agree with the advice proffered by veteran commentator, Dr. Vishnu Bisram, of the need for a formal diaspora engagement policy (KN May 17). Dr. Bisram related the work of Mr. Ashook Ramsaran and himself in advocating for the Indian and Guyanese Diasporas going back for the last 30 years. But Dr. Bisram underrated and under-stated the role of others, specifically Afro-Guyanese, who championed a diaspora policy. Several other individuals besides Bisram and Ramsaran and organisations have championed a diaspora policy especially over the last several years when the coalition was in government. They all should be applauded for their efforts at promoting Guyana abroad and for lobbying the Guyana government for a diaspora policy. The David Granger Administration disappointed the diaspora, particularly Afro-Guyanese who placed so much hope in him. Unlike during the 1980s, today the size of the diaspora and their overseas born descendants may be twice the size of the population of Guyana. They can be a tremendous asset to Guyana if properly harnessed. There has not been an effective diaspora policy for the first nine months of this administration. The Ali administration has started off badly just like Ramotars. Granger had the right policy in his manifesto but implemented nothing. What took place over the last nine months is a harbinger of what is to come. Nothing much would change over the next four years except that in 2025 there would be a new administration given the type of governance over the last nine months. Regrettably, as Dr. Bisram pointed out, succeeding governments have not been serious about a diaspora policy. They engaged the diaspora for public consumption. Previous
sessions were all feel good talk shops just to tell overseas Guyanese what they wanted to hear, so they would be motivated to donate money to corrupt politicians who really dont give a hoot about the diaspora. Would the May 22 engagement conference be any different? The Foreign Secretary, Mr. Robert Persaud, reportedly said this engagement would be different from those in the past. Is Robert Persaud the right person to engage the diaspora? Did he not jump ship in May 2015 and courted APNU? When it appeared that PPP would win in March 2020, did he not abandon APNU and returned to the PPP? He said that the Ali government values the role of the diaspora in development and is very serious about courting their investment. That being the case, why hasnt the government recruited individuals of impeccable character and integrity and expertise in the field to liaise with and or to engage the diaspora? An examination of some individuals connected with the May 22 diaspora conference (KN May 16) reveal a lack of experience and expertise in diaspora affairs. There also seems to be some kinds of incestuous ties between organisers of the parley and members of the government and their business associates. As an illustration, Robert Persaud is the nephew-in-law of Jagdeo. Rosalind Rasul was employed with the Ramroop group of companies and Dynamic Airlines (of
carrier. Ramroop and Ali and Jagdeo are partners. Fazal Yussuff, employed by this government at the New York Consulate and is reportedly overseeing the conference, is married to Robert Persauds relative. Yussuffs name made the news in New York daily newspapers a few years ago for misleading legislators in a hearing in a management scandal at Rikers Island prison where he held a leadership position. Was he forced to leave the New York City job? Ali and Jagdeo should travel around and hear “the nice things” being said about Robert Persaud and some others that the government appointed. A one-term government is in the making. How can anyone take the diaspora conference seriously with those kinds of characters and the linkage with the political leadership? The appointment of these characters says a lot of how the government feels about and views the diaspora. Why are only politicians addressing the conference? Is there no role for community leaders and scholars like Profs Ivelaw Griffith and Paul Tennasse, Floyd Haynes, among others, who study the diaspora? The staff who court the diaspora and is charged with overseeing diaspora affairs should have impeccable character and unquestioned integrity. There should have been a clean slate not a return to old baggage. And yes, I endorse the recommendation there should be a proper structure to engage the diaspora. Yours truly, Thomas Whitehead
DEAR EDITOR, The partial destruction of the mangrove forests on the West Bank of the Demerara River has taken center stage. At the same time, it has given birth to yet another public controversy. The controversy hinges on the imminent establishment of a shore-base facility at a location where a forest of mangroves once flourished. Transitioning from a mangrove habitat to a shorebased industrial complex was bound to raise eyebrows in certain quarters. Government must have anticipated the public outcry, thus the response from the subject minister. In a democracy, an investment of that magnitude was expected to ignite controversy especially since environmental concerns are involved. When the Brooklyn Bridge spanning New Yorks East River was being built, skeptics predicted the entire structure would collapse into the river. The bridge gave rise to numerous controversies.
Some feared the bridge would harm trade, obstruct navigation along the river, that it would be a danger to public safety, harmful to jobs and the economy. In the end, the bridge was successfully completed. The rest is history. That experience aside, in some countries, the eco-services provided by mangroves are highly valued due to their unique capability of sequestering carbon at rates far exceeding those of other tropical forests. Since Guyanas coastline and riverbanks are replete with mangrove forests, this exceptional situation, places Guyana at an advantage in its international campaign to sell carbon credits. Environmentalists and conservationists have long established that the eco-services provided by mangroves can contribute significantly to a governments efforts at mobilising financial derivatives. All things being equal, it seems therefore that, from government statements, the
degrading of a portion of Guyanas mangroves is affordable and would not in anyway, undermine the countrys potential to sell carbon credits in a rapidly expanding global market. But in the midst of the current development versus environment debate, there is a missing element. It is to be assumed that whenever mangroves along our riverbanks are destroyed in favour of large-scale developmental projects, the relationship between our rivers and the Atlantic Ocean is taken into account. Like all low-lying coastal states, Guyana faces the threat of rising sea levels and flooding as a result of global warming. Thus, while revetments will avoid flooding at that specific location where mangroves once flourished, our experience with the great floods of 1998 and 2005 due to heavy rainfall, show that flooding on the West Bank and West Coast of Demerara took place even with the existence of thriving mangroves (Continued on page 6)
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Thursday May 20, 2021
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Paul Slowe, others implicated in Police Force’s $10M fraud - Slowe also accused of sexual assault Nine persons – six of them retired high-ranking policemen and three senior officers still serving the Guyana Police Force (GPF) – have been accused of conspiring to defraud the Force of over $10M. The alleged fraud was uncovered by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). One of implicated individuals has been identified as the current Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Slowe. Not only is it alleged that he was one of the conspirators in the fraud but he is also being accused of sexually assaulting a female Assistant Superintendent who worked with him, on three occasions. Slowe, according to a police release, sexually assaulted the woman during the months of March and April 2019. She had reported the matter to an Assistant Commissioner who failed to take “proper legal action,” the release added. Slowe, the Force informed, had left the jurisdiction since an investigation was launched into the matter. He is however required to present himself for questioning to SOCU and at the Gender Based Violence Unit of the Force for fraud and sexual assault, respectively. Meanwhile, the five other former high-ranking lawmen who are implicated in the fraud matter have been identified as: retired Assistant Commissioner, Clinton Conway; retired Assistant Commissioner, Claude Whittaker; retired Senior Superintendent, Mark Gilbert; retired Senior Superintendent, George Fraser, and retired Senior Superintendent, Michael Sutton. The three senior ranks still serving the Force who have been implicated are: Assistant Commissioner of Police, Royston Andries-Junor; a former female finance officer and a male officer attached to the police finance office. Kaieteur News was able to confirm that five of the retired lawmen were arrested yesterday. Director of the Force’s Corporate Communications Unit (CCU), Mark Ramotar, informed media operatives that the men have since been released and are expected to appear in court today. The alleged fraudsters are being accused of conspiring to defraud the GPF of $10,056,000 to do a complete review of the GPF’s Standing Orders, which had already been reviewed in July 2018 and completed in March 2019 by the Force’s Strategic Planning Unit. The GPF detailed that even if they had used the cash
to review the Standing Orders, Slowe and the others have so far failed to present the evidence that it was completed. It also pointed out that the alleged fraudsters conspired to give themselves a job that clearly should have gone to the National Procurement and Tender Board by law because of the quantity. Additionally, it was noted that Slowe and retired Assistant Commissioner Conway, are both members of the PSC, which overlooks the GPF as the disciplinary body, and cannot take contracts or enter agreements where they are benefitting from substantial monetary rewards. Speaking with Kaieteur News yesterday, Conway, while under arrest, disclosed that he was taken to the Brickdam Police Station around 10:00 hrs. yesterday by two SOCU ranks. “When I reached to the station they told me I was arrested for committing fraud,” he said. Questioned about his involvement in the alleged fraud, Conway said that in March 2019 the then Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, had invited him, Slowe, Whittaker, Fraser and Gilbert to a meeting in the Commissioner of Police’s Conference Room, Eve Leary.He went on to say that, several other senior police officers were also present.“We were told that the Executive Leadership Team of the Guyana Police Force decided that myself and persons previously mentioned were selected to revise over 130 woefully outdated Police Standing Orders,” Conway said. He related that at that time, no salary was mentioned and they all agreed to revise the Standing Orders and started that very day after the meeting ended. Conway disclosed that they were granted access to the Strategic Management Unit (SMU) to carry out their work. “We did several sessions (reviews) on Tuesday and Fridays,” he recounted. A few weeks later, according to Conway, Assistant Commissioner, AndriesJunor, was in charge of the SMU and had informed him and others that they will be paid a stipend of $3,000 per hour.Andries-Junor reportedly had related to Conway and others that the decision to pay them the stipend was made by James, the then Commissioner of Police and the Executive Leadership. According to Conway, an account was created by a SMU staffer and submitted to the Police Finance Department where he and others uplifted their payments. In terms of the work they
Police Service Commission Chairman and Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, completed, Conway said that they had reviewed 68 Standing Orders and had saved them in a computer file. The intention, he said, was that the reviewed Standing Orders would have been forwarded to the Commissioner of Police by AndriesJunor for approval by the Executive Leadership Team. Conway related too that a female Assistant Superintendent, Nicola Kendall, had informed him and others that they would no longer have access to the SMU because ranks had to use it in preparation for the 2020 general and regional elections. When COVID-19 struck, he continued, “We were instructed not to do any more work on the Standing Orders until the pandemic is over.”
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Royston Andries-Junor.
Retired Senior Superintendent, George Fraser.
Retired Assistant Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Commissioner of Police, Claude Whittaker. Clinton Conway.
Retired Superintendent, Mark Gilbert.
Retired Senior Superintendent, Michael Sutton.
Question remains how to maintain a balance ... From page 5 forests. Erosion, inundation and elimination of coastal ecosystems is a natural outcome of global warming and climate change. That is why for a low-lying coastal state like Guyana, adaptation and resiliencebuilding measures is an urgent necessity. It is hoped that the financial derivatives from the sale of carbon credits will help offset the high costs of adaptation and resilience building measures. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; (IPCC), The global average of sea levels should rise to 34 inches by the year 2100 or a much faster pace than the 4 to 10 inch increase of the past century. At the same time, the just released US 2020 EPA Report emphasizes that; Climate change is driven by humans and that; Sea levels are rising, and flooding is increasing in cities along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. As sea levels rise, so will our rivers, bringing because
of their interface with the ocean, a greater intrusion of salt water to inland fresh waters. The resultant impact on the farming and other communities who eke out a living in the riverine areas makes the threat real and not just a gaffe. This brings us to the difficult problem we have failed over the years as a nation to tackle and resolve.I refer to our preference for living on the coastland and our habit for reengineering our surroundings as is the case at Malgre-Tout/Versailles, and our failure to radically transform the interior of our country making it a major developed, more populated and bustling hub for investment, commerce and entertainment. The principal factors that have militated against this development deficit were; lack of financial resources and political will of previous administrations; the role of the international financial institutions, the belligerent stand adopted by Venezuela and reluctance of foreign investors. It is to be recalled, that in 2000 Beal Aerospace Technologies and the Jinlin For-
estry Industry Group pulled out their multi-million dollar investments from the interior of our country because of fear and threats to their investments. It is my sincere hope that the Eager Beavers who continue to obsequiously exercise a preference for industrial development on the coastland will recognise the urgent need for equally rapid development of the interior of our country, notwithstanding the concomitant environmental and other external considerations. The big question remains how to maintain a balance between massive developmental undertakings and the
maintenance of a green economy. When so many opinions that have been proffered about moving the capital from the coastland to the interior, it is time we put a team of experts together to revisit the proposal, whether utopia or pipe dream. It is not just about the degradation of mangroves and the reengineering the location with a new developmental project, nor should it be when we come to that bridge well cross it. It is the much bigger question about continuing to live on the coast at our peril. Yours truly, Clement J. Rohee
Responsiveness and... From page 4 rendered and that someone would contact me on the matter. I immediately assumed that that would be the last time I heard from anyone at the Ministry. To my surprise, I was contacted by Mr. Ramdeen, who identified himself as the regional engineer. The residents were pleased with the response
and the works conducted so far. I was also told that the Minister had visited the area some time ago and a number of drains and canals were cleared following that visit. The responsiveness and drive to get work done by this government is refreshing and much needed at this time. Yours truly, Amala Sargoon-Singh
Thursday May 20, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Thursday May 20, 2021
Oil and Gas Energy Chamber to boycott GIPEX 2021 - says it is an “anti-local content activity”
P
resident of the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC), Mr. Manniram Prashad, is calling for industry stakeholders to boycott the upcoming Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit and Exhibition (GIPEX), which will be hosted for the third year from June 28-30. In a release to the media, Prashad said the organisation of the event leaves local companies that are asked to participate with little to no benefit; meanwhile, the lions share of the profits are taken overseas by Valiant Business Media (VBM). Since its inception, VBM has been the main organiser of the event. Expounding on the need for Guyanese to boycott this event, Prashad noted that participating companies are often times required to sponsor or attend GIPEX at exorbitant prices, while adding, that those revenues are not reinvested in the local economy. In some cases, Prashad said “a pittance” is given, if any at all, to the local collaborators for their hard work. Further to this, the President of GOGEC said he also observed that there seems to be an attempt to divide and exploit some local private sector groups with speaking slots as an incentive to add their name to the event. “But as far as I am aware, the Private Sector Commission and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have not added their name to the GIPEX 2021 Conference in June. Also, GOGEC is not par-
President of the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC), Mr. Manniram Prashad. ticipating in the summit. Our membership is committed to local content in the interest of all Guyanese especially the poor and vulnerable,” expressed the former Tourism Minister. Additionally, he was keen to note as well, that the local private sector is quite capable of promoting its own summits and exhibition while adding, that operators and subcontractors should make every effort to assist towards having this done as it would redound in real local content being achieved. In conclusion, Prashad called for industry stakeholders to avoid GIPEX, an event he deems to be an anti-local content activity. Kaieteur News would have reported recently that
GIPEX 2021 is also being organised by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) with support from the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GMSA). It is expected to comprise of a virtual conference and exhibition and include private breakout rooms, a facility for one-on-one virtual meetings, integrated chat and video conferencing, and the virtual exchange of business cards and brochures. Speakers at GIPEX 2021 will include Guyanas Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond; Minister of Housing and Water, Collin D. Croal; President of the GMSA Mr. Rafeek Khan; President and Chief Executive Officer of Saipem, Giorgio Martelli; Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr. Paloma Mohamed; President of the American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana, Zulfikar Ally; Chairman of the International Association of Drilling Contractors, Carlos Ortiz Rigeur, and many other industry experts. In a release to the press, GIPEX organisers said major industry operatives have already signalled their interest in being a part of GIPEX 2021. Saipem is on board as a Gold Exhibitor, while JHI Associates, TechnipFMC and Oceaneering are silver sponsors. Associate sponsors include Sol, Parker and Digicel. No mention was made of ExxonMobil, Hess Corporation or CNOOC/ NEXEN, the licenced partners on the Stabroek Block.
Drunk driver caught at Harbour Bridge after running police vehicle off the road A drunk driver was captured Monday night at the western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, after he reportedly ran a police patrol vehicle off the road at McDoom, East Bank of Demerara (EBD), with his blue pick-up. The incident, which according to police occurred around 23:10 hrs, saw the driver, a businessman, speeding away after. Police revealed that the ranks in the patrol vehicle quickly alerted their colleagues stationed at the western end of the bridge to be on the lookout for the pickup bearing licence plate GZZ 200.As was suspected, the man drove across the bridge and was stopped by the waiting ranks.
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Those ranks verified the number plate and observed that there was also a male passenger inside. They reportedly asked the driver if he was the one who had ran a patrol vehicle off the road at McDoom. The driver responded in the negative, but the ranks questioning him noticed that he appeared to be drunk and requested that he submit himself for a breathalyzer test. The ranks reported that the man started to behave disorderly and they further observed that he had a firearm stuck in his waist. When asked to produce a licence for the weapon, the man complied but continued with his disorderly behaviour. The ranks were forced to take possession of the weapon out
of concern for public safety. The ranks then arrested the man and took him, along with his vehicle, to the La Grange Police Station. After much resistance, the businessman, according to police, decided to subject himself to the breathalyser test. The first one recorded 125mg of Breath Alcohol Content (BAC) and a second test recorded 147mg but the driver, police said, did not want to accept the results. He refused to sign the test slips, police noted. The ranks Kaieteur News was told tried to persuade the driver to sign but he again started to behave disorderly. The man is currently in custody as police continue their investigation into the matter.
Man killed trying to ‘put out’ wife A Cuban woman was yesterday morning taken into police custody after she reportedly stabbed her husband to death while he was trying to physically remove her from their home. Police revealed that around 05:00 hrs, 40-year-old Lopez Cardenas Yoesmarit, was killed at his Lot 203 Charlotte Street, Georgetown resid e n c e . The report further revealed that at the time of the incident, the man was armed with a knife and was attempting to remove the woman from the house. A fight ensued and the woman reportedly took the knife away from her husband and stabbed him once to the lower back area. The woman, according to police, was escorted to the Alberttown Police Station pending charges. When Kaieteur News visited the scene, a woman who is acquainted with the couple said that the two would sometimes get into arguments about their relationship. According to the woman who requested anonymity, just recently the man had threatened to end the womans life. She explained that the couple nor-
Blood was washed away from in front of the Charlotte Street house yesterday.
mally lives alone but Lopez would sometimes let other persons stay there and this, in the past, had caused the two to argue. While police have not re-
leased any further details about the circumstances surrounding the argument, they have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing. (Alliyah Allicock)
Region 9 under water Sections of Region Nine, including the Tabatinga Housing Scheme, is currently under water and, according to reports reaching this publication, this is as a result of excessive water in the Rio Branco pushing to the Ireng River and then into the Takatu River. The floodwaters are a result of excessive rainfalls in recent days. According to one resident, “if the water keeps rising, it would displace many persons.”Also affected by the floodwaters are the airport, market and the bridge at Saint Ignatius, which is so flooded that it has become difficult for some vehicles to cross. So far, residents have received some support, including from the Civil Defence Commission.
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FOR SALE 1- Caterpillar backhoe 3.5M Downpayment $2.5M Cantact 650-0402/ 632-9929 Pitbull minibus BWW series 2.2 million neg Call 639-4201 Affordable scania & Daf trucks Contact 649-8888
SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Drawing of Building or house plan (Architectual) and also Estimate Call 2160671, 692-8464, whatsapp 622-0267 Repairs and servicing, refridgerator, treadmill, washing machine, stove, pressure pump, filtration system dryer, deepfryer etc 694-9733 BUILDING CONTRACTOR HOUSE PLANS ESTIMATE BUILDERS CONSTRUCTION CALL 649-7114 guybuildersco@outlook.com Smart Meats check us out @ Keisha's Building, Daily chicken pie, potato pie & more
PROPERTY FOR SALE One unfinished house and business at Kaneville E.B.D price $10M. Contact 699-7546, 600-4292 Prime water front at Supply E.B.D 61.78width X 1000ft Tel#656-9774/ 661-5931/ 6612426/ 661-9518 Sheriff, Norton, Charlotte St, South Ruimveldt, L.B.I, Enterprise, Melanie, Diamond, Zeelugt & Uitvlugt, Contact Ray's Realty 627-9685 LAND FOR SALE Carmichael St, Mc Doom, LaPenitence, Qeenstown, Beterverwagting, Canal No.1, Soesdyke Highway, East Coast Contact Ray's Realty 627-9685 TO LET 1-3 Bedroom 28 Lagrange W.B.D 33 Ace Land Kuru Kuru Linden Highway Tel 609-5909
Space to rent 5000 SQ FT located @ 76 First Avenue, Bartica Contact #650-0402/ 260-4115 1 Cafeteria to rent 2748 old road Land of Canaan Tel#668-0306/ 676-0506 great for starting new business 2 bedroom unfurnished apartment located on East Bank Demerara Contact 6093749 Business: South Road, Saffon, Hadfield, Wellington, North Rd, Residene: Meadow Bank, North Ruimveldt Ray's Realty 627-9685
Agri. Ministry inks close to $1 billion in contracts
Wanted female maid to work at hotel in interior 25years and over Contact 687-7638/ 6741767 Male factory worker apply in person at RP Enterprise area K' Leressouvnir E.C.D Tel#220-2818 Wanted live in domestic for Georgetown location Contact 687-7638/ 674-1767
Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, along with contractors and other officials of the Ministry.
Mason and Carpenter wanted Contact 657-5800/ 666-2887/ The Ministry of Agricul602-9469 ture yesterday inked several contracts for the execution of Assistant cook must know to works across the country and make pastry, roti, puri Call 609- the supply of several pieces 3643 of machinery, which are inOne live-in babysitter needed tended to improve the general Contact Owen on 636-2310 or lives of farmers and other residents across the country. 622-4576 Six agencies that fall un3 chefs/ cooks 1 kitchen asder the Ministry’s umbrella sistant, 1 handy man Tel#679- signed a total of 16 contracts, 9449/ 689-9426 which amounted to $975,170,707. S. Jagmohan Hardware Supplies signed a contract totalling $497,464,600 for the supply of a Cutter Head Dredge to the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA). Khan’s Construction and Transportation Services VACANCY Inc. signed two contracts for Workers for P.S.G.C.S cleaner, the rehabilitation of a drainlabourers and maintenance age structure at Henrietta in workers Contact 621-6969/ Leguan and the construction 615-7784 serious inquiries of a new drainage sluice at New only Friendship in Wakenaam. One bond clerk requirement 3 Kascon Engineering Services CXC subjects Apply at Lens signed a contract totalling $79,407,100 to execute rehaTel#227-2486 bilitation works on the Union Receptionist supervisor room Sluice in Region Five. attendant 30-50 yrs 233 South Samaroo Investments signed Road Lacytown Tel#225-2304 a $57,720,500 contract to carry One truck Driver - full time out rehabilitation works on the Apply at lens 136 Sheriff Street sluice located at Lima, Region Two. General Engineering C/ Ville Tel#227-2486 Supplies and Services Inc. One porter apply at Len's 136 signed a contract for Sheriff Street, C/ Ville Tel#227- $12,722,100 for the fabrication 2486 and installation of a stainlesssteel door at the Young Street Vacancy for cashiers to work sluice in Georgetown. RN at superbet Tel#691-7123
Construction signed a contract for the installation of a revetment at Endeavour in Canal No. 2 totalling some $18,777,000. A $25,968,925 contract was also signed with Z&H Investments Inc. to execute rehabilitation works on the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) guesthouse at Land of Canaan. The Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) signed a contract with Beharry Automotive Limited for the supply of a 30-seater bus totalling $17,290,141. Massy Motors (Guyana) Limited signed a $6,954,000 contract with the Hydromet Department for the supply, delivery, and testing of a new sport utility vehicle (SUV). MS Trading inked a contract totalling $9,850,000 for the supply and delivery of laboratory equipment and accessories with the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI). NAREI’s Mangrove Department also signed a contract with S&K Construction and Consultancy Services and
General Supplies totalling $10,079,500 for the installation of a geotextile tube along the Non Pariel, ECD foreshore. The Department also signed a contract with Bailey and Associates for $8,721,000 for the execution of topographic surveys in three
areas. Hope Coconut Industries Limited signed contracts with Ideal Auto totalling $9,690,000 for the supply, delivery, and testing of a new enclosed canter truck; General Equipment Guyana Inc. for the supply, delivery, and testing of a tractor with accompanying implements for $10,441,100, and with R. Persid Construction for the construction of a chainlink fence at Plantation Hope Estate for a sum of $4,935,392. While offering brief remarks, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said, with the renewed interest in the agriculture sector, Government is focused on putting the right infrastructure in place to foster development. “…Agriculture is once again taking its rightful place in CARICOM. This is why
we have to put the necessary framework and infrastructure in place to ensure Guyana remains the country designated to advance the agriculture agenda on food security in the Caribbean,” Minister Mustapha said. The subject Minister also said that the products and services that are to be provided are seen as critical. He told contractors that they should work to meet their contractual obligations within the given timeframe as the Ministry does not plan to extend any contract period.
Region 10 communities hit hard by flood...
FOR RENT Ransom (Concrete mixers), Scaffolding, Power washer, compactors, hire truck service etc, free delivery. Telephone: 610-5360. Email:dmdscaffolding@yahoo.com
Thursday May 20, 2021
Kaieteur News
WANTED Wanted one experienced Gold Smith, Jacobs Jewellery and Pawn shop 16 Pike street Kitty Tel#622-4970 Land Dredge workers with chain saw experience Call 6392219 Wanted female to work at bar in the interior Age 18-25 Contact 687-7638/ 674-1767 Cook/ Baker, Kitchen Assistant , Pitmen and Hauler operator for inteior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call 231-2250 One experienced babysitter for Monday's to Friday's from 8am. Must be between 25-40 years. Call 231-8737.
Vacancy exist for experienced water delivery driver and por- From page 16 ter Tel#Tel 692-6768/ 676-1363 particularly children, are now Amarachi African Cruisine. exposed to waterborne disNeed Chefs for African dishes- eases as a result of pit latrine white soup, orikako, owerri waste escaping into the flood soup, ngwobi. Tel- 688-2141. waters. The Kwakwani Neighbourhood Democratic Male with secondary educa- Council (KNDC) reportedly tion , Paultry Farm, Soesdyke submitted three reports to the age 25-50 salary $4,500 live in Regional Democratic Council family Tel#675-0587, 223-1229 (RDC) and the Civil Defence Commission regarding the Experience Sales girl apply at flooding. Alabama Trading, 65 Robb According to Cassie Street Bourda Hohenkirk, Overseer of KNDC, 51 flood relief packages have already been delivered to residents of Kwakwani. The Civil Defence Commission had also taken relief packages to residents in villages
along the Upper-Berbice River last week. Hohenkirk said farmers in the vicinity of Lamp Island were forced to reap their produce in its early stages. At present, he noted, it is impossible for farmers to gain access to their farms. The water level at the main thoroughfare leading to the Kwakwani Waterfront from Central Park (Waterfront Road) has been rising, forcing motorists to use an alternative route. As a result, public transportation operatives have been charging an additional $300 to the $200 customary fare. Venus Thomas, an 81-
year-old resident, said, "It's over 35 years I am in this, I have already taken my farm to higher grounds. The only thing is the $500 transportation cost to draw my pension and purchase ration," Thomas said. Kwakwani Utilities Inc. has also provided households with overhead tanks and purification tablets, since accessing potable through the taps are now impossible. Regional Chairman, Deron Adams, said that he has engaged the relevant authorities, including the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, on the flooding situation in Region 10.
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IOC reassures anxious Japan that Olympics will be safe Reuters - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) reassured an anxious Japan yesterday that the Tokyo Olympics would be safe for athletes as well as the host community, amid mounting opposition to the Games and fears it will fuel a spike in COVID-19 cases. Speaking in Tokyo alongside senior Japanese officials, IOC chief Thomas Bach said he believed more than 80% of residents of the Olympic Village would be vaccinated or booked for vaccination ahead of the Games set to start on July 23. He rejected growing calls to cancel the global sporting showpiece, already delayed once due to the pandemic, saying that other sporting events had proved the Olym-
pics could go ahead with strong COVID precautions. Bach’s comments came as Japan kept up its battle on a fourth wave of infections, although a slow vaccination campaign has undermined already shaky public confidence that the Games should proceed. “Together with our Japanese partners and friends, I can only re-emphasise this full commitment of the IOC to organise safe Olympic and Paralympic games for everybody,” Bach said. “To accomplish this, we are now fully focused on the delivery of the Olympic Games.” Less than 30% of medics in Japan’s major cities have been vaccinated against the coronavirus, with just 65 days
Security personnel stand guard near the Olympic rings monument during a rally by anti-Olympics protesters outside the Japanese Olympic Committee headquarters, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tokyo, Japan May 18, 2021. (REUTERS/Issei Kato)
Thursday May 20, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You could write fiction or journalism well today. There's a good possibility that you have given some thought to a literary line of work. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Today is your day, Taurus! Do your best to make your mark on the people around you, especially those closest to your heart. You will outdo yourself, grabbing attention without even meaning to. You will be considered very attractive. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You have an excellent day ahead, Gemini. It's likely to open new horizons for you at a time when the future may have seemed bleak. CANCER(June21–July22) Several days ago you may have experienced a strong feeling of connection. People close to you opened their hearts and expressed their hopes for the
future. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) There are some wonderful surprises in store for you, Leo. They could come in the form of a new career opportunity or potential dates. With the current planetary aspects, you can avail yourself of the best ways to find personal and professional fulfillment. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You can look forward to a day full of satisfaction, Virgo. You may have made a strong impression on the people around you as you learned to moderate your outspokenness.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You're definitely going to appreciate the harmony today, Libra. After the confrontational mood of the past several days, it looks as though you will be able to rest a bit. SCORPIO (Oct.23–Nov. 21) The day will come when an authority applauds you for your work or research. Only then will you understand that you've let yourself be fooled by society. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You may feel that certain values in your profession won't let you undertake certain activities. But are you sure about this, or have you tried to convince yourself of it so you won't have to confront the part of you that yearns to explore? CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Here you go again, philosophizing about what personal expression, creation, and authenticity are all about. Have you noticed that you have some problems expressing issues. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Think about tolerance, Aquarius, and notice to what extent it can liberate you. If you let others do and think what they like, you will find that you grant yourself this same right. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Why not say yes a little more than usual, Pisces? You can be stubborn and want to do only what you want. It isn't easy to lead you into the unknown.
left to the start of the Olympics, the Nikkei newspaper said. Cabinet figures showed this week that three months into Japan’s vaccination push, less than 40% of its medical workers were fully inoculated. The problem is especially pronounced in the capital, Tokyo, which plays host to the Games, and other large population centres, where the rate of fully vaccinated medical workers was less than 30%, the Nikkei added. Much of the vaccine supply was concentrated in large hospitals, and there had been problems in the reservation systems for medical staff, it said.The slow pace of vaccinations of doctors and nurses has been among the complaints cited by medical
groups that oppose the Games. Requests for about 200 doctors and 500 nurses to help out with the Games are unrealistic, said Kenyu Sumie, the chairman of a group representing more than 100,000 doctors and dentists in Japan. “It’s impossible to think about dispatching them (to the Olympics) when they haven’t even received their own two shots,” Sumie told Reuters on Wednesday. “There is no way that the Olympics can be safely held at this point.” Bach said the IOC would do its part to keep the Japanese public safe, by having additional medical personnel as part of the NOC delegations to support the medical operations and the strict implementation of the COVID 19 countermeasures. STATES OF EMERGENCY Much of Japan, including the key cities of Tokyo and Osaka, is under a state of emergency until month-end to rein in infections. The southern prefecture of Okinawa will request its own emergency declaration as new infections reached record highs, it said on Wednesday.Japan aims to inoculate most of its 36 million people older than 65 by the end of July. To reach that target, it hopes to deliver about a million shots a day, or three times faster than the current pace. So far, just 3.7% of the population of 126 million have received at least one vaccine shot, the lowest rate among wealthy countries. Initially, the holdup was scant supplies of the vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE, the only one approved by regulators. But arrivals of the Pfizer vaccine have increased dramatically in May, and Japan is expected to approve Moderna Inc’s candidate this week for use in mass vaccination centres. The shot developed by AstraZeneca PLC is also being considered by domestic regulators. As supply bottlenecks eased, problems with vaccine reservation systems and manpower shortages have cropped up. The government is looking into letting pharmacists give the injections, after a similar move regarding dentists last month.
Allyson Felix runs... From page 22 champion Steven Gardiner of the Bahamas fell to the track while straining in the final meters. Gardiner was helped up, stood on his own, then was carried into the infield by a man. A man worked on Gardiners right ankle area.
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Thursday May 20, 2021
West Indies Mens Training Squad start to receive vaccinations against COVID-19
Preston McSween Fred Kerley (centre) clocked 9.96 seconds to win the Ostrava Golden Spike event.
Kerley underlines his 100m credentials
O S T R AVA , C z e c h Republic (Reuters) - Fred Kerley underlined his impressive sprinting range by winning the 100m in 9.96 seconds, taking two notable scalps in the shape of fellow American Justin Gatlin (10.08) and Canada’s Andre De Grasse (10.17), at the Ostrava Golden Spike yesterday. Kerley, world bronze medallist over 400m in 2019, posted a 9.91 a month ago, the first time he had gone under 10 seconds, and showed it was no fluke yesterday with a controlled run and strong last 20 metres in cold conditions to leave Gatlin flailing. Kerley went again over
200m later in the meeting but never really threatened the double as he finished second in 20.27, well adrift of impressive compatriot Kenny Bednarek who won in 19.93. Despite his satisfying night, however, Kerley said his main focus remained the one-lap event. “The 100 was good and the 200 I can’t complain, though I’ve still got to work on it,” he said. “It’s not a surprise to me (his fast 100s) as I’ve been doing 4 x 100s my whole life so it’s normal for me.” Asked about his plans for the Olympic trials, he said he would listen to his coach but that his focus would be “the
main event, the 400 - I’ve still got stuff to accomplish in the 400.” Fellow American ShaCarri Richardson, fresh from some startling 100m runs on home soil, looked to have plenty in reserve as she won the women’s 200m in 22.35 seconds. It appeared though that she was not overly impressed with her first experience of a major European meeting, posting some vague twitter messages earlier in the day, including her verdict on what was always one of Usain Bolt’s favourite events: “first & last time here, not impressed”. There were startling (Continued on page 22)
Obed McCoy ST. JOHNS, Antigua Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirms that 13 members of the West Indies Mens red ball training squad and management have received vaccinations against COVID-19 in St. Lucia, where they are preparing for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship Test matches against South Africa.CWI, in partnership with the Government of St. Lucia, through the support of the Ministry of Health and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), has been able to secure COVID19 vaccines for all interested squad members. CWI has been supporting the efforts of regional governments to encourage everyone to get vaccinated against COVID19, with the West Indies Womens training squad receiving their first doses while at their training camp in Antigua last week. CWIs Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Israel Dowlat offered CWIs appreciation
of the support received on the vaccinations and their importance to the squad. “CWI is fully committed to supporting the vaccination drive throughout the region. We are extremely grateful to have our governments and CARPHA who have been partnering with us to host cricket safely and to get our squads vaccinated.” Dr Joy St John, Executive Director, CARPHA, said: “Cricket West Indies is leading the way in helping to raise awareness of the need to get vaccinated. They have been actively encouraging their players and staff to get vaccinated and we urge the people of CARICOM to follow them to safety by getting their vaccines as soon as possible.” St Lucias Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sharon BelmarGeorge, added, “The Ministry of Health and Wellness in St. Lucia is pleased to collaborate with CWI to facilitate the
immunization of their players. Immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health measures in the management of infectious diseases. Cricket is an important sporting activity in the region and ensuring that it can be facilitated safely, is of importance to us in St. Lucia. We welcome the teams here and look forward to successful and safe activities over the coming weeks.” Eleven players and support staff received their first dose of the vaccine, along with two squad members who received their second dose. Several members of the training squad have already received their first doses in their home countries and will receive their second dose later in the summer. The West Indies Mens squads are living and training in a bio-secure bubble environment ahead of their schedule of international home fixtures.
Allyson Felix runs her fastest 400m in four years NBC Sports - Allyson Felix ran her fastest 400m since 2017 in her first time racing the distance since 2019 on Tuesday. Felix, a 35-year-old bidding for her fifth Olympics (and first as a mom), won in 50.88 seconds in swirling winds at the USATF Open in Prairie View, Texas. Felix, who is expected to race both the 200m and 400m at next months Olympic
Allyson Felix ran her fastest 400m since 2017 in her first time racing the distance since 2019.
Trials, was also scheduled for the 200m later Tuesday afternoon. The fields do not include the highest-ranked Americans in Felixs events.Felix clocked her fastest 400m since she had daughter Camryn on Nov. 28, 2018, though she split faster times as part of relays at worlds in 2019. She ranks 13th in the U.S. since the start of 2019 and seventh this year by best 400m times, according to World Athletics.At least the top six women at Olympic Trials are expected to be named to the Olympic team the top three for the individual 400m and more for the womens 4x400m relay and the mixed-gender 4x400m. Felix finished sixth in 51.94 at the 2019 USATF Outdoor Championships, her first meet after childbirth, to make the 2019 World team in the relay pool. In the mens 400m on Tuesday, world (Continued on page 21)
Kaieteur News
Thursday May 20, 2021
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GKC and the Moses Karate Family from Wowetta, Rupununi sets the pace The Guyana Karate College (GKC), under the leadership of the legendary Guyanese Karate Master, Frank Woon-A-Tai, M.S., 9th dan, has only one more year to prepare the fivemember Moses Karate Family to disseminate karate to the Amerindian Community throughout Guyana. Karate in the Caribbean began to spread when graduate students who learnt karate at the University of the West Indies returned to their home countries. This system is the same used by Japan and many other countries. Leading the pacesetting karate Family are three brothers - all International Karate Daigaku (University) black belts: Ernie, 29, Silas, 37, and Courtney, 24. The two beautiful and talented sisters, Rose, 27 and Pauline, 22, created karate history by moving from white to brown belt at their first grading on April 30, 2021. They were training privately for two years under their instructor, Shihan John Fernandes, 7th dan. The close-knit sisters represent all females in Guyana with their achievements. And, as well, the Amerindian community in which they are fiercely proud of their heritage. While Shuseki Shihan is responsible for the overall development of GKC, both Administratively and Technically, each of the masters and instructors is responsible for developing each belt level student under their care. This method is the same as the educational system used in Guyana schools. Pauline and Rose, train with Master Frank Woon-ATai at Transport Sports Club, Thomas Lands on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. In his absence, Karate Master Dr. Guy Low, 7th Dan, a well-respected m e d i c a l d o c t o r, a n d Assistant Professor at the University of Guyana, takes charge of all training. As there are no classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the sisters train privately with Shihan Fernandes. At times, they even train on Saturdays and Sundays.
Master Frank Woon-A-Tai (centre) and two of the Moses brothers. Pauline Moses (left), and Rose train with Master Frank Woon-A-Tai at Transport Sports Club, Thomas Lands.
The Moses brothers proudly display the Golden Arrowhead.
Courtney Moses
According to Master Frank, all five Moses are naturally talented with a high degree of strength, speed, form, and spirit. Moreover, they are a family of character, integrity and social graces. While the sisters excel at karate, they are also academically brilliant. Pauline is personal secretary to CEO John Fernandes at Astro Arts, an advertising company. Thus, she is well suited to administer and promote karate anywhere in Guyana. On the other hand, Rose is a Pharmacy Technician and is awaiting an online course from the Ministry of Health in Forensic Law to begin. Rose holds an online Career Diploma from Penn Foster Career School in Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA, as a Pharmacy Technician. She completed 27 pharmacy-related courses and needs Forensic Law before pursuing her B.Sc. in
Pharmacy at the University of Guyana. Wowetta, located in North Rupununi, is about six miles from Annai. The population of Wowetta is approximately 330 people who speak Makushi. The Moses Karate Family hail from Wowetta, and they are honoured their village is the home of the Cock-of-theRock, one of Guyanas famous birds. This proud and talented Indigenous Karate Family are rearing to teach karate. By a stroke of luck, their first opportunity presents itself at the Guyana Karate College immediate neighbour, the Amerindian Hostel and Orphanage at Lilliendaal, ECD. The Family has begun their training to represent Guyana at the Fourth IKD World Cup slated for Guyana in August 2022. Best of luck and success to the Amazing Amerindian Moses Karate Family!
Daniels Coaching Education programme continues on Saturday
W
ith the aim of producing international cricketers, Team Daniels coaching education programme will continue on Saturday in South Essequibo. Male and female cricketers are urged to attend the session which will commence at 09:00 hours and can contact Divine Ross on 673-7427. On Saturday last, 20 players benefited from sessions conducted by umpire Deva Dass on laws of the game, Miss Nafeeza Sabar on covid and sports and Anthony Adams who carried them through the fundamentals of fielding. The afternoon session, which ran from 13:00 hours to 16:30 hours, saw 10 players being carried through their paces by Adams who made it clear his aim is to continue playing cricket and help to develop the game in the county. Adams said he has accepted the challenge by Coach Daniels, which is to produce a test player within two years and said it is highly possible if talented players such as Avinash Persaud, Sheldon Charles, Lance Roberts Nathan Persaud, David Williams, Orlando Jailall, Parmeshwar Parsotam and Ronsford Beaton buy in to the programme. He feels that if Beaton works
Anthony Adams with Coach Daniels he is sure to improve in all aspects of his game. Players are asked not to note that the programme has the approval of the South Essequibo cricket committee’s chairman. The programme is geared to cover all skills development. The coaching staff consists of Anthony Adams, Royan Fredericks, Rayon Dacosta and Forbes Daniels. Players interested are asked to contribute $2,500 to assist coach Adams in his traveling.