Kaieteur News

Saturday Edition Guyana commissions May 21, 2022 - Vol. 16 No. 19 NEWS first electronic Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Guyana’s largest selling Price $80 daily & New York’s most tolling system popular weekly at Harbour Bridge

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AIETEUR

Online readership yesterday, 74,976

As fishing industry dwindles…

Govt. updates regulations with new protocols for fish imports Govt. to spend $535M on another Vlissengen Road improvement project Robbery victim bumps into suspect while making report at station

Woman crushed to death by garbage truck

Removal of trade barriers key to regional food security - CARICOM Heads

Opposition faction backs biometrics for future elections Mother finds five-year-old hanging from tree

Guyanese the Guyaneseshould shouldhave have the breakdown of how oil money …Govt.’s current approach not in keeping is being spent with best practice - Int’l Analyst In 2 years Guyana gets US$719M from oil and gives The Glenn Lall Show @11:00hrs away US$657M in taxes. Way to go Guyana! ListenontoKaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Saturday May 21, 2022

Guyanese should have the breakdown of how oil money is being spent …Govt.’s current approach not in keeping with best practice - Int’l Analyst

Arthur Deakin, Co-Director of the Energy Programme at Americas Market Intelligence

T

h e P P P / C Government has since transferred over $40B in oil earnings from the Natural Resource Fund to the Consolidated Fund so that it can support several projects outlined in the 2022 budget. As a result of the oil money being lumped with revenues from other sectors, there is no way of tracing which projects it is going to.

International Energy Analyst, Arthur Deakin is of the belief that such an approach is not in keeping with best practices. He believes Guyanese ought to know exactly what projects their oil money is being spent on in the interest of transparency and accountability.

This observation was noted by the Co-Director of the Energy Programme at Americas Market Intelligence (AMI) when he appeared on the Kaieteur Radio’s show Guyana’s Oil and You on Thursday evening. The analyst, who has vast insight into the energy sector, particularly in the Americas, advised that Guyana should consider increased oversight mechanisms so that it safeguards all opportunities for proper development through its oil wealth.

Deakin said that based on the information relating to the NRF, there appears to be no mechanism defining the spending from the NRF by line item.

As such, the country may know what amount is being transferred from the NRF but has no information on exactly how those sums are spent and who would have received same. The analyst highlighted that this mechanism of spending is “concerning and should not be the case” when it comes to spending money (Continued on page 23)

Kaieteur News

Saturday May 21, 2022

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As fishing industry dwindles…

Govt. updates regulations with new protocols for fish imports G

uyana has been producing oil since December 2019 and during that course of time there has been a significant decline in the domestic fishing industry purportedly as a result of the drilling production operations by the International Oil Companies currently operating offshore.

Against this backdrop, government on Wednesday last signed off on a raft of new regulations to be enforced under the Fisheries Act that cater for, in addition to protocols for the handling and processing of local catch, the importation of fish and fish products.

The regulations signed on Wednesday last by Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha has since been gazetted.

Among the provisions in the new regulations is the designation of the Veterinary

Public Health Unit as the ‘competent authority’ to enforce the regulations.

The regulations signed off by Minister Mustapha also speaks to the approval of vessels and processing facilities, conditions to be met before fish can be placed on the local market and importation among other aspects.

As it relates to the importation of fish, the regulations speak specifically to the conditions to be met by an importer, notifications, offshore inspections as well as foreign government inspections.

The updated regulations does under Part VII provide for the exportation of Guyana’s catch and the general conditions and criteria to be met.

Additionally the new regulation aims to enforce in a more efficient manner, the general and more

specifically the hygienic conditions to be met by not only processing plants and facilities but the vessels.

Moreover the new regulations also provide a plethora of best plant practices to be met with regards quality assurance systems and production conditions.

The move to update G u y a n a ’s f i s h e r i e s regulations under the substantive law comes at a time when the fishing industry has been experiencing a rapid decline in recent years in addition to a regional push—being spearheaded by Guyana—to reduce the regional food import bill.

Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, D r. A s h n i S i n g h , i n presenting the Budget for this year had noted that said, despite the challenges currently being faced by the

Govt. updates regulations for dwindling fishing industry

subsector, fishing was estimated to have grown by 11 percent, having shown signs of recovery in the latter half of 2021 which resulted

Removal of trade barriers key to regional food security - CARICOM Heads As Regional leaders pursue a robust plan to ensure food security by cutting down their respective food import bill by 25 percent over the next three years, most if not all of them agree that there must be a removal of “illegal trade barriers” between members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

This joint position was echoed on Thursday by at least three Heads of Government, as the threeday inaugural Regional Agri-Investment Forum was launched, at the National Cultural Centre, Georgetown, under the theme ‘Investing in Vision 25 by 2025’.

Setting the stage for these discussions was the CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of Belize, John Briceno, who lectured conference delegates on the important role the removal of trade barriers would play, as countries join efforts to ensure food security in the region, amidst strains in the

global supply chains caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and more recently the war between Russia and Ukraine.

He said, “Already we know that agriculture represents a clear opportunity for increased investment in agricultural production and agroprocessing. It is therefore imperative that action is taken to maximize the benefits of present opportunities. In spite of the current global challenges, there are abundant opportunities in this sector that can result in enhancing our goal to ensure regional food security as well as increasing economic activity.”

To t h i s e n d , t h e Chairman urged, “As a CARICOM region, we must do better to remove those technical barriers for trade that most of us impose on each other. Let us instead use our efforts and energies to adopt policies to support the growth of the agro-

productive sector, improve market facilitation and develop intra-regional transportation.”

He added that the Agriinvestment forum was the opportune time to facilitate and support the private sector, by strengthening relations between member states, to further facilitate business engagements and investment opportunities.

Echoing his sentiment was the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, who took to the stage following Briceno.

The Prime Minister stressed that the forum was a good starting point for action, as he pushed for the Regional leaders present to take the necessary steps to solidify the achievement of ‘25 by 2025’.

“We need to move from rhetoric to firm decisions for the advancement of the region’s agricultural sector in achieving food sovereignty and food security. We must also result to act urgently in our own

CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of Belize, John Briceno (Photo credit: Office of the President) interest, including by honouring the terms of the CARICOM Treaty and not permitting breaches of it by let’s say countries from time to time impose these illegal non-tariff barriers on goods, particularly products from other member states,” Browne said as he received a resounding applause from the audience.

Similarly, the Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit explained that while the Region is blessed with the ability to supply itself with most of what it needs, the trade (Continued on page 20)

in some 15.7 percent growth in fish production.

He said too that notable increases were observed in production across all fish products, with the most significant growth observed for industrial finfish, which grew by 235.4 percent.

“Undermining the s u b s e c t o r ’s o v e r a l l performance was a 13.5 percent decline in the production of shrimp, as a result of declines in catches of white belly and industrial seabob shrimp.

These declines outweighed increased catches of artisanal seabob shrimp and prawns.”

Fisher folk on the other hand continue to insist that there has been a substantial decline in their catch despite the pronouncements made

by Dr. Singh.

Chairman of the Guyana National Fisherfolk Organisation and the Upper Corentyne Fisherman Co-op S o c i e t y, P a r m e s h w a r Jainarine had scrutinized the figures released by the Ministry of Finance, as they r e l a t e t o t h e production/catch percentage within the local fishing industry and had contended that it is far from what it really is and has noted that

the fishing industry is collapsing and is being neglected by the Government.

This past week Kaieteur News had reported that Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana—has in its project summary conceded that the project will, in addition to emitting additional Green House Gases into the atmosphere but can possible decimate the fishing industry.

A key report from an American multinational had warned that there will be significant impact on the nation’s marine resources, due to the cumulative impact of those oil related activities.

This disclosure was made in the project documents for the Yellowtail development in the Stabroek Block, operated

by ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, EEPGL. The report, which formed the premise for consultations on the Yellowtail development, noted that there are several exploration and development activities planned or are already in operation by EEPGL that will compound the situation.

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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

Guyanese only want what benefits and secures from their oil We believe that we have good grounds to speak out against what has happened, and continues to happen, with our oil wealth. We are neither anti-oil nor anti-oil companies. To emphasise our position, we are pro-oil and pro-oil companies, but only when Guyana gets the most, the absolute best, that is possible from this endowment for Guyana and all Guyanese. Other Guyanese are of the same outlook, which is what emerged from a recent article in The Guardian. It was titled, “We cant eat a new road: Guyanese voice fears over true cost of Exxons oil bonanza” (The Guardian May 12). We agree, but while the caption of the story is arresting, the strapline is what should register more alarmingly with Guyanese, regardless of where they stand with oil. It is said that “Multibillion-dollar deal promising to lift country out of poverty may be a false dawn with dire impact on climate, campaigners warn.” A “false dawn” is fake news, all huff and puff, petering out to nothing. The first warning is that there is a chance that we could remain povertystricken, despite the huge upside possibilities of these massive oil finds. The second alert is that Guyana could transform into a damaging climate contributor (from “carbon sink to carbon bomb”), and all because of production activities that left too many unknowns, and too much unaddressed and unremedied, to give the peace of mind that this oil is a net plus for this society.

Too much that is problematic and concerning has been left untouched by leaders in power, and by the oil companies with whom we do business. ExxonMobil is the face and voice of those foreign oil companies present in Guyana, and exploring, producing, and shipping this oil. Regarding the company itself, a noted Guyanese environmentalist was unsparing: “I can only judge Exxon by my direct and deeply personal relationship with them so far. They are not an honourable company.” Those are strong words and they come from Environmentalist Annette Arjoon, who also called the companys behaviour “thuggish and disrespectful.” Ms. Arjoon noted that she grew to believe that Exxon was indifferent to the dangers of an oil spill relative to the Amazonia area. Somebody has been forced to put the companys leadership to the sword, and in the sharpest terms possible.

ExxonMobil has earned every denouncement, every curse, heaped upon it by furious Guyanese. The companys record is rancid and sordid, even though it is only a few short years old. It has exploited a weak and naïve government to land a most prospering contract for itself, while leaving a poor Third World country in a most economically disadvantageous position. Over and over again, we have been compelled to say that ExxonMobil is not a partner to be trusted, a company to be worked alongside with, a presence that should be here exploiting our oil. It has done poorly for us, ripped us off, menaces our environment, and already negatively impacted the livelihoods of some of our Guyanese brethren by its oil operations. One fisherman said that “since the drilling started, the fish have gone. It is all the drilling and blasting.” And, he continued, “it never used to happen. People arent stupid. Ive been fishing for 40 years, and its never been like this before.”

What price this oil, with our contract killing us, our environment in possible peril, and our fisherfolk staring at the bread line, and the disruption in their lives. For their part, the Guyana Governments position is that there is no evidence of drop in fish catch from Exxons oil works, while Exxons stated first priority is to ensure that all necessary mitigations are in place. Even Guyanas Central Bank weighed-in that “Oil and gas activities have not been included as potential factors” in falling fish catch. The fishermen are disbelieving and dismissive, with one angrily retorting “are you…crazy” (expletive deleted)? Still other Guyanese think that the oil “can end up being more a curse than a blessing” (Guyanas Transparency Institute), and “its about…how you govern the management of the oil industry” (Vincent Adams, former Guyana EPA head). The unsettling aspects of this is that amidst the boom, there is this gloom.

NEW LAWS ON ROAD SAFETY AND REAL ESTATE ARE URGENTLY NEEDED DEAR EDITOR, The Attorney General should be commended for his very wise initiative in proposing tougher amendments to the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, and the Intoxicating Liquor Licencing Act; and for recognizing how interconnected these two important legislative Acts are in controlling the current unbridled road carnage in Guyana. Bartenders should reserve the right to stop the selling of liquor to intoxicated patrons, and if found culpable, they should also face criminal charges.

Stiffer laws should certainly lower the horrendous carnage on the roads by impaired drivers, many of whom are alcoholics, while some may have obtained their driver’s licence illegally. Such unlawful and backward practices continue to afflict Guyana. The proposed legislation is long overdue as hun-

dreds of Guyanese have been slaughtered on the roads of Guyana, with a high percentage of these drivers being either drunk or under the influence of alcohol at the time of these fatal crashes.

In addition to the proposed amendments to these Acts, the Attorney General should also consider the mandatory use of car ignition locking devices which automatically turns off the ignition and locks the steering wheel when the system detects the driver’s blood alcohol as being above the lawful limit thus preventing the impaired driver from driving.

This system should be mandatory for all first offenders and the cost and installation of the car ignition locking device should be entirely paid for by the inebriated offenders. Different categories of licences like commercial (minibus& hire cars) drivers

transporting people and dangerous materials like fuel and chemicals etc. required hazmat certification. ‘Causing Death by Dangerous Driving’ should be replaced by Vehicular Manslaughter: additionally, if such death occurs while the driver is under the influence then such charge should be modified to Criminal Negligent Homicide.

Another area that cries out for modern regulations is the Real Estate sector. This is a twofold issue: the practice of real estate brokers regarding disclosure to clients, safekeeping of purchase deposits in escrow accounts, representation of real property use, and zoning etc. and the actual Laws of Guyana regarding rights and ownership (land, waterways, properties, and deeds) need to be upgraded to present day standards. It is irrefutable that a vast array of procedures is

ambiguous and therefore subjected to several interpretations, as opposed to clear cut provisions notwithstanding, a huge preponderance of cases, ultimately reach the pinnacle jurisprudence in the Caribbean Court of Justice in Trinidad.

Properties are sold without the owner’s knowledge or consent while land titles are transferred in clandestine – yet legal—procedures as laws are shrouded in ambivalence and ambiguity and many times are unable to provide for true justice.

Properties under litigation have stymied economic growth. With modern efficient Laws the society will save billions wasted on litigation.

Regards, Leyland Chitlall Roopnaraine Real Estate Broker New York

There are genuine players in both the PPP/C and APNU who need to walk away from those parties DEAR EDITOR, Organization for the Victory of the People (OVP) fully endorses the sentiments expressed in the letter by Calvin Braithwaite (KN, 19/5/22) regarding the urgent need for a ‘Third Force’. We have been promoting the idea of a Third Force for many years – see our website www.ovpguyana.org. After giving APNU+AFC a chance, surely Guyanese can see with their own eyes that neither of these two ‘behemoths’, as Braithwaite calls them, can take us anywhere. This is because they are not committed to a transformational politics.

Rather, both are contented to compete with each other over who can best manage the neo-plantation that we call Guyana on behalf of their imperial masters. We keep voting them in only to see the same old corrupt, deceptive, nepotistic, crony capitalism surface and resurface. They just can’t help themselves.

On August 22nd, 2019, OVP called a meeting to discuss a type of Third Force that would have changed the out-

come of the 2020 elections for sure. We invited all the small parties to the meeting. Political commentators, Christopher Ram and Ramon Gaskin were also present as observers. OVP proposed the idea of a‘Big Tent’ formation, something that had worked in other countries, where all the small parties come together and run on one ticket in the upcoming elections, thereby disrupting the two dominant parties grip on power.

At that meeting OVP proposed six principles that we could agree on: 1. Protect Guyana’s sovereignty.

2. Initiate Constitutional and Electoral Reform to end ‘winner takes all’ politics and monopoly of the two leviathans.

3. Reintroduce free education from nursery to tertiary level.

4. Establish quality healthcare for all – modernize Georgetown and other hospitals, and place emphasis on high quality community and preventive health care services.

5. Revisit Guyana’s immigration and citizenship policies.

6.

Renegotiate ExxonMobil contract. In principle, representatives of the parties present had no difficulty agreeing on the six points above. The challenge arose because many of the players in the small parties had no prior political experience. They sprang up overnight and most of them had little or no real understanding of Guyana’s political landscape.

I think some of them actually thought they were going to win the election on their own! Of course they were in for a big shock but sadly, they had to see for themselves.

Although there were many genuine players, there were of course a great many inflated egos and a lot of opportunism, as has now been exposed following the election. For these reasons we failed to form a united front. Had we done so, a simple addition of the combined votes of all the small parties shows that we would have won two seats in

parliament, depriving both major parties of a majority. In other words, we would have taken a first step towards breaking the stranglehold that these two parties enjoy.

It was an historic opportunity lost, but the struggle continues. We most definitely need to form a united and powerful Third Force that genuinely represents all sectors of Guyanese society. It is time for a National Front for the Salvation of Guyana. It will take courage and compromise and the setting aside of egos. There are genuine and sincere players in both the PPP/C and APNU that need to walk away from those parties and join us. There are members of small parties and stakeholders in civil society that need to come on board.

We must never fall into despair, believing that a different society is not possible.

With the will of courageous and patriotic Guyanese, anything is possible.

Regards, Gerald A. Perreira Organization for the Victory of the People (OVP)

It is time to bring this senseless war to an end DEAR EDITOR, In a previous letter to the Editor, I drew attention to the fact that the war in Ukraine is blowing no one any good, except for the military—industrial-complex which is raking

in billions of dollars in profits at the expense of death, destruction and human suffering. The situation has since deteriorated giving rise to steep increases in the cost of energy and food prices espe-

cially that of wheaten flour of which both Russia and Ukraine are major producers.

The price of fertilizer, an important component in the cost structure of agricultural produce has also skyrocketted.

In this regard, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C administration must be commended for the several relief measures it is taking to cushion the cost of living (Continued on page 5)

Saturday May 21, 2022

Laws on adoption too stringent DEAR EDITOR, We do not need to know the beginning of a child’s story to change the ending,” someone said. One writer puts it like this, “The world may not change if you adopt a child, but for that child their world will change.” Adoption can be a complicated and emotional process for every family member involved. Therefore, I am writing this letter today to plead for the future of my niece. I’m begging the relevant authorities to intervene in this case and help my niece.

After adopting two children in America, fostering 50 and raising three biological children, I didn’t want to adopt another child. It wasn’t until I saw her life history that I felt compelled to help her. Here is what I saw.

By the time she was five years old, she was physically, sexually and emotionally abused. She never had a chance. From the minute she entered this world, she entered a world full of terror. Age five, she lost her biological

father and her mother had several nervous breakdowns.

Age 10, she became her mother’s caregiver. While she was still in her mother’s womb and before she took her first breath, she was physically abused every time her biological father physically abused her mother. A number of times, she witnessed her mother being physically abused by her stepfather.

For years, she endured a terrible life at home. She wasn’t safe in her own home.

She bounced around from family to family, homes to homes, schools to schools and communities to communities. She was a nomad. During the early years of her life, she lived with her parents.

After her step father assaulted her, she went to live with her aunt for a time. After some time, she returned to live with her mother and stepfather. Less than a year later, she went back to live with her aunt where she remained for a number of years. After my wife and I repatriated to

It is time to bring this...

From page 4 including the most recent decision to provide free fertilizer to farmers.

It is time to bring this senseless war to an end which is now approaching its fifth month. The only way out of the impasse, in my view, is by way of a negotiated agreement which must take into account the full sovereignty of the Ukrainian people and the security concerns of the Russian Federation.

The recent decision by Finland and Sweden to seek membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will further complicate the situation in Europe from a security perspective give their close geographical

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proximity to Russia.

The decision of these two sovereign nations, however, must be respected and a way has to be found within the framework of the United Nations Charter and international law to address the security concerns of the whole of Europe, and the sooner the better, not only for Europeans but humanity as a whole. In this supposedly modern and civilized age, there can be no place for a military solution to a security problem given the availability of supra-national institutions for conflict resolution including the United Nations and the International Court of Justice.

Regards, Hydar Ally

Guyana, she came to live with us. Having gone through so much, my wife wanted to give her a stable life. So she decided to adopt her. I went with my wife, my niece and her mother to the Child Protection Service. My niece was happy and excited that she was being adopted and getting to live in a stable home. Then, it all fell apart. We were hit by a bombshell. We received bad news. Because my wife and I are American citizens, we were not able to adopt her. My niece was devastated. She lost all hope for a better life.

She felt rejected and disappointed. She felt unworthy, unloved and alone.

CPS provided me with this information: On June 1, 2019, the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption (The Hague Adoption Convention, or Convention) went into effect in Guyana. Guyana is now a party to the Hague Adoption Convention. However, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has determined that it will not be able to process inter-country adoptions from Guyana initiated on or after June 1, 2019, because Guyana has not yet passed implementing legislation giving authority to the designated central authority to carry out its responsibilities under the Convention.

Simply put, because my wife and I are American citizens, if we adopt the child, she would automatically become a permanent resident of America. If my wife and I renounce our American citizenship then maybe we may be able to adopt her. The unintended consequences of this immoral law led to undue stress on our family, and ultimately, left my niece depressed, desperate and vulnerable. I found the law (Continued on page 6)

DPP must be condemned for denying justice to Shawnette Bollers DEAR EDITOR, It was truly outrageous to read the news that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Ms Shalimar Ali-Hack has withdrawn a private criminal charge filed against Attorney-at-Law Nirvan Singh by Former Police Constable, Shawnette Bollers.

It was even more sickening to hear that the DPP provided no explanation for her decision to deny a citizen the right to seek justice, after said citizen was subjected to alleged verbal assault with racial slurs, which could be argued as being in violation of the Racial Hostility Act, Cap. 23:01.

Bollers’ Attorney Eusi Anderson is quoted in the media as saying, “The DPP’s letter is absolutely silent on the reasons for the exercise of her power to discontinue.

The DPP’s letter is also silent on the status of the police file which is allegedly before her for advice.”

Is the public servant DPP a power onto herself to deny citizens the right to seek justice with no explanation? It is a travesty that we are at this point. Why are we condoning these types of behaviours in public office and allowing it to fester like a plague in our “One Guyana”?

Where is the outrage? The

Fed-up of the loud music in minibuses DEAR EDITOR, Thank you for the opportunity to express my dismay, frustration, and concern at the unacceptably noisy conditions in too many minibuses.

Editor, in many mini-buses operating in Georgetown the operator(s) play “music” at extremely high volume. I think of it as noise. The noise most frequently contain obscene and offensive lyrics. The overall effect is exceedingly annoying and uncomfortable.

On many occasions I have had to exit such vehicles before reaching my destination because the noise is unbearable. The noise is often so loud that it is distressing to me while I am inside my home and one of those vehicles pass-by on the nearby road.

Additionally, in many

cases, I have observed that drivers appear to be more concerned with producing the noise instead of focusing on operating the vehicle. For those drivers, changing the selection and adjusting (raising) the volume of the noise is the priority; driving the vehicle appears to be of (Continued on page 6)

DPP must be condemned on all grounds. Guyana is on the cusp of tremendous transformation and for our country to truly advance we must build a society where the rule of law applies to all, everyone must be allowed to seek justice and the court must be allowed to do its work without interference. We cannot progress with people in office who will continue to be a problem with allowing to the administration of justice. I applaud Ms. Bollers for her decision to challenge the DPP ‘all the way to the CCJ.’ If we build a society with an arbitrary justice system, no one in Guyana will ever be safe.

Regards, Ron O. D’Avilar

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Ms. Shawnette Bollers is being mistreated by the judicial system DEAR EDITOR, We are appalled at the way Ms. Shawnette Bollers is being treated by the judicial system. Ms. Bollers took a courageous stand, in the face of the police dragging their feet to investigate, when she decided to bring private criminal charges against attorneyat-law Nirvan Singh who she alleged assaulted, chased, spat upon and subjected her to vile racial slurs while she was on official duty at the residence of his father, retired Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh.

Now the DPP has decided to discontinue the charges against Mr. Nirvan Singh without so much as an explanation of the reason/s for the dismissal, and without even informing Ms. Bollers and her

Saturday May 21, 2022

Kaieteur News

lawyer of this decision.

Ms. Shalimar-Hack, don’t you think Ms. Bollers is deserving of a hearing or more so an explanation as to why she is denied a hearing? Why did you not even inform Ms. Bollers and her lawyer of your decision? Why is she not being allowed her day in court, given the very serious allegations she brought against Mr. Singh?

Ms. Bollers deserves the right to justice and Ms. Shalimar-Hack, as Director of Public Prosecutions, you owe it to her. You are mandated to administer justice in criminal matters. Is the manner in which you handled this matter called justice? Is Mr. Singh’s alleged abuse of Ms. Bollers not seen as serious enough? If it was the other

way around, we know that Ms. Bollers would have been charged. Are we to take it that Mr. Singh, a learned lawyer, is above the law or that people with money and positions and contacts have immunity when it comes to the law? What do poor people need to do to get justice in this country?

This decision MUST be challenged. We commend and support Ms Bollers for standing up. In standing up for herself, she sets an example to her children, her family, and all of us.

Sincerely, Susan Collymore Norma Adrian Joy Marcus Halima Khan Wintress White Vanessa Ross For Red Thread

Laws on adoption too stringent...

From page 5 disappointing and disheartening. How in this 21st century such a law can be in effect? Whoever came up with this horrible law is cold and heartless. Why must this

child suffer because of this immoral and ungodly law? We want help adopting our niece, because every child deserves a home and love. Therefore, I’m calling on the government of Guyana and the U.S State

Department to hurry up and pass legislation so my niece can be adopted. Please don’t publish my name since this is a sensitive topic Regards, Name Provided

Fed-up of the loud music in...

From page 5 secondary concern. Obviously, in addition to being annoying, such a situation produces inherently unsafe conditions in a moving vehicle that is, more often than not, speeding recklessly along traffic congested streets. It is an established medical fact that exposure to loud sounds is unhealthy;

stress, hypertension, mental distress, and, most notably, hearing impairment are the likely outcomes. As such, I view the situation as not only a major annoyance but as a threat to the health of the travelling public. Editor, I often wonder how the operators of such vehicles endure that noise. Perhaps, they are already deaf. Considering the

Parties amid rising cases of Covid-19 DEAR EDITOR, Cricket Carnival, with six electrifying concert events, is in the air, on the beach, the parking lot and the park, while being promoted the ‘most hyped and highly anticipated by ‘diehard revellers’, amid the worrying rise of Covid cases.

So for five days (and nights) it will be non-stop parties fetes and revelling as one Guyana, after which we will make the long trek to the ID Hospital wishing and hoping we can witness the CPL final.

Regards, Shamshun Mohamed

prevalence of the problem, it is impossible that law enforcement is unaware of the issue.

I am therefore puzzled as to why nothing is being done.

In my opinion, the failure of authorities to put an end to this nonsense is almost unbelievable. I hope that those responsible for this aspect of assuring the welfare of Guyanese take swift and continuing action to eradicate this madness and prevent it from ever occurring.

Sincerely, Mark DaCosta

Corruption benefits the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor. Say no to it.

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Saturday May 21, 2022

Kaieteur News

wrong that will be felt for

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Saturday May 21, 2022

5 youths awarded cash grants from IDPADA-G to fund their businesses Five youths were awarded on Friday May 20, 2022 with cash grants from the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly - Guyana (IDPADA-G) to invest in their businesses.

Clinton Samuels of COBBEC Vision received $500,000; Earlecia Hieronymo of Khayr Organics - $250,000; Brian Smith of Dragonfly Geospatial Aerial Productions - $150,000; Jermaine Hall of Country Boy Farming Supplies $75,oo0; and Delon Simpson of Kukki Aquaculture - $50,000.

These youths were the top five winners from I D PA D A - G ’ s Yo u t h Committee Second Annual Invest-A-Thon/Pitch Competition, which ran for a three-week period and ended on May 1, 2022. Fifty four youths from across Guyana with businesses and ideas needing investment opportunities applied to take part in the competition from which 20 were selected to advance to a preliminary round to pitch their businesses in front of a panel of judges. The top five winners were selected based

on their scores submitted by the judges.

At the prize-giving ceremony held at the secretariat of IDPADA-G on Friday, Chair of the Youth Committee, Ascena Jacobs explained that this initiative was birthed after realising the lack of access to funding opportunities for start-up businesses. “We know businesses have a hard time, especially young people, acquiring capital from the bank to start their business.

Some persons may not have an established business, but they have an idea, and are not able to take that idea off the ground without money. So this initiative was birthed because of that. Awarding winning contestants cash prizes to take their businesses to the next level, or take their business idea off the ground,” Jacobs said.

In his remarks, Chairman of IDPADA-G, Vincent Alexander said that the Invest-A-Thon/Pitch Competition falls within the mandate of the work of IDPADA-G, since it fits neatly into the theme of the Decade “Recognition, Justice & Development.”

He charged the winners to be further inspired, to

(center) IDPADA-G’s Youth Committee Chair, Ascena Jacobs and Chairman of IDPADA-G, Vincent Alexander pose with the winners of the organisation’s Invest-A-Thon/Pitch Competition continue the course which they have embarked on and commit to sustaining their businesses for future generations. IDPADA-G has committed to providing further support for the participants through mentorship and coaching to develop their businesses.

“Separately and apart from the award of prizes, I D PA D A - G ’ s y o u t h committee and IDPADA-G at large, will find ways and

Govt. to spend $535M on another Vlissengen road improvement project

means in which we will continue to work with all of the contestants so that we can continue to provide them with the kind of inspiration to do what they have embarked on. And as people of African descent, to attempt to inculcate the right disposition towards business, and to understand that business is not about early gratification… We are undoubtedly talented, we undoubtedly have ideas, and we undoubtedly are industrious. Sometimes the aspect of gratification can be a source of problem,” Alexander said.

Samuels, who is the firstplace winner of the competition, said that this competition was an opportunity of his lifetime and the training received has helped him to nurture his business and bring it to the stage front. Meanwhile,

Hieronymo, the secondplace winner said her participation has now enabled her to muster up the courage and confidence to present herself to investors.

“The feedback from the judges, the feedback from the crowd, has allowed me to assess my pitch deck and to tweak the areas I needed to tweak, so that being presented with another opportunity to pitch my business and pitch myself, I know exactly what to say and what to do. It gave me the upper hand to access financing for business, because with the experience, I can say I’m already a pro pitcher,” she said.

Simpson, the fifth-place winner, whose business is aquaculture focused, said that the experience, more so the advice from the judges, opened his eyes to focus on the business aspect of his

operations. The knowledge, he said, will be applied to his business going forward.

Many members of the public lauded the initiative, echoing the importance of empowering youths of African descent in Guyana.

The International Decade for People of African Descent 2015–2024 was proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly under the theme “People of African descent: recognition, justice and development. The Youth Committee seeks to create initiatives such as these, to empower African youths and provide them with access to opportunities that will aid in their development.

Kaieteur News understands that the organisation received sponsorship from Mr. Terrence Campbell, Mr. Saiku Andrews, Ms. Daune Campbell, and Mr. James Bond.

Mother finds 5-year-old hanging from tree The walkway constructed at Vlissengen road between the Kitty roundabout and Barr Street, Georgetown.

The PPP/C Government through the Ministry of Public Works is preparing to spend some $535 million on another geometric improvement project for Vlissengen road. This time, the project will be between Princess Street and Mandela Avenue along Vlissengen road (Cemetery road).

Bids for this project were opened on Thursday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration

Board (NPTAB) office which revealed that 13 contractors are vying for the contract. The bids are as follows: C & L Construction Inc.- $645,079,708; H. N a u t h & S o n s $529,751,670; Platinum Investments Inc.$533,777,391; Japarts Construction Inc.$575,971,515; Surrey Paving & Aggregate Company Guyana Inc.$534,789,486; Avinash

Contracting & Scrap Metal Inc. -$475,070,169; AJM Enterprise- $598,770,307; N & S General Engineering & Contracting Services$535,075,590; Chung’s Global Inc.- $947,949,607; SD Investments$487,199,160; Kallco Guyana Inc.- $516,151,629; and United Contracting & Supplies-$483,733,291.

K & P Project Management Inc. also (Continued on page 23)

K

aieteur News has been able to confirm that a mother on Wednesday found h e r f i v e - y e a r- o l d s o n hanging from a guava tree close to a swinger in their yard at Akawini, Pomeroon River, Region Two. The 25-year-old woman told police that she found the child around 10:00hrs.

According to police the five-year-old boy is presently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation

(GPHC).

His mother said that earlier that morning she and her son we lying on her bed watching a movie on her phone.

She had reportedly fallen asleep. The woman continued that she woke-up a short while after and could not find her son. She reportedly checked around her house but he was not there.

The young mother then ventured into the yard where she saw him hanging from the Guava tree. She claimed

that she rushed to his aid and took him down by removing the rope that was around his neck.

The child was unresponsive and reportedly not breathing so she alerted relatives and together they rushed him to the Charity Hospital.

Doctors there tended to him and after reviving the child, he was transferred to the Suddie Public Hospital.

He was later transferred from there to GPHC. Police are investigating the matter.

Saturday May 21, 2022

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

The Ali Initiative is underdeveloped The President gave another substandard performance during his address to the Regional Agri-Investment Forum. In so doing, he reveled in the use of statistics, but failed to link these properly to any argument he was making.

Merely packing an address with statistics is no guarantee of an impressive presentation. The failure to explain what the statistics mean defeats their usage.

Even worse was that the President failed to cite the sources of much of the statistics he used, thereby raising issues about their reliability and credibility.

The President said that the global consumption of grains is expected to increase to three million tonnes by 2030 and developing countries will account for 90% of this amount, and that 75% relate to expanding feed consumption. It is assumed that he was saying that this projected increase creates greater demand. But then he said that already the poultry and livestock sectors are experiencing pressures in the form of input feed costs.

So what exactly was the point he was making? Was he saying that there will be a shortage of feed by 2030? Or is he saying this and also saying that presently there is an increase in prices because of supply constraints?

He went to announce that wheat prices are forecast to increase by 40% this year and consumption by 12%. However, in this regard, he did explain that this is likely to

present challenges for developing countries and Caricom in meeting terms of price rises and supply.

He then segued to global meat production, pointing out that global mutton production is expected to grow by 15% while consumption is expected to increase to 18 million tonnes. The President used two different units for comparative purposes. He was telling his audience, on the one hand that mutton production would increase by 15% but instead of using a percentage indicator for consumption he used weight. So what percentage increase can we expect for the consumption of mutton? Presumably this is higher than the 15%.

He then was reported to have said that dairy production is expected to increase at a rate of 1.7% per annum by 2030 but that consumption will increase at an annual rate of 1.2%. So what was the point being made? Is this good news or bad news?

Since consumption growth is less than the production growth, this should mean that dairy prices should fall, and thus be a disincentive rather than an incentive for agricultural investment.

The President then set a series of targets to reduce Guyanas food import bill by 25% by 2025. He spoke about increasing grain production corn and soya. Presumably this will reduce imports of corn and soya which are used extensively in feed production.

But it does not follow that it will. If, for example, Guyana

decides to ramp up its poultry production, it may need to import more grain rather than less, notwithstanding the country becoming engaged in large-scale corn and soya production.

As part of plans to reduce the countrys food import bill, the President spoke about a project involving shrimp farming. But will this initiative result in an increase in the countrys shrimp production especially considering that the fishing industry is experiencing a steep decline in catch? But far more importantly is by how much will this shrimp farming decrease our shrimp imports? And how much shrimp do we import presently?

The President spent a considerable amount of time in his address speaking about local food production initiatives. And while there is nothing wrong with this, this was a regional conference which is looking at regional agricultural production. What Guyana does is important but equally important was for the President to help to outline what is being done regionwide. After all he is the lead on this food investment initiative.

The Presidents presentation, once again, lacked coherence. But it also demonstrated that there is much more regional coordination to be achieved in order to increase regional food production and reduce extra-regional food imports. The concept is not yet fully crystallized, and thus a conference aimed at attracting investment in agri-

culture may have been premature.

Investment will not come unless investors are clear about the Regions food plans and the role of each country in that scheme. Much more work therefore needs to be done and the President needs help. He is being advised to source experts from the FAO and IICA, as Jagdeo had done with the Jagdeo Initia-

tive Most of the issues raised at Thursdays opening were issues which should have long been settled by the regional integration movement.

It shows the palpable failure of the Jagdeo Initiative.

President Ali should set aside emotions and obligations to his former boss. The Jagdeo Initiative is now a relic.

Nothing Ali does will resurrect that initiative. He should

not bother even trying.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Saturday May 21, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Interview with Karan Chand, formerly of the AFC

N

ote: Mr. Chand lived abroad for 15 years, returned in 2014 and became secretary of the Region 2 branch of the AFC. After the 2015 election, he was made special representative of the Prime Minister for Region 2. He has since resigned from the AFC claiming it was a failure when in government. The interview follows.

FK – You lived outside of Guyana since 1989 after you were arrested as part of a teachers’ strike called by FITUG. Surely, you were of sound political quality. How could someone like you have tolerated the mess the AFC became after 2015?

KC – I know things were going wrong in the AFC when it was in power. But I felt it was better to stay inside and fight. In that way you can achieve your goals rather than being outside. I was wrong.

FK – Five years is a long time to stay in a ruling party and not question any wrongdoing. What bad policies, wrong directions and undemocratic politics you spoke up against?

KC – The AFC leadership was cunning.

They had a way of preventing frustrated second-tier leaders from discussing issues. What they did was to make the biennial congress a one-day affair.

Most of the day was taken up with reports, then elections and by the time you get to matters delegates wanted to raise, the affair is ended.

Look, you have to be inside the AFC when it was in power to see how the dream so many of us had about the AFC and how hopes for the future died. The top leaders of the AFC were undemocratic. They either shut you up when you are on the floor accusing them of betrayal or chose not to reply

to your complaints.

FK – Would it be true to say that you join the AFC after your return to Guyana in 2014 because you saw the AFC as the multi-racial, democratic alternative to the PPP and PNC but the AFC proved it was worse than the PPP? KC - You are right. You can’t believe the amount of correspondence I wrote expressing concern about the terrible things the APNU state officials were doing in Essequibo but none of it received the attention of the AFC leadership.

We complained about AFC personnel excluded from the Region’s tender board meetings, planning of Amerindian Heritage celebrations, ministerial outreaches. I was convinced that the AFC leadership was just feathering their nests; only their nests.

FK – You were secretary of the Region 2 AFC group while the AFC was in power,

can you recall any tumultuous meeting of your group in which you guys were angry at the wrong things AFC ministers were doing.

KC – Oh yes! Region 2 is about rice farming. The Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, was missing in action. Paddy price was low.

There was no subsidy for fertilizer, fuel, spare parts.

The farm-to-market roads were impassable. Farmers were not paid by millers for long periods of time. None of these things we could get the AFC leadership to pay attention to. As it turned out, the AFC became a spineless poodle with a group of selfish politicians who were more corrupt than previous politicians. They took bribes for contracts and licences and neglected their supporters FK – it is not common for an interviewer to state his beliefs to his guest but I hold

the belief that Hamilton Green, R a p h a e l T r o t m a n , K h e m r a j Ramjattan and Moses Nagamootoo were of lesser Frederick Kissoon substance than any other of the leaders of resurrected as I wrote in my all parties since the 1950s. letter published in the Do you care to comment? newspapers of March 1, KC – I certainly agree 2022 with the title, “After the though I think that Green 2015 elections, the PNC/R was a dictator. Many of us used the AFC as a doormat.” suspected Raphael Trotman If you go now and ask any and it was generally felt that resident to join the AFC, the he still had the trappings of expletives they will respond P N C i n h i s D N A . with might lead to cardiac Ramjattan’s credibility is infraction. RIP AFC! I thank gone. I don’t want to you for giving me this comment on certain things opportunity to clear the air so he did as minister to avoid that readers will understand libel. But his claim of the downfall of the AFC Russians who came to rig the which once existed as a elections is a joke. vibrant force.

FK – Space has caught up (The views expressed in with us. What are your final this article are those of the reflections? author and do not KC - I do think that AFC necessarily reflect the is dead and cannot be opinions of this newspaper.)

Saturday May 21, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Saturday May 21, 2022

Digicel donates teaching aids to educator providing free lessons to Laing Avenue youngsters S

ince March 2022, Ms. Florance Rowe has been providing free after-school education to approximately 65 youngsters on Laing Avenue and volunteering her time on a full-time basis.

Her commitment to this effort recently caught the attention of Digicel Guyana through social media, and the company jumped at the opportunity to help her.

Digicel team members recently 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 children, Kaieteur News understands, were just as excited to meet the Digicel Guyana team too.

Upon accepting the donation, Ms. Rowe expressed her gratitude for the donation while noting that they 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

Ms. Florance Rowe and some of her students pause for a photo during Digicel’s visit. going...”

Digicel has pledged to assist youth development through education and sports over the years, and it has

done so by developing and building excellent community relations.

Digicel Group is a total communications and

entertainment provider with operations in 31 markets throughout the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific. Digicel also runs a

host of community-based initiatives across its markets, including Digicel Foundations in Haiti, Jamaica, Papua New

Guinea and Trinidad and Tobago, which focus on educational, cultural and social development programmes.

Kaieteur News

Saturday May 21, 2022

PAGE 13

Genesis and Utopia band launch paves …Concept aims to boost tourism way for CPL/cricket carnival in “Destination Guyana” The Genesis and Utopia costume band launch has started the chip towards the much -anticipated CPL/cricket carnival set for September later this year.

After a two- year hiatus resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, coordinators and other stakeholders are finally allowed to have revelers out in their numbers; but this time, lending to the pomp associated with “the biggest party in sport”, the Hero Caribbean Premier League.

A well-attended launch at the Herdmanston Lodge o n We d n e s d a y s a w representatives from corporate Guyana such as Banks DIH, Demerara Distillers Limited, Ansa Mcal Limited, Church’s Chicken, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph company, Fireside Grill and Chill as well as Minister of Culture Charles Ramson Jr. and Guyana Tourism Authority

(GTA) Director, Kamrul Baksh who stood in for Tourism Minister, Oneidge Walron, as she could not make the event.

Guyana will have the pleasure of hosting the Hero CPL’s semi-finals and finals for the next three years and is set to market itself globally as ‘Destination Guyana’ the place to be. Hits and Jams Entertainment Director Kerwin Bollers said that the band launch will set the road to cricket carnival 2022 as it presents five days of six riveting events tailored to various party tastes. The May 25 to 29 events include the ‘Stink and Dutty’ J’ouvert, ‘Baderation’, Soca and wine and the Touchdown Cooler party and more which will feature trending artistes such as Skeng, Shanice Muir, Patrice Roberts, Yung Bredda, Drew Thoven and Cush among others.

Bollers told the attendees

how much of an opportunity it is for Guyana to be hosting the CPL finals. And to have carnival coupled with that, “I think it’s going to bring a whole lot of financial benefits to Guyana.” CoDirector Rawle Ferguson also lauded the cricket/carnival idea for the financial benefits he said it offers locals. The nontraditional jobs created and working-class Guyanese benefiting from the events has brought joy to the carnival organisers.

Ferguson said that it was not until meeting President Irfaan Ali that they figured out the economic benefits of carnival, thus marrying that event with cricket. “We see the festive aspect but to see the working- class Guyanese benefitting,” Ferguson said his company is proud to be a part it.

Minister Ramson explained that the

Culture Minister Charles Ramson Jr. (centre) with HJ Directors, Rawle Ferguson (minister’s right), Kerwin Bollers (white shirt), GTA Director and representatives of some corporate sponsors

government is paying attention to activities that bring revenue to ordinary Guyanese and would be supporting such ventures.

He said the cricket/carnival is among the events that will form a new direction that the

government has established as part of an overall vision as to where the country goes, “…in creating this premier destination in the region for world class events.” “It was an important decision at the time to ensure Guyana hosts

the CPL finals and semi finals and to pair it with the carnival to create this brand called cricket carnival.”

With a clear vision as to what this government desires, Ramson said that the (Continued on page 20)

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Kaieteur News

Saturday May 21, 2022

Robbery victim bumps Woman crushed to into suspect while death by garbage truck Police are currently investigating reports that a pensioner on Thursday reportedly lost her balance and ended up being crushed by the left rear wheel of a garbage truck owned

by Puran Brothers.

Dead is Yvonne Morrison of B-Field South Sophia, Georgetown. She was crushed around 11:30hrs along the same B Field Road.

Police have arrested the driver of the truck who reported that the woman was initially walking along the road in front of the truck.

The driver alleged that he had tooted his horn and Morrison had stepped into the corner to allow him to pass. As he proceeded to drive

the truck, Morrison reportedly lost her balance and fell into the pathway of the truck.

The driver said he was alerted by his colleagues that the woman was pinned and stopped immediately to render assistance.

Kaieteur News understands that the woman was rushed to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) but died while receiving treatment. Traffic investigators related that one independent witness has since come forward to assist with investigations. They were also able to obtain CCTV footage from a nearby resident and are currently reviewing that to corroborate the driver’s allegations as he remains in custody.

making report at Station

A

Brazilian man, Francesco Alves De Arujo Junior, 28, could not believe his luck on Thursday night after he walked into the Alberttown Police Station to make a report about a robbery and saw that the suspect was already there in handcuffs.

All Francesco Alves, a Business Administrator, had to do was tell police that the boy they have in custody is the same individual who along with three others had robbed him earlier that evening.

Police identified the suspect as a 15-yearold of Sophia and reported that their ranks had arrested him for shooting at them around 20:45hrs along Oronoque Street, Queenstown. However, at the time of his arrest the ranks had no clue that he had robbed Francesco Alves, just minutes before they captured him.

The ranks were on patrol duties and had

spotted the juvenile and another teen, 17, traveling along Oronoque Street on a motorcycle. They reportedly decided to stop them but instead of obeying the ranks’ signal to pull over, the pillion rider which was the 15-year-old, opened fire on them.

According to the Brazilian man, the juvenile was also part of a gang of four motorcycle bandits who around 19:40hrs had attacked and robbed him of $3000 in the vicinity of Roraima Inn, located along Eping Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown.

He told the investigators that he stays at the Inn but had stepped out to buy dinner at KFC. While walking back to the Inn four bandits on motorcycles pounced on him. One of them reportedly got off and placed a knife to his neck while another relieved him of the cash.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Kaieteur News

Saturday May 21, 2022

PAGE 15

Coordinated CARICOM a pre-requisite ahead - CARICOM SG of upcoming multilateral meetings Dr. Barnett Foreign Ministers of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) met virtually on Wednesday last for the Twenty-Fifth Meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) where among other things, there was a clarion call for Small States to rely more than ever on focused, organized and coordinated diplomacy.

This is in addition to the need for bolstering relations with like-minded states, and continuing to advocate and ensure that the region’s

CARICOM Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett interests are protected and promoted.

The plea was had by CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett during the opening session and was grounded in the internal agenda for the remainder of the year, namely the several multilateral engagements for which the community must prepare itself for.

According to Dr. Barnett, these include the Ninth Summit of the Americas, the T w e n t y - S i x t h Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) next month, the Seventy-Seventh Session of the United Nations General Assembly and COP27 later this year.

“All of these processes will have a significant impact on international development priorities and relations; As such, they will also have an influence on developments in our Region.”

With this in mind, Dr. Barnett adumbrated “as Small States, we must therefore rely more than ever on focused, organized and coordinated diplomacy. We must seek to bolster our relations with like-minded states, and continue to advocate and ensure that our interests are protected and promoted.”

Addressing the Regional

Foreign Ministers, the CARICOM Secretary General was adamant “this

Twenty-Fifth Meeting of the COFCOR is being held against the backdrop of

global, hemispheric and regional developments that s ig n if y tr an s f o r mativ e

changes of significant relevance for the conduct of the Community’s foreign

policy.”

She noted that Member (Continued on page 22)

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Saturday May 21, 2022

Guyana commissions first electronic tolling system at Harbour Bridge

Scenes from the commissioning of Guyana’s first automotive tolling system at the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC). [Photo credit: DPI]

With the commissioning of Guyana’s first automotive tolling system at the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC), there is expected to be a reduction in the time it takes for commuters to pay the toll at the bridge.

The Government of Guyana (GoG) paid $15M to set up the system at DHBC with hopes of reducing traffic congestion around that area.

On Friday, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, commissioned the tolling system. In his featured remarks the Minister stated, “The distress of every driver or passenger moving from the West to East every day, the issue of time lost in traffic and congestion delays was something that had to be addressed.”

Also in attendance were: General Manager of the DHBC Wayne Watson, MMG’s General Manager, Bobita Ram and GTT’s Chief Operations Officer, Orson Ferguson.

Earlier this year, Watson

The Radio-Frequency Identification (RIFD) scanner.

had stated that the new system successfully passed its pilot testing phase, which began in February, with a few selected vehicles.

Explaining how the system works, Watson had explained that commuters will pay their toll via a Radio-Frequency Identification (RIFD) tag, but first they will have to be registered to a database linked to a mobile money account.

An RIFD tag will be placed on their vehicles and while approaching the toll

stations on the eastern side of the bridge, RIFD scanners will scan the tag and the toll fee will be deducted automatically from their mobile money account. He added that different RIFD tags will be made for different classes of vehicles such as cars, trucks, or vans.

Notably, while the tags will be free to install, if tampered with and a replacement is needed it will cost commuters $5000.

The automotive tolling system is supported by (Continued on page 19)

Kaieteur News

Saturday May 21, 2022

Guyana’s coconut export earned $2.5B last year - Mustapha

During a recent interview with the Department of Public Information, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, M.P, said the country’s coconut production has been sufficient for both local and export purposes. He revealed that approximately $2.5 billion was earned in export over the last year.

While most of Guyana’s coconut products were previously imported, the country has now placed on t h e f r o n t b u r n e r, t h e production of these products, thus reducing the food

import bill as well as bringing in income.

“The entire region is looking at coconut as an important crop for the Caribbean because in the ministerial task force that was created by CARICOM, we prioritise (it) as a commodity that we want to increase production for because coconut today, is becoming very lucrative, and we in Guyana here are looking forward to develop our coconut industry.”

The minister further stated that the ministry has (Continued on page 19)

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Kaieteur News

Saturday May 21, 2022

Agri-Investment Forum and Expo concludes today

(from right) Dominica Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Belize and Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), John Briceno, First Lady of Guyana, Arya Ali, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Keith Rowley, Deputy Prime Minister of Bahamas, Isaac Cooper, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Irfaan Ali and Premier of Montserrat, Joseph Farrell cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the agriculture exhibition at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Tuesday.

The inaugural Regional Agri-Investment Forum and Expo will wind down today after four exciting days of discussions, negotiations and the likely formation of partnerships between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States.

Participating countries in this year’s event included Belize, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Trinidad and To b a g o , M o n t s e r r a t , Bahamas and the host country, Guyana.

More than 250 booths will be open for the remainder of the day, as local farmers and regional investors seek opportunities for business networking.

The forum was launched at the Natural Cultural Center, in Georgetown on Thursday and panel discussions were later hosted at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, where the exhibit is also being held.

The Heads of Government who were present also declared the expo open, after (Continued on page 22)

Scenes from the opening of the Agri-Investment Expo A student makes a purchase at a juice bar located at the exhibition

A farmer brought fresh fruits and vegetables to the expo, all locally grown to attract potential sales

A few of the machines that were on display

In addition to fruits, vegetables and other edible goodies on sale, this farmer brought out some of his best flowers to woo visitors

Kaieteur News

Saturday May 21, 2022

PAGE 19

Opposition faction backs biometrics for future elections

T

he Guyana E l e c t i o n s Commission (GECOM) is mulling the use of Biometrics, such as fingerprint and retina identification at the polling booths in future General and Regional Elections, a move that has since found support with at least one faction of the political opposition, the Alliance for Change (AFC).

The party in a public missive yesterday said it has taken note of the information in the public space that the P P P a p p o i n t e d commissioners on GECOM are optimistic that Biometrics could be added to Guyana’s Election Day process to eliminate the possibility of impersonation.

As such, it was noted that “ u n d o u b t e d l y, u s i n g

An example of a Biometric/ Electronic voting machine Biometrics, such as fingerprint and retina identification at the polling booth, will deter culprits who have a penchant for

Guyana’s coconut export...

From page 17 been working to develop coconut nurseries, and decentralise the production of coconut seedlings across the country.

He said farmers can now purchase seedlings at nurseries already established in Regions Two, Four, Five and Six. This year, the initiative will be expanded to have nurseries in Regions One and Nine to allow farmers to have better access to coconut plants while also boosting their production.

“We are looking at a projected figure this year, about 55, 000 coconut seedlings to develop, so that we can produce that for Guyanese farmers so that they can have enough plants [and] at the end of this year we will be building seven new nurseries across the country.”

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e government is currently

working with private investors to develop their plantations. This has seen a number of infrastructural works undertaken in Region Two. Also, close to $60 million in capital works will be executed to enhance the Hope coconut estate and build new nurseries across the country.

“I intend as minister of agriculture before this fiveyear or my term is up, to have at least two nurseries in each region of this country so that we can have the farmers in those regions have the same kind of facilities like the farmers in Region Four.”

Meanwhile, Guyana being a member of the International Coconut Community will be collaborating with other coconut producing countries around the world to develop ”best practices” to boost the local coconut industry.

Guyana commissions first electronic...

From page 16 GTT’s Mobile Money Guyana (MMG), in order to facilitate the use of the system by way of purchasing credit as payment.

It takes three steps to make toll payments. Firstly, commuters have to set up an account with DBHC, and then load money onto the account from an MMG wallet. After those steps are completed, the toll will be automatically paid when commuters drive through the toll station.

There will be an MMG team stationed at the bridge to help interested persons sign up for MMG. Also, the traditional toll booth system will remain in place for persons who do not wish to use the automotive tolling system.

corrupting the system through illegal activities.”

According to the party, technology for this purpose will help minimize the suspicions and reality of impersonation and will further enhance confidence in the electoral process.

“Having come through the experience of the national recount and seeing the recent IRI poll of Guyanese who believe that the last Elections were not above board, the AFC

strongly believes that the use of Biometrics in future elections would be a prudent move that would add to our democracy.”

As such, the party has since adopted a position of encouraging the government to act “post-haste with the discussion and the necessary legislative arrangements for implementation.”

This is since the party contends that the statistics of the National Recount revealed that impersonation was high and impacted the outcome and that “this must never occur again.”

Regarding the division of Region Four into three subdivisions as proposed by the Attorney General, Anil Nandlall in his Electoral Amendments, the AFC firmly restated its opposition to the proposal, calling it political gimmickry.

This publication on Thursday had reported that Commissioners at GECOM are supporting the use of a biometric system to assist with transparency when it comes to voting at elections.

The representatives of both, the current Peoples Progressive Party/Civic

(PPP/C) government as well as the Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU+AFC), have agreed that the use of the technological system would greatly help in preventing many inconsistencies raised during the voting process at elections.

O p p o s i t i o n Commissioner Vincent Alexander had told the Kaieteur News that the biometric technology would assist in ensuring that all persons who cast a ballot during elections do not do so in the name of deceased persons, migrants and other absent individuals.

He said that the matter would address the issue of the names of dead persons being on the voters list.

Double voting and ghost voting have been contentious issues given the difficulty in removing the names of deceased persons whose deaths have not been registered.

The claims of ghost voting were even more pronounced, especially by the Opposition party following the contentious 2020 elections.

The APNU+AFC had argued strongly that the voter’s list is bloated with the names of deceased persons as those unregistered deaths remained on the National Register of Registrants, from where the voter’s list is deduced. This situation causes irregularities when persons illegally access the identification cards of deceased persons and vote in their names. Alexander told the newspaper that the biometric system will be part of the suggestions being offered in relation to the election law reform. “Our proposal was not on the substance. It was more on the procedure, but I am pushing the biometric idea,” the Commissioner highlighted.

Additionally, PPP/C Commissioner Bibi Shadick also showed support for the use of the biometric system.

In fact, Shadick said she had brought up the idea of using a biometric system more than a year ago.

The idea, she said, has nonetheless been floating around since the chairmanship of Dr. Steve Surujbally, who left the GECOM in 2017.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Saturday May 21, 2022

Removal of trade barriers key to regional food security...

From page 3 challenge remains in effect.

He reasoned, “The reality is, I can’t understand why is it that I am able to export avocadoes to Europe and North America, but I cannot export it to some Caribbean countries, and I can’t understand how we can export ginger, which is such in high demand to help fight COVID-19, but we cannot supply the Region but we can

send it out to Europe and out to North America.”

Skerrit explained that the Heads of Government must make the decisions and the actions necessary to transform regional agriculture and give farmers the comfort and confidence they need.

“I think we need to itemize the actions we need to take and take them. If we are to allow CARICOM, our

ordinary folks to feel like they are part of an integration process, especially our farmers and fisherfolk, they must be able to benefit from that process…and so we have to remove all of this fictitious impositions that we put in…these are all just unnecessary actions that we take,” the Prime Minister added.

Locally, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and

Industry (GCCI) have been bitterly complaining of the trade barriers implemented

by Trinidad and Tobago in particular.

In fact, just before the launch of the AgriInvestment Forum, the private sector body issued a statement to the press in which it advised the government to not sign any agreements with the twin island, until it removes the

non-tariff embargo that is preventing Guyanese businesses from exporting produce to that country.

T r i n i d a d i a n manufacturers had stated in M a r c h t h a t n o n - t a r i ff barriers were hampering the importation of agricultural produce from Guyana.

That country’s M a n u f a c t u r e r s Association’s (TTMA), C E O , D r. M a h i n d r a

Ramdeen had said that it was not that Trinidad’s private sector did not want to import from Guyana, but that the political directorate needed to clear the hurdles.

Phytosanitary and sanitary measures were said to be curtailing the pace of the trade.

The measures were also said to be in place so that produce could be sourced from other places.

Genesis and Utopia band launch paves...

From page 13 administration is paving the way for creativity and innovation within the area of entertainment tourism. This he said will help in marketing other tourism products, including eco- tourism among others. The minister told the gathering that as people evolve and transition, so too does the country.

As such, “the pride and uniqueness of Guyanese people must show itself to the world in a very elaborate way.”

The GTA said that “the cricket carnival concept and the construct of it is expected to unify people and industries across

CARICOM and other countries.” Baksh said that the tourism body is proud to be associated with the creation of this signature event concept that comes from the visionary leadership of the President in ensuring that Guyana was able to host the CPL and bringing the event under the CPL/carnival umbrella. “As a tourism destination that is growing, it is very important to have the support of stakeholders across the divide,” the tourism director pointed out.

Baksh mentioned that part of the GTA’s mandate to ensure the unique experience travelers have when they come to Guyana, and that involves the in-country activities and events. The sport and party period ahead, is among those of high quality, high octane and well organized. “And that is what we want destination Guyana to be known for. We want Guyana to be known for events that are major draw cards to pull persons to this destination.”

Saturday May 21, 2022

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Govt. inks US$192M Linden to Mabura road project with Brazilian company On Friday, the Government of Guyana officially signed a contract with Construtora Queiroz Galvao S.A., the Brazilian company which will be constructing the 121km asphaltic concrete road from Linden to Mabura Hill.

Back in February, Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh had announced that this company has been given the Caribbean Development Banks (CDB) no-objection to build the US$190 million or GY$32.4 billion road.

Construtora Queiroz Galvao S.A. was among five contractors that submitted bids for the Ministry of Public Works project.

Kaieteur News had reported that this infrastructure project is being pursued by the Government of Guyana in partnership with CDB and the United Kingdom Government. The UK funded US$66 million, the CDB funded US$112 million while the Guyana Government provided US$12 million.

Delivering remarks at the signing ceremony yesterday was Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar who stated that between the construction and supervisory works this project now stands at a total

of US$192 million.

Indar explained that this project will consist of two main highways; the width of each lane is approximately 3.6 metres, so in total it would be 7.2metres.

“Then you have some hard shoulders both sides 2.4 metres, you have shared cyclist and pedestrian lane of two metres, you have a utility

Brazil.

Minister Indar said that having being the first phase, about 330km of road is remaining that would lead to Lethem. Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill in his remarks called on the contractor to incorporate local labour for the development of the project. He added that there are people in Region 10 who

The signing of the Linden to Mabura Hill road project. (Minister Deodat Indar photo)

Scenes from yesterdays contract signing ceremony which was held in Region 10.

corridor, you have about 10 bus stops that would be along the road, you have nine rest areas, you also have lighting capability where villages are,” he mentioned.

The Linden to Mabura Hill road project is just the first phase that will ultimately lead to a completed Linden to Lethem road link that will then complete an overland link to

have the necessary machinery and equipment that can be engaged for this project.

“I want to publicly say to the contractor that it is the policy of the Government of Guyana that wherever projects are being executed as far as is possible, (local) labour could be incorporated for the project. It is in your interest to employ Lindeners

and people from Region 10,” he said.

Edghill during his speech expressed deep appreciation for the financial support the UK government and the CDB put towards this road project.

Upon completion, this road project would provide major support to ease of travel, trade and general connectivity between Guyana

and Brazil and open vast opportunities by linking Guyanas hinterland communities to Georgetown. When Construtora Queiroz Galvao S.A, was given the green light from CDB it was noted that having gone through the evaluation process, the company was determined as the most responsive bid indicating full compliance with all

Environmental, Social, Health and Safety requirements.”

Construtora Queiroz Galvao S.A is a large Brazilian Contractor firm established in 1966.

The company specialises in the construction of refineries, roads, bridges, commercial offices, residential buildings, highways, and sewage systems worldwide.

Agri-Investment Forum and Expo concludes today...

From page 18 a simple ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday afternoon.

The event was hosted under the theme ‘Investing in Vision 25 by 2025’ which seeks to reduce the regional food import bill by 25 percent by 2025 through fostering accelerated and targeted investment in agriculture and food production and its business ecosystem within CARICOM member states.

To this end, the agriinvestment forum was specifically geared towards the promotion, engagement, and informed dialogue among key stakeholders along the agri-food value chain — policymakers, development partners, foreign and local private investors, farmers, distributers—on how investment could be encouraged.

Stakeholders within the industry were able to exhibit

their products and services, network with others both directly and indirectly affected by the industry and acquire high-level investment and marketing exposure.

The event was hosted by the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Caricom Secretariat.

A few of the sponsors included Genequip, Republic Bank and Cataleya Energy Limited

These students who were present for the opening of the Agri expo, with their teacher, took interest in the plants on display

These sweet peppers, grown in Guyana, were almost the size of a human fist

These beautiful ladies smiled as they marketed their products at the Arthur Chung Conference Center.

They had a variety of items made in Guyana, including achars, green seasoning, pepper sauce and coconut oil among others.

PAGE 22

FOR RENT 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.

Furnish house and land for sale on Ferry Street, New Amster dam, Berbice. Call: 679-2497.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Fully concrete top & bottom 24x42 + 8ft extension 4 12x12 rooms,30mil.Tel:692-7305.

Saturday May 21, 2022

Kaieteur News

WANTED

LEGAL NOTICE

Experienced cashier & counter person.Apply @ Shanta's 225 Camp and New Market St.

by DEUYANI KANHAI nee ALBERT, the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 3 rd day of May, 2022 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspaper, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web (Online).

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that ifyou desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknow ledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), an Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the Second and final publication of this Notice.

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Friday the 1st day of July, 2022 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious at the High Court at Georgetown via Zoom Meeting ID: 648 772 9256 and Password: 5hRiHf. IN DEFAULT of you filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, an Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts[Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.Dated the 10th day of May, 2022.

VACANCY

Bobby’s Reality,good for business– 4.018 acres of prime land in New Amster dam, Berbice. Reduce Price.

Call: 679-2497.

Pump Attendant/Cashier, shifts (6am-2pm & 2pm-10 pm).Shell Station Providence E.B.D, email: Shellramsburg @gmail.com.

Large supermarket and huge Bond in Cumberland, East Canje for sale or rent. Call:679 2497.Bobby's Reality.

Bond/Supermarket space for rent,Mc Doom Public Road.

Price negotiable. Call: 6130007.

Furnish room to let,bottom flat preferably person who is working,parking available.

Contact:231-4933.

2 Experienced hairdresser, location E.B.D.Contact:6770040.

Masons & Carpenters, wages $7,000-$10,000 per day.

Call:650-1394,650-1941.

1 salesgirl/pharmacy assistant. Drop application at Patient Needs Pharmacy, stall 16-18 Section A Bourda, Phar patientneeds @ gmail.com.

Teachers for Grade 5,preschool & janitors. Contact: 649-8174.

Clerical assistants live-in accommodation available for out of town applicants covid vaccinated persons only.2237500.

Servicemen for Interior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call:231-2250.

Cleaner,Time keeping,Tool issuing clerk,2 security (night & day).Contact:621-6969/ 615-7784.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area.Call:615-9132 Female Cleaner for office.

Call:642-9823.

Security Officer.3 CXC,3-5 yrs experience.Must have police clearance,2 recommendations. Call:225-7517.

Lifeguard.Must have water/ life safety course,CPR license, police clearance,2 recommendations. Call:225-7517.

One,three room unfurnish.

New Road V/Hoop,furnish apts in Providence one & three bedrooms,604-6664/ 682-6238.

WANTED 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.

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.

Seamstress,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.

Driver salesman & porters, attractive salary.Call:6611000.

1 trainee washing machine & refrigeration technician.Call or whatsapp:660-8905.

Lash,Nail Technician & Mani-Pedicurist.Must be English literate. Contact: Reign L.A.B on 643-5855.

LEGAL NOTICE 2022-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-287 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATUREFAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRI MONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISIONPetition No. FD-287Between: KANHAI DEUYANI née ALBERTPetitioner KANHAI (ANTHONY MARIO)Respondent TO: ANTHONY MARIO KANHAI (Last Known Address)Lot 253 Bell West Canal Number 2,West Bank Demerara,Guyana.TAKE NOTICE that on the 3 rd day of April, 2022 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you

Coordinated CARICOM a...

From page 15 States “of our Community continue to address the overwhelmingly negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a significant impact on the social and economic progress made by small developing countries like ours in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

She noted too that the Russia-Ukraine war, the disruption of global supply chains and rising costs of fuel and food further exacerbate the challenging economic outlook of “our Member States already grappling with exceeding high debt burdens, loss of correspondent banking relations, blacklisting, lack of access to concessional financing and, most critically, the existential threat of climate change.”

CARICOM, she said, has responded to the new environment by continuing to sensitise its international partners to its concerns, through the consolidation of its existing relationships with traditional partners and the widening of its diplomatic outreach.

Qualifying that position she reminded that Heads of Government of the Community exchanged views with their counterparts in Central America during the Fourth CARICOM-SICA Summit in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye earlier this year.

She noted too that recently, CARICOM Leaders also had a virtual engagement with US Vice President Kamala Harris, where discussions focused on several issues of mutual interest, namely postCOVID-19 economic recovery, climate change, energy security and security coop-

eration.

“Also during the course of this year, our Foreign Ministers engaged in significant dialogues with their counterparts from Colombia and Canada.”

According to Dr. Barnett, “Just two weeks ago, they met with their counterparts from Central America and the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Vice President of the European Commission in Panama.”

It was observed that “one constant in these engagements was the need to strengthen the relationships, and to join efforts to address current hemispheric and global challenges.”

One such practical example close to bearing fruit, according to Dr. Barnett, resulted from recent discussions with Canada that will lead to the establishment of a permanent mechanism aimed at deepening our partnership, and advancing our collaboration and cooperation with that country.

This mechanism is expected to be launched at the CARICOM-Canada Summit to be held sometime later this year, she said.

Concluding her address, the CARICOM Secretary General in reaffirming her clarion call said “I therefore call on the Council for Foreign and Community Relations, as a strategic Organ of the Caribbean Community, to spearhead, to guide and promote the policies and strategies which we as a Community must pursue, if we are to earn and retain a place in the world of the twenty-first century, worthy of the highest aspirations of our people.”

Kaieteur News

Saturday May 21, 2022

Two women are Guyana’s latest COVID-19 fatalities

O

n Friday, the Ministry of Health reported that two women who tested positive for COVID-19 have died on Wednesday while receiving treatment at a medical facility.

The latest fatalities are that of 37-year-old from Region Six and a 79-year-old from Region Three. As a result of this, the country’s COVID-19 death toll has moved to 1,231.

The Ministry via its dashboard revealed that

within the last 24hour period, 92 persons have tested positive for the virus, this now brings the total number of confirmed cases to 64,174.

The dashboard also shows that two patients are admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 25 persons are in institutional isolation, 504 are in home and four are quarantined institutionally.

To date, a total of 62,412 persons have recovered from the virus.

Govt. to spend $535M on another...

From page 8 submitted a bid totalling $646,239,300.

The geometric improvement project according to the Ministry’s engineer is pegged at $535,033,027.

Kaieteur News was informed by a Ministry official yesterday that the scope of works for this project entails the construction of concrete d r a i n s , a w a l k w a y, resurfacing of the road and reconstruction of culverts.

“It would look like how Vlissengen road is at the Kitty roundabout; it would look just like that,” the official said.

The project the official was referring to is the one being executed by Vieira 66

Logistics. Vieira has been constructing a $42 million walkway at Vlissengen road between the Kitty roundabout and Barr Street.

That project which will improved access for pedestrians has a three metres wide walkway, concrete drains, lights, and guardrails which will protect persons who will be walking or riding on the pathway.

The Kitty roundabout to Barr Street walkway is also to be extended from Barr Street to Lamaha Street, Georgetown. The source also revealed to this publication that this project began on Thursday. This project, Kaieteur News understands would see the installation of benches.

PAGE 23

Guyanese should have breakdown of how oil money...

From page 2 from Sovereign wealth for Natural Resource Funds.

Deakin noted that this trend is not unique to Guyana but is seen happening across different countries for example in the Middle East and other oil producing States where there are shell companies for instance, that allow for discretion in the way monies are spent.

“But this is concerning,” Deakin reiterated. “If it goes through a consolidated budget it should be clearly defined what those funds are going towards and what they are being used for.

If not, it opens room for discretionary spending that there is just no way to know where that money is going.”

Additionally, “I still haven’t seen any type of programme or structure looking at the amount that is spent from the NRF detailed line by line. It is known what is going to be spent this year, “but we don’t know exactly where those

funds are going and who is getting those funds.” When it comes to transparency, “… this is extremely important for the society to ask for,” Deakin submitted.

The energy analyst also noted a couple of avenues that citizens could use to further hold their government responsible when it comes to the spending of their oil sums.

He said citizens must use the electoral process to keep their leaders in line.

Deakin said going out to vote and holding politicians accountable via presidential elections as well as municipal and regional elections is critical.

“That’s the best way to hold your politicians accountable and responsible for their actions and words.”

Furthermore, Deakin reiterated the need for a “third party task force or team” to observe the movement of oil sums and ensure that it is being spent

accordingly.

This team, Deakin suggested, could be made up of the private sector, some government officials and other relevant stakeholders, “whose sole responsibility is to make sure that the NRF is being spent transparently and the funds are held accountable.”

Until there is something like that, Deakin opined that Guyana will still lack the transparency that is needed.

Currently, the NRF has an accountability team but it is made up of mostly government selected persons either directly or indirectly.

“So, that’s going against the purpose of accountability,” Deakin pointed out. He said those are important things that civil society can demand in moving forward.

Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Ashni Singh, announced last week that the government made its first withdrawal from the NRF to the tune of

US$200M or G$41.7 billion.

As part of the Budget 2022 process, parliamentary approval was also granted for a total of more than US$600 million, almost the total amount currently in the Fund, to be transferred to the Consolidated Fund during the fiscal year 2022.

The sums, it was noted, will be used to complement the financing of several budgetary projects of an infrastructural nature among others.

In Guyana’s budgetary process, spending is examined by line item and these would receive approval. However, the bulking of the oil related monies in the budget would not allow for the specific identification or tracking of the oil money.

As such, there is no separation of oil funds from other revenue sources that make up the budget. This year’s budgeted sum totals a massive $553B.

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Saturday May 21, 2022

LCDS 2030 Series Pt 6...

Dedicated Fund Proposed for Indigenous Communities with revenues from Guyana’s forest climate services - To be invested in communities’ priorities

The provision of meaningful financial support for Amerindian and other hinterland communities and villages has always been at the core of the nation’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) since 2009. In fact, revenues earned during that period were used to start the Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) project as well as the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF).

Since then, LCDS financing has allowed for the completion of 21 demarcations,and the issuance of 19 Certificates of Title along with 13 Absolute Grants. There is also a ‘Grievance Redress Mechanism’ formulated under the ALT Project which will continue to address grievances related to the land titling process and provide an alternative course of dispute resolution outside of legal redress.

Importantly, the draft LCDS 2030 proposes for a dedicated allocation of 15% of all revenues earned from forest climate services to go to indigenous communities. Once the Government’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 is finalized and implemented, revenues would be directed towards the socio-economic development of Amerindians and various Hinterland communities.

This financing will be invested in communities’ priorities, including Land Titling to address the outstanding requests for the grants and titles; and capitalization of the Amerindian Development Fund to implement Community Development Plans.

Financing will also continue through a number of pillars to be determined in consultation with communities which will likely include: - Financing of Identified Activities in Village Plans - A new phase of the Amerindian Development Fund -Support for their participation in REDD+ which stands for countries’ efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and foster conservation, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks -The completion of the ALT project. Towards this end, outstanding requests for the issuance of 32 Absolute Grants, 47 demarcations and issuance of 49 Certificates of Title would be addressed.

At the same time, communities will benefit from projects covered in other parts of the document, notably from renewable energy and climate adaptation projects.

ABOUT LCDS 2030 LCDS 2030 outlines how the Government of Guyana will accelerate economic growth and development in a non-polluting, low carbon way. It outlines how Guyana will utilize and monetize its natural resources such as its lush and pristine forests in a sustainable manner so as to combat the impacts of climate change.

The document also ensures the country’s world-class forests, biodiversity, water, and marine resources are valued for the vital contribution they make to the health of the planet.

The current draft that was launched by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali in late 2021 is undergoing a period of consultation with citizens on how the nation can re-double its efforts towards achieving the outlined vision, the roots of which can be traced back to 2009.

In 2009, Guyana had launched the first Low-carbon Development Strategy as a developing country, setting out a vision for inclusive, sustainable development, while simultaneously maintaining the country’s forests, about 85% of the country’s territory, to help meet some of the most urgent challenges the world faces.

There is no doubt that Guyana intends to stay true to the vision set out in 2009 which is to create a model low-carbon economy for the world.

Since 2009 however, local authorities have gained a greater understanding of the outsized contribution Guyana’s ecosystems make to the world’s health and economy, as well as its role as one of the world’s most important countries for biodiversity conservation.

Here are some interesting facts about the important role Guyana’s forests play as noted in the LCDS 2030. *

Guyana has the second-highest percentage of forest cover on earth and is working with partners to sustain 99.5% of that forest while building the foundation for a new low carbon, ecosystem economy. The government has said it expects to tap opportunities to access a market mechanism for forest climate services and other ecosystem services. This will enable Guyana to store 19.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (the measure used for greenhouse gas emissions).

*

Deforestation rates are among the lowest in the world and Guyana is one of only four countries in the world (and one of only two in the Amazon Basin) verified to have sustained a High Forest Low Deforestation (HFLD) state.

*

Guyana is one of four countries which host the Guiana Shield, one of the most pristine rainforest landscapes in the world. The Guiana Shield stores around 18% of the world’s tropical forest carbon and 20% of the world’s fresh water.

LCDS 2030 is currently undergoing a period of national consultation. Once this is completed, the LCDS will be finalised and then tabled in the National Assembly.

Saturday May 21, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday May 21, 2022

Saturday May 21, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Women’s Cricket returns next month with CG Insurance Super 50 and T20 Blaze in Guyana (SportsMax) - The best women’s cricketers in the West Indies will be back in action as Cricket West Indies (CWI) hosts the CG Insurance Super50 Cup and the T20 Blaze regional tournaments in Guyana.

The CG Insurance Super50 Cup matches will be played at three venues – Everest Cricket Club, Enmore Cricket Ground and the Guyana National Stadium from June 7 to 17.

The T20 Blaze event will feature five full days of entertainment for the fans from June 19 to 25. There will be

three matches per day – starting at 10 am 2:30 pm and 7 pm under lights at the Guyana National Stadium.

For this year’s CG Insurance Super50 and the T20 Blaze, several world-class players will be representing their home territories in what promises to be a keenly contested three weeks of action.

Barbados are defending champions in both formats.

This will mark a significant return as the women’s tournaments were not played in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During that period CWI continued its

investment in the development of women’s players and organized several high-performance camps at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua and also hosted international series, including an inaugural Women’s “A” Team series, while the West Indies Women’s team also toured England, Pakistan and South Africa. “We are delighted to see the return of the women’s regional tournament on our annual calendar as it is a crucial component of our cricket in the region. We are also pleased to have our international players in action

on home soil playing with our regional players,” said Jimmy Adams, CWI’s Director of Cricket. “Our women’s game is showing improvement, as was demonstrated with some good performances during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand earlier this year. Ideally, we want to see a further demonstration of that progress as we look to upcoming bilateral series and international events. Very importantly, the regional tournament will serve to identify players who could potentially graduate to our international squads in the near future.”

U.S. consular...

Saturday May 21, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Currently, you are in the midst of some profound questioning about your emotional attitudes. You'll probably find yourself totally free of inhibitions, much to your delight.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You can expect to be more and more interested in new technologies these days, Libra. What you once considered very progressive now seems much closer to reality.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) If you find your companions a bit too stodgy, today is the day to jostle them out of complacency. You may enjoy experimenting with a bit of naughtiness.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) For a while now, a certain number of planetary configurations have been continually pushing you to become aware that you live on a whole planet and not just in a city or neighborhood. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) The current configuration of the planets will make you the bearer of a new philosophy, Sagittarius.

This doesn't mean that you'll be New Age, but more precisely that you'll have ideas that evolved from it.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) There is the likelihood that you've been a bit of a loner lately. It's as though you decided to look at things differently from the rest of the world.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Is there some material need weighing on your spirit right now, Cancer? If you can't see how to solve the problem alone, why not discuss it with your friends? They may have some ideas.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may feel that you've made real progress in your relationships, Capricorn.

And you're right to feel this way. "Evolution" best defines the path you're on right now.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today's prospects should suit the dynamic, idealistic being that you are, especially right now. There will be some criticism in the air, and you won't miss an opportunity to punctuate your comments with your famous irony.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Why not radically change the way you behave toward others, Aquarius? You're in the process of orienting yourself toward establishing relationships that are more solid and enriching.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) There's an excellent day on the horizon, Virgo. If you feel hemmed in by fears or uncertainties in your love life, the day ahead will give you the courage to discuss these matters with your mate.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) This could be a good day to try relaxation techniques that are a little bit out of the ordinary. Who knows?

Maybe you'll even learn something from these unorthodox methods.

From page 32 detained” designation means the responsibility for the case will now be transferred from the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs to the office of the Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, effectively raising the issue’s political profile.

TATA IPL 2022: Rajasthan Royals...

From page 30 got Conway out LBW in the eight over. Obed McCoy was introduced into the attack in the ninth over and he struck straightaway, getting out N Jagadeesan.

Ambati Rayudu was the next man to get out as Devdutt Padikkal took a good catch in the slip off Yuzvendra Chahal as RR continued to pull things back.MS Dhoni then got reprieves – one each off Chahal and McCoy – as Samson could not latch on to

two tough chances.

While Dhoni and Moeen, who scored a majestic 93, added 51 runs together, RR eventually managed to limit CSK to 150/6, conceding just 75 runs after the powerplay.

Brief Scores: Rajasthan Royals 151/5 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 59, R Ashwin 40*; Prashant Solanki 2/20) beat Chennai Super Kings 150/6 (Moeen Ali 93, MS Dhoni 26; Obed McCoy 2/20) by five wickets.

PAGE 28

Spanish Grand P rix: Lecler c Prix: Leclerc sets pace fr om Mer cedes from Mercedes duo in second practice (BBC Sport) - Charles Leclerc headed the Mercedes drivers to set the pace in Friday practice at the Spanish Grand Prix.

The Ferrari driver’s title rival Max Verstappen was fifth fastest, 0.336 seconds off the pace, but looked strong in race trim later in the session.

George Russell and Lewis Hamilton were second and third fastest, after Mercedes introduced an upgrade they hope may fix some of their problems.

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was fourth, and Alpine’s Fernando Alonso sixth.

Mercedes were just one of a number of teams to introduce significant design changes at the sixth race of the season.

Russell was just 0.117secs off the pace, and Hamilton only 0.087secs further adrift, but there will be scepticism as to whether their performance represents a genuine step forward given the difficulty of judging true performance in practice.

Mercedes also looked genuinely competitive on Friday at the last race in Miami but slipped back to their usual position as the third fastest team in qualifying and race.

Ferrari, too, have their first significant upgrade of the season, the centrepiece of which is a new floor, while Red Bull have continued their programme of taking mass out of their car to try to get it down to the minimum weight limit.

It is said that a further 4kg

Leclerc leads the drivers’ standings with 104 points after five races

- equivalent to about 0.14secs in a lap time - has been shed from the Red Bull since Verstappen won the Miami Grand Prix two weeks ago, the equivalent of a little more than 0.1secs.

While the Ferrari showed promise on one lap, it struggled for race pace.

Leclerc was on average more than 0.5secs slower than Verstappen on the racesimulation runs later in the session, on the same ‘medium’ tyres, and complained over the radio to the team that “the tyres are going into pieces”.

Behind Alonso, Red Bull’s Sergio Perez was seventh, ahead of Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel, an encouraging performance from the British team who have the single biggest upgrade of any team this weekend.

The Aston Martin features brand new bodywork that bears a striking resem-

blance to the Red Bull, leading to an off-track controversy.

The design has been cleared by governing body the FIA, but Red Bull are still not happy and have questioned whether some of their intellectual property has made its way to Aston Martin, who have poached several employees from the multiple champions in recent months.

McLaren and Alfa Romeo also both have major upgrades, albeit less controversial ones, but they did not have good days.

Lando Norris ran wide at the fast Turn Nine early in the second session and damaged the McLaren’s floor, bringing an end to his session.

And Valtteri Bottas’s Alfa Romeo broke down after he had briefly supplanted Alonso in the time sheets early in the session. The Finn ended the day down in 16th.

Rockaway Group of Companies supports LBI CC The Rockaway Group of Companies has supported the La Bonne Intention (LBI) cricket club of East Coast Demerara.

Chief Executive Officer of the entity, Hafeez Ali, recently presently a quantity of uniforms to the club at a simple ceremony held at club’s cricket ground.

Ali said he is happy to be given an opportunity to render assistance to the club and pledged continued support.

He also encouraged the youths to take the game seriously as well as their education to main a well-balanced mind.

Members of the club that were present thanked Ali for his generous donation.

Saturday May 21, 2022

Kaieteur News

CEO of Rockaway Group of Companies Hafeez Ali (centre) presents the uniforms to members of the club

Thomas clings to PGA Championship lead as McIlroy falters

Justin Thomas plays his shot from the fourth fairway during the second round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Southern Hills Country Club (USA TODAY Sports) (Reuters) - Justin Thomas was clinging to the second round clubhouse lead at the wind-whipped PGA Championship on Friday, as Rory McIlroy was being blown down the leaderboard.

With Southern Hills buffeted by gusts of up to 40 mph (65 kph), Thomas was unfazed as he mixed four birdies, including one at his final hole, with a single bogey to return a second consecutive three-under 67 to sit on sixunder at the midway point bumping the Northern Irishman from top spot.

Out in the afternoon wave, McIlroy started his round with only Thomas one shot in front.

But after a miserable outward nine the Irishman had tumbled three off the pace passed by American Will Zalatoris, Chile’s Mito Pereira, Australian Cameron

Smith and Mexico’s Abraham Ancer. Out late, McIlroy was hoping the winds that caused havoc for the early starters had subsided as forecast but he could not benefit from the improving conditions, slogging into the turn without a birdie while taking two bogeys.

Playing the back nine first, Pereria mounted an early charge with back-to-back birdies to kick off his round which helped get him to five-under, one behind Thomas alongside Zalatoris with Ancer and Smith one further back.

Behind the leaders some of golf ’s most celebrated names including Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth were scrambling to make the cut projected to be set at four-over.

Woods, in his second start since a February 2021 car crash that almost resulted in

the amputation of his right leg, pushed his body to the limit on Thursday and it cost him as he gritted his teeth in pain and hobbled to a fourover-par 74.

But the 15-time major winner again proved he is one of sport’s greatest battlers by making the turn on level par in his second round to remain right on the projected fourunder cut.

Spieth, playing in the same group with McIlroy and Woods, got his day off to a stumbling start with a bogey at the first but hit back with a birdie at the fourth to also reach the turn at even par in the safety zone at two-over.

A number of contenders, however, appear destined for an early exit, including Masters winner and world number one Scottie Scheffler after a scrappy 75 left him at sixover.

Wimbledon loses ranking points over Russia, Belarus ban - ATP (Reuters) - Wimbledon will be stripped of ranking points over its decision to exclude players from Russia and Belarus from competing at the 2022 Championships due to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, the men’s ATP Tour said on Friday.

Tennis governing bodies have banned Russia and Belarus from international team competitions following the invasion, but allowed players from the two countries to continue competing as neutrals.

“The ability for players of any nationality to enter tournaments based on merit, and without discrimi-

nation, is fundamental to our Tour,” the ATP said in a statement.

“The decision by Wimbledon to ban Russian and Belaru s i a n p l a y e r s from competing in the UK this summer undermines this principle and the in-

tegrity of the ATP Ranking system. It is also inconsistent with our Rankings agreement.

“Absent a change in circumstances, it is with great regret and reluctance that we see no option but to remove ATP Ranking points from Wimbledon for 2022.”

The move by the All E n g l a n d L a w n Te n n i s Club (AELTC) is the first time players have been banned on grounds of nationality since the imm e d i a t e post-World War Two era when German and Japanese players were excluded.

Saturday May 21, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Giro d’Italia: Demare wins his Dortmund sack head coach third stage of this year’s event after one season in chargea Arnaud Demare (centre) won in a thrilling sprint finish (Getty Images)

(BBC Sport) - Arnaud Demare took his third victory of this year’s Giro d’Italia on stage 13 - his 10th career Grand Tour stage win.

In a thrilling sprint finish, the Frenchman held off Phil Bauhaus and Mark Cavendish, who had fought his way past Fernando Gaviria late on.

“I was at the limit for sprinting. It’s exceptional to get one more win. Three is a lot,” said Groupama-FDJ’s Demare.

“I started to doubt we’d catch the breakaway, then 10km to go I started to believe it would be a sprint finish.”

This 150km stage from Sanremo to Cuneo was seen as one of only two re-

maining sprint opportunities in the Giro - and several mountains must be negotiated before the next on stage 18 into Treviso - but a four-man breakaway came within a few hundred metres of glory.

Nicol a s P r o d h o m m e , Mirco Maestri, Pascal Eenkhoorn and Julius Van Den Berg had a lead of around three minutes early in the day but saw that more than double on the Colle di Nava as sprint teams nursed their quick men up the 10km-long climb.

That set up a fascinating battle over the remaining 95km as a tailwind helped the front group maintain their advantage, and with two-and-ahalf minutes in hand heading into the last 20km, victory

looked to be theirs for the taking.

But the peloton upped the pace again and caught the breakaway inside the last kilometre.

The sprint finish saw Spain’s Juan Pedro Lopez pull on the pink jersey for a 10th day, 12 seconds clear of Ecuador’s Richard Carapaz a n d P o r t u g a l ’s J o a o Almeida, but there was a major blow for the general classification battle as France’s Romain Bardet, who had been fourth at 14 seconds down, pulled out of the race through illness.

Saturday’s stage 14 is 147km from Santena to Turin with the 21-stage race concluding in Verona with a time trial on 29 May.

NBA: Celtics beat Heat to level Eastern Conference finals

(BBC Sport) - Marcus Smart returned from injury to spur his Boston Celtics side to victory over the Miami Heat, levelling the Eastern Conference finals at 1-1.

A superb all-round effort from Smart saw him contribute 24 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds in the Celtics’ 127-102 win in Florida.

J a y s o n Ta t u m t o p scored for the Celtics with 27 points, while Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 29.

Smart, who sat out game one with a foot injury, said: “I was pumped.”

He added: “I felt bad that I couldn’t be out there with my team-mates and go to battle with them.

“We’re playing against a really good Miami Heat team.

I got to get my rest, I got my health back, I got to watch and see some things and

Marcus Smart scored five three-pointers against the Heat (Getty Images)

come out to execute this game.”

Butler had scored 41 points in game one of the series but was hounded by Smart - who scored five threepointers - on Thursday.

“My assignment was to make everything tough for him,” Smart, the NBA’s defensive player of the year, said.

“We knew he would hit some

shots. If he did, he was going to have to work for them.”

Butler said: “This has to hurt. They tried to embarrass us, they did embarrass us.

“We have to realise that.

It can’t get too much worse.

They whipped our tails on our home floor.”

Game three of the best-ofseven series is on Saturday, in Boston.

(BBC Sport) - Borussia Dortmund have sacked Marco Rose after one season as head coach. After joining from Borussia Monchengladbach, Rose led Dortmund to second place in the Bundesliga, eight points behind champions Bayern Munich.

They were eliminated from both the Champions League and Europa League, and were knocked out of the German Cup by secondtier St Pauli.

D o r t m u n d said they would discuss “the composition of the future coaching team in the coming days”.

Rose was in charge for 47 games, winning 27 and losing 16.

“This day is not an easy one for any of us, because the mutual respect among each other was, is and remains great,” said Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke.

Dortmund won 22 of their league matches under Marco Rose, losing nine (Getty Images) “After a season that was unsatisfactory for various reasons, we had to realise that we didn’t get the most out of our opportunities in many areas.”

Dortmund were knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage - finishing behind Ajax and Sporting Lisbon - and were eliminated

from the Europa League by Rangers.

“Despite a difficult season with many imponderables, I was convinced of our path,” Rose said.

“During our conversation I got the impression that the 100% conviction of all those responsible is no longer there.”

Merchant and Green bag 5-wicket hauls as Scorpions crush Volcanoes (SportsMax) - Five-wicket hauls from off-spinner Jamie Merchant and medium pacer Derval Green propelled the Jamaica Scorpions to their first win of the 2022 West Indies Championship, defeating the Windward Islands Volcanoes by an innings and 14 runs on Friday at the Brian Lara C r i c k e t A c a d emy in Tarouba.

The Volcanoes resumed on 101-3 with captain Kavem Hodge (30) and Ackeem Auguste (0) at the crease needing to score 209 to overhaul their first innings deficit of 209 runs.

The pair added a further 26 before Auguste became Merchant’s first scalp of the day for 11.

First innings half-centurion, Keron Cottoy joined his captain and the

Derval Green

pair put on 36 before Merchant dismissed Cottoy for 21 to leave the Volcanoes struggling at 163-5.

The popular cricket phrase “one brings two” was in full effect as just two balls later, Merchant removed wicketkeeper/batsman Denis

Smith for a duck to leave the Volcanoes 163-6.

In the midst of the carnage, Hodge brought up a well-played half century before being t h e s e v e n t h wicket to fall, dismissed by Green for 63 as the Volcanoes slumped to 173-7.

S h e r m a n Lewis (6), Preston McSween (4) and Josh Thomas (0) were the final three wickets to fall as Merchant and Green mopped up the tail to secure the massive win for the Scorpions.

Merchant, who scored 58 when the Scorpions batted, followed up with 5-72 from 28 overs to cap a fine all-round performance while Green ended with 5-46 from 18.2 overs.

Final scores: Windward Islands Volcanoes 137 and 195, Jamaica Scorpions 346.

PAGE 30

Saturday May 21, 2022

Kaieteur News

BCB/Cricket Kindness/Bat for a Chance Gears Project…

Schools receive cricket gear as developmental programme expands The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) is forging ahead with its cricket developmental programme by assisting several primary and secondary schools with cricket gears.

The donations were done over the last week under the BCB/Cricket Kindness and Bat for a Chance project.

Among the schools receiving gears were Linepath Secondary, Lower Corentyne Secondary, Vryman Erven Secondary, Fort Wellington Secondary, Rosignol Primary, No 8 Primary School, All Saints Primary, Cumberland Primary, Rose Hall Town Primary, Port Mourant Primary, No 71 Massiah Primary and Crabwood Creek Primary.

BCB President Hilbert Foster stated that the donation of the gears to the schools is part of a comprehensive programme to make sure that the county continues to produce players of the highest standard.

Foster stated that the board believes that schools are the nursery for producing under-13 and under-15 players for clubs. The schools, he

stated, were carefully selected as they are closely aligned with the game. Berbice has since 1948 produced 19 test players including the legendary John Trim, Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Alvin Kallicharran and Roy Fredricks. The BCB’s main objective currently is to increase that amount while producing other players for the West Indies at the under-15, under-19, One Day International, T20 and female levels.

The County’s success continued on Wednesday last when Demetri Cameron became the latest Berbician to gain selection to the national senior team. Cameron is the latest of exciting players to come from the county while three female players are also current West Indies players.

Others like Romario Shepherd, Shimron Hetmyer, Veersammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Anthony Bramble, Clinton Pestano, Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Jonathan Foo, Nial Smith and Keon Joseph are all household names in Guyana cricket while the

county has a lot of promising players developing. They include Rampertab Rampersaud, Isai Thorne, Jonathan Rampersaud, Kelvin Umroa, Zeynul Ramsammy, Trisha Hardatt, Adrian Hetmyer, Ashmini Munisar, Leon Cecil, Jeremy Sandia and Christopher Deroop. Foster urged the administration of the schools to place emphasis on getting girls involved in the game and also stated that the board would provide coaches if requested under its Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh Training Programme. The BCB is currently working on a project to assist each secondary school in the county with two boxes of balls and gears. An overseas based Berbician has reached out to Foster to assist in this regard while other areas in the programme would include the hosting of tournaments for schools. Administrators at the different schools expressed gratitude to the BCB. The board would also like to express thanks to Minister of Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. for the role he played in getting the gears duty free into the country.

Students of the Lower Corentyne Secondary School receive their gear

BCB donates gears to excited students of the Rosignol Primary School

TATA IPL 2022: Rajasthan Royals Singh, Vansertima shine as Demerara beat Essequibo by nine wickets sink CSK to advance to the playoffs

(IPL) - Rajasthan Royals (RR) overcame a Moeen Ali show and beat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by five wickets in Match No. 68 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 at the Brabourne Stadium – CCI in Mumbai on Friday and with it, sealed a top two finish on the points table going into the Playoffs.

Needing 151 runs to win, Yashasvi Jaiswal gave RR a cracking start even as Jos Buttler got out in the second over off Simarjeet Singh.

Jaiswal and RR captain Sanju Samson then added 51 runs for the second-wicket stand. But the partnership was broken in the 9th over as Mitchell Santner took a stunning return catch on his bowling to dismiss Samson.

Moeen then disturbed the timber as RR lost their third wicket in the form of Devdutt Padikkal.

Jaiswal, meanwhile, stayed put and brought up an impressive half-century and took RR past hundred. But he and Shimron Hetmyer in the space of eight runs as Prashant Solanki struck twice.

R Ashwin though brought all his experience into play

R. Ashwin and (left) and Riyan Parag took Rajasthan Royals over the line against the Chennai Super Kings and scored a superb 23-ball 40*, hitting 2 fours and 3 sixes and added an unbroken 39run stand with Riyan Parag to take RR home with 2 balls to spare.

Earlier, RR and CSK, who elected to bat, made a change each, bringing in Shimron Hetmyer and Ambati Rayudu respectively.

RR found an early success as Trent Boult dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad in the first over. While Prasidh Krishna bowled a tight over from the

other end, Devon Conway and Moeen hit 4 fours and 2 sixes in the next two overs as CSK shifted gears.

Moeen then took on R Ashwin, creaming 16 runs in his first over and then went berserk with 6, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4 in the final over of the powerplay against Boult, bringing up a 19-ball fifty to take CSK to 75/1.

RR were looking for a breakthrough and Ashwin provided them one with as he (Continued on page 27)

Heema Singh and Joaan Vansertima shared nine wickets between them as Demerara defeated Essequibo by nine wickets when the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Senior Female 50-over Inter County Tournament continued yesterday.

Essequibo women won the toss and opted to bat at Providence, but their decision didn’t pay dividends as Singh produced an incisive spell, picking up five wickets in her opening burst.

She uprooted the stumps of Navika Narine (04) and Annalisa D’Augiar (00) before having Va r u n i Pitamber (00) and Kumarie Persaud (06) caught and Rhona Jhones (00) lbw to reduce Essequibo to 10 – 5 at one point.

Devine Ross (01) and Lavina Ragobeer put on 24 for the sixth wicket to somewhat halt the flow of wickets.

Ross faced 35 balls before she was struck lbw to Joan Vansertima while Ragobeer and Adina Smith added 19 for the seventh wicket.

Smith was removed by Vansertima for 15 with two fours while Ragobeer hit a top score of 23 after facing 58

Heema Singh (right) accepts her player of the match award from Omar Bacchus balls. She struck four fours and was the ninth wicket to fall, as Essequibo were bowled out for 62 in 29.1 overs.

Singh bagged 5-4 off six overs and Vansertima 4-20 off 4.1 overs.

In reply, Lashuna Toussaint and Mandy Magru added 45 for the first wicket

to put Demerara on course.

Toussaint fell lbw to Jones after scoring 25 off 21 ballls which included four fours.

Mangru remained unbeaten on 18 with two fours while Cherry-Ann Fraser made nine not out as Demerara responded with 631 in 17.1 overs. Singh was named player of the match.

Saturday May 21, 2022

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Kaieteur News

GAPLF Intermediates/ Masters Championship…

2022 Magnum Independence Cup…

Back Circle, Sparta Boss to Phillips, Fredericks, Archer, Sanmoogan shine settle the argument tonight as 22 records tumble

Richard Fredericks (Zaheer Mohamed photo)

Keisha Abrigo (Zaheer Mohamed photo)

Sarah Sanmoogan (Zaheer Mohamed photo)

Nigil Phillips, Richard Phillips, Arnold Archer and Sarah Sammoogan were the leading record breakers when the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation

staged its Intermediate/ Masters championships on Sunday last at St. Stanislaus College.

Establishing records in the iron sport are quite an

achievement and the athletes showed grit and determination to improve 22 records on a fiery day of performances.

Below are the new records set on Sunday, May 15 2022.

Sarah Sanmoogan- (69kg) Women’s Junior Raw Squat - 122.5kg/270.066 lbs Keisha Abrigo (69kg) Women’s Open Raw Squat - 157.5kg/347.228 lbs Sarah Sanmoogan (69kg) Women’s Junior Raw Bench Press - 62.5kg/137.789 lbs Sarah Sanmoogan (69kg) Women’s Junior Raw Deadlift - 155kg/341.717 lbs Sarah Sanmoogan (69kg) Women’s Junior Raw Total - 340.0kg/749.572 lbs Keisha Abrigo (69kg) Women’s Open Raw Deadlift - 185kg/407.855 lbs Keisha Abrigo (69kg) Women’s Open Raw Total - 407.5kg/898.384 lbs Arnold Archer (74kg) Men’s Master 4 Raw Squat - 50kg/110.231 lbs Arnold Archer (74kg) Men’s Master 4 Raw Bench Press - 32.5kg/71.650 lbs Arnold Archer (74kg) Men’s Master 4 Raw Total - 142.5kg/314.159 lbs Arnold Archer (74kg) Men’s Master 4 Raw Deadlift - 60kg/132.277 lbs Richard Fredericks (83kg) Men’s Master 3 Raw Squat - 127.5kg/281.089 lbs Richard Fredericks (83kg) Men’s Master 3 Raw Bench Press - 82.5kg/181.881 lbs Richard Fredericks (83kg) Men’s Master 3 Raw Total - 360.0kg/793.664 lbs Richard Fredericks (83kg) Men’s Master 3 Raw Deadlift - 150kg/330.693 lbs Wazeer Hussein (83kg) Men’s Junior Raw Total - 570.0kg/1256.635 lbs Wazeer Hussein (83kg) Men’s Junior Raw Deadlift - 240kg/529.110 lbs Nigil Phillips (105kg) Men’s Master 1 EQ Squat - 290kg/639.341 lbs Nigil Phillips (105kg) Men’s Master 1 EQ Bench Press - 192.5kg/424.390 lbs Nigil Phillips (105kg) Men’s Master 1 EQ Deadlift - 232.5kg/512.575 lbs Nigil Phillips (105kg) Men’s Master 1 EQ Total - 715.0kg/1576.305 lbs Marley Vyphuis (105kg) Men’s Master 1 Raw Deadlift – 275kg/606.271 lbs

Dominoes action set for Melanie on May 22 Next Level in association with Cigars and Cognac will be hosting a dominoes tournament on May 22 at Cigars and Cognac Eco bar and Longue, Melanie, East Coast Demerara.

The organiser has advised that teams should reach at least 20 minutes prior to the 13:00hrs commencement to get registered. A tag of $15,000 is set to register a team for the event which has grand prizes at stake.

The winning team will take home a trophy and $250,000 while the runner up receives a trophy and $100,000, third place takes home a trophy and $50,000 and fourth place carts off with a $30,000 incentive.

Tournament organiser Lyall Gittens (right) received tangible support from corporate Guyana ahead of the event.

The Most Valuable Player will receive $10,000 while the player(s) that shares the first

love and first double love will take home $5000 for achieving each feat.

Sparta Boss were touted as one of the tournament favourites An unstoppable force will collide with an immovable object this evening at 10:00pm, when national powerhouse Sparta Boss lock horns with fierce rival Back Circle in the final of the Magnum Independence Cup at the National Park Tarmac.

Tournament coordinator Edison Jefford, said, “All systems are in place for a wondrous night of action. Security which is something we prioritise will be ramped up.

We have already begun to set up the venue.

We have several sections inclusive of a corporate, VIP and entertainment which will be fully illuminated.

It’s an event that we are targeting, in terms of branding, which will mirror what is hosted at the European level in the format so patrons will have their money’s worth.

The entrance fee is $1500.”

He further said, “We have security for vehicles and constant police patrols will also be in effect, we are basically leaving no stones unturned for the championship match to ensure that everyone has clean incident free fun in a regulated and safe space.

We anticipate a great game especially after the semifinals.”

The contest will be a replay of the 2019 final, which Sparta Boss prevailed 2-1 on penalty kicks, after regulation time ended 2-2.

As such, the unbeaten

North East La Penitence outfit, enter the contest as the marginal favourite, owing to the aforesaid historical edge.

Sparta Boss have been clinical in the tournament, which has resulted in victories over the likes of East Front Road, Alexander Village, Avocado Ballers, Mocha, Future Stars, and Bent Street.

During this run of six matches, the Spartans have tallied a staggering and tournament leading 46 goals, which have emanated from nine different scorers. This illustrates the constant threat posed by the national giant.

The duo of Jermin Junior, and Ryan Hackett have led the assault with 14 goals each, with Eusi Phillips the next best scorer with six conversions.

Job Caesar, Nicholas MacArthur, Sheldon Shepherd, and Kelsey Benjamin have chipped in with three, three, two and two goals respectively, while Gregory Richardson, and Darron Niles have scored once respectively.

In terms of their defense, Sparta Boss has allowed 20 goals, of which 18 occurred in the elimination round of the tournament.

On the other hand, Back Circle led by staunch rearguard, a collective element which has only allowed seven conversions, have defeated the likes of Melanie,

Mocha and Sophia, Alexander Village, North East La Penitence, and Gold is Money.

On the attacking end, the East Ruimveldt giant has registered a commendable 22 conversions.

Their primary scorer has been Jermaine Beckles with eight conversions, while David George, Adrian Aaron, and Stephon McLean have netted five, three, and two goals each.

The quartet of Stephon Reynolds, Selwyn Williams, Dillon Kelly, and Cecil Jackman has scored one goal each.

Meanwhile, Gold is Money and Bent Street will face-off in the third place playoff at 9:00pm.

Similarly, North East La Penitence will engage Future Stars in the Plate Final from 8:00pm.

The winner of the tournament will receive $700,000, and the championship accolade, whilst the runner-up will pocket $400,000 and the corresponding trophy. The third and fourth place finishers will pocket $200,000 and $100,000 respectively. The winner of the Plate Section will receive $40,000.

The other sponsors of the event are MVP Sport, Nigel Hind Financial Services, Andrews Supermarket, Bold Expressions Barbershop, Fireside Grill ‘N’ Chill, Star Party Rentals, and Lucozade.

PAGE 32

Saturday May 21, 2022

Kaieteur News

Hetmyer ‘will be missed’ Permaul’s 4-fer gives but West Indies hope he is Guyana the ascendency available for future tours - Shai Hope crafts elegant ton for Pride West Indies Championship 2022...

By Sean Devers in Trinidad in association with WD Hotel & Mall Charity & Dave’s West Indies Imports At the end of the penultimate day of the third round in the CWI Regional First-Class Championship being played at the Queen’s Park Oval, defending Champions and tournament leaders Barbados Pride were engaged in a gripping battle to save their game against Guyana’s Harpy Eagles.

Replying to Guyana’s 4907 declared the Bajans were bowled out for 266 despite an elegant 119 from 200 balls from West Indies batter Shai Hope. Hope innings included 13 fours and two sixes and was the last to be dismissed

by West Indies left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul who finished with 4-81.

Pacer Keemo Paul had 243 while left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie followed up his maiden century with 2-37.

Pacer Demitri Cameron, on debut, had the other wicket to fall.

After the first innings, the Pride’s deficit of 224 was too much to avoid the follow-on.

At stumps on Day three Barbados are 44-0 with Skipper

Kraigg Braithwaite on 17 and Shayne Moseley on 25, still trailing by 180 runs.

Barbados began the day on 48-2 with Moseley on 28 and fellow Test Player Hope yet to score but Mosely was bowled by a beautiful delivery that nipped back into the left hander and crashed into his stumps from Paul after he added only one run to his overnight score.

Hope, who timed the ball sweetly and found the gaps regularly, was joined by another West Indies batter, Roston Chase, who was soon removed by Permaul for 10 to leave the score on 74-4.

Hope continued to bat with plenty of elegance and was especially severe on Permaul, dancing into to him and depositing him for a couple of sixes to reach his 14th First-Class fifty from 56 balls. At that moment he had five fours and two sixes.

Raymond Reifer, who played with the Guyana Franchise during their five-year winning streak, used his feet well to Permaul to survive the trek into lunch on 26. With him was Hope on 62 as 99 runs were scored in the session with Barbados on 147-4.

After the interval, Reifer

(29) was engaged in a needless run out as Hope sent him back to take the score to 1645 as the frustrating 89-run partnership was finally broken.

Jonathon Carter (6) edged Cameron to the keeper at 1786 as he claimed his first First Class wicket.

Shane Dowrich, who also took a liking to Permaul was eventually removed by the left-arm spinner who had the last laugh when Dowrich skied a catch to extra cover where substitute, Kevin Sinclair took a well-judged catch running back. Barbados were 242-7.

Dowrich’s 44 lasted 60 balls and included five fours and two sixes. Motie removed Akeem Jordon (6) and Keon Harding (1) in the space of five runs as Barbados slipped to 262-9 before Hope’s magnificent century ended when he edged Permaul to Leon Johnson at slip to end the innings.

Jomal Warrican was left not out on zero on his birthday in that Bajan innings.

Today is the final day and an intriguing battle is anticipated in a game that Harpy Eagles must win to harbour any hopes of winning their 13th title.

U.S. consular officer visited detained basketball player Griner in Russia (Reuters) - A U.S. consular officer visited detained Women’s National Basketball Association star Brittney Griner in Russia on Thursday, U.S. State Department said on Friday, while urging Moscow for more regular consular access.

Griner, 31, a two-time Olympic champion, was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport in February as diplomatic relations between Washington and Moscow deteriorated following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Authorities alleged that Griner, the 6-foot-nine-inch center for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury was in possession of cannabis-infused vaporizer cartridges. The Russian customs service said at the time that the alleged offence could carry a prison term of five to 10 years for Griner, who for years has played for a Russian professional team during the WNBA

Brittney Griner of the United States in action with Himawari Akaho of Japan (Reuters)

(ESPN Cricinfo) - Shimron Hetmyer has not made an international appearance since the T20 World Cup last year, but West Indies remain hopeful that he will make himself available for future tours.

Hetmyer has missed all of West Indies’ bilateral series in the last six months, either because of personal reasons or on fitness grounds.

He has returned to the IPL for the final stages of the season after leaving the tournament’s bubble to be present for the birth of his son, but made himself unavailable for their upcoming tours to the Netherlands and Pakistan in order to spend time with his family.

“We got the email from Hetty saying that he is unavailable for selection because of the birth of his child,” Desmond Haynes, West Indies’ lead selector, said earlier this month when the squad for the upcoming tours was announced.

“That is all the information we received so we acted that way; we had considered him for selection and the note stated he was unavailable.”

Roddy Estwick, West Indies’ assistant coach, said on Friday that Hetmyer “will be missed” on the twin tours after his excellent IPL season for Rajasthan Royals. Before their game against Chennai Super Kings on Friday, he had scored 291 runs at a strike rate of 166.28, but Estwick said that the squad selected would have to cope without him.

“If someone like

Shimron Hetmyer

Hetmyer ’s not playing, you’re obviously going to miss his talent,” Estwick said.

“He’s having an outstanding season for Rajasthan Royals.

He’s doing very, very well.

He’s playing well.

“He will be missed, but at the end of the day, he’s not there. He’s asked not to be selected for this tour so we have to get on without him and we hope that he will make himself available for future tours.”

Estwick also confirmed that West Indies’ IPL players would fly straight to the Netherlands once their respective franchises’ seasons have ended.

Nicholas Pooran and Romario Shepherd [both Sunrisers Hyderabad] will travel after the group stage, Kyle Mayers [Lucknow Super Giants] and Alzarri Joseph [Gujarat Titans] will both be involved in the playoffs, while

Rovman Powell’s itinerary will depend on whether Delhi Capitals beat Mumbai Indians in their final group game on Saturday.

“Our expectation is to win all three ODIs [in the Netherlands] but it’s not going to be easy,” Estwick said. “Remember, a lot of the players won’t have played in conditions like the ones we’ll encounter in the Netherlands.

“It’s about how quickly we adjust to conditions.

We’ve only got a couple of days’ practice before we go into the first ODI so it’s all about adjusting and getting used to the conditions and then executing plans as well as possible.”

West Indies’ series in the Netherlands comprises three ODIs in Amstelveen on May 31, June 2 and 4, while the tour of Pakistan involves three ODIs in Rawalpindi on June 8, 10 and 12.

Pollards joins Narine at Somerset for T20 Vitality Blast

off-season.

“I can confirm that a Consular Officer visited Brittney Griner in detention yesterday on Thursday, May 19th. The consular officer found her continuing to do as well as could be expected under these exceedingly challenging circumstances,” Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a telephonic briefing.

“But again, our message

is a clear and simple one. We continue to insist that Russia allow consistent and timely consular access to all US citizen detainees. One-off visits are not sufficient,” he added.

The U.S. State Department earlier this month determined that she was wrongfully detained, and has assigned diplomats to work for her release. The “wrongfully (Continued on page 27)

(SportsMax) - West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard has signed for England T20 Vitality Blast club Surrey ahead of the season.

The 35-year-old big-hitter is expected to make a rare appearance in the competition having previously represented Somerset in 2011.

Having recently competed in the India Premier League (IPL), the player will not be available for the start of the competiti on next Wednesday (25th) but will join up with the team for the second game on the 31st.

Kieron Pollard Pollard will be joining compatriot Sunil Narine at The Kia Oval in a competition that will also feature

Dwayne Bravo ( Wo r c e s t e r s h i r e ) and Kemar Roach.

Pollard, a five-time champion with IPL team Mumbai Indians, will be looking to rediscover his form after a disappointing IPL campaign.

“The Kia Oval is a special place to play, especially in front of a full house.

“This Surrey side is full of talent and should certainly be mounting a challenge for the title.

“I hope that my experience will add a vital ingredient to the club’s success this year.”

Saturday May 21, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 33

rts Spo

West Indies Championship 2022...

Shai Hope added name to the list of tournament centurion

Veerasammy Permaul had 4-80 on Day three.

Permaul’s 4-for gives Guyana - Shai Hope crafts the ascendency elegant ton for Pride 2022 Magnum Independence Cup…

Back Circle, Sparta Boss to settle the argument tonight

Back Circle have never defeated Sparta Boss in a finale

The CG Insurance Super50 Cup matches will be played at three venues across the Country.

Women’s Cricket NBA: Celtics beat returns next Heat to level Eastern month with Conference finals TATA IPL 2022: CG Insurance Rajasthan sink CSK Super 50 and T20 Royals to advance Blaze in Guyana to the playoffs

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