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PM Rowley offers to build NEWS business model to boost - Mulls one CARICOM regional food supply register for businesses AIETEUR
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
Friday Edition May 20, 2022 - Vol. 24 No. 20 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 74,377
‘Food and water more important than oil’ - PM Mottley tells Agri Investment Forum Gunmen abandon car during gunfight with police Lack of access to loans continues to stifle local businesses Govt. issues warning about air quality over Sahara dust
CCJ orders GRA to refund taxpayer over $45M Foreign taxi driver beaten, robbed by passenger One more COVID death; 62 new infections $20M default judgment against Jagdeo stands
Guyana targets aquaculture, soya, poultry to cut food import bill - Pres. Ali
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Kaieteur News
Friday May 20, 2022
Kaieteur News
Friday May 20, 2022
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PM Rowley offers to build business model to boost regional food supply By Kiana Wilburg Now more than ever, Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are gripped by the inescapable need to break free from rhetoric and commit to meaningful, collaborative action that will improve the region’s food production system. It is with this very understanding in mind that Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley proposed that his country, one of the founding members of CARICOM, would be willing to build a business model to boost regional food supply with Guyana’s vast agricultural potential as a springboard for success. The Prime Minister made this offer at the opening of the inaugural Agri-Investment Forum and Expo which had an official opening at the National
- Mulls one CARICOM register for businesses - Calls on int’l donors to help fund supply vessels
Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley Cultural Centre yesterday. The event is being held under the theme, “Investing in vision 25 by 2025.” Dr. Rowley said the event which concludes on Saturday represents a giant step in getting the region to improve the quality and quantity of its production systems for food sustainability in all
conditions. The CARICOM leader was keen to note however, that time and action are of the essence. PM Rowley said, “I have seen this before, I have heard this before and that means, we know what to do but, the question is, are we prepared to do it? I have been saying, unless we get the appropriate investments, the scale at
Govt. issues warning about air quality over Sahara dust 150
Air quality index used by WHO (for reference) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Hydrometerological Service on Thursday advised the public that air quality monitoring has determined that the concentrations of particulate matter have exceeded the World Health Organization’s Standard in several regions across Guyana. The increase in concentrations of particulate matter is due to the significant amounts of dust travelling across the northern tropical Atlantic to the Caribbean from the Sahara region, commonly known as the Sahara Dust Phenomenon or the Saharan Air Layer, the two government departments said in a joint statement.
A s s u c h , t h e departments said hazy conditions are expected and visibility may be poor. High concentrations of particulate matter may affect vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly and persons with respiratory illnesses. These persons are advised to limit their
presence outdoors. Particulate matter is a term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so small they can only be detected using an electron microscope.
which we are required to perform will not be achieved…” “It therefore means that Guyana’s role in giving CARICOM the opportunity to produce on the scale at which we can produce to be a participant in feeding ourselves is important, hence I am here to support this initiative which is driven by the works of President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo who are integral leaders in CARICOM.” Even as this support is given wholeheartedly, PM Rowley said there are some key issues, which have to be addressed. He said there are some persons who are going to lobby to have the conversation of increased production done with a level of protectionism. PM Rowley warned however, that the greater good for the region cannot be achieved if there is fear of disturbing a few in their comfort zones. Along with the need to confront those who wish to keep the status quo as is and protect their interests, the official said the regional
leaders must address the question of transportation barriers to goods and services among CARICOM States. NEED FOR RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION He said, “…If we are going to produce in significant volumes then we bring into question the issue of transport. When we became independent as a federation that fleeting existence that we had, the Canadian government gave us a gift, two ships: the Federal Maple and the Federal Palm and they ran up and down the CARICOM… “At no time I can recall that the people of the region were ever better connected and better served, but at the
e nd of the useful life of those ships, they were never replaced. Not because there was no reason to but that we the independents did not do what was needed to serve our people.” At this point, the TT Leader took the opportunity to call on international supporters and donors present at the time of the opening to help fund and have operating within the CARICOM region vessels of that nature. ONE BUSINESS REGISTER Additionally, Prime Minister Rowley mulled the possibility of a CARICOM business register that could propel agri-investments and
NOTICE Dear Readers, please be advised that, effective June 1, 2022, the price of our Monday to Saturday editions will be $100 and our Sunday edition will be $150.
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Kaieteur News
KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: SHARMAIN GRAINGER Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
The Attorney General Chambers walks a fine line
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f all the places in Guyana, the Attorney General Chambers should know better. We believe that its complement of legal minds knows better, but that there was a momentary rush of blood to the agencys head leading it to make a misstep (“AG Chambers issues veiled threat to cut State ads from Kaieteur News” -KN May 14). It is a fine line that the people at the AG Chambers walk, greater care should be exercised with how words are deployed. There is the risk of all manner of interpretations from errant words and menacing postures, most of which would not accrue to the plus side of the ledger for the AG Chambers. The watchers at the AG Chambers were clearly distressed that KN carried a sharp article about the cost of a new parking shed, and made an unflattering comparison. The response from the Chambers came last Thursday and it was loaded: “This must constitute one of the worst expressions of journalism, so frequently evident on the pages of this newspaper. If the Ministry is to stop publishing advertisements in this newspaper, an attack on press freedom would be the cry!” Is this a threat, or is this a threat! Why even go there, stir that hornets nest, reawaken that sleeping dog that had bit deeply into sections of the media found too loud, too frank, for their own good? We thought that there ought to have been better sense, calmer spirits, more expansive visions of what the ideals of democracy are all about. We are sure that the boss at Carmichael Street knows, but we extend a helping hand, just in case. After all, people have a tendency to forget important things in the pressure of a thousand matters to handle. As we see it, the press has its role, and must persist against the odds, even when the going is rough, when feathers are ruffled, or when fearsome weapons are unsheathed. Simply put, we see our role as presenting the truth, once the circumstances fit. This being Guyana, and given the history of the ad threat so airily bandied about, what came out of the AG Chambers is not something to be taken lightly, something said in jest. We do not believe that it was a jest, or a slip of the tongue, but a deliberate ploy to stop us in our tracks, and arrest our attention by reading an equivalent of the riot act to us. We should be cowed, but we assure one and all that we are not, for what we are doing is fulfilling our professional responsibilities, as we interpret them. Trying to send a message and arrest our attention is one thing, arresting the work of this publication is another and a Pandora Box of its own. We still stand fast, as we have always done, come hellfire or fire from any other source, as our history can attest. Again, we regret that the people in the AG Chambers found it necessary to come out with their lance and battle axe at the ready. Nobody desires such a deterioration in relations, which is where we believe that the Hon. Attorney General himself stands. He needs to raise a cautioning hand to his war column, and order it to deescalate and stand down. It is not good for the national image (which we are positive that the AG knows) that a time bomb like this was favoured to warn that retribution could be swift in efforts to get even. This is not marching in lockstep with Guyanas new oil era, but harps back to a rougher, tougher, brasher environment. It was of such that even the Vice President himself (during his time as Opposition leader) did so grudgingly acknowledged, and which was a bad lapse originating from a poor judgment call. We think that this is what is happening here in this onesided spat (the Chambers) over a parking shed, as unbelievable as it sounds. Government people must not be so thin-skinned, so easily ready with the hinted retaliatory. That has its own people, those who like doing so, and those who fear being on the receiving side. We have no ambitions at either.
A strong third force to push back against abuse of power is needed DEAR EDITOR, There is need for a strong third force to serve as a counter balance against bad governance as well as the two established political behemoths. The AFC had let us down during its marriage with the PNC. So the nation can no longer depend on it for good governance as a third force. And given the well-established reality that both government and the main opposition party seek power just for power sake and for self-interests, not the interests of supporters or the nation, there is need for a third force to serve as a balance between the two behemoths. Neither one is interested in renegotiating the oil contract and neither is interested in empowering the public. The country thirsts for better governance. The public want a better choice than the dominant two forces and the one that betrayed them. There have been so many
untenable and bad or questionable practices under this government sheet filing fiasco, pump fiasco, GuySuCo fiasco, fish trawler licence, giving away of State lands, exploitation of resources in Amerindian lands without their approval, various licensing, award of contracts to unqualified bidders, awarding of contracts with a religious affiliation bias, lopsided contracts to companies or individuals lacking requisite qualifications, appointments of unqualified persons for positions, and a multitude of other questionable practices. The previous administration was also connected to a sleuth of questionable practices and financial improprieties bonds fiasco and rental for some Ministers being among them. Thus, it cannot be business as usual with so many wrongs perpetrated by both parties and established poli-
ticians. A strong third force will push back against wasteful expenditure, political nepotism, and corruption and take us to good governance. What any third party really needs is a coming together of decent people to transcend the tribalism of both parties. It is high time that decent minded members of civil society together with executives of small parties confront the existing situation of abuse of financial resources by working towards the establishment of a credible third force in preparation for the next elections due in three years. For disaffected voters, the coming together of small parties in a new third force might be enough to galvanise meaningful support to displace the two behemoths. And decent members of both the ruling and opposition parties, who are opposed to corruption, should look into the mirror and ask them-
selves how long more can they put up with what passes as governance by both parties. It is essential that a third force be formed soon so that it can be ready in three years for the next elections. The objective is to win the government. But if that is not possible, the third force will gather enough support to deprive the two major parties of power or a majority of seats. A minority government can be better held accountable as it would be under a threat of removal through a no confidence vote if it violates the norms of good governance. The decent MPs and Ministers of both parties should display some level of decency and walk away from their parties, encouraging and joining a new clean politics of a third force. Yours truly, Calvin Braithwaite
Charlie must explain the PPP’s consistent violation of Indigenous rights DEAR EDITOR, My attention was drawn to a letter published in the Stabroek News on May 15, 2022 captioned: “We Amerindians are focused on the prize and will not be distracted by voices in the wilderness”. This letter is attributed to Alister Charlie, MP. Apparently insulated within a parallel universe, oblivious to facts and the treatment of Indigenous Guyanese citizens by his Peoples Progressive Party, Charlie attempts to paint a glorious picture of life among the Indigenous population. He succeeded only in reminding us of a court jester of medieval times. I am an Indigenous citizen of Guyana. Alister Charlie does not, cannot and will never speak for me about Indigenous rights or any other issue under the sun. His writing in this instant is largely non-factual, absolutely incredible and in parts a regurgitation of Mr. Jagdeos utterings in the now infamous Vice News interview. Charlie must not be allowed a free pass by media or Indigenous peoples and NGOs. He seeks to distort Guyanas realities and must be exposed. Charlie must explain what is meant when he states that Indigenous peoples rights being upheld “more than ever before” and “those rights were advanced greatly in 2020” under the PPP. These statements amount to absolute trash and ought to be placed where they belong, in
the rubbish bin of history. Is greater rights protection included in refusal to hold National Toshaos Council (NTC) conference? Is the refusal to have election for the NTC executive Committee a form of greater rights protection? Is the PPPs refusal to continue the process of consultation regarding the amendment to the Amerindian Act a way of increasing the protection of the rights of Guyanas Indigenous Peoples? The Indigenous peoples officially requested the review of the Amerindian Act to bolster existing rights and to include known rights not yet legislated, to further enhance participation in national decision making on issues, which directly affect Indigenous peoples here. The Granger government started the process. The PPP abandoned that process while boasting, as does Charlie, about the existing Amerindian Act. This is a major insult to Guyanese Indigenous peoples who expressly stated great unease with many aspects of the Act. Charlie must be reminded that the first Amerindian Act was not born in 2006. It was in place since 1951 until repealed and replaced by the existing 2006 Act. Charlie must be called upon to provide this nation with a list of Villages and the area of each, which amount to the six percent, which they allegedly inherited and 14 percent to which they alleg-
edly grew lands titled to Indigenous peoples. This is an impossible task. No amount of statistical manufacturing can help him. An explanation regarding the presentation of fake titles to Kangaruma and Tasserene Villages in 2012 is not only desirable, but necessary. Charlie must tell this nation specifically which legislation offers Indigenous peoples of Guyana “Guarantee of not only the right to land but sub-surface rights, meaning rights over minerals in the ground”. We all know that this is a right being advocated for by Indigenous peoples and consistently denied by the PPP. We also know that PPPs refusal to identify the First Peoples of Guyana as Indigenous Peoples has to do with its refusal to recognise this
right in law. It is also the chief reason for avoiding the amendment to the Amerindian Act. Finally, in championing the PPPs record on Indigenous rights, Charlie must immediately explain to this nation his position on the UNs letter to the PPP government regarding the Isseneru, Chinese Landing, Marudi Mountain and other related issues on the subject of consistent Indigenous rights violations by the government he seeks to promote. We can come back to those rights violations inherent in the handling of Village issues by the Minister of Amerindian Affairs whenever he is through with addressing the foregoing, an impossibility if you ask me. Yours faithfully, Mervyn Williams
Seriously Mr. Norton… From no consultations to bad faith consultations DEAR EDITOR, As a citizen, I am very glad that President Irfaan Ali has taken the lead in engaging Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton in consultations on the matter of constitutional and statutory appointments. I am pleased because it seems as though our country is moving politically, just as we have moved socio-economically in just under two years. The President deserves our admiration for
showing the statesmanship to his political adversary and being cordial throughout the proceedings, despite knowing the false things that Norton has said about him and the PPP altogether in the recent past. But for the opposition to be crying foul and saying that the meeting was held in bad faith just goes to show their real intentions concerning meeting the head of state. (Continued on page 5)
Friday May 20, 2022
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Kaieteur News
Too Many Untrained Teachers The Govt. cares and is trying to make our lives more tolerable
DEAR EDITOR, The following are extracts from SNs report of Thursday, January 27, 2022: “The Government earmarked a total of $74.4 billion for the educational sector in the 2022 national budget.” “During his budget speech, the Minister with responsibility for Finance… explained that the planned initiatives are aligned with the new Education Strategic Plan for the period 2021 to 2025; which was launched by the Government last year.” “The Minister also said the expansion and reformation of teacher training would continue at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and he noted that $200 million has been allocated to provide financial support to “trainee teachers”. “CPCE saw its largest graduating batch with 843 students, and an enrollment of over 3000 in 2021.” It is against this background that one observes the following announcement in Stabroek News of Monday 16th May: “The Ministry of Education (MOE) on Friday advised all untrained teachers in the system to immediately enroll at the Cyril Potter College of Education… i. “Failure to enroll may result in the Ministrys inabil-
ity to continue employment of the persons failing” ii. “Criterion requiring the employment of in-service teachers for one year before entering the CPCE has been withdrawn” (presumably without reference to the aforementioned Strategic Plan). One is next left to wonder whether the following have been forewarned: a) Heads of schools b) In-service teachers c) Cyril Potter College of Education d) Guyana Teachers Union e) Teachers Service Commission (previously withdrawn) f) Parent/Teachers Associations All 10 Regions are affected. It is not known how many branches there are of the CPCE. Nevertheless, the peremptory notice takes no account of the domestic responsibilities of these (married/single) untrained teachers; and what would be individually required economically and socially to meet this imperious demand an implicit breach of employment contract that could be subject to challenge, and possible compensation a matter on which the colleague Minister of Labour should be asked to advise, just in case any teacher is related to an Attor-
Seriously Mr. Norton... From page 4 Unfortunately, the opposition feels that way about the consultations. One would have thought that they would be open about the entire invitation to meet and discuss the appointments with the president even if they were going to request more information and time to come up with adequate positions. Politicising the meeting at his maiden opposition leader press conference is nasty, a breach of protocol, and trying to score cheap political points. It must never be confused with what is needed for constitutional compliance to occur. It also is repulsive to the civilised political mind as well as the intelligent mind as there appears to be no confidentiality and respect for in-
formation and dialogue. If the opposition wants to just oppose and criticise, it can go right ahead, but having good faith requires patience and being honest. The opposition seems to be lacking in this area. Yours sincerely, Alvin Hamilton
ney-at-Law. In the meantime, one wonders whether: i) Provision was made in the 2022 budget for compensating the (unlicensed) teachers; ii) Which of the following budgeted positions will be affected: Teacher Aide; Acting Teacher; Pupil Teacher I/ II; Temporary Unqualified Teacher, Temporary Qualified Master III/II; Non-Graduate Senior Assistant Master, Non-Graduate Senior Master; Untrained Graduate Master iii) For which of the following positions must they apply to be appointed on graduation: Trained Teacher; Head of Department; Graduate Deputy Head, Graduate Head? iv) Who will be appointed to fill the Untrained vacancies? v) How does one address the fundamental contradiction long established, of say, the Permanent employment of Temporary” appointees mentioned above. The more fundamental challenge to be addressed must be a restructuring of the archaic job hierarchy, following the immediate extinction of Teachers Aide; Acting Teacher, Pupil Teacher I/II; Temporary Unqualified Teacher. Again, the question must be posed whether such reconstruction was included in the touted Strategic Plan. This is a critical opportunity for the Ministry to partner with the Guyana Teachers Union (preferably under the aegis of the Teachers Service Commission). A most comprehensive compensation restructuring is required. Who was it that said that common sense is the rarest sense of it all? Conscientious Observer
DEAR EDITOR, I am a hardworking and proud Indigenous woman who provides for and takes care of my family of three while my husband is away in the interior in region seven. Sometimes its difficult for me to send my children to school and put a nutritious meal on the table, but I makedo with what is at my disposal. Recently, I read in the newspaper that the government intends to give us a cash grant of $25,000 dollars to assist us with easing the effects of the hardship brought about by the rise in cost of living. As one of the intended beneficiaries, I must say that this is welcomed. So too will be the $800M in total which will be placed into the hands of residents from the hinterland and riverain communities like myself. I want to therefore thank the Peoples Progressive Party Civic Government and President Irfaan Ali for this impending relief and gesture. I am grateful to them because they saw us, Amerindians and indigenous people, as important and worthy of such an allocation at this time. I am proud to say that had the sum been $15000 or $20000, I would have quickly joined any line and collected it. Moreover, $25000 will go a far way in ensuring I can meet the shortfall, which I am experiencing in the household with groceries.
This grant is the sort of intervention needed by hinterland families to help us withstand the hardship brought to bear by many factors. We suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic then our suffering was made worse by flooding and the rise in fuel prices and essential food items. In closing, I wish to urge all Guyanese to work towards making President Ali’s vision of a “One Guyana” come through.
Every single affected resident or family must get this cash grant. They must feel like I do, that the government cares and is trying to make our lives more tolerable as they fight off the effects of the rising cost of living. This thing is not about politics; it is about the people surviving the storm caused by the prices. Yours Truly, Annalise Humphrey Kwakwani, Region 10
I smell a rat, a big, big rat DEAR EDITOR, So the President has announced cash grants to people living in the riverain and hinterland areas. Bravo! Bravo! Last week, the government bellowed and boasted that they will be granting relief by way of fertilizer subsidies and cash grants to 70,000 farmers. This is among a menu of measures gleefully announced by His Excellency. I smell a rat, a big, big rat. These monies are not belonging to members of the cabinet and the looming mono-ethnic oligarchy, but to all of us. I hereby challenge the President and those who are sharing out these sums of money to identify area by area, village by village, where these 70,000 farmers are. There are a few people alive who have over the past seven decades traversed this country and therefore know this country more than the
writer of this letter and there is no way, even including small urban farmers, that the number could be 70,000 farmers in Guyana. This is serious money and I am copying this letter to the Commissioner of Police, Guyana Press Association, Transparency International Committee and the Diplomatic Corp so that the Government can identify who and where 70,000 farmers are, since the peoples money is involved. Hamilton Green Elder
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Kaieteur News
Guyana gets US$638M from profit oil in 2 years - Production Report
A
perusal of now g a z e t t e d notification of receipts of Royalty and Profits received by Guyana under the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) demonstrates in a pellucid fashion the volatility of the prices of oil and the apparent ad hoc manner in which government collects its profit. This much can be gleaned from the now public document dated April 25, 2022 and accounts for the period March 2020 to the end of February this year. According to the document on March 3 last year, the government collected US$50 part payment for a lift of one million barrels of oil that it had uplifted weeks earlier on February 5. The remainder or final payment for that lift was made a few days later on March 9,
The Liza Destiny FPSO which produced the oil sold 2021, some US$61M. Outlining in the government notice that the reports prior to January 1, of this year as non mandatory and only for informational purposes, it was noted that in March 2020, Government collected US$54.9M for a shipment of crude that it
uplifted the previous month on February 17, 2020. The next payment of profit oil was not had until June when government received US$35M for its shipment uplifted the previous month. The next tranche of profit that Guyana collected in 2020
was not had until months later in August when US$46M was paid into the Natural Resources Fund, held in the New York Federal Reserve Bank. That payment was for a shipment uplifted earlier that same month on August 9, 2020 and the payment was received on August 24. That
represented the final set of profit collected for that year since the next payment to be received was not had until January 11, 2021—some US$49.3M—for a shipment that had been uplifted in early December the previous year. Three months later on March 3, 2021, the sum of US$50 (G$10,000) was paid over as a partial payment on a shipment of one million barrels of oil, the final payment of some US$61M. Two months later on May 14, 2021, Guyana collected $US62.6M. Payments collected by the Guyana government were at the highest for that year in July and October, when US$79.6M was collected for a shipment collected earlier that month and US$80.3M in October for a lift collected in September that year. The final payment of profits received for 2021 was had on Christmas Eve when some US$73.6M was deposited into the fund. On
February 28 this year, Guyana received its highest ever earnings on a single shipment when US$95.9M was deposited into the fund. Altoget h e r, g o v e r n m e n t collected a total of US$638,520,554 in profit in 11 tranches for the reporting period from 2020 to February of this year. It was noted however that profit oil receipts are derived from Government of Guyana lifts of oil earned as profit. As it relates to royalties, these are paid on a quarterly basis, 30 days following the end of each quarter. For the period April 28, 2020 to January 27, 2022, Guyana received US$81 million in royalty payments, from the two percent deal it signed with US oil major, ExxonMobil, back in 2016. The information was released by the Ministry of Finance and was presented to members of the National Assembly on Tuesday last.
Exxon’s 5th project will burden Guyana’s emergency services, waste disposal capacity Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana is moving apace in pursuing its fifth development in the Stabroek Block, namely the Urau 1 development. This is in addition to the Liza 1 and II operations, already producing oil, the Payara and Yellowtail Developments. Like the previous developments, the company was required to submit to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a Project Summary for consideration and in that document, the company has outlined some of the possible impacts to be had as a result of the development of the project. According to that document, as it relates to the impacts outside of those that threaten the environment and marine life, such as the fishing
industry, there will likely be an ‘’increased demand for limited emergency and health services in Guyana.” This in addition to, “…a slight increased risk of communicable disease transmission (that) could potentially result from Project activities and influence community health and wellbeing.” According to the company, these risks come about since the “introduction of limited levels of foreign specialized labour could potentially have community health and wellbeing impacts.” The foreign specialized labour referred to are commonly referred to as expatriate workers and according to the Project Summary, the development could potentially impact community health wellbeing in the Project’s Area of
Interest (AOI) due to onshore traffic and social interaction among other factors. Other likely risks highlighted by EEPGL in its Project Document that are likely to impact humans directly, as outlined in the Project Document while direct and indirect employment for the Project will enhance livelihoods and family incomes, it could result in some competition with other businesses for skilled workers. Additionally, “…marine safety exclusion zones for the FPSO, drill ship, and major installation vessels, and Project-related vessel traffic could potentially interfere with fishing activities in certain areas.” Also highlighted in the document was the fact that another potential adverse impact from the project (Continued on page 24)
A map depicting the location of the ExxonMobil Guyana’s Fifth Development in the Stabroek Block.
Three CXC subjects now needed to join police force A sound primary education is no longer sufficient to join the Guyana Police Force (GPF). In order to become a policeman or policewoman, you must have passes in at least three Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects. In May 2019, Kaieteur News had reported that then Coalition government wanted to increase the qualifications needed to join the Force. The then Minister of responsible for the Force, Khemraj Ramjattan had said that works were being done to “professionalise police ranks” and “increase the capacity and capability of each and every detective”.
It was even proposed that five CSEC subjects should be part of the requirement for entry into the Force. Three years later under a new government, GPF has moved in this direction. At least, this is according to the Force’s training officer, Senior Superintendant Keithon King. King made this disclosure while being interviewed by GPF’s Deputy Communications Director, Stan Gouveia on the Force’s Education Sensitization Podcast on its Facebook Page. King said, “the Bar for acceptance into the Force is rising. We are looking for at least 3 CSEC subjects with passes from grades one to
three.” However, King noted that if someone has a particular skill that is needed for certain departments of the Force that individual still has a chance to be accepted. “If you have a special skill, minus the CXC (CSEC), we are still going to accept you a special skill that fits some department”, King told Gouveia. He listed some examples of these departments as, GPF’s communication department, its transport workshop or the construction section. The Training Officer explained that, “sometimes a person may not have CSEC qualification but may have a
skill certificate in an area that can make them eligible for acceptance.” King was keen to note that the changes will affect some individuals who were in the Force and had left but now want to return. “It’s gonna be tough for them now because we are looking now for the acceptance for the recruits coming in now to the training college, we are looking for certain qualifications…we are looking at the skillset”, King said. He added that one of the reasons for raising the bar is because GPF wants its training colleges to be upgraded to academy status and receive ISO accreditation.
GPF’s Training Officer, Kiethon King
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Kaieteur News
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Lack of access to loans continues to stifle local businesses By Renay Sambach In 2021, Guyana passed its local content legislation, which caters for locals getting first preference in the country’s oil and gas sector. The Local Content law is intended to regulate the way companies operate in Guyana’s oil and gas sector; employ persons, buy services and the way that they procure goods. However, local companies, especially medium-sized businesses lack of access to loans from the banking sector with reasonable interest rate has been hindering their competitiveness in the oil and gas sector. As a result of the aforementioned, several members in Guyana’s private sector have voiced their concerns about the issue. President of Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Timothy Tucker, stated in the Private Sector Commission 2021 report that medium-sized businesses have suffered the most due to the fact that they are not classified as a small business to get support from the government and not large
President of Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Timothy Tucker
Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Paul Cheong
Economist and executive member of the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Richard Rambarran
enough to have easy access to money with good interest rate from the banking system. In the PSC 2021 report, Tucker was speaking in the capacity as the Chairman of the Finance and Economics Sub-Committee. He noted in the committee’s report, “Access to finance for businesses, especially medium-sized businesses continue to be a challenge the Sub-Committee will continue to address moving forward.” However, he stated that the private sector will continue to
engage the government, banks, and key stakeholders on the issue. Similarly, on Thursday April 12, during his speech after being reelected as the Chairman of G u y a n a ’s P r i v a t e S e c t o r Commission (PSC), Paul Cheong, stated that one major thing that he would be pushing for is for better access to financing for companies, especially small and medium-sized businesses. Cheong said, “We will continue to engage stakeholders on a wide range of issues including access to
finance for small businesses, especially those operating in the oil and gas industry.” He noted too that the members of the PSC will continue to its efforts to promote a culture of collaboration and joint ventures to access larger investment opportunities. Cheong added that the commission have recognize that building partnerships is crucial in increasing local knowledge, expertise and resources to make better products and reach a greater audience.
Moreover, while he was a guest on Kaieteur Radio’s Guyana’s Oil and You, economist and executive member of GCCI, Richard Rambarran, stated that local companies need better and cheaper access to finance to create competitiveness in the oil and gas industry. He also stated that he believes the current stance goes against the local content law. When questioned on GCCI’s stance on the issue of local companies’ access to loans with reasonable interest rates from the banking sector. “We have discussed in the chamber of commerce, and I will say this because it’s something that we feel very strongly about, we have discussed that there cannot be a successful local content regime that helps to lift the standards of MSMEs [Micro Small Medium Enterprises] in Guyana, without improvement to access the finance for those same MSMEs,” he responded. Rambarran added that when it comes to the technical work of the oil and gas sector or other types of work to support the oil and gas industry, a Guyanese would need Continued on page 22
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The Chamber is out of line The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GGCI) is becoming a nuisance. Its most recent publicity-grabbing release expresses its disagreement with the intention of the Guyana governments decision to sign a Memorandum of Understanding. In a statement, the GCCI stated that there are still many Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) instituted by Trinidad and Tobago which prevent Guyanese exports to that country and which it claims inhibits the growth of local enterprises. It urged that these NTBs be removed. The Chamber did not state whether these NTBs were specific to Guyana. If that indeed were the case, an MOU would be a good mechanism to begin the process of having them removed. This is precisely what Second Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo may have been hinting at when he told the media that you just cant complain about the barriers. He expressed the hope that the MOU would be a step towards resolving the matter. Bilateral negotiations have proven highly successful in resolving barriers to entry of Guyanas exports to
the twin-island Republic. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was able to successfully negotiate for the removal of technical barriers, which had inhibited the exports of peppers and pineapples. Every country has a right to impose technical measures to protect its health and safety. And among those measures is what is known as phytosanitary measures that are aimed at protecting a countrys agricultural sector from imported pests and other diseases. The United States and Canada have far stricter requirements in this regard. Try walking through JFK Airport with leafy vegetables or parts of plants and see how quickly these will be confiscated or try taking certain meats into Canada and see how easily they will be dumped. Despite making representation as high as the level of Secretary State, Guyana has so far been unable to revoke the US ban of Guyanas catfish. But nobody rants about the US highly protective NTBs; instead, the GCCI chooses to pick on Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad and Tobago does have restrictive NTBs. But which country, including
Guyana, does not? Guyana has been the chief culprit when it comes to the imposition of barriers to regional trade, through both tariff and non-tariff measures. With respect to tariff measures, Guyana was taken to the CCJ for its decision to give advantages to extra regional cement. It lost that case. It was also taken to the CCJ over the imposition of an environmental tax on imports of beverages from Suriname. It lost that case also. Not that Trinidad is not at fault in respect to some of these NTBs. Its restrictions, for example, on the importation of honey remain a highly contentious issue. Trinidad does not allow the honey to even pass through in-transit through its borders. But if the GCCI feels that NTBs in Trinidad and Tobago are a problem, it needs to take the mole out of its own eye. Guyanas NTBs are no less restrictive. One of the main NTBs is import licensing requirements. If you compare the important licensing requirements of Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, it would reveal that Guyana is far more trade restrictive than the twin-island Republic.
Gunmen abandon car during gunfight with police Three men on Thursday abandoned their car in vicinity of Crown Dam Industry, East Coast Demerara (ECD) after they opted to discontinue a gunfight with police. According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), its ranks on the ECD district were conducting patrol duties around 01:22hrs in the Sparendaam area. While approaching Plaisance, they noticed a Toyota Allion motorcar driv-
ing in a dangerous manner along the Plaisance Public Road and decided to stop it. The car continued driving and reportedly turned onto Prince William Street. The policemen followed behind in their patrol vehicle but as they approached Crown Down, Industry, the occupants of the car fired two shots at them. They reportedly returned fire and the car stopped. The ranks recalled seeing
three men exiting the car and running away into the nearby cane fields. Investigators searched the abandoned vehicle and found several copies of Nigerian passports belonging to two individuals. A Guyanese ID card belonging to a woman was also found. The car along with its documents has been lodged at the Sparendaam Police Station as police continue investigations into the matter.
Dem boys seh...
Traffic more dan ants Guyana should learn from Trinidad. Dem bin build nuff road and highway and superhighway. Dem buy expensive ferries fuh help move people to wuk in de morning. Dem used to gat a special bus route fuh dem maxis and fuh guvament vehicles. But de traffic jams never end. De more road build, de more de traffic get. Dat is why Prezzie should talk to he counterpart who deh in Guyana. He should get some pointers from Rowley as to how to manage de countrys infrastructural de-
velopment. It look as if something wrang in Guyana. De number of vehicles pon de road get more plenty since de pandemic start. Even dem cross street in de city now jammed packed with traffic. De authorities need to find out how suh much vehicles deh pon de road in suh short a time. Something nah look right. Dem should start looking at dem duty-free vehicles fuh find out whether people who nah entitled to duty-free getting concession. Is just too many new vehicles pon de
road. And more to come. Sooner or later, we nah gan gat roads fuh all de vehicles we gat. A better and faster public transport system is needed. Some people say bring back de trains and some people want some areas of de city to be walking zones alone. Dat is why dem boys seh de Prezzie need advice from a country wah been dis way before. Dem should put dat in de MOU fuh discussion. Guyana can learn from de successes and de mistakes of we Trini brothers and sisters. Talk half. Leff half.
In terms of the technical measures, which are used to protect health and safety, there is not much difference between the two countries. Guyana wants to export more agricultural produce to Trinidad and this objective is frustrated by the technical and often archaic technical barriers, which have been erected by the twin-island. But had the roles been reversed, it would have been Trinidad which would have been complaining about the local technical requirements. Importers in Guyana have had nightmares dealing with Government Analyst Food and Drug Department and the Bureau of Standards. At one time, the former was demanding that importers produce a free sale certificate before its imports could be allowed. So
what happens if the product, which you are importing is produced strictly for the export market and is not sold in the exporters domestic market? Ask importers about the requirements, paperwork and time spent in order to get approvals from the Bureau of Standards and the Analyst Department. When President Ali was inaugurated, he promised a Single Window for trade. Importers and exporters are still waiting for the window to be operationalised. UNCTAD did a study on Guyanas trade governance. In that study, it noted that while there are some external barriers to Guyanas exports, the NTBs are mostly imposed for legitimate health and safety concerns. It said that Guyanas failure to meet the
standards demanded by the NTBs is more attributable to local capacity gaps rather than foreign protectionism. The GCCI therefore should be more circumspect with its outbursts. It should be more concerned about rectifying the problems faced by Guyanas frustrating and business-unfriendly trade regulations and agencies, before seeking to condemn Trinidad and Tobago. (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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Friday May 20, 2022
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Local 007 put a jumbie lash pon TLF, TUS, CMC, PNL A friend sent me a Facebook post of James Bond. It is too early to tell whether our local 007 is positioning himself to seek the leader position of the PNC. I suspect he will. Maybe after 2025 if Aubrey Norton fails to win the election or loses then fails to resuscitate “mo fyaah/slo fyaah”. Norton may face a contest even before the next election. The emanation was carefully choreographed to appeal to the demographic shape of the PNC membership – the expanding pool of youths. I don’t believe Bond crafted that delivery at random. With the consistent contretemps of Norton, Bond is preparing himself. That speech was carefully composed to appear to be the opposite of Norton’s deportment. Please remember Bond challenged David Granger and Carl Greenidge for the PNC
leader position in 2010. Bond’s delivery is a rejection of what the lunatic fringe (TLF), the usual suspects (TUS), Creole middle class (CMC) and the political nouveau lumpen (PNL) preaches to Guyanese daily. Let’s look at three formidable points of Bond’s presentation. First, he argues that African Guyanese must understand that the Black experience in the US is not the same with Guyana. On this point, he went on to explain that in its entire history, only a month ago, a Black woman became the first female judge in America’s highest court. He said that in Guyana, the three main pillars of the judiciary are headed by Black women – the magistracy, the High Court and the Court of Appeal. In this context, it is useful to quote what a peripheral member TLF wrote in the Stabroek News.
The lady noted the government of the day has control over the people of Guyana and because the government is controlled by the PPP, Africans are discriminated against. This member of TLF asserted in another commentary Guyana always had and continues to have an inherent antagonism to Black people. For a rebuttal to this unmitigated ignorance, see my two columns – Wednesday, December 8, 2021, “Some people carry mental fixations that should be confronted,” and Tuesday, December 14, 2021, “Writing about ethnic groups in Guyana: The facts.” Secondly, Bond testifies that the constant rhetoric about Blacks being discriminated against affects Blacks badly. They are daunted by the incessant talk of being discriminated again and it stultifies (my word)
their spirit to seek entrepreneurial avenues. What Bond left out and I believe he did so for strategic reason because he will be going after the position of PNC leader is that Blacks are being sermonised on this stuck record because it suits the ambitions of Black leaders. Black leaders use this stuck record to stay alive politically. Very soon from now, I will do an article about this gentleman I once knew who has a violent past and what he told me about his political frustrations with Black leaders. I met him in the National Park last Saturday. Thirdly, Bond takes the position that it is incorrect for African Guyanese to see the PPP as the enemy. I quote his words: “the PPP is not the problem, the PPP is not the enemy.” He went on to explain that the enemy of African Guyanese is how they were indoctrinated. He added that it was not the PPP that advocated that African Guyanese enter the realm of public service where they “slaved away their lives.”
But even on this third point, Bond was not being straight with Black people. T h i s columnist gave testimony at the Commission of Inquiry into the Frederick Kissoon Public Service where he advocated the upping of the state had the wealth not retirement age in the public Black people. Burnham was service and civil service. The succeeded by Desmond African oriented PNC was in Hoyte. One of the most power at the time. The ignorant men in the realm of middle class AFC was in Third World economics, power with them. One of the Hoyte sold off the oceans recommendations of the and mountains of state commission was the raising assets, which he inherited of the retirement age. It from Burnham. Hoyte chose not to offer never happened. Bond did not state for the workers and their trade strategic reason that a unions the option to buy. It generation of African leaders has to be one of the greatest in politics and trade f a i l u r e s o f m o d e r n unionism failed African psychology as to why Guyanese miserably of African Guyanese still like which Forbes Burnham and or maybe love these two past Desmond Hoyte were the presidents. greatest enemies of Black (The views expressed in people. Burnham this article are those of the nationalised the wealth of a u t hor and do not Guyana and stored the assets necessarily reflect the of the country in the state. When Burnham died, the opinions of this newspaper.)
Friday May 20, 2022
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Friday May 20, 2022
CCJ orders GRA to refund taxpayer over $45M GRA Headquarters, Georgetown.
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has ordered the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to refund a taxpayer over $45 million which was deducted from a judgment award he had secured from his previous place of employment. According to legal
documents, the plaintiff James Ramsahoye was awarded damages of approximately GYD $78 million for breach of contract of service against his former employer Linden Mining Enterprise Ltd (‘Linmine’) by the Court of Appeal of Guyana, in an earlier case. These damages constituted loss of salary for 41 months (until Ramsahoye reached 65 years of age), pension for the years 1972-98, and interest. In 2004, the GRA wrote directly to Linmine demanding that Linmine pay them GYD $45,132,975.00 (‘the sum’) for income tax allegedly owed by Ramsahoye for the years 1990 - 98; and on the sum awarded by the Court of Appeal representing Ramsahoye’s salary for 41 months (‘loss of earnings’) in accordance with sections of the Income Tax Act Cap 81:01. L i n m i n e p a i d subsequently the GRA the sum by deducting it from the damages owed to Ramsahoye without informing him. In fact, Ramsahoye only found out about Linmine’s payment to the GRA when he sought to enforce the judgment against Linmine. He was totally denied his right to dispute the GRA’s assessment. R a m s a h o y e subsequently initiated proceedings in the High Court of Guyana against the GRA. A High Court judge issued an order quashing the assessment of tax; and found that the damages awarded were not taxable. The GRA then appealed to the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal ordered them to pay the sum into court pending appeal. After the hearing, the Court of Appeal upheld the quashing o r d e r i n i t s e n t i r e t y. Nonetheless, in its subsequently issued formal order, the court stated that it allowed the appeal in part, presumably on the basis that the Court of Appeal had decided that damages constituted income under section 5(b) of the Act. The matter then moved to the CCJ. On Thursday, the CCJ issued its reasons for allowing the appeal. The CCJ had heard and allowed the appeal on 26 November 2021. The Court therefore ordered that the money belonging to Ramsahoye, which the GRA had deprived him of, should be paid to him. CCJ Justice Denys
Barrow delivered the reasons of the majority of the Court. The Judge noted that GRA’s counsel acknowledged that the violation of the dispute resolution procedures under the Act nullified the entire assessment, both in respect of the years 1990-98 and R a m s a h o y e ’s l o s s o f earnings. The CCJ, therefore, noted that because the Court of Appeal had upheld the quashing of the assessment, the matter could have been resolved by a simple application to the court below for an order directing the Registrar to pay the sums to Ramsahoye. The CCJ explained that success on a ground of appeal does not mean that the appeal is allowed. The decision of a ground is part of the reasoning process that ends with a judgment that either grants or refuses the relief or remedy sought. In this case, the Court of A p p e a l ’s f i n d i n g t h a t damages were taxable in principle had no effect on the result, which was the upholding of the quashing order. The CCJ, therefore, found that the order of the Court of Appeal that the appeal was allowed in part was wrong. Justice Jacob Wit and Justice Andrew Burgess in their respective reasons considered whether the damages for breach of contract of services awarded to Ramsahoye was subject to income tax. Justice Wit reasoned that the damages paid to Ramsahoye fell squarely under section 5(b) of the Act as they constituted compensation for the termination of a contract of employment. Justice Burgess found that the damages being compensatory in nature were income within the meaning of section 5(b) of the Act. However, he stated that the damages could not be said to be derived ‘from employment’ as the Court of Appeal awarded Ramsahoye income until he reached age 65, and that the damages were not in respect of any services rendered but were awarded for his wrongful dismissal. Justice Burgess further found that Ramsahoye could enforce the return of the sum unlawfully deducted by the GRA, as a taxing authority that erroneously taxes a person could be ordered to repay the money taxed plus interest as a matter of Continued on page 15
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$20M default judgment against Jagdeo stands A split decision by the Full Court on Thursday has resulted in a default judgment against Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo being upheld. The default appeal was granted against the VP, in favour of Opposition Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson over a defamation suit that she filed against him in 2020. Jagdeo had appealed to Full Court. However, as a result of the division in the Full Court, the decision of the trial Judge who found that the statements made by Jagdeo against Ferguson were defamatory and libelous still stands. Chief Justice Roxane GeorgeWiltshire ruled to dismiss the appeal filed by Jagdeo, while Justice Priya
- as Full Court split on decision in libel case
Former Housing Minister, Annette Ferguson Sewnarine-Beharry ruled to allow the appeal. As a consequence, Jagdeo’s lawyer, Davendra Kissoon requested and was granted a stay on the ruling for eight weeks to consult with the VP on a possible
next move forward. VP Jagdeo had moved to the Full Court in his bid to have the $20M default judgment awarded to former Housing Minister, and A Partnership National Unity +Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Member of Parliament, Annette Ferguson for libel, thrown out. Jagdeo lost the libel case to Ferguson, because of his failure to file his defence in keeping with the time limit and rules of the Court. Ferguson had sued Jagdeo over some alleged slanderous statements, which he made about her owning house lots. The
Vice President (VP), Bharrat Jagdeo statements were published in the Guyana Times newspaper which Ferguson also sued. The case against
the newspaper is still to be determined. In the case against Jagdeo, a default judgment was granted by Justice Sandra Kurtzious in the sum of $20M to Ferguson, after he failed to defend the case. Justice Kurtzious recently reinforced her decision, but set a date to review at the $20M award with the intention of possibly reducing it. That hearing was set for July 28, 2021. However, through his a t t o r n e y, J a g d e o h a s approached the Full Court to ask that the decision be set aside and reversed in its entirety. He had asked the court to
g rant him leave to file his defence to the action within seven days of the date, and extending the relevant case management timelines to allow him to properly defend the claim. F u r t h e r , t h e Vi c e President sought an order declaring that Part 12 in particular Rule 12.02 of the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) or Court rules violates Article 144(8) of the Constitution. According to documents seen by this newspaper, Jagdeo through his attorney alluded to a number of grounds in which the appeal to the Full Court is made. Among other things, he
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Friday May 20, 2022
‘Food and water more important than oil’ By Davina Bagot After cheering President Irfaan Ali on for being the host of the inaugural Agri Investment Forum which provides Regional leaders an opportunity to tap into the rich resources available in the respective Caribbean countries, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley went on to caution that food and water remain priority rather than oil, at a time when the global supply chain remains grounded, due to strains from the pandemic and the European war between Russia and Ukraine, especially. While turning slightly from her audience at the National Cultural Centre to address the Guyanese Head of State, Irfaan Ali Mottley
- PM Mottley tells Agri Investment Forum
Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley addresses the inaugural Agri Investment Forum (Photo credit: Office of the President) said “…to do what you have done in the last 18 months is nothing short of phenomenal and let me say my friends that we have suspected it for some time but we now know it; food and water are as important or more important than oil.”
Prefacing this guidance, the Prime Minister and fifth speaker at the opening ceremony of the forum told the delegates that “we are here together at a most critical time in our history.” She explained that as of May 17, 2022 several countries have moved
to impose export restrictions, in a bid to secure food for their people. Specifically, Mottley highlighted that Indonesia have imposed export restrictions on palm oil, while sunflower seeds and oil as well as wheat have been banned from export by Russia. Similarly, Ukraine has also stopped exporting wheat and oats, while Argentina too has extended export restrictions on beef products until next year. India and Kazakhstan most recently have restricted exports of wheat too, contributing to a global shortage in baby formula. Mottley, who co-chairs the One Heal Global Initiative, said that the
worrying trend is likely to continue as governments move to safeguard their food supply, in the face of soaring inflation. To this end, she said, “We are at that moment in time where it is up to us to stand up to the challenge or to recognise that the consequences of it will indeed be difficult and potentially devastating for our people.” The Barbados leader even noted that the 25 by 2025 initiative, which seeks to cut the regional import bill by 25 percent, come 2025 may even need to be revised to take this goal to 50 percent, especially since “a crisis like no other is before us”. She added, “I trust and pray that we would move with
greater energy on these issues, but more importantly that the example of the disruption of the global supply chain and the combination of the climate crisis that can take out Miami for three (to) four (or) six weeks and hence no ship coming with food from Miami what happens? That those two examples now hopefully would allow us to have a different response when we argue once again for special and differential treatment, especially for small island, developing states and landlocked countries…” Only yesterday, Kaieteur News reported on the Continued on page 24
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Friday May 20, 2022
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Guyana’s LCDS yielding benefits for climate change, Indigenous development
Guyana’s forest cover is being preserved as part of the LCDS project.
By Rehanna Ramsay Keeping Guyana’s forest intact is critical to fighting climate change. Standing forests absorb greenhouse gases, regulate water flows and protect coastal communities from extreme events and sea level rise, thereby addressing the impacts of climate change. The forest are not only helpful in this regard, it has significant value in development of Indigenous communities as well as the overall development of the country. This is reflective in the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) which has for the over the past decade driven development in Amerindian communities through the creation of low carbon jobs; helped Amerindian villages to receive the titles for communal lands; equip those villages with renewable energy facilities and digital infrastructure as well as provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for Guyanese. During a recent airing of t h e K a i e t e u r R a d i o ’s programme , “Corruption Governance and Justice,” hosted by Kaieteur News Senior reporter Kiana Wilburg, Coordinator of the Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) project at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Monica Sharma spoke at length about the benefits yielded by Amerindians from the LCDS programme.
According to her, the LCDS programme which was implement in 2009, has so far earned Guyana millions which was directly invested in the development of Amerindian villages. Sharma noted that “In November of 2009, the Government of Guyana and the Government of Norway signed a historic agreement where Guyana will be paid for its standing forest that’s the basis on which the LCDS is was developed. So now specifically for the Amerindians or first peoples, they are a direct beneficiary of monies that have already been earned.” She explained, “Thus far, now in from 2009 to 2015, I think Guyana would have earned in excess of $210 million through this partnership with the government of Norway...” The ALT coordinator noted that as a matter of policy, the government set up a programme for some of the funds to be utilized under the Amerindian Land Titling She explained that the Amerindian Land Titling projects basically ensures that Amerindians have legal rights to the lands that they occupy, and it relieves the financial burden on Amerindian communities for obtaining the legal document. “Okay, so for you to have a title, a certificate of title, which is a legal document to say that you have boundaries your land, is demarcated by
CCJ orders GRA to refund... From page 12 common law. Justice Burgess, therefore, decided that the principle of ‘unjust enrichment’ applied as the GRA was enriched; the enrichment was at the expense of Ramsahoye; it was unjust; and the GRA’s defence that it was acting according to the powers granted to it under the Act was not a defence.
actual physical boundaries on the ground, right, you have to pay for the survey to be done,” explained the ALT coordinator. “So this could be a very costly exercise for our first peoples [Amerindians] and so the Amerindian land titling project aims to relieve that financial burden from communities to having for having the demarcation paid for and
done by the Lands and Surveys Commission, who has the authority to do so,” she added. According to Sharma so far, 21 communities have been demarcated up until 2020 at the end of 2020, and after that, five additional communities have been demarcated, that is just specifically under the ALT project. She explained further
that given the titles, Amerindians can now stand up in a court of law against anyone trying to encroach upon their land. “… And you know, we have a lot you know, when it comes to areas like mining and forestry, and even without those activities going on, you do have you know encroachment on land for various reasons. In addition, to issuing land titles, Sharma said that major pillar under the ALT project, has been able to train over 200 persons in communities across Guyana in conflict resolution. As it relates to the future of the programme, she noted that LCDS will take on new projects in time for 2030. “I’m sure 2030 for as well, Amerindian development will continue and the government again the leadership of Guyana has said that, at least not at least 15% of all monies earned under the LCDS goes
Coordinator of the ALT project at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Monica Sharma directly to Amerindian development. So whether it’s land titling, whether it’s access to technology, whichever project you know is necessary for identified as necessary for Amerindian development 15% of the monies earned on the LCDS goes directly towards Continued on page 22
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Friday May 20, 2022
Kaieteur News
Digicel throws support behind Laing Avenue free-lessons initiative
Ms. Florance Rowe and some of the youngsters who benefit from her after-school lessons.
Since March 2022, Ms. Florance Rowe has been providing free after-school education to approximately 65 youngsters on Laing Avenue, Georgetown and volunteering her time on a full-time basis and now Digicel Guyana has decided to throw its support behind the noble gesture. In a press release, the telecommunications company noted that Rowe’s commitment to the effort was brought to their attention through social media. Digicel said it jumped at the opportunity to help her. “We paid a visit to deliver some much-needed materials including a whiteboard, backpacks, and
stand fans to support Ms. Rowe and the students with their day-to-day classroom activities. The kids were just as excited to meet us, as we were to meet them. We learned that several of them wanted to be lawyers, teachers, police officers, and electricians after speaking for a few minutes; we also met some prospective Digicel employees. Some of them told us that they enjoy going to class after school because Ms. Rowe pays attention to them and helps them do better in school.” Accepting the donation, Ms. Rowe expressed her gratitude for the acknowledgment and said that donations like these give her the motivation to
keep going. “When we get attention like this, it signifies that people are paying attention to what we’re trying to accomplish, and it gives me the drive and encouragement to keep going. We appreciate your visit and look forward to your continuing support, Digicel,” she said. Digicel has pledged to assist youth development through education and sports over the years, and “we do so by developing and building excellent community relations. We commend Ms. Rowe’s efforts, tip our hats to her for caring so deeply about these children, and we are more than glad to help her with this initiative.”
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Friday May 20, 2022
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Phase Three of New Providence in dire need of attention - resident
One of the impassable streets in Phase Three, New Providence.
One of the streets in Phase Three, New Providence that is routinely maintained. About five years ago when Kumar Balraj moved into his own home at Phase Three New Providence, East Bank Demerara, he thought this would have made life much easier. Although the loam streets were a bit deplorable back then, it was good enough for taxi drivers and other motorists to navigate easily. But as the years went by, the holes in the road kept expanding, and before Balraj knew it, he no longer was afforded the luxury of being dropped to his front lawn when he took a taxi home. This means that even
when there is a downpour and some sections of the street that leads to his home are completely inundated, he is forced to foot-it home. “The road was a little bad when I first moved in but it kept getting worse and worse as more and more people moved in, and now, no taxi don’t want take us in anymore,” he lamented. However, not all of the streets in the community have been left in a deplorable state. According to the man, at least two streets in the community are routinely maintained. This, he said, is Continued on page 18
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Friday May 20, 2022
Foreign taxi driver beaten, robbed by passenger A midnight trip on Thursday, for only $600, has left a foreign taxi driver without a car, a cell phone and $40,000 cash after his passenger and two accomplices beat and rob
him at gunpoint along Ice H o u s e R o a d , We s t Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Beaten with a handgun to face for his belongings is Ikechukwu Otiko, a 47-yearold medical student of the
Rajiv Gandhi University of Science and Technology in Guyana. Otiko lives at 51 New Housing Scheme, Lodge and does part time taxi work with Toyota Allion motorcar with
licence plate PNN 2975. While working taxi on Thursday, he stopped to pick up a male passenger around 00:00hrs in front of the Survival Supermarket on Sheriff Street.
Police reported that the passenger wanted to be dropped off on Ice House Road, West Ruimveldt. Thirty minutes later, Otiko arrived at the destination but instead of exiting the car and
paying the fare, the passenger was joined by two men who emerged from the darkness of the street and walked to the car. They were armed with handguns and pointed it at Otiko demanding that he gave them his car. Otiko told police that he resisted them and he got into a scuffle with the men but eventually they used the handguns to beat him out of his car before driving away with it. Inside the stolen car, was Otiko’s iPhone 7 and $40,000 cash. Investigators are now reviewing CCTV footage to assist them in tracking the car’s movements after the robbery.
Phase Three of New Providence in dire need... From page 17 because a top police official resides through one of the streets and a former government official resides through the other. “It seems like some private contractor does come and do their streets, but it does look so bad that just these streets being done all the time and nobody cares about the rest,” he opined. Even worse, he said that residents in the community are unaware who to turn to at this point. This is owing to the fact that the community has not yet been placed under the purview of a Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC). At least this was revealed to this publication by an employee who answered the phone for the Eccles/Ramsburg NDC and revealed quite courtly, “it has not been handed over,” but was unable to say when this development is likely. But residents like Balraj are worried that they will have to wait much longer before help is forthcoming. “We not only dealing with this road situation but we don’t even have security lights, except where residents spend their own money and put up their own lights. We does even see snakes in the streets but nothing is being done for us,” he related. Lest the community remains forgotten, the man is appealing to the relevant authorities to ensure that Phase Three New Providence gets some attention as the ‘One Guyana’ movement – which according to President Irfaan Ali is aimed at creating a more equal society – is introduced countrywide.
Friday May 20, 2022
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Guyana targets aquaculture, soya, Pres. poultry to cut food import bill Ali President Irfaan Ali during his address to the regional attendees. By Zena Henry Guyana is looking to upscale its food production in key areas to avoid the pitfalls of food insecurity challenges. Addressing numerous regional Heads of Governments and their Cabinet members, Caribbean Community officials, diplomats, dignitaries and invited guests at the inaugural Agri-Investment Forum and Expo at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre on Thursday, host of the event, President Irfaan Ali expressed the urgency at which regional
leaders need to handle the business of feeding its people. With the effects of the global pandemic and more recently, the war between Russia and Ukraine, President Ali noted that there is no clearer picture to depict the serious need for the region to address its needs. The Caribbean is working on a vision to reduce the region’s US$6B food bill by 25 percent by 2025. As for Guyana, President Ali pointed out that Guyana will invest heavily in areas such as fisheries. He told the gathering that fish stock continues to decline with a portion of such within biologically sustainable levels decreasing from 90 percent in 1974 to 65.8 percent in 2017. Of that sum, only 61.4 percent was fished within biologically sustainable levels in 2017. This stock declined by some 70 percent from 2.5million metric ton to 1.2million metric ton in 2014. By 2030, less than 50 percent of the marine stock will be fished
sustainably. The President said that management measures may help but climate change will push numbers further downwards. He said any increase to fishing supplies would then come from imports or aquaculture production and expansion. In 2020, close to 100 metric tons of fish and fish products were imported amounting close to US$340million. The path for Guyana and rest of region, the Head of State
continued, must be improved management of the fisheries, investment in aquaculture to supply farm fresh and salt-water species to replace declining catches. To invest in aquaculture, to produce fishery products, to replace declining supplies, to invest in agriculture and produce the components for aquaculture feed and to convert waste and by products and to Continued on page 24
Friday May 20, 2022
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PAHO helping Guyana step up efforts in addressing maternal deaths By Rehanna Ramsay While Guyana has seen a significant decline in the area of maternal mortality rate in recent years, the Ministry of Health is continuing its partnership with PAHO/WHO to further advance the progress.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Maternal /Child Health Department’s Quarterly Review event on Thursday, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony told Kaieteur News that the local health sector will bolster its work with assistance from the Pan
American Health Organisation/ World Health O r g a n i s a t i o n (PAHO/WHO). Dr. Anthony noted that the Ministry of Health (MoH) is slated to receive more technical assistance from PAHO, which is critical to the training of maternal
and childcare officers in the ten administrative regions of Guyana. Minister Anthony said that the Ministry of Health and PAHO (Guyana) will be rolling out another programme to enhance essential health services nationwide. He explained
that part of a package will be to address the issues affecting the adequate provision of maternal and childcare services. According to the Minister, the programme will also be useful for the expansion of facilities, medicines, health services, and medical equipment for healthcare workers. This, he said is crucial to achieve the overall goal of access to universal healthcare services for all Guyanese. Meanwhile, Guyana’s PAHO/WHO representative Dr. Luis Codina, who also spoke at the event, explained that PAHO/WHO has been proactive in its efforts to HELP Guyana achieve targets under the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) for Good Health and Wellbeing. One of these targets Dr Codina explained is to end preventable deaths of newborns and children younger than 5 years of age by 2030. As such, he noted that the PAHO/WHO have been providing support particularly to health care workers in the far flung regions. He said, “Maternal Mortality remains a major risk for Guyana but we have working with the health sector to provide support to women to reduce those deaths which we believe are preventable.” Dr. Codina continued: “We are working to achieve zero maternal mortality as a result of haemorrhaging and blood-related issues. We provide training and other types of support to the healthcare centres… For example, in regions that is very difficult for the women
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony to access adequate healthcare services, we provide them material needed to help reduce hemorrhaging because this is one of the main reasons for many maternal deaths there.” In 2014, Guyana was known as the country in the Caribbean region with the highest maternal mortality rates. MoH statistics show that in 2015, 14 maternal deaths were recorded while in 2016, 14 deaths were also recorded, however the mortality rate jumped to 116 deaths per 100,000 live births. I n 2 0 1 8 , G u y a n a ’s mortality rate was at 229 maternal deaths, which is said to be an overwhelming number for a country with a population of approximately 750,000. However, a successful alliance with PAHO/WHO resulted in a sharp decline in Guyana’s mortality rate in 2019, just one year later. In fact, the death rate fell to a range of seven to 14 in 2019. A 2019 MoH report noted that this was due to the fact that PAHO had started monitoring and assessing the maternal deaths locally. This resulted in PAHO finding that a significant number of the maternal deaths were related to serious haemoglobin Continued on page 24
Man pleads guilty to killing unidentified male After spending more than five years on remand, Marlon Garrett now 22, formerly of Campbell Street, Albouystown, Georgetown on Wednesday pleaded guilty to the fatal stabbing of an unidentified man in 2016. Garrett was arraigned in the Demerara High Court before Justice Sandil Kissoon, when he opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. He pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on September 11, 2016, he unlawfully killed an unknown man. Garrett was represented by attorney-at-law Ravindra Mohabir, while the State was represented by Prosecutors, Taniesha Saygon, Abigail Gibbs and Mohammed Ali. On June 9, Justice Kissoon is slated to hand down Garrett’s sentencing. According to reports, the fatal stabbing occurred after the deceased and Garrett was involved in an argument, which escalated. Garrett stabbed the man in the lower region of his abdomen with a knife and escaped. The man was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) and Garrett was later apprehended.
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GECOM has no unified position on amendments to RoPA …Opposition calls meeting with AG a fiasco Even as the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) met with Attorney General Anil Nandlall yesterday, officials from the organisation responsible for elections in the country, could not come together to put forward a comprehensive report capturing comments and recommendations relevant to the draft Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill and Regulations. Opposition Commissioner Vincent Alexander called the GECOM/AG meeting a “fiasco”. In a brief interview with reporters outside the AGs Chambers, Alexander said that the meeting was a fiasco, “because not withstanding our desire to have internal discussions at GECOM, GECOM has never facilitated an internal discussion, so there is no GECOM position.” Alexander explained that Chairwoman Justice Claudette Singh would have submitted to the AG her personal views as well as submissions from the Opposition Commissioners for discussions within GECOM. At the meeting yesterday, he claimed that the Chairwoman sought to go through her submissions, but it was made clear, Alexander said, “that GECOM is in no position to have an interaction as a collective because GECOM had not collectively discussed anything though we tried on more than one occasion to
have those discussions.” Government Commissioner Bibi Shadick told the Kaieteur News however that she was able to get her submissions over to the AG. Submissions by her fellow government commissioners were also submitted. She told Kaieteur News that the Chairwoman provided to the AG comments on her submissions and that of the organisations Chief Executive Officer. Shadick noted however that the Opposition Commissioners did not provide any recommendation and amendments, as they were concerned about internal discussions. It was even suggested, Shadick said, that the discussion with the AG be put off to facilitate the inhouse discussions, but to that, the AG noted that there is a deadline to be kept. Shadick said it was somewhat of GECOM coming to air its “dirty laundry” at the AGs office and to that, the AG said he could not get involved. Shadick has however confirmed that there should have been internal discussions to produce a submission as a collective to the AG. She said but if persons keep putting “spokes” in the wheel and misrepresenting things, things will not go the way it should. When asked what some of the issues that have been preventing the internal discussions were, the Government commissioner preferred
the question be asked of the opposition representatives. Chairwoman Singh had also said that something always comes up when it is time to hold the internal talks on the RoPA draft. Alexander had told Kaieteur News last Tuesday when the item was back on the agenda of the statutory meeting, that the Commissioners had not gotten past the minutes. A press statement from the opposition Commissioners said that actions predating the AG meeting did not establish the basis. It was said that GECOM was notified of the intended process after a public announcement, and prior communication with bodies other than GECOM. That notification requested a submission from GECOM on the proposed amendments, which were circulated by the AG`s Chamber. One would have expected GECOM as a primary stakeholder to have been involved in the process from its very inception. GECOM itself, the statement said, “to wit the Government nominated Commissioners and the Chairperson demonstrated absolutely no interest in having GECOM participate in the process. Although it was agreed that there should have been an internal discussion among the Commissioners, that never eventuated. On every occasion that the matter was listed for discussion it was
deferred to a subsequent meeting. In the meantime, the Chairperson reported that she had submitted comments on the proposed amendments along with a submission that the Opposition nominated Commissioners had forwarded for consideration, at the anticipated internal discussion.” The statement said that not even the Chairperson‘s notes on the proposed amendments were shared internally nor were the submissions of the legal officer looked at. “Commissioner Shadick also advised the Commission that she had made her personal submission, thus there was no need for her to participate in any GECOM internal discussion on the matter.” “We further reiterated our previous position that GECOM should conduct a review of its conduct of the 2020 elections as the precursor to making any submission on electoral reform. That initiation of a discussion fell on deaf ears, and the Chairperson simply moved on to the next agenda item.” GECOM has refused to discuss the matter, yet we all came to the so-called consultations. As such, the opposition commissioners iterated that GECOM‘s participation in any reform process should follow-on from a review of election 2020, the conduct of which has occasioned the reform. The reform should focus on agreed-to and ventilated concerns of the stake-
holders, rather than the concerns of a stakeholder, the governing party, who has assumed the posture of complainant, prosecutor, judge and jury in the post-election period, and in relation to the need for electoral reform. The statement noted that consultations cannot be reduced to a meeting with the AG, who has been integral to all of the above postures. At minimum, the wider community in their geographic locations, and spheres of interest, should be allowed to interrogate any proposals; and among themselves seek clarity and consensus. The process cannot be reduced to the AG having one-on-ones with the prerogative of determining the outcome of a flawed process, in which his role is manifestly incestuous. “We are not without views on the needed reform. For example, a matter of concern that predated the elections is the retention of names, on the electoral roll, of persons who are
deceased. In that regard, we feel that there is need for a legislative initiative to deal with this problem, as well as there are biometric technologies that can also be used to prevent fraudulent voting such as was uncovered in the recount process and corroborated by evidence from the Registrar of Births and Deaths and the Chief Immigration Officer.” “We also find it duplicitous for the Government to heap praises on the International Community for the role they played in the last elections and at the same time does not heed their call for a new voters` list.” The manner of conduct of the proposed reform is undemocratic, flawed, deficient and selfserving, and consequentially is not an appropriate platform for the birthing of the substantive changes that are required. Hence, “we cannot embrace the process as formulated, notwithstanding our commitment to the much touted and needed reform”.
Policewoman holds protest against DPPs decision to drop racial assault charge against lawyer The Peoples National Congress/ Reform (PNC/R) on Thursday condemned the decision of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C, to discontinue the private racial assault charge against attorney-at-law Nirvan Singh, son of former Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh. Singh was charged on Wednesday April 20, for using racial slurs towards an Afro-Guyanese policewoman who was tasked with guarding his residence. He had made his first court appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. It was alleged that Singh unlawfully excited and or attempted to excite racial hostility or ill-will against police constable Shawnette Bollers. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on March 20, 2022 at the corner of Middle and Cummings Streets, Georgetown, by means of words spoken by him in a public place, willfully excited and or attempted to excite hostility and ill-will against
Bollers on the ground of her race as an Afro-Guyanese by using words directed to her and published by him, to wit: “black monkey”, “monkey” “black people have no purpose in life” contrary to the provisions of Section 2 (1) Racial Hostility Act Cap 23:0). Chief Magistrate McLennan had granted bail in the sum of $100,000 and ordered the lawyer not to make contact or cause anyone to make contact with Bollers. However, on Wednesday when the matter was called before Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, instead of the matter continuing, the magistrate received a letter from the DPP which stated that in exercise of the powers conferred on her by Article 187 (1) (c) of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, “I hereby discontinue the charge in the above matter.” Article 187:1 states, “The Director of Public Prosecutions (referred to in this article as the Director) shall have power in any case in which he or she considers it desirable to do so (a) to institute and undertake criminal pro-
PNCR Leader, Aubrey Norton. ceedings against any person before any court, other than a court martial, in respect of any offence against the law of Guyana. (b) to take over and continue any such criminal proceedings that may have been instituted by any other person or authority; and (c) to discontinue at any stage before judgment is delivered any such criminal proceedings instituted or undertaken by him or her or any other person or authority.” As such, the matter against attorney-at-law Nirvan Singh, who was charged for using racial slurs against the policewoman, was dismissed. In response to the DPPs action, attorney-at-law Eusi Anderson, who is repre-
Director of Public Prosecution, Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C.
Police constable Shawnette Bollers, protesting on Thursday.
senting the policewoman, issued a statement in which it was stated that the matter will go as far as the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). The lawyer stated, “The DPPs letter contains 33 words and is one sentence long. It is signed by Dionne McCammon on behalf of the DPP.” He noted too, that the DPP showed no courtesy to send a copy of the letter to either himself or his client, especially since the letter is dated April 27, 2022. “We live in modern democracies where it is still vogue for complaints to be ventilated in a Court of law and not in the Court of the DPPs Chambers.
Shawnette Bollers will speak her truth in a witness box in a Magistrates Court in the Republic of Guyana…The DPPs power is neither divine nor absolute. It is circumscribed by the supervisory jurisdiction of the High Court and its final appellate Court the CCJ. It is circumscribed by my clients God ultimately. I close with my Clients instructionslet this go all the way to the CCJ,” Anderson noted in his statement. In a statement on the issue, the PNCR stated that the decision of the DPP must be condemned on two grounds; one being that she provided no explanation for her decision and two that she did not extend the courtesy
Attorney-at-law, Nirvan Singh. of formally communicating her decision to the policewoman or her lawyer. “The PNCR therefore fully supports the decision of Ms. Bollers, as reported by her lawyer, to take the case all the way to the CCJ. Her determination to fight for justice should serve as inspiration for us all. Ms. Bollers is assured of the support not only of the PNCR but also all those who want to rid Guyana of the scourge of Racism,” the statement further read. Meanwhile, policewoman Bollers on Thursday afternoon protested in front of the office of the DPP, located at Eve Leary, Georgetown. Bollers had made her intentions known to carry the matter to the CCJ.
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VACANCY
FOR RENT Excellent location, commercial/residential Alberttown:1 85x39.Email: Alberttownsale @gmsil.com or 225-7417. VEHICLE FOR SALE 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.
SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design,Advertisements, Wedding decorations & Elderly grooming: Hair,Nail etc.Tel:626-7040. 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 One adult female German Shepherd & German Shepherd pups black & tan. Tel:665-9140. Cases of Hand Sanitizer, 500ml for $300,100ml $75, Disinfecting Wipes 300 pcs in bucket for $2,500.Tel:6251514. One model(M) engine turbo (C).Tel:680-6192.
LAND FOR SALE One empty land located in Parfaite Harmonie,price $2,500,000.Tel:697-6311/6421252.
PROPERTY FOR SALE Fully concrete top & bottom 24x42 + 8ft extension 4 12x12 rooms,30mil.Tel:692-7305.
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Kaieteur News
WANTED Cook,Kitchen Helper & Young man for Bar-B-Que Cook.Tel:629-2044. 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. Female for general domestic with cooking skills,age 2545yrs.Contact:652-9616. 1 planner/moulder operator,1 woodmizer operator. Contact:264-2524. Seamstres,Tailor wanted. Tel:691-1918 whatsapp. Block Maker.Tel:691-1918. 1 cook needed.Tel:623-8654. Driver 45-55yrs,Live in Cook 30-40yrs, Handyman 18yrs, Waitress 20-25yrs 233-5477/ 634-4281. Male & Female to work in factory. Apply to R.P's Ent.Area K LeRessouvenir E.C.D. Tel:220-2818. Skilled carpenters, masons and labourers. Call:602-9469, 615-7526,660-6385,625-7642. Experienced cashier & counter person.Apply @ Shanta's 225 Camp and New Market St. 1 trainee washing machine & refrigeration technician.Call or whatsapp:660-8905. Driver salesman & porters, attractive salary.Call:6611000.
Lash,Nail Technician & Mani-Pedicurist.Must be English literate. Contact: Reign L.A.B on 643-5855. One able body Porter, Handyman,age 20-35yrs. Must be vaccinated photo & recommendation. Keyfood McDoom Village.
One more COVID death; 62 new infections
After reporting its last COVID-19 death over a month ago, the Ministry of Health on Thursday revealed that a fully vaccinated 74year-old man from Region Six Pump Attendant/Cashier, is now the countrys latest fashifts (6am-2pm & 2pm-10 tality. The Ministry stated pm).Shell Station Providence that the man died on WednesE.B.D, email: Shell ramsburg day while receiving treat@gmai.com. ment at a medical facility. Following a spike in cases 2 Experienced hairdresser, location E.B.D.Contact:677- and now the latest death, the Ministry encourages persons 0040. to observe the public health Masons & Carpenters, wages measures set out by them. $7,000-$10,000 per day. These measures outline the Call:650-1394,650-1941. need for everyone 12 years 1 salesgirl/pharmacy assis- and older to get vaccinated tant. Drop application at Pa- against COVID-19, the need tient Needs Pharmacy, stall for correct and consistent 16-18 Section A Bourda, Phar use of a face mask when leaving ones home, maintaining patientneeds @ gmail.com. the six feet physical distance Teachers for Grade 5,pre- from others and the need for school & janitors. Contact: good hand-hygiene to help 649-8174. reduce the spread of the viExperienced Skidsteer (Bob- rus. Meanwhile, via its dashcat)/Mini Excavator Operator. board, 62 new infections Tel:623-2728,619-0898,698- have been recorded in the 4321. country within the last 24 Clerical assistants live-in ac- hour period. The new cases commodation available for which bring the total number out of town applicants covid of cases to 64,082 were devaccinated persons only.223- tected in Region Four which recorded 45 cases, Region 7500. Two which recorded five Servicemen for Interior loca- cases, Region Six which retion. Applicants must be ex- corded seven cases, Regions perienced. Call:231-2250. Three and 10 which recorded Cleaner,Time keeping,Tool two each and Region Five issuing clerk,2 security (night which recorded one. Currently, two patients & day).Contact:621-6969/ 615-7784. Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area.Call:615-9132 From page 8 Female Cleaner for office. access to finance, but more Call:642-9823. importantly access to cheap Security Officer.3 CXC,3-5 yrs finance. He highlighted that experience.Must have police the aforementioned will help clearance,2 recommenda- Guyanese be more competitions. Call:225-7517. tive in the sector. “It is no small secret that Lifeguard.Must have water/ life safety course,CPR license, Guyana is by virtue of the police clearance,2 recommen- prevailing conditions, not as competitive as some other dations. Call:225-7517. countries,” he said. He reiterated that access to finance has been one of those bugbears to the local private sector that has really restricted the competitiveness. The economist added, “To answer the question very cleanly or very bluntly, there cannot be absolute success of the local content legislation without cheap and better access to finance. It is just something that absolutely has to occur.”
are admitted into the COVID19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 25 are in institutional isolation, 426 are in home isolation
and one is in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 62,400 persons have recovered from the virus.
Lack of access to loans continues to... According to him, if that does not happen, Guyana runs the risk of the local private sector being unable to compete with regional and international counterparts. Rambarran listed several measures that would help bridge the gap. He believes, for instance, that there must be financial sector development, financial expansion, financial deepening, more institutions, more complex instruments being offered and instruments that cater for what is happening within the modern development of Guyana. He also called for a revision of the schedule guidelines that the Bank of Guyana (BOG) issues. “Think about the interest rate, for example, that an enterprise here would have to face here versus an
enterprise, maybe let’s take Trinidad, versus an enterprise in Trinidad,” he explained. Rambarran added that the difference in differential alone in the interest rate and the nominal amount that will accrue from the differential in the interest rate alone is enough to wipe out profitability for a local company – which in turn will render the local company uncompetitive. The economist stated that there is need for improvement, and he highlighted that based on his assessment, it does go against the spirit and intent of local content. As such, he said, “So it is something that needs to evolve and evolve rapidly if we are to have full recognition of the benefits that will accrue.”
Guyana’s LCDS yielding benefits for climate... From page 15 Amerindian…” Sharma added. She said too that the development for LCDS 2030 is not just about Amerindian development. According to the coordinator: “It’s much broader; it’s development of Guyana and so when I’m going to speak specifically to our first
peoples, whilst they will benefit directly from this 15%, the remaining 85% that’s going to be going to go towards overall development for all Guyanese Amerindians will be benefiting from that too.” “You will see development across all the sectors, whether it be health, education, infrastructure, agricul-
ture, ICT technology and so forth and so Amerindians, again, will benefit from all of this development as well. So LCDS 2030 goes beyond a ALT project. That’s just one project that that looks at Amerindian development, giving them rights to their land. But yes, LCDS 2030 goes way beyond,” added Sharma.
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Govt. to spend $8M to rehabilitate Six Head Gym The Government through the opening of tenders at the the Ministry of Culture, Youth National Procurement and and Sport is preparing to Tender Board Administration spend some $8 million this Board (NPTAB) office which year to rehabilitate the An- saw 16 contractors submitdrew Six Head Lewis Gym lo- ting bids for the contracts. cated in Albouystown. The gym was first commisThis was revealed during sioned in April 2004, in Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Rehabilitation of Andre “Six Head” Lewis Gym, Independence Boulevard, Albouystown.
honour of Andrew Six Head the construction of a timber Lewis, the countrys first box- access walkway and concrete ing world champion who won Benab at Hogg Island and the the WBC Welterweight title supply of tablets to facilitate back in 2001. Lewis in 2015, online learning for the GOAL died in a car accident on the 20,000 Online Scholarships East Bank of Demerara. Programme. Below are the Bids were also opened for companies and their bids: Construction of revetment and bridge at Fort Nassau.
Ministry of Public Service Supply of tablets to facilitate online learning for GOAL 20,000 Online Scholarships Programme. Supply of desktop computers, uninterrupted power supply (UPS), smart-board, network storage drive, corporate wireless router, students decks and chairs.
Repairs to National Trust Building, Carmichael Street.
Construction of timber access walkway and concrete Benab at Hogg Island.
Rewiring of the Sophia Training Centre. Construction of timber revetment at 1763 Monument. Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Supply and delivery of laboratory supplies.
GECOM Procurement of wooden boats.
Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Supply and delivery of four new solar vaccine fridges.
Guyana Water Inc. Consultancy services for geotechnical investigating for construction of treatment plants in Regions Two, Three and Four and receipt of proposals.
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Guyana targets aquaculture, soya, poultry to cut... From page 19 facilitate the supply of cheap power to enable processing. The President highlighted that more than G$100 million has been invested in brackish water shrimp production which increased from 250,000 kilograms a year ago to 1.2 million kilograms in a year. Another G$150 million is expected to be invested in this area to boost production by more than 50 percent, while some $40M will be invested in state research and green programmes of indigenous fresh water species fish, of which trials have begun. Currently, 50,000 metric tons of poultry is produced in Guyana, but that number is projected to reach 90,000 metric tons by 2025. Corn and soya are currently produced at 4300 metric tons but projected to increase by 35,000 metric tons by 2025. An investment of G$651 million is said to be allocated to develop this area as a “consortium” of
farmers, private sector and other relevant stakeholders continue to be devised. Three hundred and twenty-four thousand metric tons of vegetables are currently produced, but the President is pushing for 400,000 metric tons by 2025, while rice, currently produced at 560,000 metric ton is expected to push to 847,000 metric by 2025. It was noted that fertilizer has seen a 100 percent increase as of March 2022. So much so that just days ago, President Ali allocated G$1B in fertilizers for farmers. In that regard, President Ali said that the country will be establishing its own fertilization plant as an offshoot from upcoming oil to gas project to help with input cost. “And to encourage agro processing we intend to reduce the cost of energy by 50 percent by 2025. Those of course will boost agro processing,” the President pos-
ited. He continued that Guyana is interested in tapping into the global industrial hemp market, which reached US$12.1 billion by 2028. Legislation to regulate this industry was laid in Parliament just days ago. Guyana has already embarked on wheat trials, which have so far proven successful. The country is researching some varieties to be grown for local consumption and later expansion. Also, Guyana has partnered with Barbados to launch a food terminal with 1000 black belly sheep coming here from the island. Guyana is also helping that country with its shade house programme. As it relates to logistics, President Ali said heavy investment has been made in ‘farm to market’ roads to support the sector. Government is also facilitating a strategic business participation plan involving the private sector, fish farmers, financial institutions, government and mar-
kets to address issues of transportation, financing, production planning, agroprocessing and trade barriers among others. President Ali wants to significantly position young people and women into some of the projects. The Administration, he said, is looking to have 20 percent of the owners of shade houses and livestock production owned by women, with another high percentage owned by young persons. President Ali noted that global food prices will continue to increase with pressure already falling on several staples. He said, “As I speak to you this morning, there is a global shortage of baby formula all across territories.” The decision is simple, President Ali noted, “If we are to secure our production, we must take action and expand… as extra regional supplies will become more costly given the anticipated global decline.”
Exxon’s 5th project will burden Guyana’s emergency... From page 6 relates to increased marinerelated traffic, which could potentially contribute to marine vessel congestion in near shore or port areas. According to EEPGL, “Increased vessel traffic could result in localized potential congestion near shorebase and marine safety exclusion zones around the FPSO, drill ship, and major installation vessels will restrict access by unauthorised vessels.” The document conceded too “the development will use public infrastructure and services and thus could potentially compete with other existing businesses and consumers across a range of services—roads, accommodation, and utilities—the development may result in increased vehicular traffic in Georgetown, which could potentially contribute to vehicular congestion in certain areas.” It was noted too that, “increased demand for public infrastructure, services, and housing by the Project
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Kaieteur News
workforce could influence the availability of these services.” As it relates to its waste disposal and management, the document concedes too that The Project could potentially stress the capacity to manage wastes in Guyana. According to EEPGL, “If the capacity in Guyana to properly treat, store, or dispose of waste is overburdened by Project demands, this could affect the ability to properly accommodate treatment, storage, or disposal needs by other parties.” The document was prepared for EEPGL by Michael B. Persaud, Environmental, Regulatory, and Socioeconomic Manager with ExxonMobil. Oil production from Uaru Development Project is expected to last approximately 20 to 30 years. EEPGL says it plans to drill approximately 40 to 76 wells offshore to support extraction of the oil from below the sea floor. The company in describing the proposed operation said it intends to
install some of the oil production facilities on the sea floor at approximately 1,450 – 1,950 m water depth. “These subsea facilities include various types of pipes and hardware. The subsea facilities allow the oil from the wells to be gathered and moved to the surface of the ocean for further processing.” It was noted too that EEPGL will install other oil production facilities on a vessel which floats on the surface of the ocean namely the FPSO that will be moored on location in approximately 1,690 metres of water depth and will remain on location throughout the production stage. Oil production facilities on the FPSO will further process the oil extracted from below the sea floor. The FPSO will have the peak capacity to produce up to approximately 220,000 barrels to 275,000 barrels of oil per day. Processed oil will be stored in cargo tanks inside the FPSO hull which have the capacity to hold approximately 2 million barrels of oil.
The document said, during peak production, approximately every four days, the oil will be pumped from the FPSO to a conventional oil tanker, which is owned or operated by third parties. EEPGL noted too that it will utilize onshore support facilities to support drilling the wells, installing the offshore production facilities, and operating the offshore production facilities. “This will include but is not limited to shore bases, warehouses, storage and pipe yards, fabrication facilities, fuel supply facilities, and waste management facilities in Guyana.” At peak, EEPGL will utilize approximately 1,200 personnel offshore during the stage where the wells are being drilled and the offshore oil production facilities are being installed. This number will decrease to less than 200 personnel during the production phase. A smaller number of personnel will be utilized at the onshore support facilities.
‘Food and water more...’ From page 14 impacts oil production projects have been having on the environment and the local economy. For instance, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana—has in its project summary for its fifth project conceded that it will, in addition to emitting additional Green House Gases into the atmosphere can possibly decimate not only the fishing industry, but could also potentially impact beaches, mangroves, and wetlands as wildlife habitat. As such, according to the company, throughout the life of the project, there will be a continued threat to Guyana’s environment and marine habitat in the event of an unplanned event such as an oil spill. Meanwhile, Guyana continues to ignore the advice of specialists in the field who have specifically cautioned against harmful projects. Ghanian President, Nana
Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during the International Energy Conference and Expo back in February this year, had shared, “To ensure energy sustainability, it is critical that we balance carefully social, economic and environmental benefits in a continuously changing world. No energy project therefore, no matter how high its return on value is worth it if the interest or some or majority of the stakeholders are not properly represented and they are left impoverished and dissatisfied.” He had told a packed conference room that specific measures must be taken to mitigate such dreaded trends, resulting from poor management of the oil and gas sector. Ghana, a west-African country, with a wealth of experience in the oil industry, given over 10 years in oil production, has been mentoring Guyana as the country progresses with its oil and gas production.
$20M default judgment... From page 13 contends that the trial Judge erred by in law and in fact, by finding that he had no real prospect of defending the claim. Jagdeo posited specifically that Justice Kurtzious erred and misdirected herself in law, by entering a default judgment against him without considering all of the grounds of his defence, including the defence of justification. Jagdeo noted that the trial Judge erred in law by failing to appreciate the overriding objective of the Civil Procedure Rules 2016, in ensuring justice between both parties–
factors set forth in CPR 12:03 (3). He said too, that the Judge erred inter alia by placing undue emphasis on Ferguson‘s pleadings, without giving similar regard to his defence. “…. The learned trial Judge erred in law, and in fact, by attempting to assess the evidence and conducting a mini-trial, as opposed to merely finding that the appellant [Jagdeo] had a real prospect of success, overlooking and failing to assess the facts averred in his pleadings which would be proved at trial,” he contended in the Notice of Appeal.
PM Rowley offers to build... From page 3 recognition. He said, “My colleague and I from Barbados, Prime Minister Mia Mottley QC talked about this idea…Once a company is registered one place in CARICOM, it is deemed to be registered everywhere; that is a simple, straightforward way of encouraging entrepreneurial recognition under law but it will remove a lot of the impediments…” BUSINESS MODEL The Prime Minister also spoke to the need for a sustained business model to truly unlock the agricultural potential of CARICOM member states; otherwise, their ideas will remain just words on paper. In this regard, he noted that a meeting was held on Tuesday with President Ali where they spoke at length about the business model that is needed to underpin the ideas that will flow from the forum. “We will need a business model to bring about this expansion in food supply that will survive fair winds and foul
and that will bring us the benefits we desire because increased production with proper transportation, storage, and of course, agro-processing requires a proper business model.” PM Rowley said TT is in a position to develop this model with the potential in Guyana and CARICOM. By combining this with the right energy infrastructure, expertise, and universities within the region to drive research, Rowley expressed confidence that CARICOM’s leaders can put its people in a position to do what has to be done for the benefit of current and future generations.
Corruption benefits the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor. Say no to it.
Friday May 20, 2022
Kaieteur News
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Friday May 20, 2022
Friday May 20, 2022
Ex-striker Shevchenko becomes ambassador for Ukraine charity KYIV, (Reuters) - Former Ukraine, Chelsea and AC Milan st r i k e r A n d r i y Shevchenko has a new goal - to help raise funds for rebuilding his country foll o w i n g R u s s i a ’s i n v a sion. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Shevchenko, whom he met in Kyiv on W e d n e s d a y, h a d b e e n appointed the first ambassador of UNITED24, a fundraising initiative to collect donations for the “restoration and development” of Ukraine. “Andriy, with his work and sporting achievements, gained great confidence on the international
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stage,” Zelenskiy wrote on the Telegram messaging app. “And now he has a new mission – to tell the world about the events in Ukraine and direct his authority to increase international assistance to our state. I am sure that is all for you it will work!” Shevchenko, now 45, is widely regarded as his c o u n t r y ’s g r e a t e s t e v e r player. He played for Ukraine 111 times, scoring 48 goals, and represented Dynamo Kyiv before playing abroad. He was coach of the national team for five years until last August.
Genoa coach Andriy Shevchenko applauds fans after the match. (REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini)
Friday May 20, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Remember that it's OK to have a little downtime, Aries. Don't feel like you have to always be up and on stage. Take some time to be mellow and quiet. Today is one of those intense days.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) The intensity of the day could work for you in one of two ways, Libra. You can either be depressed and weighed down by the intense emotionalism that's likely to well up.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) This is your day to shine, Taurus. Everyone else may be squirming under the prevailing energy of the day.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Combine today's grounding force with a bit of emotional intensity from your heart to create a powerful combination of spirit that will surely make an impact on whatever you contact, Scorpio. . SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your lighthearted social demeanor could find a hard time fitting in with the general mood of the crowd today, Sagittarius.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Give thanks to the people who are most precious to you, Gemini. You'll find that words cut to the core issues much more easily. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Connect with the stabilizing force of the day, Cancer. It's important for you to keep at least one foot on the ground, as powerful and intense emotions are likely to try to take over the scene.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You should be able to put on your famous smile this morning and keep it on all day, Capricorn. Advertise your beautiful soul to the world.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your strong opinions might come into conflict with strong emotions today, Leo. Be aware that fountains of intensity are likely to spring from you as if you were a bottomless well.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Chances are that there will be an emotional bite to the day that might put something of a hostile tone on anything you encounter, Aquarius.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Consciously, realize that you're someone unique and special, Virgo. Remember this through the day and let your actions reflect this affirmation.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your mood should be quite good today, Pisces, and you'll be well supported by the people around you. The key is to bring intense feelings directly to the table as you experience them.
Two more matches in Upper ... Upper... From page 31 The next game will gather momentum from this opening game when Milerock and Topp XX come to grips with each other. Milerock will be introducing an almost new breed of player this time around. Marcus Tudor will be up front with the midfield play shared by Ramjan Ramdeholl, Neil Kennedy and Odessa Tudor who have all played for Guyana at the youth levels. Add the veteran player Rawle ‘Boney’ Gittens and the Marcus Tudor and you
get the challenge what Topp XX are up against. On the other hand Topp XX will bring all their experience into this game which makes it most interesting. Led by Travis Waterton and Carlos Grant in the midfield and the likes of Keion Hall and Jamal Bentick up front with Omari Gordon defending and in goal Gregory Hinds, you get a Topp XX which will be a tough lot. Two more matches will be played on Sunday at the same venue.
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Friday May 20, 2022
Kaieteur News
England bowler Archer Rights groups urge FIFA out for remainder of to earmark $440mln for season, ECB confirms Qatar migrant workers
SportsMax - England fast bowler Jofra Archer will miss the rest of the season after suffering a stress fracture in his lower back. Paceman Archer has not played for England since March 2021, in a T20I against India in Ahmedabad. The 27-year-old has only featured four times since for his county Sussex, last playing in July last year. He underwent surgery in May on a long-standing elbow problem, and needed a second operation to try and fix the issue in December, having missed the T20 World Cup and the Ashes. That was expected to keep him out until June, though Archer had hoped to return to action for Sussex in the T20 Blast later this month. However, he failed to feature in second-team warm-up matches and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has now confirmed the
England fast bowler Jofra Archer
seamer is facing another long spell on the sidelines. “After being diagnosed with a stress fracture to the lower back, England and Sussex seamer Jofra Archer has been ruled out for the rest of the season,” a statement from the ECB read. “No timeframe has been set for his return. A management plan will be determined following further specialist opinion over the coming days.”
News of Archer’s injury is a fresh blow for England, who are without a host of fast bowlers for the first Test against New Zealand in June. Ben Stokes, who has replaced Joe Root as captain, is unable to call on Chris Woakes, Ollie Robinson, Sam Curran, Mark Wood, Olly Stone, Matthew Fisher or Saqib Mahmood, who like Archer has a stress fracture in his lower back and will not play again this season.
(Reuters) - Amnesty International and other rights groups have called on FIFA to set aside $440 million to compensate migrant workers in Qatar for “human rights abuses” during preparations for the 2022 World Cup. In a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the groups said world soccer’s governing body should also work with the host nation to protect the rights of migrant workers in the future. “To remedy the litany of abuses committed since 2010, when FIFA awarded hosting rights to Qatar without requiring any improvement in labour protections, the organisations called on FIFA to at least match the $440m it hands out in prize money at the World Cup,” Amnesty said in a statement. A 48-page report by Amnesty, Reality Check 2021, said that practices such as
FIFA’s logo is seen in front of its headquarter during a foggy autumn day in Zurich, Switzerland November 18, 2020. (REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann) withholding salaries and charging workers to change jobs were rife. The Qatar government, which has denied the accusations, said it had introduced various reforms in the last five years, including a new national minimum wage and the removal of exit permits. “The progress made by Qatar is irrefutable. The Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund, established by the government to provide payments owed to workers, has disbursed 110 million pounds ($136.37 million) in the past two years alone,” the labour ministry said in a statement to Reuters. “The new report undermines much of the goodwill that has been generated. Engagement will always yield better results than condemna-
tion, especially when they are unreasonably demanded.” In response to the letter, FIFA said it was assessing Amnesty’s proposition and implementing an “unprecedented due diligence process in relation to the protection of workers involved”. FIFA added that it was working with the organising committee and had already compensated a number of workers. “As part of the Supreme Committee’s effort to ensure repayment of recruitment fees, workers have received payments of a total $22.6 million as of December 2021, with an additional $5.7 million committed by contractors,” it said. The World Cup will run from Nov. 21 to Dec 18. ($1 = 0.8066 pounds)
Independence Table Tennis action serves off toda... From page 32 Winners, runners-up and semifin a l i s t s w i l l b e rewarded awarded with medals. Players will be allowed to play in more than one c a t e g o r y. P l a y e r s a r e reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure that they have adequate medical, and other appropriate insurance. A technical committee put in place by the GTTA
will oversee the conduct of the tournament. Interested players are asked to register with senio r o f f i c i a l s o f t h e G T TA a s e a r l y a s possible. Covid-19 protocol guidelines will still be in place. O n l y p l a y e r s whose categories are in progress will be allowed to play on the tables. (Samuel Whyte)
Friday May 20, 2022
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FIFA picks 6 female referees, Kohli returns to form as RCB keep assistants for men’s World Cup playoff hopes alive with Titans win GENEVA (AP) — Female referees will make World Cup history this year by working games at a major men’s tournament for the first time in Qatar. Three female referees and three female assistant referees were announced Thursday by FIFA among 129 officials selected for World Cup duty, including one man who caused controversy when refereeing a chaotic African Cup of Nations game in January while suffering with heatstroke. French referee Stéphanie Frappart already worked men’s games in World Cup qualifying and the Champions League, after handling the 2019 Women’s World Cup final. She also refereed the final of the men’s French Cup this month. “As always, the criteria we have used is ‘quality first’ and the selected match officials represent the highest level of refereeing worldwide,” said FIFA Referees Committee chairman Pierluigi Collina, who worked the 2002 World Cup final. “ I n t h i s w a y, w e clearly emphasize that it is quality that counts for us and not gender.” Salima Mukansanga of R w a n d a a n d Yo s h i m i Yamashita of Japan are also on the list of 36 referees preparing for the 64 games at the tournament, which will be played from Nov. 21Dec. 18. The 69 assistant referees include Neuza Back of Brazil, Karen Díaz Medina of Mexico and K a t h r y n N e s b i t t o f the United States. “I would hope that in the future the selection of elite women’s match officials for important men’s competitions will be perceived as something normal and no longer as sensational,” Collina said.
Referee Stephanie Frappart gives directions during the French Cup final soccer match between Nice and Nantes at the Stade de France stadium, in Saint Denis, north of Paris, Saturday, May 7, 2022. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) Among the male referees is Janny Sikazwe of Zambia, who blew the final whistle at an African Cup group match after 85 minutes and again 13 seconds before the 90 minutes were complete, with Mali leading T u n i s i a 1 - 0 . About 30 minutes after the match, officials ordered the teams back on the field to restart play but Tunisia refused. The result was later ratified by the Confederation of African Football despite an official protest by Tunisia. The match was played in heat and humidity in Cameroon, and Sikazwe later explained he started to become confused in the intense conditions. Sikazwe will be working at his second World Cup after handling two group games at the 2018 tournament in Russia. The extreme heat in Qatar led FIFA to decide in 2015 to move the tournament to the cooler months in the Gulf emirate. FIFA has picked 24 men to work on video reviews.
4th shipment as total climbs...
From page 32 are extremely optimistic. Our training structure is exclusive to our stables therefore giving us the advantage. Horseracing has become a livelihood for many and we need to see more corporate sponsorship coming in. It’s unfair as stable owners we have to stand 100 percent of the cost attached to these international horses. Importing feed and especially supplements is very costly and its
time the world acclaimed sport be recognized by the Government and be inducted as an official Sport. But until then for those who love it, will fund until our hard work pays off.” Mr. Jagdeo had a warning to his challengers, “From the Jagdeo Racing Stable and myself, Jingo will be coming to take over Guyana Cup, walk away with the trophies and prize money while others watch on.”
The VAR system made its debut in 2018. FIFA said 50 refereeand-assistant trios began preparing in 2019 for World Cup duty, with the project affected by limits on international travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tw o r e f e r e e s w e r e picked from each of Argentina, Brazil, England and France. All the officials — who were not allocated into specific teams of three — face future technical, physical and medical assessments this year, FIFA said.
SportsMax - Virat Kohli returned to form with a crucial 73 as Royal Challengers Bangalore kept their Indian Premier League playoffs hopes alive with an eightwicket victory over Gujarat Titans. Titans opener Wriddhiman Saha scored a brisk 31 and David Miller added 34 in a 61-run partnership with captain Hardik Pandya, who finished unbeaten on 62 as Gujarat posted 168-5 at the Wankhede Stadium. That total was boosted by a late flurry from Rashid Khan, who smashed 19 off just six balls, but the target seemed below par as RCB’s openers raced out of the blocks. Kohli and Faf du Plessis made a blistering start to the chase, the India star reaching his second half-century of the tournament off 33 deliveries with a six against Khan (2-32). Khan then removed Du Plessis, caught by Pandya, for 44 with the score on 115-1 in the 15th over, before beating Glenn Maxwell for pace and clipping the stumps without the bails coming off with the next ball. Maxwell capitalised on the reprieve by blasting the next Pandya over for 21 and, although Khan had Kohli stumped in the 17th over, the
There was no dearth of emotions from Virat Kohli. (BCCI) Australian’s unbeaten 40 off just 18 balls saw RCB over the line with eight deliveries to spare. RCB’s playoff hopes now rely on Delhi Capitals losing to Mumbai Indians tomorrow, while IPL debutants Gujarat are already assured top spot after winning 10 of 14 games. King Kohli Before this game, Kohli averaged just 21.45 in the IPL this term – his lowest in the tournament since 2008, when he averaged 15 – and had been dismissed for under 10 runs six times, including three golden ducks. The 33-yearold has acknowledged he may need a break to rejuvenate mentally and physically,
but he was at his imperious best here, smashing eight fours and two sixes in his 54ball 73. Hasaranga keeps it tight Wanindu Hasaranga, who claimed 1-25 from his four-over allocation, continues to dominate through the middle overs for RCB. The Sri Lanka international dismissed Miller with a wonderful caught and bowled to pick up his 24th wicket of the tournament – the joint-most with Rajasthan Royals’ Yuzvendra Chahal. Scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore 170 for 2 (Kohli 73, du Plessis 44, Rashid 2-32 ) beat Gujarat Titans 168 for 5 (Pandya 62*, Miller 34, Hazlewood 2-39) by eight wickets.
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Friday May 20, 2022
Kaieteur News
Pressy Enterprises supports Elaine Thompson-Herah withdraws from 100m at tomorrow’s Prime Minister Independence Domino tourney in Linden Birmingham Diamond League meeting
Thompson-Herah winning the 200m in Kingston on May 7. (Dwayne Richards) SportsMax - Elaine Thompson-Herah has withdrawn from the Birmingham Diamond League meeting tomorrow, Saturday. The Tokyo Olympics triple gold medallist cited her withdrawal as precautionary. “The decision not to travel to Birmingham was taken out of an abundance of caution after she experienced some discomfort in training,” said a statement from her management.
The fastest woman alive was expected to match strides with the likes of compatriot Tokyo Olympics 100m bronze medallist Shericka Jackson, Olympic 200m bronze medallist Gabby Thomas as well as NCAA champion Cambrea Sturgis as well as Britain’s Daryll Neita. However, with Jamaica’s National Championships just over a month away, Thompson-Herah, who has been troubled by a longstanding
foot injury was not taking any chances. The 29-year-old Jamaican has been unbeaten so far this season running 10.89 to win her heat at the USATF Golden Games in California on April 16 and 10.93 to win at the Puerto Rico International Athletics Classic on May 12. In her 200m opener at the JAAA/SDF Jubilee meet in Kingston on May 7, the fivetime Olympic gold medallist won in 22.75.
The Honorable Prime Minister, Ret’d. Brigadier Mark Anthony Phillips’ Independence Domino Tournament 2022 will be staged on Thursday May 26, 2022 at 2330 Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden (Shanghai’s Residence). This will be the First Independence Cup Tournament being staged in the Mining Town and all Clubs affiliated to the Linden Domino Association and all affiliated clubs from all other Associations are invited to take part. A winner’s purse of $500,000 is set for the victorious team while the second place team will have to settle for $300,000 and third place will cart off with $100,000. The winner will also claim the Hon. Prime Minister Lien Trophy. Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall has donated the trophies for the top three teams. A number of other individual prizes are also to be won. Pressy Enterprise yesterday joined the growing list of sponsors supporting the event. They
Pressy Enterprise Rep presents the trophy to BL Aaron and Mark Wiltshire to signal their sponsorship for the Prime Minister Independence Domino competition. presented their sponsorship commitment to B.L. Aaron and Mark Jumbie Wiltshire of the organisers. The competition promises to be keen. Among the other sponsors on board are Office of the Hon. Prime Minister, Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports, Bakewell, Beharry
Group of Companies, Ansa McAl and the Guyana Tourism Authority. Teams have begun to register at a decent rate. Entrance fee is set at $15,000 per team and details on registration for the tournament can be had by contacting B.L. Aaron on telephone 662-3497 or Mark ‘Jumbie’Wiltshire on 659-8672.
Friday May 20, 2022
Chandimal, Dickwella cling on as Sri Lanka draw Bangladesh Test AFP - Bangladesh and Sri Lanka drew the first Test in Chittagong yesterday after Dinesh C h a n d i m a l a n d Niroshan Dickwella hung on for the visitors in a vital seventh-wicket stand of 99. On the fifth and final day the two teams settled on a draw 45 minutes before the scheduled close of play with Sri Lanka on 2606 in their second innings. Dickwella was unbeaten on 61 alongside Chandimal on 39 not out at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. Hosts Bangladesh made 465 in their first innings in reply to Sri Lanka’s 397 as Tamim Iqbal (133) and Mushfiqur Rahim (105) played s t a r r i n g roles. Player-of-the-match Angelo Mathews hit 199 to form the backbone of the Sri Lankan first innings and Nayeem Hasan claimed 6-105 for Bangladesh. On Thursday left-arm spin duo Taijul Islam and Shakib Al Hasan had given Bangladesh hope of victory. Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne made 52 off 138 balls before he gave a catch to his counterpart Mominul Haque at midwicket off the dangerous Taijul, who ended with figures of 4-82. Shakib soon had Dhananjaya de Silva out for 33 off 60 balls as Mushfiqur took the catch, also at midwicket, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 1616. Dickwella swept the next ball high but Taijul could only manage to get a finger on it at square leg. After the scare, he and Chandimal dug in at the crease before and after the tea break to stubbornly thwart the home side. “We tried to do something differently and put them under pressure, but we played some poor shots and then we had to change tactics,” Karunaratne said. “ We u n f o r t u n a t e l y couldn’t put pressure on Bangladesh on the last day.” Taijul struck twice in the morning session after
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Dinesh Chandimal and Niroshan Dickwella had to dig deep to rescue Sri Lanka. (AFP/Getty Images) Sri Lanka started aggressively, resuming on 39-2. Taijul bowled Kusal Mendis for 48 and then removed first-innings centurion Mathews for a duck, caught and bowled. Bangladesh were one bowler short on the fifth day after paceman Shoriful Islam was ruled out of the two-Test series following a blow he received on his hand while batting on Wednesday. “The second innings was a bit disappointing, but Shakib bowled really well in both innings. We missed Shoriful for Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam celebrates the dismissal of Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis. (AFP/Munir uz ZAMAN)
sure, but we managed to cover for him,” skipper Mominul said. “Every time we have to keep improving, batting, bowling or fielding, we have to keep getting better.” The second Test starts at Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Monday. Scores: Sri Lanka 397 (Mathews 199, Chandimal 66, Nayeem 6-105) and 260 for 6 (Dickwella 61*, Karunaratne 52, Taijul 4-82) drew with Bangladesh 465 for 9 dec (Tamim 133, Mushfiqur 105, Rajitha 4-60).
West Indies Championship 2022…
Scorpions continue to dominate Volcanoes, Hurricanes still sitting pretty against host Sterling team performances kept the Jamaican Scorpions and Leeward Islands Hurricanes with the upper hand against their opponents after Day two of their third round matches in the 2022 West Indies Championship. At the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, the Scorpions had a great first day against the Windward Islands Volcanoes which led to the second being very progressive as they close in on victory in the four-day match. On the first day, Volcanoes crumbled to 137 all out, compliments of Marquino Mindley (5-20) and Nicholson Gordon (4-43). In reply, Jamaica got to 118 – 4 at stumps. Trailing by 19 at the resumption of play, the Scorpions easily cleared the deficit and added a formidable one of their own. Scorpions reached 346 all out in 87 overs as Brandon King turned in an impressive unbeaten knock of 119. He crafted the innings of 154 deliveries which included 22 fours. Support came from John Campbell (50), Leroy Lugg (36), Jermaine Blackwood (26) and Jamie Merchant down the order with a defiant 58. Preston McSween was the best bowler for the Volcanoes side with 4 – 96 while Josh Thomas claimed 3 – 56, Sherman Lewis had 2 – 65 and Keron Cottoy bagged 1 – 30. Scorpions’ lead of 209 could prove difficult for the opposition to overcome but they had a decent start in their second innings.
Brandon King’s innings was integral to the Scorpions’ domination with the bat. They lost openers Kimani Melius (17) and Devon Smith (34) but Kaveem Hodge (30*) and Alick Athanaze (17) tried valiantly to avoid a repeat of the first innings. Unfortunately for the struggling side, Athanaze fell late in the days’ play to end the day on 101-3. They trail the Scorpions by 108 runs going into the third day. Hurricanes still sitting pretty… Over at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, the Leeward Islands Hurricanes control the cards in their battle with Trinidad and Tobago Red Force. At stumps on Day One, Hurricanes were 304 – 7, compliments of a century by Kieran Powell. Powell ended the first innings with a career-best of 139 as his team rallied to 357 all out. Amir Jangoo (58) and Kacey Carty (31) and Jeremiah Louis with an unbeaten 42 played a great supporting rolling for Powell’s innings.
Jayden Seales with 5 – 49 was the pick of the bowlers for the Red Force. A wicket each was picked up by Bryan Charles, Akeal Hosein, Yannic Cariah and Jason Mohammed. T&T’s reply was a paltry one of 140 all out as only Joshua DaSilva (65) and Charles (25) formed any kind of resistance against the Hurricanes’ attack. Colin Archibald (4-27) and Louis (432) were the chief destroyers for the Hurricanes. Hayden Walsh Jr. and Sheeno Berridge both picked up a wicket in the team effort. When T&T’s innings expired, they were trailing by 217 runs but the opposition saw it fit to pile more runs on to their lead. Hurricanes reached 23 – 0 at stumps with a lead of 240 runs and have two full days to record the victory against a faltering T&T side.
Schultz, Toussaint, Yadram slam half centuries as Demerara beat Select Women XI
Half centuries from Kaysia Schultz, Lashuna Toussaint and Kavita Yadram propelled Demerara to a 179-run victory over the Select Women XI when the Guyana Cricket Board senior Women’s inter county 50-over tournament continued yesterday. Demerara Women opted to bat and posted 276 for 7 at the Guyana National Stadium. They were put on the back foot early on losing the wicket of opener Mandy Mangru who was bowled by Kimberly Sookdeo for six, while Latoya Smith retired on eight. Cherry Ann Fraser was
bowled by Haseena Mohammed for five, however Toussaint and Yadram consolidated as they added 106 for the fourth wicket. Toussaint slammed seven fours off 78 balls before she was bowled by Jamie Campbell for 60, while Yadram struck five fours in scoring 52 off 56 balls; she was bowled by Karishma Ramnauth. Schultz and Heema Singh continued to prop up the total with a fifth-wicket stand of 83. Schultz was removed by Mohammed for 63 which came off 76 balls and contained five fours while Singh
was taken off Niveena Ramnauth for 30. Ramnauth had 2-39 and Mohammed 245. Shemika Edwards made early inroads as The Select XI were reduced to 38-3. Despite a top score of 35 from Realeanna Grimmond, the Select XI never threatened and were bowled out for 97 in 26 overs as five batters failed to get off the mark. A collective effort with the ball was led by Schultz with 3-12, Heema Singh had 2-10, Shemika Edwards 2-17 and Mangru 224. Schultz was named player of the match. The competition continues today.
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Kaieteur News
Steph Curry, Warriors Chanderpaul, Motie score dance to Game 1 blowout tons as Guy reach 490-7 decl. of Mavericks in West finals CWI Regional First-Class cricket
By Sean Devers in Trinidad In association with WD Hotel & Mall Charity & Dave’s West Indies Imports On another day of sweltering heat, defending Champions Barbados Pride were 48-2 replying to Guyana Harpy Eagles’ 490-7 declared on the second day of the third round of the CWI Regional First-Class tournament at the Queen’s Park Oval yesterday. West Indies Captain Kraigg Braithwaite (17) was dismissed by left-arm spinner Veersammy Permaul to a stupendous catch at short-leg by Akshaya Persaud at 29-1, while Shamarh Brooks (2) was LBW to Keemo Paul, playing no shot to one nipped back off the seam at 48-2. Shayne Moseley was not out on 28 by the close. Earlier, Chanderpaul took his overnight 64 to an unbeaten 140 from 435 balls, over seven hours with 14 fours shared in a 143-run stand with Gudakesh Motie, the first spinner from Guyana to score a century. His violent 110 lasted 118 balls and included 12 fours and four sixes. Chanderpaul also shared in half-century stands with Tevin Imlach (53), Leon Johnson (37), Anthony Bramble who retired hurt on 38 and 53 with Permaul. When the declaration was made in the last session Nail Smith, on 28, was with Chanderpaul. Debutant Akeem Jordon had 3-108 while Raymond Reifer had 2-37. The Harpy Eagles resumed on their overnight score of 219-4 with Tagenarine Chanderpaul,
Tagenarine Chanderpaul strokes one past extra cover for four during his top score yesterday. (Sean Devers photo) who turned 30 on May 31, on 64 and Bramble on 21. But with the partnership on 68, Bramble was hit on his hand and again on his upper leg, forcing him to retire hurt on 38 with the score 259-4 before Keemo Paul (1) was bowled by left arm pacer Reifer who had played for Guyana during their five-year winning streak, to leave the score on 260-5. Permaul joined Chanderpaul, who looked a lot more positive yesterday, and together the pair added 56 as Chanderpaul showing tremendous concentration. Chanderpaul reached his third First-Class century with a glorious cover drive for his 13th boundary from 469 minutes and 320 balls. Despite it being the slowest ton in Regional First-Class cricket, it was a critical factor in the opposition being in the field for over five sessions
and by lunch Harpy Eagles were 313-5 with the rock-solid Chanderpaul on 103 and Permaul on 34. Permaul was removed first ball after lunch by Jordon before the Motie show began with left-hander clobbering the hapless attack to all parts of the ground and reached his second First-Class fifty from just 34 balls before eventually converting it to a maiden century as Chanderpaul played the supporting role. After Motie pulled Keon Harding to deep square leg at 456-7, Smith joined Chanderpaul and blasted a run-a-ball 28 with five fours. Today is the penultimate day and the play will start at 9:30AM. Scores in the other two matches read: At Tarouba; Jamaica 346, Windwards 137 & 103-1. At Diego Martin T&T 140, Leewards 357 & 23-0.
Independence Table Tennis action serves off today at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall Matches to be played over five days The Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) continues with its busy schedule with the playing of the Annual Independence competition. The competition will be played from today, Friday 20th May at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Home Stretch Avenue Georgetown. The competition, which will be held over five days, is expected to continue on Saturday 21st, Sunday 22nd, Thursday 26th,
Independence Day, with the finals set for Sunday 29th. The tournament will be held under the rules of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) and the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and will see play in 13 categories. The categories to be contested are -Boys’ and girls’ 9 years and under singles; 11 years and under singles; 13 years and under singles; 15 years under singles; 19 years and under singles. There is a B class
open category, while there are categories for women and men singles. The players entering in the senior men and women categories are asked to pay an entrance fee of $1000, while the others are expected to dole out $500. The tournament is open to all nationals of Guyana. Matches will be played to the best of 5 games and awards will be presented to the top three finishers, 1st, 2nd and joint third place. (Continued on page 28)
Yahoo Sports - SAN FRANCISCO — The 2022 vintage of the Golden State Warriors is ready at just the right time. Despite a cold start from long distance, the Warriors pulled away from the Dallas Mavericks in the second half to take a 112-87 win in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals at Chase Center on Wednesday. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson combined to go 1for-9 from 3-point range in the first half. Thompson didn’t score until 10:22 to go in the third quarter. But from there, they turned back the clock to the Warriors’ dynasty of old, just with a few new pieces. Andrew Wiggins showed why he was voted as an AllStar this season, scoring 15 of his 19 points in the first half. All five of the Warriors’ starters scored in double figures. Jordan Poole and Otto Porter Jr. also added doubledigit scoring off the bench. Curry led all scorers with 21 points, then sat the entire fourth quarter. He also had 12 rebounds. Thompson finished with
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry shoots a 3pointer against Dallas’ Dwight Powell in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on May 18, 2022. (Harry How/Getty Images) 15 points, all in the second half, Kevon Looney had 10 and Draymond Green had 10 points and nine boards. Golden State dominated on the boards, 52-34. The Mavericks may have been fined $50,000 earlier in the day for their second “bench decorum” offense of the postseason, but it was the
Warriors who were dancing in Game 1. Luka Doncic, nursing an apparent nagging shoulder injury, led the Mavericks with 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Spencer Dinwiddie added 17 points off the bench. Game 2 is 9 p.m. ET today (TNT) in San Francisco.
4th shipment as total climbs to 24 horses here for Guyana Cup As preparations have begun in earnest at the Rising Sun Turf Club for the 14th Running of the Guyana Cup, the Jagdeo Racing Stable has cleared their 4th shipment of horses. On Wednesday 19th May, 2022 at approximately 5pm, four horses arrived at CJIA and were meet by representatives of the Jagdeo Racing Stable. A team of handlers with years of experiences was on hand to supervise the offloading process. Upon arrival the horses were thoroughly inspected by the Guyana Livestock Development Authority and offloaded to be quarantined for approximately 4 days. Upon their release they will be loaded into the mobile stables and transported to Corentyne. The first horse to be ushered out of the air stable was Unsettled, a mare born and bred in Trinidad. The second was Golden D’or and the name implies the Chestnut 5year old winner is of Jamaican breed. The second air stable was then placed in
Some of the horses after arrival being unloaded. offloading area for the third horse, Tequila Sunrise a 4 year old colt was led out. The last of the batch was an unnamed 2-year-old of Trinidad breed with an impeccable training history. Jagdeo Racing Stable owner Jingo Jagdeo was on
hand to talk to our reporters. He outlined that, “Our Stable has 7 horses that will be running at Guyana Cup in August. Coming out of a stellar victory with Santa Cruz Lady at the Easter Sunday races at Port Mourant Racing Turf we (Continued on page 29)
Kaieteur News
Friday May 20, 2022
PAGE 33
Two more matches in Upper Demerara Senior League tonight Winners Connection tackle Capital FC, Milerock face Topp XX challenge lineup has Akeem Caesar and Kevin Dare as forwards
Malachai Todd of Winners Connection
Travis Waterton of Topp XX When the Upper Demerara Football Association Senior League championship resumes tonight a double header feature will see Capital FC a n d H a y n e s Wi n n e r s Connection meeting from 6.00pm, while at 8.00pm it will be a grudge game between Topp XX and Milerock at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. Dubbed the ‘Return To Play’ championship league after the COVID-19 Pandemic interrupted the playing of competitive football over these past two years, footballers are eager to display their skills at the championship level. Game one tonight between Capital FC and Winners Connection will provide fans with what is expected throughout this thirteen club league championship. Among those appearing for Capital FC will be forward Tyric McAllister seeking goals, while the schemers will be their captain Andre Myers and David Fiedtkou with backline will be centered on Jamal Almond and Omari Ramsammy. They will face the experienced Haynes Winners Connection, a team which has won three GT Beer year end tournaments among others and will be a formidable opponent. The Haynes winners Connection will not take the Capital FC lightly and their
seeking to pressure their opposing defence posed by
Capital FC and Anthony Layne showing up in the
middle, while their defenders will be Andre
Phillips and Raynard Caesar. Continued on page 25
CWI Regional First-Class cricket
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Chanderpaul, Motie score tons as Guy reach 490-7 decl. Gudakesh Motie bats during his century in Trinidad yesterday. (Brandon Corlette photo)
Tagenarine Chanderpaul strokes one past extra cover for four during his top score yesterday. (Sean Devers photo)
Schultz, Toussaint, Yadram slam half centuries as Demerara beat Select Women XI Player-of-the-match Kaysia Schultz accepts her prize from Elroy Stephney.
Pressy Enterprise Rep presents the trophy to BL Aaron and Mark Wiltshire to signal their sponsorship for the Prime Minister Independence Domino competition.
Pressy Enterprises supports Prime Minister Independence Domino tourney in Linden 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.