Kaieteur News

Govt. credit may be K NEWS crowding out private - C’bean sector investments Economist

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AIETEUR

May 23, 2021

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AGM secret contract...

Govt., Aurora tied to secrecy for 2 years after operations end Landmark Climate Change case…

Applicants tell court Exxon’s oil projects would emit billions of tonnes of greenhouse gases Man fights off Despite push back, Jagdeo Second suspect armed bandit to says draft electoral reform in death of Sophia save motorcycle document expected by June 10-year-old arrested

Govt. moves to settle disputes with Cevons, Car Care, Courtney Benn Services

Foreign companies will have to exit sectors reserved for locals when local content law is passed ...but unable to give timeline for legislation - VP Bharrat Jagdeo @11am, Aurora decides what Royalty to pay Guyana, while Listen 4pm, 7pm on Radio VP Bharrat Jagdeo brush aside US$20B interest rate Kaieteur 99.1/99.5FM

Kaieteur News

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Sunday May 23, 2021

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

Guyana desperately needs a vibrant centre A few Guyanese have acknowledged that we need a vibrant state, but there has been a lack of the required sincerity and will to get around to doing something about what hurts us. For their part, more and more Americans have recognised where matters stand firmly rooted, and they are calling for something to be done, with others hearing the cry, and stepping forward to share in the responsibility. It is that a strong middle ground is needed as a counter and buffer to the increasingly disruptive and divisive political chaos that has become the settled norm. A middle that makes a difference, a middle that is expansive in outlook and embracing in inclusiveness. In the United States, and this should not be surprising given where things are under the endless acrimonies of the two major political parties, the largest and fastest-growing bloc of voters are those who do not identify themselves as Democrats or Republicans. That is but one indication of how bad things have deteriorated under the guiding hand of one or those two dominant political groups.

And that non-identification and distancing from both is a measure of the deep disgust that prevails in growing sections of America. Much of this is expressed in an excerpt of The Centrist Manifesto by Charles Wheelan, published on the website, Medium in January 2017 under the title, “America needs a Centrist Party Now More than Ever. Here is how to make it happen.”

Nothing of the kind is happening here. Citizens profess to be angry and disappointed with the costly corruptions of politicians and public servants. They claim to be highly unhappy with how they are being used and misused for cheap political advantage Yet, over and over again, those same agitated presences and noisy voices, when acting in their capacity as voters turn right around and cast their ballots for the same political figures and groups that betray them, trick them, and impoverish them.

We say we are all for change, the positives that come from a vibrant middle, but we are too fanatically fixed to the racial political poles at the extremes to summon the strength and courage to separate from them. We are thunder and turbulence during election intervals, but during elections seasons, we resort to form - racial form, all too effortlessly and make utter fools of ourselves and in the sorry existences with which we live afterwards.

Guyanese are not open to new ideas. These have little time or patience for the likes of someone such as Victor Hugo, who once said that nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come. In Washington, that idea has crystalised in the presence of over a hundred members of what is called the Progressive Caucus in the new Congress.

Among the group’s priority proposals are Medicare for All, a $15 minimum wage, and a Green New Deal. Win, lose, or draw, those hard-to-succeed projects will increase the visibility and stature of the new members of Congress.

As we reflect on this, we cannot help but ask where are the political people in Guyana that are for the people? Where are those who put the interests of the people before their own?

Where are those who can genuinely be about leading us citizens and supporters and voters - away from the far apart pits that the politicians dug for us, and into which so many faithful followers plunge with relish?

But even as we table those questions, all blame should not be placed on the heads of our prejudiced political participants, mainly leaders. Much of this also belongs with citizens-educated, younger, and wise to the ways of the world - who refuse to budge from the racial and political identification that have been the badges of honour worn by their fathers and grandfathers.

They like the poisons and passions of the perimeter, they adore the cult leaders, and they will have nothing to do with moving to the centre or for what is progressive for this society, even for themselves sometimes. What we have is broken; it is not working. It needs to be replaced and not in a hundred years from now, but today.

Appeal for Minister of Natural Resources to meet with miners DEAR EDITOR, This letter is intended to bring to the attention of the Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Vickram Bharrat, the hassle that miners have to go through to get anything done at the GGMC pertaining to mining.

I would like to make a suggestion that the people who work at the above mentioned place take a vaccine to boost efficiency and working ability.

To explain the corruption and nonsense that go on at

the GGMC, it would take an encyclopedia, so please act now.

I would be highly appreciative if you have a general meeting with the miners at a venue, say the GGDMA office or any other suitable place to hear directly from miners.

I would also like to suggest a committee of complaints to address other matters of concerns to miners. At the meeting this can be explained further.

It is no secret that mining

is the biggest contributor to this economy and now with the discovery of oil, its icing on the cake. So my contention is why miners have to be treated like beggars?

Lastly, I must mention since the retirement and passing of my good friend, Mr. Edward Shields (Tony), the Miners Association has lost its vibrancy, it is like a tiger losing its stripes. It has become an executive association. I could remember at first there used

to be monthly members’ meetings, then bi monthly, then quarterly, now it is once a year. But now every two weeks there are management meetings.

What a sad affair for an Association that used to be so vibrant, the members are losing interest and confidence in the Association. Maybe they should change the name to the Miners’ Executive Club.

Concerned former member of the Miners Association

My position on school reopening DEAR EDITOR, The Hon. Minister of Education has announced that all school grade levels will be back in arm’s length, physical face-to-face classroom settings in September.

Though more than three months away, I think that decision is premature, at best; and could be a step in the wrong direction, at worst. It needlessly exposes our young.

I have said repeatedly that the PPP Government has done well with the vaccine distribution, through the t i m e l y, e q u i t y a n d consistency. For the most part, it has been a quality

effort, and kudos is in order for Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, and his team of professionals. But I think that some of the related decisions and non-decisions conflict, and even undermine, the positives embedded in vaccination. I speak of the government’s stubborn maintenance of curfew hours and its refusal to close down bars and other places of social gathering.

For his part, the Hon. Vice President went public to offer this bit of wisdom: “there was no evidence that by saying shifting curfew hours that you are going to get less infections.” It is

unclear where the VP got his evidentiary basis or confidence from, since there was no shifting of curfew hours and measuring the result. In other words, since it hasn’t been tried, we just don’t know. To take this a little further, my take on what the VP asserted is the equivalent of saying something like: there is no evidence that putting up speed bumps helps with lower accident rates. If we don’t implement it, we are either guessing our way, or hoping for the best.

Similarly, if we do not prove adaptable with our handling of elusive crime control, then

the results are the results, and that is the reality with which we must live. As both the Education Minister and the VP may know, the novel COVID-19 virus has manifested itself to be versatile and mutative. In essence, this has reduced health authorities to scrambling for solutions and reacting after the fact and more often than not blindly.

We have to learn from this, and there are little incremental ways that we do so, like getting ahead of the virus (if that is possible) by taking preemptive action, of which curfew (Continued on page 6)

Sunday May 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

Hampshire cemetery road is in a horrible state DEAR EDITOR, On Tuesday, 18-05-2021, I had cause to go to the Hampshire cemetery to attend the funeral of a close relative and it was a nightmare to get to the burial site because of the horrible state of the access road that leads to the cemetery.

This cemetery falls within the Hampshire/ Kilcoy NDC and over the years, residents have made numerous reports to the authorities with regard to the state of this road and sad to say, their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

And do you know what the most hurtful part is? Well, in front of the cemetery is the Belvedere Industrial Site and the powers that be ensured

that this same road up to the Industrial site is a beautiful asphalted one and the rest of the road up to the cemetery remains a mud dam and in a miserable state w hen it rains.

Well, I guess the industrial site is more important than our loved ones who have to be buried at the Hampshire cemetery.

And by the way, the government got the name totally wrong, the industrial site is in Hampshire and not Belvedere and s o t h e y should change the name to Hampshire Industrial Site.

Anyway, after spending hundreds of millions of dollars over a period of three administrations and fifteen years and counting,

this industrial site is a white elephant with only one building there to date.

I diverted slightly, but coming back to the cemetery road, since the government started infrastructure work at the Hampshire/ Williamsburg new housing scheme, which is just in front of the cemetery, the contractor has taken over the road and stockpile red sand and other materials including his machinery with no regard for residents who have to bury their loved

ones at the cemetery.

As I said earlier, access to the cemetery is a nightmare. I am therefore calling on the Minister of Public Infrastructure, Bishop Juan Edghill, or Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, to come and see what is going on so as to alleviate the suffering of the people and give us a concrete asphalted road up to the Hampshire Cemetery. We deserve better.

Yours faithfully, Imtiaz Bacchus

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Sunday May 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

COVID claims four more fatalities as total climbs to ...My position on school over 16,000 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) samples were taken and the with 1 case each, Region From page 4 where vaccines were not so and a 35-year-old man from results returned positive. Three recorded 13 cases, adjustments were one. By now, however, I think that that preemptive space may have been squandered, through insistent inaction.

Of particular note and an alarming one, was the statement from the Education Minister that, when the decision to close schools was made, “at that point, we had no cure, we had no way of preventing spread” and “we have also moved past the stage

easily accessible.” I will agree on the last two positions, viz. vaccines… easily accessible” today and “preventing spread.”

But as the minister should know, we still have no cure; no ma’am.

It is why I say, it is better that mature discretion than false valour prevail, with school reopening and curfew strictures. It has not been so.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

The Health Ministry on Saturday reported that four persons who tested positive for the deadly COVID-19 virus, have succumbed, taking Guyana’s overall death toll to 355. These latest deaths take the death toll for May to 56.

Two of the four victims passed away on May 20; they are an 80-year-old m a n f r o m R e g i o n Te n

Region Five (MahaicaBerbice).

The other two persons - an 83-year-old man and a 59-year-old woman - both of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) died yesterday, May 21.

It was confirmed by the Health Ministry that the victims were admitted with COVID-19 like symptoms,

Unfortunately, they died while receiving care at its medical institutions.

Over the past twentyfour hours, 1,052 tests were done from which 111 persons tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, taking Guyana’s overall cases to 16,014.

A breakdown of the recorded cases are as follows: Regions One, Two and Nine

Region Four totalled the highest with 62 cases, Regions Five and Seven with 4 cases each, Region Six recorded 9 cases and Region 10 with 16 cases.

There are now 19 persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 117 in institutional isolation, 1,813 are in home isolation and six in institutional quarantine.

Sunday May 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Sunday May 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

Govt. credit may be crowding out private sector investments - C’bean Economist The Guyana Government, in the first quarter of the year, contracted some $44B in credit from domestic banks while local businesses managed to secure $6B, a position that is seeing the private sector—long considered as the engine of economic growth in a mixed market economy such as Guyana—being likely crowded out by government investments.

This is according to the latest analysis of Guyana’s economic standing, by Caribbean economist, Marla Dukharan.In her most recent Caribbean Monthly Economic Report, Dukharan observes that domestic credit to the public sector in Guyana grew by 47 percent, year over year, in March 2021.

In contrast, private sector credit grew by a mere 2.4 percent year on year.

According to Dukharan, credit to the Government this year—as at March end— expanded by $44 billion while credit to the private sector expanded by $6 billion.

Dukharan observes that this suggests that Government “may be crowding out private investment activity.”

She also notes in the report that consumer prices

Caribbean economist, Marla Dukharan. rose two percent in the same period, mainly due to a 5.7 percent rise in food prices and 3.4 percent rise in cost of Health and Medical Services.

The Caribbean economist also noted in her summary report that Guyana exported its sixth cargo of oil in April 2021, adding an expected US$60 million to the March balance of US$268 million in the country’s Sovereign Wealth Fund.

The report also noted the differing growth projections for Guyana made by the two major (Conitnued on page 17)

Bartica man charged for hitting down boy, 12 Charged at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on Friday, for hitting down a 12-year-old boy, was Triston Belle. Belle a resident of Bartica, Region Seven, appeared before Principal Magistrate, Crystal Lambert and was charged with dangerous driving.

It is alleged that on March 8, 2021 he was driving dangerously and had struck a pedal cyclist, Jaheemanuel Wyatt along Fifth Street, Fourth Avenue, Bartica, causing him to receive injuries.

Belle pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted $30,000 bail and is expected to make his next court appearance in June 2021.

According to reports received by this newspaper, Belle had struck down Wyatt round 17:25hrs on March 8, 2021. Wyatt at the time was heading from his grandmother’s home to a nearby shop and was reportedly riding in a western direction while Belle was driving east. Belle’s car had reportedly collided with Wyatt’s bicycle and the impact had flung the youth into the air.

Wyatt landed on the car’s front windscreen before fall-

Charged with Dangerous Driving, Triston Belle. ing onto the road.

The child had sustained injuries to his head and body.

Subsequently, Bartica traffic cops had launched an investigation and a dangerous driving charge was recommended. A file was prepared and sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice on the charge.

After reviewing the case file, it was advised that the investigators can go ahead and charge Belle with the recommended charge and it was returned to the police traffic headquarters at Eve Leary on April 7, 2021. The file arrived in Bartica on May 19, 2021 and Belle appeared in court yesterday.

Sunday May 23, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Second suspect in the death of Sophia 10-year-old arrested A second suspect in the death of 10-year-old Anthony Cort Sophia resident was arrested on Friday at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo by police attached to Leonora Police Station.

During an exclusive interview with this publication, Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum confirmed that Kenrick Cozier, a 29-year-old mason of ‘A’ Field Sophia, Georgetown was arrested and taken to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters at Eve Leary, Georgetown, where he was placed into custody for the alleged crime.

A 16-year-old, who investigators said was their prime suspect for the murder of Cort, was remanded on 19th March 2021 to the Sophia Juvenile Holding Centre.

Cort, who had resided at Packet Corner, ‘C’ Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was shot in his chest and killed by bandits during a fatal home invasion at his

neighbour’s home located two blocks away from their home on March 11, 2021 at about 13:00 hrs.

Kaieteur News understands that following the Cozier’s arrest, he was grilled by investigators and confessed to his involvement in the heinous crime.

The 29-year-old mason told detectives that on the day of the deadly home invasion, the teen went to his home and designed a plan to rob the deceased neighbour’s home, where the boy was murdered.

The man disclosed to the operatives that the teen told him that his father was in a relationship with Cort’s neighbour who has millions of dollars in cash and jewellery.

He went on to further confess that the teen then brought three of his friends – one who had a handgun – to carry out the crime.

The man said that the teen planned that one of the sus-

Anthony Cort who was shot dead during a home invasion. pects would go into the shop and purchase an item as a decoy, and the two other men would be on the lookout, while the now remanded teen would go into the house and execute the robbery. The suspect said that about 12:00 hrs, he and the teen went to the shop, as planned, and the teen pointed the gun at three women who were in the shop.

The man told cops that he

Dem boys seh...

Nah every secret good fuh know!

Aunty Priya talk how school gan reopen in September. Ah wonder how she know dat. At de rate wah de COVID going, school might never reopen.

Dem boys nah think de COVID gan done fuh reopen school in September. But perhaps Aunty Priya know wan secret wah nobody else know. It mek dem boys remember a story wah dem boys bin hear about Little Johnny. At school, Little Johnnys classmate tell he dat most adults hiding at least one dark secret. He

friend tell he dat it easy to blackmail dem by saying, “I know the whole truth.”

Little Johnny decide to go home and try it out. He walk in de house and he see he mother in de kitchen. He walk up to she and say, “I know the whole truth.”

He mother quickly hand he $200 and say, “Just dont tell your father.”

Quite pleased, Little Johnny wait on he father fuh come home from work. He find he father alone in he room and go up to he and whisper, “I know the whole truth.”

De father promptly hand he $400 and say, “Please dont say a word to your mother.”

By dis time, Johnny was very pleased. De next day when he was leaving fuh school he spot de mailman.

He wait until de mailman get to he door and greet he by saying, “I know the whole truth.”

De mailman immediately drop de mail, open he arms, and say, “Then come give your Daddy a great big hug!”

Talk half and remember blackmail gat backlash!

was unarmed and he relieved the women of their valuables – two gold rings, one silver chain, one phone, and $18,000 cash.

He added that he then entered the house, while two of the women followed him.

The suspect continued to relate to CID officers that he saw the teen heading to the upper flat of the house after which he heard a loud explosion that sounded like a gunshot.

The man claimed that he ran upstairs where he saw the teen standing over Cort who was lying on the ground motionless.

He told investigators that he ran out of the house and picked up his bicycle, which

he stashed before the robbery, and rode off towards School Bridge, Sophia.

He mentioned that the teen later met him and confessed that he shot the nowdead boy.

They parted the money and jewellery and the teen told him that he gave the gun back to another suspect.

The suspect told police that, he never saw the teen again and travelled to Tuschen, where he stayed low until he was arrested.

Cozier told detectives at the time of his arrest that he was wearing the same black jersey, which he had worn at the time of the fatal home invasion.

The jersey was taken from

him; it was photographed and lodged as evidence. He was later escorted to the Brickdam Police Station where he remains in police custody.

The 16-year-old defendant made his first court appearance at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate, Alisha George, where he was charged with murder.

The young man was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which alleged that on March 11, he, in the company of others, shot and killed the child at his neighbour’s home. Magistrate George remanded the teen to the Holding Centre and the matter was adjourned to May 12.

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Kaieteur News

EPA giving ExxonMobil permission to flare in special cases, applying new US$30 charge unlawful- Intl Lawyer Though the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has claimed this past week that its recent modification to ExxonMobil Guyanas Liza Phase One Environmental Permit to allow flaring in special circumstances as well as a US$30 fee to be charged when done in excess, are in accordance with the law, one prominent industry stakeholder contend otherwise.

According to International Lawyer, Melinda Janki this move by the EPA is not only in violation with the laws that protect the right of Guyanese to a healthy environment, but there is also no legal standing for the EPA to permit the pollution of the environment via flaring. It is on this basis that she recently wrote the EPA challenging it to justify its modifications to the Liza Phase One Permit.

In her letter seen by Kaieteur News, Janki noted that the permit for ExxonMobils subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd. (EEPGL) was purportedly modified by the Agency on May 12, 2021.

One of the modifications is that the permit now allows the subsidiary to flare for 60 days

International Lawyer, Melinda Janki. on start-up and for 14 days in special circumstances. With this in mind, Janki challenged the EPA to provide its reasons for modifying the permit to allow this flaring, including any findings of fact and the evidence or other material upon which it relied.

Janki went on to note that Page One of the permit states that it is modified pursuant to Regulation 14 of the Environmental Protection (Authorisations) Regulations. In her letter, the lawyer noted, reminded of what Regulation 14 (1) states: that a modification shall not give rise to an additional adverse effect. Further to this, Janki

said the legal definition of an adverse effect covers any one or more of the following (i) impairment of the quality of the natural environment or any use that can be made of it; (ii) injury or damage to property or to plant or animal life; (iii) harm or material discomfort to any person; (iv) an adverse effect on the health of any person; (v) impairment of the safety of any person; (vi) rendering any property or plant or animal life unfit for use by human or unfit for its role in its ecosystem; (vii) loss of enjoyment of normal use of property; and (viii) interference with the normal conduct of business.

With this in mind, Janki said it is common knowledge that flaring is harmful and would therefore amount to an adverse impact as legally defined. She added, “The purported modification of the permit would therefore not be authorised by Regulation 14 but would be an unlawful act by the Agency.”

Expounding further, Janki pointed out that the modification of EEPGLs permit to allow pollution, which is the (Continued on page 59)

Sunday May 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Sunday May 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

Family of man killed by police, protests outside Ministry of Home Affairs The family and friends of Peter Headley, who was shot and killed by a policeman last weekend, protested outside the Ministry of Home Affairs at Brickdam on Friday at 11:30 hrs.

According to a Press Release issued by the Ministry, Minister Robeson Benn met with the relatives and friends of Headley who were protesting the inaction in the investigation of the shooting to death of Headley, and assured them that the matter was under investigation by the Guyana Police Force (GPF)

and the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). He added that the Police Complaint’s Authority was also notified.

Minister Benn had Headley’s close relatives accompany him to his office where an open microphone call was made to the Commissioner of Police, Nigel Hoppie, who repeated the assurances. Both the Minister and the Commissioner noted the concerns of the relatives and friends with respect to the effect and fears relating to police misconduct.

According to initial police reports, Headley was shot by one of two ranks while he was being transported in a car, carrying number plate PVV 1771, to the Providence Police Station located on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

He was reportedly arrested along with another man, now known to be Rondel Daly, around 20:45hrs at Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara.

Those initial reports said that the two were suspected to be involved in a robbery, which took place in Herstelling on Tuesday last.

Headley and Daly were reportedly in a motor vehicle, driven by Headley, when the patrol ranks intercepted them.

The ranks reportedly searched the car and found a television set, which they suspected was stolen in the robbery. Daly was arrested and placed in the police patrol vehicle while the Headley was placed into the front passenger seat of his vehicle – one rank entered the driver’s seat while another armed rank entered the back passenger seat. They then drove off.

The ranks claimed that,

Minister Robeson Benn meets with family and friends of Peter Headley as they protest outside of the Ministry of Home Affairs. during the journey, Headley allegedly reached under the seat and pulled out what looked like a gun. This, the police reports had stated, prompted the rank sitting in the back seat to shoot Headley.

The ranks then reportedly drove the wounded suspect to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he succumbed while receiving treatment.

Police reported that the bullet had struck Headley to his

body.

Kaieteur News understands that the officers’ claims were filled with inconsistencies and they were placed under close arrest.

Meanwhile, Commander of Region 4 ‘B’ Mahendra Siwnarine revealed to this publication that Headley might have purchased the stolen item that was recovered from Rondel Daly. Daly is currently in police custody at the (Continued on page 16)

Despite pushback, Jagdeo says draft electoral reform document expected by June Despite criticism from persons from the political opposition and a local human rights body over the International Republican Institute (IRI) supported electoral reform initiative, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has announced that the draft document will be ready by next month.

During a press conference on Friday, Jagdeo said, “We’ve solicited from the public all of the issues that they would like to see amended in the law. The idea is to make more transparent and to define responsibilities in the Act that are unambiguous and thirdly, to put in place a set of penalties for people [who] tried to steal the elections.”

Over the past weeks, Government had announced that it was partnering with the IRI through a United Statesfunded project to lay the foundation for the much-needed electoral reforms. However, the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) opposition had objected to the IRI’s role in the process, claiming that foreigners should not be conducting Guyana’s reforms. It complained too about not being consulted before the project was rolled out. Added to this, Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) issued

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. a statement calling for a suspension of the IRI’s involvement in the electoral reform process, recommending instead that CARICOM gets the job.

Jagdeo noted that after the document is finished it will be sent to the various political parties in the country, civil society bodies, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the international community as well as the public for feedback. He said that the draft amendment bill is likely to be in place by the “end of June.”

In the statement the GHRA noted among other things, that the IRI consultations towards electoral reform were missing a number of essential factors in the (Continued on page 14)

Sunday May 23, 2021

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Kaieteur News

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

SUNDAY Guyana’s regulatory framework for environmental protection against the oil industry continues to be a three-card shuffle. Exxon is facing a serious challenge against its environmental excesses at the company’s highest level while we here bend over backwards to facilitate the breach of our own laws and regulations.

MONDAY Just when you thought you would have learnt all there is to know about the evils contained in the Stabroek Block deal, further studies unearth more stomach-sickening provisions.

Two key points learnt recently is that Guyana does not get a full two percent royalty on all oil produced and sold.

And while the contract says this royalty cannot be

recovered, more loopholes actually allow this to happen right before our eyes.

Kaieteur News will show clearly in coming weeks how this is happening.In the meantime, it does make you wonder how the Ali administration can sit back and watch its people robbed blindly by a foreign entity.How can a government be so insistent on not bringing an end to the rape of our resources.Who really runs this country?

ExxonMobil or the PPP/C? TUESDAY Instead of a never-ending fight over the management of Georgetown, our leaders should instead be striving to work together to get things right.

The capital city is becoming progressively worse and if deliberate efforts are not engaged; we are likely see it being ascribed a title much

worse than the ‘garbage city.’

It is therefore imperative that a plan be derived and implemented that will help to improve and not further deteriorate our city. With this in mind, we say, Come on leaders put your differences aside and work together to restore our capital city to its former glory!

WEDNESDAY Guyana’s economic fortunes are tied, for good or for bad, to its fledgling oil and gas industry. This means that the person, who has the say in that industry’s development, needs to take the reality of that industry into consideration. Every meaningful

indicator says that fossil fuel use is on the decline – we need an honest and clear assessment from government on what those indicators mean for this country’s economic future.

THURSDAY The role of the media in a democratic society is to provide the nation with accurate and timely information.

Therefore, any attempt to deny the media access to information can be classified as a threat to democracy.

Moreover, a dangerous precedent is set when a Nation’s Police Force decides to withhold information from the media.We, at this publi-

cation, join our colleagues in the media to condemn any plan by the Force to deny us access to information that will promote transparency and accountability.

We will not sit idly by and allow democracy to be trampled upon, we simply will not!

FRIDAY As this paper has been exposing, the provisions of secret contracts in the extrac-

tive industries do not only rob this country of much needed revenue – they also set local players in those industries at a significant competitive disadvantage. If something is good for the country, if it is fair to all involved, there is no need for it to be secret.

There needs to be greater transparency in the extractive industries to prevent the robbery and disadvantage that has been taking place.

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Sunday May 23, 2021

Despite pushback, Jagdeo says draft electoral reform...

From page 12 preparatory process. For instance, the GHRA said that electoral reform should only come after there is a compromise between the two political parties.

“Then people would have three months in Guyana to give their input. And we will look at issues right from registration to declaration of the results so everything that is not unambiguous, not transparent etc. We made it clear

that we want SOPs [Statements of Poll] in the public domain before the tabulation starts, that sort of thing,” he said.

The VP noted that when that’s done, a draft bill taking into account the input given will be presented to the Parliament, where the Parliamentary Opposition will once again have an input. He noted too that the amendments to the Representation of the People Act (ROPA) are critical to prevent electoral fraud.

Sunday May 23, 2021

A severely injured man who was on Friday found lying along the Kuru Kururu Public Road, Linden-Soesdyke Highway, reportedly told cops before he died that he was struck down by a vehicle.

According to a police report, the man, John Wickham, was observed lying on the highway in a pool of blood with streaks of blood running along the western side of the road. He was reportedly still in a conscious state before the police arrived after being called to the scene.

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Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News understands that Wickham, while in a semiconscious state, told an East Bank police investigator that he was involved in a hit and run, and gave his mother’s number so that she could be called and informed about the tragedy.

The victim was then taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty, but was pronounced dead on arrival. The body is presently at Lyken Funeral Home Mortuary awaiting post mortem examination.

Investigations are ongoing.

SUNDAY

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Kaieteur News

Sunday May 23, 2021

How Guyana gets ROYALTY from ...

From page 2 proud to say that this is foreign direct investment. And ‘dat’ we lucky ‘fuh get wha’ we get, and we must ‘tek’ it.

In ‘he’ letter in de papers, he saying how dem take years to standardise and bring back people to Guyana fuh invest and how Aurora is paying a standard $1,000 rate ‘fuh’ rent we land, and how we mustn’t complain about getting crumbs.

So I asked him to tell the Guyanese people if he believe that Guyana getting crumbs, he should show us any contract in the world that is worse than Guyana’s Exxon deal and the Aurora Gold contract for now.

I would like to thank the former PM for confirming what the newspaper has been saying is accurate about the $1,000 Guyana getting in rent for our rich gold and diamond lands.

I want to tell him however, to say that it is the standard rate to operate in Guyana with the people’s wealth is an insult to the nation’s intelligence. I hate to think he was a leader, running the affairs of this nation in that fashion, especially in our mining sector. Let me ask him, would you run your own mining land like this? Do you know of any Guyanese, who rents mining land for 1,000 Guyana dollars per acre, per year, and accept the conditions what Aurora get? I will give you a million dollars in your pocket to name one Guyanese.

Seen that Mr. Hinds was kind and forthcoming, I would like him to comment on the royalty rate and the way it is being paid to us from Aurora Gold Mines.

I hope he cares to shed some light in another letter or come on the radio and let’s have a frank discussion. My invitation is open and I would like to thank Mr. Hinds and any other leader in advance for coming and defend the AGM contract. You don’t have to come in the studio, you can call the phone and let’s have this discussion.

Family of man...

From page 12 Providence Police Station pending charges.

An autopsy done on Headley on Monday at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) Mortuary revealed that Headley died from perforated lungs from a single gunshot injury.

The Office of Professional Responsibility has launched an investigation into the matter.

Acting Commissioner of Police Hoppie has ordered that the OPR conclude a swift investigation into the killing of Peter Headley and the results made public. This publication was reliably informed that the two cops are currently on ‘open arrest’.

Sunday May 23, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Dear Reader, in light of the economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our publisher, with you in mind, has taken the decision to extend our weekly review of some of our major stories in their entirety.

SUNDAY GOVT. ‘PENALISES’ EXXON ON FLARING BUT COUNTRY ULTIMATELY HAS TO PAY Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, would have informed the nation last week via his Facebook Page that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be imposing a US$30 penalty on every tonne of Carbon Dioxide equivalent (CO2e) ExxonMobil flares after May 13, 2021. But what has not been disclosed, until today, is that Guyana will ultimately have to foot that bill.

This is as a consequence of the Stability Clause in the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

At Article 32.2 of the PSA it states, “After the signing of this Agreement and in conformance with Article 15, the Government shall not increase the economic burdens of Contractor under this Agreement by applying to this Agreement or the operations conducted thereunder any increase of or any new petroleum related fiscal obligation, including, but not limited to, any new taxes whatsoever, any new royalty, duties, fees, charges, value-added tax (VAT) or other imposts.”

It goes on to state at Article 32.3, “If at any time after the signing of this Agreement there is a change in the laws of Guyana whether through the amendment of existing laws (including the hydrocarbons law, the customs code or tax code) or the enactment of new laws or a change having the force of law in the interpretation, implementation or application thereof (whether the change is specific to the Agreement, the Contractor or of general application) and such change has a materially adverse effect on the economic benefits, including those resulting from the fiscal regime provided by this Agreement, accruing to the Contractor hereunder during the term of this Agreement, the Government shall promptly take any and all affirmative actions to restore the lost or impaired economic benefits to Contractor, so that Contractor receives the same economic benefit under the Agreement that it would have received prior to the change in law or

its interpretation, application, or implementation. The foregoing obligation shall include the obligation to resolve promptly by whatever means may be necessary any conflict or anomaly between this Agreement and any such new or amended legislation, including by way of exemption, legislation, decree and/or other authoritative acts.”

In light of the fact that Guyana has no legislation predating the signing of the contract, which sets out the US$30 penalty for flaring, it therefore means that Guyana will ultimately have to compensate ExxonMobil.

Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram, who has studied the agreement indepth and has a Masters Degree in Oil and Gas from Reading University in England, also agreed with Kaieteur News last evening as he noted that Guyana is basically paying this new penalty tax thanks to the Stabilisation Clause. He said too that if the oil giant allows a compromise, Guyana would have to pay at least half it.

Furthermore, Ram in a letter published by Stabroek News on Saturday also criticised the modified Liza Phase One Permit as he noted that a perusal of the amendments shows that the payment of the US$30 penalty “applies only” to flaring in excess of timelines for “flaring events.”

The Chartered Accountant said, “Guyanese now wait with bated breath to understand what ‘excess of timelines for flaring events’ really means but clearly there is no longer even an attempt at the prohibition on flaring.”

Further to this, Ram articulated that it is unclear whether the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the capacity or the equipment to measure the Carbon Dioxide equivalent (CO2e) impact of flaring. And even if it did, this measure he contended is imprecise and inadequate. “At best, this can only be seen as a first and

necessary step, but one undertaken without full statutory teeth,” expressed the Chartered Accountant.

Among other points he raised, Ram held the view that the Government is perhaps neglecting a few of its key duties as enshrined in Constitution—protect the environment for the benefit of present and future generations; prevent pollution and ecological degradation; promote conservation; secure sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development. The Chartered Accountant said the administration must once and for all, stand up to ExxonMobil and cease neglecting its duties to the people in the name of development.

ILLEGALRUIMVELDT CONCRETE FACTORY… GRASEIZES ALL DUTYFREEEQUIPMENT Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia, has confirmed with Kaieteur News that all dutyfree equipment brought in by Superior Concrete Inc., the foreign controlled company that was setting up an illegal concrete batching facility at Houston Estates, has been seized. Statia said too that there is an ongoing assessment of the said case

to understand the extent to which the nation’s tax laws have been broken by the company.

This newspaper was also able to ascertain from other GRA officials that the losses to the State regarding the said equipment total more than $40M. Following Kaieteur News’ reporting on the matter, two Superior Concrete Inc. officials, Ian Charles Jones and Richard Austin Shamlin, were told to leave these shores after it was found that they were working in Guyana on expired work permits. Both individuals were also highly disrespectful to Government officials who tried on three occasions to bring an end to the rogue operations.

The illegal operation that was being led by the foreign controlled company was taking place on land adjacent to South Ruimveldt. Kaieteur News was able to obtain a copy of the transport for the plot in use and observed that it is partly owned by Michael Vieira, who is the Chairman of Houston Estates. KN had reported that Vieira had no part of the illegal operation but only leased the lands to Andrew Mekdeci.

In a statement to the press on May 11, 2021, Mekdeci denied having any involvement in this illegal operation, stating that, “I will not flout the laws of Guyana.”

He admitted however that his company was contracted to provide equipment and construction materials to the foreign controlled company while adding – it was observed by this publication during a site visit that machinery operating on the site is branded MMC, a company owned and controlled by Andrew and Marise Mekdeci.

In light of this declaration, Kaieteur News sent an email on May 11, asking Andrew Mekdeci to answer questions related to the licensing of the company and other issues. So far, no response was provided to these questions, which were emailed to Ajay Baksh of Perception Inc., a Public

Relations and Advertising firm that sent the statement on Mekdeci’s behalf.

MONDAY “US$30 FLARING PENALTY FOR EXXON…” EPA IGNORANT ON POLLUTER PAYS PRINCIPLE – MELINDA JANKI (INT’L LAWYER) The Liza Phase One Environmental Permit was recently revised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to include a provision which states that ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) will pay the regulator US$30 per tonne of Carbon Dioxide equivalent released after May 13, 2021 via the Liza Destiny vessel. The EPA said too that this measure is being implemented in accordance with the Polluter Pays Principle.

But upon noting this line of reasoning, International Lawyer and ardent defender for the protection of the environment, Melinda Janki, categorically stated that the EPA has demonstrated ignorance about what is meant by the “Polluter Pays Principle.”

During an interview with Kaieteur News, Janki said, “The ‘polluter pays principle’ is not a licence to pollute. On the contrary, the polluter pays principle requires that Esso pays to remove the greenhouse gases and other pollutants emitted by unauthorised flaring.”

Furthermore, Janki reminded that the role of the EPA is to protect the Guyanese people and its environment by making ExxonMobil obey the law and comply with its original permit, which did not provide any leeway for flaring at a cost. With this in mind, she opined that the EPA is acting unlawfully by attempting to allow Exxon to flare gas at a nominal fee. She stressed that this is contrary to the Environmental Impact Assessment ExxonMobil

would have submitted for the Liza Phase One Project and the environmental permit that was issued in 2017 on the basis of that document.

Taking the foregoing into consideration, the lawyer said the EPA is failing to carry out its statutory duties. She said, “It is up to the people of Guyana to ensure that the EPA does its job. Democracy is not just about voting.

Democracy depends on citizens who are vigilant against abuse of power by any elected government and

by State agencies.”

GUYANA ULTIMATELY PAYS While the Environmental Protection Agency has disclosed that it will be imposing a US$30 penalty on every tonne of Carbon Dioxide equivalent (CO2e) for which ExxonMobil flares after May 13, 2021, what it has not revealed is the fact that Guyana will ultimately have to foot that bill.

This is as a consequence of the Stability Clause in the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

At Article 32.2 of the PSA it states, “After the signing of this Agreement and in conformance with Article 15, the Government shall not increase the economic burdens of Contractor under this Agreement by applying to this Agreement or the operations conducted thereunder any increase of or any new petroleum related fiscal obligation, including, but not limited to, any new taxes whatsoever, any new royalty, duties, fees, charges, value-added tax (VAT) or other imposts.”

It goes on to state at Article 32.3, “If at any time after the signing of this Agreement there is a change in the laws of Guyana whether through the amendment of existing laws (including the hydrocarbons law, the customs code or tax code) or the enactment of new laws or a change having the force of law in the interpretation, implementation or application thereof (whether the change (Continued on page 26)

PAGE 26

From page 25 is specific to the Agreement, the Contractor or of general application) and such change has a materially adverse effect on the economic benefits, including those resulting from the fiscal regime provided by this Agreement, accruing to the Contractor hereunder during the term of this Agreement, the Government shall promptly take any and all affirmative actions to restore the lost or impaired economic benefits to Contractor, so that Contractor receives the same economic benefit under the Agreement that it would have received prior to the change in law or its interpretation, application, or implementation. The foregoing obligation shall include the obligation to resolve promptly by whatever means may be necessary any conflict or anomaly between this Agreement and any such new or amended legislation, including by way of exemption, legislation, decree and/or other authoritative acts.”

In light of the fact that Guyana has no legislation predating the signing of the contract, which sets out the US$30 penalty for flaring, it therefore means that Guyana will ultimately have to compensate ExxonMobil.

GRANGER,ALI, JAGDEO, TROTMAN WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR DESTROYING OUR CHILDREN’S FUTURE IN THE NAME OF DEVELOPMENT – YOG MAHADEO When the history books are written, Financial and Marketing Consultant, Yog Mahadeo is of the firm conviction that Head of State, Dr. Irfaan Ali; Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo; former President, David Granger; and former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, among others, will be remembered for the role, which they played in “destroying our children’s future” in the name of development.

The former Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) expressed this view in his latest letter to Kaieteur News, which was published Sunday

Sunday May 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

last. The premise of his contention is rest on the fact that both the Granger and the Ali administration have allowed ExxonMobil to flare offshore, a practice which harms the environment through the release of more than 250 toxic chemicals into the airspace. Also buttressing his contention is the fact that Guyana’s politicians have displayed their approval for the destruction of nature so that development can take place in other sectors such as mining and forestry.

But what seems to have bothered the Consultant the most is the latest development in the oil sector where the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said ExxonMobil Guyana will be made to pay US$30 for every tonne of Carbon Dioxide equivalent released via flaring on the Liza Destiny vessel after May 13, last. With such a move, Mahadeo said, “the impoverished classes sink lower.”

In his letter, he further noted, “Flare, cut, burn away nature. What a legacy we leave for our children of these Guyana lands 50 years from now, compliments of our generation’s politicians… We will carve a headstone to last for 200 years.”

Mahadeo added, “Upon this stone will be inscribed the names of Granger, Ali, Jagdeo, Trotman, Harmon, (Public Works Minister, Juan) Edghill and others in a list of those who, in the name of development, led to the destruction of our children’s future for their short terms gains. Let the future know that not only plutonium bombs made massive destruction, but those who refused to learn from history and became worse with sustained destruction. Flare on.”

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

But during that one year period, it had already flared 12.4 billion cubic feet of gas per day, equivalent to the removal of 1.6M acres of forest. In simpler terms, this means that Exxon flared toxic Natural gas that could have

been offset by a forest, the size of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). ( h t t p s : / / www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2020/12/22/exxons-flaringthis-year-equivalent-to-theremoval-of-1-6m-acres-offorest/).

But the issues didn’t stop there as the system malfunctioned for a second time on January 13, 2021. The company did not reveal the cause but said that it was fixed within a matter of hours, or so it thought. (https:// www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2021/03/07/exxonmobil-hadflared-early-january-claims-itlasted-less-than-hours/).

On January 29, 2021, the gas compressor broke down for a third time, forcing ExxonMobil this time around to send the faulty equipment to Germany for repairs and upgrades.

A detailed assessment of the compressor subsequently revealed that an axial vibration of the compressor rotor is what led to other mechanical disruptions. The equipment was back in Guyana by the second week of March where it was installed on the Liza Destiny vessel. Tests during that time were being carried out. (https:// www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2021/03/14/exxons-repairedcompressor-back-in-guyana/ ). But before that could be completed, the gas compressor which was supposedly repaired and upgraded, malfunctioned for the fourth time. It has since been removed and sent to the USA for repairs. It is due to be reinstalled by June said ExxonMobil in its latest update to the media. ExxonMobil has said that an order was made as well for a new compressor, which is due to arrive by year end.

To date, the oil giant has flared more than 14 billion

standard cubic feet of gas offshore.

TUESDAY SECRET CONTRACT EXPOSED… CHINESE COMPANY PAYS G$1,000 RENT PER ACRE FOR GUYANA’S LARGEST GOLD CLAIM A Chinese company – Zijin Mining Group – which acquired the largest gold mines operation in Guyana from Canadian owned Aurora Gold Mines pays US$5 or G$1,000 rental for every acre of land it has in its claim.

The generous concession comes as a result of a contract that was inked in November 2011 with Aurora Gold Mines, then owned by Canadian Guyana Goldfields, and since sold to the Chinese mining group.

The Aurora gold project was first developed by Guyana Goldfields, located in Cuyuni-Mazaruni, as an open-pit and underground mining operation spread across an area of 12 kilometres

squared or 2,965 acres.

Under the terms of the contract, upon the granting of the licence, the company would pay in advance the Guyanese equivalent to US$5 per acre for each acre included in the licence, and should the Government reduce those fees, then the company’s obligation to pay the rent would be similarly reduced.

It would mean that the company pays just about G$3M in rent to exercise its right over, and mine for gold from just about 3,000 acres of land. Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd. successfully acquired the operations of Guyana Goldfields Inc. (GGI) in August last year for US$238M and had committed to employing between 200 and 300 Guyanese workers.

The company in 2019 had begun underground mining before it announced that it was selling its operations.

The feasibility study for the project was completed in January 2013 and first gold was poured in August 2015, while commercial production was achieved in January

2016.

The processing plant was commissioned in October 2015. The first gold sale also took place in the same month before it was later sold in 2019 to the new Chinese owners.

When Zijin Mining Group secured ownership of the Aurora Gold Mines in August last, it had laid off a significant number of local businesses, and by extension, hundreds of Guyanese workers.

The company had engaged contractor, Sinohydro Corporation Limited, for the stripping and mining activities at its mines at Aurora.

GOVT. NOW ACCOMMODATING EXXON’S ILLEGAL FLARINGACTIONS - DR. VINCENT ADAMS A decision by Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to amend the Liza 1 Permit issued to ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and (Continued on page 27)

Sunday May 23, 2021

From page 26 Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), is tantamount to Government being accommodating of ExxonMobil’s illegal actions or is complicit.

In fact, the amended permit goes further to legalise a 14 billion cubic feet flaring cap and to allow the company to not pay any fines retroactively.

Additionally, the 60-day grace period given to ExxonMobil to allow for permissible flaring under emergencies and such other circumstances, is also tantamount to giving the company permission to flare.

The damning revelations were made public over the weekend by former EPA Director, Dr. Vincent Adams, who in condemning the actions of the US oil major called it “eye pass.”

Speaking directly to the provisions of the modified permit, Dr. Adams noted that Government, through the EPA, is now going to allow ExxonMobil to increase its flaring to 60 days.

“They (ExxonMobil) were on record that flaring would be stopped from day one,” he recalled and observed, “they put in the equipment and it’s not working, and they have been flaring for two years now and we are accommodating them, bending over backwards and rewriting the permit now.”

He was adamant in his lamentations over the EPA’s decision to, “give them 60 days of flaring, when international standards such as in the US, only gives two days, 48 hours” but “we giving them 60 days.”

He expounded further, “Here is the con in all of this, or the shiny object to distract from what they are doing, from the violation of law, now we are going to charge them US$30 for every tonne of carbon equivalent over and above the 60 days, that 60 days.”

A c c o r d i n g t o D r.

Adams, “if Exxon can’t stop flaring within 60 days something is wrong, [and] they probably don’t need to be operating, to be quite honest.”

He was adamant that ExxonMobil knows “fully well that 60 days is enough time after start up; we have accommodated that.”

Dr. Adams additionally bemoaned that the modified permit is actually disguised to allow for a 14 billion cubic feet-flaring cap that was imagined by the current administration.

He explained saying the government had unabashedly lied by saying “‘that there was a

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14 billion cubic feet cap in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA),’ which was nonsense.”

Dr. Adams reminded that there was a claim that the company was allowed to flare up to 14 billion cubic feet and “they couldn’t come up with nothing.”

He suggested that ExxonMobil then claimed they didn’t know where the 14 billion figures came from, “so Exxon threw them under the bus.”

A s s u c h , D r. A d a m s said “I thought that this thing was over [but] they brought it up back into this announcement that they made.”

He drew reference to the EPA’s disclosure, that it had amended the permit which indicated again the 14 billion cap, and posited the only reason the administration resuscitated that lie, “is because they want to validate or to make that 14 cubic feet legal, so you don’t have to pay retroactively this US$30 fine, it would not be retroactive to that 14 billion c u b i c f e e t ; i t ’s s o transparent to me, why else would you want to bring back up a lie if it’s not to protect Exxon.”

A c c o r d i n g t o D r.

Adams, “the law specifically states what they cannot do but Exxon is getting away with it, so other developers might be saying the same thing, here is Exxon they are getting away with it, the government is backing them, why can’t we?”

He used as example also, the ad hoc manner in which the law is enforced and pointed to the actions taken on the part of Government with regards to the illegal cement batching plant in Houston Estates where a Minister was disrespected and the principals ordered to leave the country.

A c c o r d i n g t o D r.

Adams, government was absolutely right to kick out the people “but then, you got Exxon who can do whatever they want and get away with it, and the government backs them.”

According to Dr. Adams, “the most important thing here is what we got to stop as of right now or else if we go down this road, it’s going to be a very slippery slope. The country is going to be in a major dilemma if people are not following the rule of law, or if they are encouraged by the government; I am concerned that it doesn’t appear that way now.”

Speaking directly to

ExxonMobil and their blatant infractions, Dr. Adams warned too, that smaller developers might be looking at their actions and are saying, “look what Exxon is doing, they have been flaring now for two years.”

WEDNESDAY INTERNATIONAL ENERGYAGENCY SAYS TO HALT ALL NEW OIL, GAS PROJECTS GUYANAWILLSUFFER ENVIRONMENTALLY, ECONOMICALLY IF IT DOES NOT HEED ADVICE – JANKI If the world is to achieve Net Zero Emissions (NZE) by 2050, then plans for new oil and gas projects must come to a halt and drillers must rely on existing assets from today.

This blunt message was noted in a bombshell 227-page report by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The report comes as a huge shocker to many environmentalists and industry stakeholders who often branded the Paris-based organisation as being sympathetic to the oil industry, oftentimes underestimating the significance of renewable energy.

In fact, the IEA has previously been in support of fossil fuel extraction efforts, and featured scenarios in its energy reports that would put the world on track to a catastrophic three degrees Celsius of warming, according to Oil Change International, a group that advocates against the continuation of the fossil fuel industry. Furthermore, previous scenarios championed by the IEA had put the world on track to net zero by 2070, which would be far too late to prevent the worst effects of the climate crisis, according to the findings of climate scientists.

In an about-turn, the report which was issued Tuesday by the global energy influencer is the world’s first comprehensive study on how to transition to a net zero energy system by 2050 while ensuring stable and affordable energy supplies, providing universal energy access, and enabling robust economic growth. It sets out a cost-effective and economically productive pathway, resulting in a clean, dynamic and resilient energy economy dominated by renewables like solar and wind instead of fossil fuels. The report also examines key uncertainties, such as the roles of bioenergy, carbon capture and behavioural changes in reaching net zero.

Furthermore, the special

report is designed to inform the high-level negotiations that will take place at the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) of the United Nations Climate Change Framework Convention in Glasgow in November. It was requested as input to the negotiations by the UK Government’s COP26 Presidency.

In the report examined by this newspaper Tuesday, the IEA categorically stated, “other than fields already approved for development, no new oil fields are necessary.

However, continued investment in existing sources of oil production is needed.”

The IEA also stated that if the NZE scenario is to be realised, then no new Natural gas fields are needed beyond those already under development. Also not needed the agency said are many of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) liquefaction facilities currently under construction or at the planning stage.

Following the release and independent review of the said report, International Lawyer, Melinda Janki, told Kaieteur News in an invited comment that the IEA has made it clear that the oil and gas sector must come to end and is in fact coming to an end. She alluded that this has potentially grave consequences for Guyana economically and environmentally if it does not heed the clear advice that has been handed down by the Paris-based organisation.

CONCESSIONS GALORE IN SECRET CONTRACT… CHINESE CO. GETS WAIVERS ON ALL IMPORTS FOR SELF & SUB-CONTRACTORS The Chinese company – Zijin Mining Group – which

acquired the largest gold mining operation in Guyana from Canadian owned Aurora Gold Mines enjoys waivers on all imports not only for itself, but any sub-contractor it employs as part of its operations in the CuyuniMazaruni location.

The generous concessions come as a result of a contract that was inked in November 2011 with AGM’s original owners, Canada-based Guyana Goldfields, which sold to the Chinese owned mining company a little under a year ago.

The company in 2019 had begun underground mining before it announced that it was selling its operations.

The feasibility study for the project was completed in January 2013 and first gold was poured in August 2015, while commercial production was achieved in January 2016.

The processing plant was commissioned in October 2015. The first gold sale also took place in the same month before it was later sold in August 2020 to the new Chinese owners.

A perusal of the contract illustrates at when it comes to imports, the company enjoys a wide range of waivers. For example, the company under the contract provisions is entitled to import into the country or purchase domestically, free of import duties, Value Added Tax (VAT) and any other direct or indirect taxes on all equipment, supplies and materials for the project.

It also provided under the contract provisions that, for greater certainty, the company or any local or foreign contractor retained for the project purposes shall not be required to pay any licence fees, duties or other charges

related to importing or purchasing materials in Guyana for the purpose of the project. Additionally, the company shall also be entitled to import free of customs duties, VAT and other direct or indirect taxes on necessary personal items, including electronic and household effects.

These concessions come in addition to the arrangement that sees the company paying US$5 or G$1,000 rental for every acre of land it has in its claim. The Aurora gold project was first developed by Guyana Goldfields, located in Cuyuni-Mazaruni, as an open-pit and underground mining operation spread across an area of 12 kilometres squared or 2,965 acres. Under the terms of the contract, upon the granting of the licence, the company would pay in advance the Guyanese equivalent to US$5 per acre for each acre included in the licence, and should the Government reduce those fees, then the company’s obligation to pay the rent would be similarly reduced. It would mean that the company pays just about G$3M in rent to exercise its right over, and mine for gold from almost 3,000 acres of land.

Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd. successfully acquired the operations of Guyana Goldfields Inc. (GGI) in August last year for US$238M and had committed to employing between 200 and 300 Guyanese workers.

However, after the acquisition deal was finalised, the company had cut ties with a significant number of local businesses.

THURSDAY SECRET CONTRACT!!!

CHINESE COMPANY DETERMINES ROYALTY PAID TO GUYANA Guyana earns royalty from its largest gold mine based on the price that the Chinese company – Zijin Mining Group – gets for the sale of its gold from the buyer selected by the company and not at the prevailing world market price.

This, in addition to there being a sliding scale for the payments to be made—five percent royalty when gold is sold for US$1,000 and below or eight percent, when sold at one cent above that price.

The Zijin Mining Group acquired the mine from Canadian owned Guyana Goldfields, which had acquired the licence for the Aurora Gold Mines, and as such enjoys provisions that were enshrined in the contract for the operations in the (Continued on page 28)

PAGE 28

From page 27 Cuyuni-Mazaruni locale.

According to the contract, the percentage of applicable royalty shall be applied to the quantity of gold or valuable minerals that the company actually realises from a smelter, refinery or other armslength third party purchaser.

It provides further clarity to state, revenues shall be calculated based on actual price realised in relation to the transaction utilised and not on the basis of world market price for those minerals.

Guyanese miners are required to sell their gold at the Guyana Gold Board where that entity determines the price to be paid and applicable royalty.

The Aurora Gold Mines operation, which was sold by the Canadians last year for US$238M, was originally given a licence in November 2011.

A perusal of the contract also illustrates that when it comes to imports, the company also enjoys a wide range of waivers.

The company, under the prescribed provisions in the contract, is entitled to import into the country or purchase domestically, free of import duties, Value Added Tax and any other direct or indirect taxes on all equipment, supplies and materials for the project.

It is also provided under the contract that “for greater certainty,” the company or any local or foreign contractor retained for the project purposes shall not be required to pay any licence fees, duties or other charges related to importing or purchasing materials in Guyana for the purpose of the project.

Additionally, the company shall also be entitled to import free of customs duties, VAT and other direct or indirect taxes on necessary personal items, including electronic and household effects. This, in addition to paying US$5 or G$1,000 rental for every acre of land it has in its claim.

The Aurora gold project was first developed by Guyana Goldfields, located in Cuyuni-Mazaruni, as an open-pit and underground mining operation spread across an area of 12 kilometres squared or 2,965 acres.

Under the terms of the contract, upon the granting of the licence, the company would pay in advance the Guyanese equivalent to US$5 per acre for each acre included in the licence, and should the Government reduce those fees, then the company’s obligation to pay the rent would be similarly reduced.

It would mean that the

Sunday May 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

company pays just about G$3M in rent to exercise its right over, and mine for gold from just about 3,000 acres of land.

The feasibility study for the project was completed in January 2013 and first gold was poured in August 2015, while commercial production was achieved in January 2016.

The processing plant was commissioned in October 2015. The first gold sale also took place in the same month before it was later sold in 2019 to the new Chinese owners.

When Zijin Mining Group secured ownership of the Aurora Gold Mines in August last, it had laid off a significant number of local businesses, and by extension, hundreds of Guyanese workers.

The company subsequently engaged contractor, Sinohydro Corporation Limited, for the stripping and mining activities at its mines at Aurora.

PAUL SLOWE, OTHERS IMPLICATED IN POLICE FORCE’S $10M FRAUD SLOWE ALSO ACCUSED OF SEXUALASSAULT Nine persons – six of them retired high-ranking policemen and three senior officers still serving the Guyana Police Force (GPF) – have been accused of conspiring to defraud the Force of over $10M. The alleged fraud was uncovered by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

One of implicated individuals has been identified as the current Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Slowe. Not only is it alleged that he was one of the conspirators in the fraud but he is also being accused of sexually assaulting a female Assistant Superintendent who worked with him, on three occasions.

Slowe, according to a police release, sexually assaulted the woman during the months of March and April 2019. She had reported the matter to an Assistant Commissioner who failed to take “proper legal action,” the release added.

Slowe, the Force informed, had left the jurisdiction since an investigation was launched i n t o t h e m a t t e r. H e i s however required to present himself for questioning to SOCU and at the Gender Based Violence Unit of the Force for fraud and sexual assault, respectively.

Meanwhile, the five other former high-ranking lawmen who are implicated in the fraud matter have been identified as: retired Assistant Commissioner, Clinton Conway; retired Assistant Commissioner, Claude Whittaker; retired Senior Superintendent, Mark Gilbert; retired Senior Superintendent, George Fraser, and retired Senior Superintendent, Michael Sutton.

The three senior ranks still serving the Force who have been implicated are: Assistant Commissioner of Police, Royston AndriesJunor; a former female finance officer and a male officer attached to the police finance office.

Kaieteur News was able to confirm that five of the retired lawmen were arrested We d n e s d a y.

Director of the Force’s Corporate Communications Unit (CCU), Mark Ramotar, informed media operatives that the men have since been released and are expected to appear in court today.

The alleged fraudsters are being accused of conspiring to defraud the GPF of $10,056,000 to do a complete review of the GPF’s Standing Orders, which had already been reviewed in July 2018 and completed in March 2019 by the Force’s Strategic Planning Unit.

The GPF detailed that even if they had used the cash to review the Standing Orders, Slowe and the others have so far failed to present the evidence that it was completed.

It also pointed out that the alleged fraudsters conspired to give themselves a job that clearly should have gone to the National Procurement and Tender Board by law because

of the quantity.

Additionally, it was noted that Slowe and retired Assistant Commissioner Conway, are both members of the PSC, which overlooks the GPF as the disciplinary body, and cannot take contracts or enter agreements where they are benefitting from substantial monetary rewards.

Speaking with Kaieteur News Wednesday, Conway, while under arrest, disclosed that he was taken to the Brickdam Police Station around 10:00 hrs. Wednesday by two SOCU ranks.

“When I reached to the station, they told me I was arrested for committing fraud,” he said.

Questioned about his involvement in the alleged fraud, Conway said that in March 2019 the then Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, had invited him, Slowe, Whittaker, Fraser and Gilbert to a meeting in the Commissioner of Police’s Conference Room, Eve Leary.

He went on to say that, several other senior police officers were also present.

“We were told that the Executive Leadership Team of the Guyana Police Force decided that myself and persons previously mentioned were selected to revise over 130 woefully outdated Police Standing Orders,” Conway said.

He related that at that time, no salary was mentioned and they all agreed to revise the Standing Orders and started that very day after the meeting ended.

Conway disclosed that they were granted access to the Strategic Management Unit (SMU) to carry out their work. “We did several sessions (reviews) on Tuesday and Fridays,” he recounted.

A f e w w e e k s l a t e r, a c c o r d i n g t o C o n w a y, Assistant Commissioner, A n d r i e s - J u n o r, w a s i n charge of the SMU and had informed him and others that they will be paid a stipend of $3,000 per hour.

Andries-Junor reportedly had related to Conway and others that the decision to pay them the stipend was made by James, the then Commissioner of Police and the Executive Leadership. According to Conway, an account was created by a SMU staffer and submitted to the Police Finance Department where he and others uplifted their payments.

In terms of the work they completed, Conway said that they had reviewed 68 Standing Orders and had saved them in a computer file.

The intention, he said, was that the reviewed Standing Orders would have been forwarded to the Commissioner of Police by Andries-Junor for approval by the Executive Leadership Team.

Conway related too that a female Assistant Superintendent, Nicola Kendall, had informed him and others that they would no longer have access to the SMU because ranks had to use it in preparation for the 2020 general and regional elections.

When COVID-19 struck, he continued, “We were instructed not to do any more work on the Standing Orders until the pandemic is over.”

FRIDAY TROY RESOURCES LOOKING TO BUY GOLD OREAFTER MINING OUT PRIMARY PITS – MANAGEMENT Australian-owned Troy Resources Inc. says that as

the company faces temporary closure later in the year as a result of the depleted ore being obtained from its primary mining pits, it is currently exploring purchasing the feedstock for its mill from third party miners.

The information was disclosed by the company on Monday, when it provided shareholders with an update to say the primary source of ore delivered to the mill over the last 15 months has been the Hicks 4 open cut pit, while in recent months a modest contribution also came from the Spearpoint open cut pit.

These pits, the company said, are likely to be exhausted by mid-June or early July 2021.

“The remaining volumes of ore in both pits,” it noted, “are somewhat lower than had previously been expected with a recent internal review of the calculation of model versus actual grade control data identifying a relatively modest unfavourable discrepancy.”

The company stated that in the interim, Troy is exploring the availability of third-party ore for toll treating or other opportunities and said, “there is nothing further that can be reported at this stage.”

It reported that gold production for the month of April was 2,140 ounces while the production forecast for the months of May and June are 2,400 and 1,909 ounces.

The company said that its production rate is on track to realise at the end of June 2021, an average 2,200 ounces per month for the year.

As it relates to the cessation of operations, the company said that the pending pit exhaustion slated for mid-year coupled with the timing of first ore from Smarts Underground not being likely until later in year at the earliest, there will be a period where no mill feed will be available for the Karouni mill.

Troy Resources said it anticipates that ore processing activities will cease at Karouni in August or September 2021. At that time, the Karouni mill will be put on Care and Maintenance and that the company “will use this opportunity to rejuvenate worn equipment as well as implement various modifications, which will be beneficial once processing recommences.”

The company in a public missive Thursday, sought to provide clarity with regard to its declared intentions to say the need for goods and services will gradually diminish during this time until (Continued on page 29)

Sunday May 23, 2021

From page 28 operations resume and get back to full capacity.

As such, it was outlined too that in the interim, exploration would continue with drilling to be resumed shortly, in addition to other activities necessary to meet commitments to suppliers and others by ensuring that there is available funding.

EXXONMOBIL SAID IT WILL NOT RECOVER US$30 FLARING CHARGE – EPA The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) clarified Thursday that ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), will not be recovering the US$30 per tonne charge, which it will be made to pay for flaring of Carbon Dioxide equivalent (CO2e) beyond May 13, 2020.

The regulator said this much was indicated by ExxonMobil during discussions that were recently had on modifications to the Environmental Permit for the Liza Phase One Operations.

The statement by the agency comes on the heels of an article, which Kaieteur News carried on Sunday, which exposed that the Stabilization Clause of the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) states unequivocally that if the government imposed any new charge, tax or levy of any kind after the deal was signed in 2016, then the company shall be compensated by the government.

Given that ExxonMobil has said it will overlook this provision for Guyana’s sake, the EPA said it therefore views the modification not as

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creating any additional adverse effects, but as a means of implementing more specific flare management conditions that are consistent with industry practice in order to regulate and/or deter periods of flaring.

The EPA also clarified the modification of the permit, which says that the US$30 charge will be imposed on ExxonMobil’s subsidiary after certain flaring timelines are passed for commissioning and start up. According to the permit, commissioning is defined as the process of ensuring that all systems and components are designed, installed, tested, operated and maintained according to operational requirements or m a n u f a c t u r e r ’s specifications. Start-up is defined as the activity that occurs at the end of commissioning.

With the foregoing in mind, the EPA said the timelines prescribed by the modified permit are consistent with the United States Code for Federal Regulations, which establishes that flaring may not exceed 48 hours without seeking approval. The EPA also pointed out that international benchmarking shows that the initial start-up period averages approximately 90 days. However, the modified permit specifies a more conservative start-up period of 60 days, which the EPA boasts is below the average international benchmark. It said this is also consistent with the recently issued Payara Environmental Permit.

“Any flaring in excess of these timelines requires the company to pay for the emission of Carbon Dioxide equivalent (CO2e) at the rate of US$30 per tonne of CO2e…Consequently, the EPA utilised carbon pricing benchmarking to determine

this payment, so that the monies acquired from the pollution events could be used for Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs),” the EPA said.

Expounding on other key amendments the regulator said, “Prior to its modification, the Permit prohibited ‘Routine Flaring.’ However, process upsets, equipment failures and maintenance events are not considered ‘Routine Flaring’ in the Oil and Gas Industry. Such events were not specifically addressed or regulated in any way by the original Permit.”

Further to this, the EPA said that the original permit only required EEPGL to notify the EPA for flaring sustaining a volume of at least10 million cubic feet of gas lasting at least five (5) days. It noted however that the modified Permit now includes specific timelines for detailed instances of flaring, and notification and approval processes, during which the company must justify its reason(s) for flaring. The EPA stressed that it reserves the right to reject this request if unjustified.

In conclusion, the EPA sought to note that when it comes to oil operations, or more particularly, oil production offshore, some amount of flaring is to be expected for maintenance events, process upsets and equipment failures.

Be that as it may, the EPA said it will continue to work assiduously towards national standards which specifically address flaring. Following the modification of the Liza Phase One Permit, the EPA said it has commenced the process of developing specific flaring targets for the upcoming renewal of the said permit come June 1, as well as other

upcoming EEPGL projects offshore Guyana.

SATURDAY GUYANESE FILE CASE AGAINST EXXONMOBIL’S STABROEK BLOCK PROJECTS - CALLS ON COURT TO DETERMINEIF POLLUTING OPERATIONS CONSISTENT WITH RIGHTTO HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT Two Guyanese, through their lawyers, have filed a case in the High Court against ExxonMobil’s Stabroek Block projects. According to the case, which lists Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, SC, as a representative for the State, the High Court is being asked to determine whether ExxonMobil’s operations violate the Constitutional right of current and future generations to a healthy environment.

The first applicant, Dr. Troy Thomas, is a Scientist and a University of Guyana lecturer.

The second applicant, Quadad de Freitas, is a young man from the South Rupununi Region of Guyana, an area rich in biodiversity, now threatened by climate change.

According to Dr. Thomas: “Guyana is a carbon sink. The Guyanese people are not responsible for climate change, but we are already suffering the effects. Climate change, ocean acidification and rising sea level pose existential threats to the people and State of Guyana. As a scientist, I urge people to look at the evidence and to face reality.”

The case Kaieteur News understands refers to the overwhelming scientific evidence of the devastating

effect of greenhouse gas emissions, pointing out that oil and gas production are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Guyana is particularly vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels while ocean acidification threatens the Guyanese livelihoods that depend on healthy marine ecosystems.

The case cites Guyana’s international obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement in support of its claim for declarations that emissions from oil and gas production make the environment more harmful to health and wellbeing in violation of Article 149J of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to a healthy environment and requires the State to protect the environment for present and future generations.

Article 149J specifically states that: (1) Everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to his or her health or well-being. (2) The State shall protect the environment, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures designed to – (a) prevent pollution and ecological degradation; (b) promote conservation; and (c) secure sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development.

The case also seeks to protect children, young people and future generations who bear a disproportionate burden in having to live with the effects of climate change.

The legal team consists of Ms. Melinda Janki and Mr. Ronald Burch-Smith, with support from Richard Lord QC at Brick Court and Joshua

Jackson of Cloisters in the UK. GWI CALLS IN COPS, SAYS CLOSE TO $30M STOLEN FROM BANK ACCOUNT The Board of Directors for the Guyana Water Incorporated informed the media Friday that a fraud was perpetrated at a Commercial Bank, which led to almost $30M being removed from its account.

GWI said the fraud was discovered by the Finance Department upon reconciling accounts for March 2021. The amounts are $17,489,417 debited on March 16, 2021 and $12,327,515 debited on March 24, 2021.

Upon querying, the bank informed GWI that the amounts represent payments made via wire transfer instructions, payable to persons resident in the USA. The names of the recipients are Troy Robertson, of 1405 Brooklyn Avenue AF2F, Brooklyn Avenue, New York 11210, and Deyannera Mohamed, of 1998 Pacific Street, Brooklyn, NY 11216.

It has been established that both signatures on the wire transfer instruction letters were forged.

GWI was keen to note that it has never conducted business with these persons, at no time initiated, or instructed the bank to carry out these fictitious transactions. The agency said too that the Guyana Police Force was promptly called in and is currently conducting investigations. The police finger print experts have since confirmed that the signatures were forgeries. Kaieteur News understands that Bank of Guyana has also been notified of this fraud.

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==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==

At the risk of angering my wife, I say I never did and will never like Rex McKay My wife was annoyed that I wrote the following words in my March 23, 2021 column “I never liked Gaskin. See my revulsion of him as a Stabroek News columnist in 1989.

That is 31 years ago.

I still harbour the identical dislike.” She intoned that I should not write like that about other people.

My wife never took an interest in politics.

I, on the other hand have chalked up more than 50 years of activism plus 32 years in the media. I know the other side of humans and it has scared me since I was 10. In three libel cases, Ramon Gaskin was the chief witness for the plaintiff, Dr. Walter Ramsahoye.

In testimony in front of different judges, Gaskin could have caused me and this newspaper hundreds of millions of dollars in libel. But here is the thing. Gaskin told fictions on the stand.

He told the court I failed my doctoral dissertation.

When Justice CummingsEdwards asked him how he knew that, he said one of my professors told him so. None of my professors would not have even responded to Gaskin if he had said hello to them.

I accept my wife’s concern and I am going run the risk of annoying her again when I say I never liked Rex McKay

and will never like him. It is my right to say if I like someone or not. I am not being hypocritical or pretending by hiding my feeling.

The Donald Rodney conviction for possessing ammunition is over after 40 years.

The DPP testified in the appeal that there was no evidence to convict Rodney.

A citizen in this country has a choice, which natural law empowers them to make, without fear of reprisal.

Donald says he was convicted on false evidence.

He told me so as recent as last week. McKay would say no since he was the prosecutor.

Who do you believe? I believe Donald.

Mr. McKay is in his nineties and should tell Guyanese about the evidence he presented against Donald.

I sat in the High Court every day in 1976 when McKay (Forbes Burnham trusted McKay more than any other person in the world at the time; even more than Dr. Ptolemy Reid) was the prosecutor in the trumped up murder charge Prime Minister Burnham brought against PPP Berbice activist, Arnold Rampersaud.

I will never forget a day in the trial that caused me to begin disliking McKay. Witnesses were brought in that simply lied about what

they saw. I will never forget how an academic who taught physics at the time at UG brought down McKay when McKay tried to belittle his testimony.

The defence called Father Malcolm Rodriguez to testify about how the witnesses could have seen the shooting, given the angles that were involved and it was pitch dark that night.

McKay should have stuck to law but tried to confuse Father Rodriguez about physics, an area of science that the man was an expert in.

It was a pathetic sight to see how McKay’s ignorance about science actually caused the jury to acquit Rampersaud at the third trial after the first two trials resulted in split verdicts. For McKay’s conduct in those three trials see the powerfully moving book on contemporary Guyanese history by one of Guyana’s powerfully, moving journalists, Father Andrew Morrison. The book “Justice: The Struggle for Democracy in Guyana, 19521992.”

I was one of the invitees at the admission to the Bar of Christopher Ram. I stood next to Andaiye. As Rex McKay walked in, Andaiye turned to me to give her impression of McKay. At 92, I don’t know if

McKay will sue for libel but I will not take that chance so I will not state what Andaiye said.

McKay has had a long relation with both the PNC and Forbes Burnham.

This explains why he has done a plethora of cases for successive PNC governments and the PNC itself as recent as months ago with the election petition. I never forgot McKay jumping around the courtroom of Justice Donald Trotman in a libel writ brought against me

by a former UG Vice Chancellor, shouting out that I stole books from the national library.

It was hilarious from my point of view because I read about McKay in the Guyana Graphic in the 1950s long before he became a lawyer. I wrote about it.

I remember eating fish and plantain chips with famous insurance businessman, Bish Panday, one night at Nicky’s Fish Shop and Bish said I was criticised for writing that thing.

Frederick Kissoon Yes, I do not like McKay because I love Donald Rodney.

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

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Coronavirus: Our behaviour patterns are fuelling super mutants

By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt Medical Center

A

ll around the world, newer variants of the SarsCov2 virus (coronavirus) are being formed as they rapidly spread from person to person. Some of these variants are responsible for the surge in cases in countries such as Brazil and India.

As a result, the health systems in these and other countries are overwhelmed

leading to devastating amounts of deaths on a daily basis.

We need to learn from these experiences and avoid similar situations in Guyana.

Today I will share with you the importance of mutations and why we should keep ahead of them and avoid the rising number of deaths that are currently occurring here.

What are mutations?

A virus uses the cells of its host to multiply and form more of itself so that it can continue to spread and thrive.

Ever so often, error occurs when the virus is multiplying in the body of its host and it mutates into a different form of itself called a variant. So far, the coronavirus has mutated thousands of times and it will continue to mutate once there are people available for it to infect.

Many of the mutations have been insignificant but a few of them have resulted in variants that are more infectious and deadly.

The Brazilian, UK and South African variants are examples of more infectious

and deadly mutants that have already occurred and are fuelling the new worldwide surge.

Scientists are concerned that the double and triple mutants discovered in India are behind the deadly rise in cases there and that they may become vaccine resistant forms soon, given the rapid rate of spread there.

Why is it important to track mutations?

It is important that both scientists and the general population keep track of variants as they evolve. In this way, the more deadly and infectious ones can be detected early and measures be implemented before they spread beyond control like what occurred in Brazil and India.

The chance of a new variant forming increases every time the virus infects someone.

The obvious solution therefore lies in minimising spread by adherence to prevention measures and of course, getting vaccinated.

What are the variants doing to us?

Each new wave of COVID19 infection worldwide has so far been traced back to a new variant.

The first wave of infections came from the original SarsCov2 virus that came out of China. Then researchers detected a variant

called D614G in Southern Europe which was responsible for the 2nd wave of infections worldwide. Since then, the spread of the infections became diverse and variants of interest from Brazil, UK, South Africa and now India, are the cause of the deadlier 3rd wave hitting the world currently.

In India, variants with double and triple mutations are responsible for the devastation there and scientists are concerned about similar devastation if they escape and spread worldwide. Should this happen or these variants mutate into more deadlier forms, we will be facing the possibility of more waves of infections in the months to come.

How will mutations affect vaccines?

So far, the only reliable tool we have against COVID19 are vaccines.

Data so far, still give vaccines the edge over these variants.

However, some vaccines are showing weaker effects and the concern is that at some point, variants may form that are totally resistant to the vaccines we have. In Guyana, we have effective vaccines that in theory should be effective against the suspected variants circulating with us. Yet, our death rates and infections are

Dr. Zulfikar Bux on the rise. We have the luxury that some in other parts of the world are fighting for; we can show up at the many vaccination sites countrywide and get vaccinated within a short time.

Unfortunately, we have so many that are irresponsible and/ill-informed that refuse to be vaccinated.

As a country, we have a rare opportunity where there is ease of access to vaccines and numbers that are sufficient to help curb the spread of COVID-19 here.

The difficulty lies in getting sufficient persons motivated so that they can choose vaccination over superstitious or irresponsible thoughts and actions. I’m not sure what’s the right answer but if you’re reading this article, please become a vaccine advocate and spread the facts and encourage those you know to get vaccinated.

We can live in freedom again; do your part to help us get there sooner and save many lives in the process.

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Enetworks will be airing the 2021 Billboard Music Awards Enetworks will be airing the 2021 Billboard Music Awards which goes down at 8PM at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California.

The ceremony will be hosted

by Nick Jonas. Nominees for Top Hot 100 Artist, Top Latin Male Artist, and Top Rap Female Artist were announced on April 28, 2021.

The full list of nominations was presented on April 29, 2021. The Weeknd is the most nominated artist, earning sixteen nominations.

Pink will receive the Billboard Icon Award, Trae tha Truth will receive the Change Maker Award, and Drake will receive the Artist of the Decade Award.

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Kaieteur News

Lessons from a Lashpreneur!!!

Understanding different eye shapes

By Latoya Zephyr It’s no surprise that the shape of our eyes is a huge influencer on our styling choices.

Just like dressing for your particular body type, styling your eyes properly brings out your best features and is a great confidence boost. But in order to do this, you must first be able to identify your eye shape. Below are the different types for you to understand.

Doll eye shape: this style involves shorter lashes placed on the inner and outer corners, whilst longer lashes are placed along the middle of the eye. This is a great style for monolid, hooded and almond eyes, as it creates a flattering opened-up look and freshens up the face.

Cat eye shape: a lash classic, cat eye style features shorter lengths gradually lengthening to long lashes on the corner of the eyes–this mimics the shape of winged liner! Perfect for those with round eyes, the cat balances out the eye shape and creates a sultry look.

Upturned or downturned eyes may want to look elsewhere, however; the cat eye can make these eye shapes look smaller and unflattering. Natural eye shape: this style is the simplest one. The extensions follow the lengths of the natural lashes, with the longest lashes hitting the arch of your brow. A natural eye suits everyone, but doesn’t really alter anything about your face–if you’re looking to make a statement with your lashes, this may not be the style for you.

Staggered eye shape: fast becoming the most popular shape, the staggered style is

more messy and textural than other, more structured options. A staggered eye is applied by placing longer and shorter extensions across the lash in an uneven style, and is frequently seen on the Kardashians.

Staggered is a great choice for most eye shapes, especially for a more dramatic look. If you have a particular eye shape, you can also work a more staggered look into your usual style–we have seen plenty of staggered doll eyes that look beautiful. Stay tuned for more interesting tips next week.

Patrón: One of the best selling brands in the world Patrón is a brand of tequila products by the Patrón Spirits Company with 40% Alcohol in each bottle.

Patrón Tequilas, like all tequilas, are produced in Mexico from the “maguey” (heart or core) of the blue agave plant. Everything including the barrels, corks, and bottles are handcrafted at their distilleries.

The original Patrón Tequila was produced

by Casa 7 Leguas, one of the oldest Mexican distilleries. St. Maarten Spirits (owners John Paul DeJoria and Martin Crowley) purchased the brand rights in 1989 and in 2002 production moved to a new distillery. In 2000, Ed Brown a former race car driver took over as CEO. Following

the advertising strategy of Grey Goose, Patrón presented its tequila as “premium” and signaled “taste and sophistication” through individuallynumbered glass bottles. The target audience is mostly vodka drinkers in nightclubs and trendy bars.

Through persistent references by country music and hip hop singers, and by Lil Jon in particular, Patrón has become

a fixture of popular culture.

In January 2018, Patrón was sold to Bacardi, the world’s largest privately held spirits company, for $5.1 billion.

The brand logo is set in the Algerian typeface.

Varieties include a tequilacoffee blend known as Patrón XO Cafe, a tequila-chocolatecoffee blend known as Patrón XO Cafe Dark Cocoa, and an orange liqueur known as Patrón Citrónge.

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27 Health Benefits of The Aromatic Healer: Lemon Grass Lemongrass, is an herb which belongs to the grass family of Poaceae,1 and is also known as Cymbopogon citratus. It is utilized for its distinct lemon flavor and citrusy aroma. It is a tall, perennial grass which is native to Thailand, India, Indonesia and Gautemala and tropical regions of Asia. It is a rough and tufted plant with linear leaves that grows in thick bunches, emerging from a strong base and standing for about 3 meters in height with a meter-wide stretch.

In addition to its culinary usage, this herb offers an array of medicinal benefits and is in extensive demand due to its anti-bacterial, antifungal and anti-microbial properties across Southeast Asia, as well as the African and American continents.

T h e genus Cymbopogon comprises 55 species of grasses, two of which are referred to as lemongrass.3 These are Cymbopogon citratus,which is famously preferred for culinary use and Cymbopogon flexuosus, which is used in the manufacturing of fragrances because of its extended shelf life, owing to the low amount of myrcene in that variety.

Its Health Benefits Let us look, in details, at some of the most wellknown health 1.Lowers Cholesterol Research published in the Food and Chemical Toxicology journal in the year 2011 revealed that lemongrass possesses antihyperlipidemic and antihypercholesterolemic properties that support healthy cholesterol levels.

Studies have also shown that regular consumption helps in sustaining healthy levels of triglycerides and reducing the LDL cholesterol in the body.

This helps in preventing the accumulation of lipids in the blood vessels and promotes an unobstructed flow of blood in the arteries, preventing various cardiac disorders such as atherosclerosis.

2.Detoxifies the Body According to a 2003 study, lemongrass helps in cleansing and flushing harmful toxic wastes out of the body, as a result of its diuretic properties. Detoxification helps in the regulation of

various organs of the body, including the liver and kidney, while also helping to lower the levels of uric acid.

The diuretic effect of the herb helps in increasing the quantity and frequency of urination, which helps in maintaining digestive health, eliminating accrued fats, and assisting in maintaining a clean system.

3.Anticancer Potential Lemongrass is effective in preventing the growth of cancer cells without affecting the healthy cells of the body.

Research conducted to prove the anti-cancerous activity of lemongrass has shown promising outcomes in the prevention of skin cancer.This is mainly because of the presence of a chemical compound called citral in it.

Research conducted on the effects of citral on cancer cells shows that it helps in inhibiting the growth of hepatic cancer cells during the initial phase and prevents any further growth of cancerous cells.Another study provides supporting evidence regarding the antiproliferative effect of citral in impeding the growth of human breast cancer cells and the induction of apoptosis.

4.Antibiotic Properties Against Staphylococcus aureus Research conducted at the School of Health, The University of Northampton, UK and published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology has shown that lemongrass essential oil has an anti-biofilm capacity and is beneficial against the infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus. It contains phenols which possess the capability to spread quickly through the body tissues and cure biofilms located anywhere in the body.

It disrupts the growth and communication of germs, which helps in inhibiting the formation of the biofilms. The herb’s essential oil is used for application, both topically as well as internally to cure the diseases diagnosed with biofilms, such as Lyme disease.

5.Stomach Disorders Studies have shown that lemongrass essential oil has anti-microbial and antibacterial properties which help in fighting the infections caused by various pathogens such as Helicobacter pylori and Escherichia coli. It is beneficial in the prevention of gastrointestinal disorders such as gastric ulcers, helps in stimulating the bowel function, and improves digestion.16 The antiinflammatory property of the herb is beneficial for treating

constipation, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, nausea and stomach aches.

6.Treats Insomnia Lemongrass aids in calming muscles and nerves, which helps in inducing deep sleep. Research has shown that its herbal tea has sedative and hypnotic properties which help in increasing the duration of sleep.

7. Prevents Anemia Lemongrass tea is excellent for women when expecting. It has many benefits which include the fact that provides iron and folates to the body. But, its use is not limited to pregnant women; it is also very helpful in curing anemia and preventing it in the first place.

Intake of lemongrass will help to keep your hemoglobin levels up and prevent any diseases related to iron deficiency 8.Respiratory Disorders Lemongrass is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for its healing effects in treating cough and cold.18 Along with other beneficial components, the vitamin C content present in it helps in providing relief from nasal blockages, flu and other respiratory disorders such as bronchial asthma.

9.Reduces Fever Lemongrass is a febrifuge and is also known as the ‘fever grass’, owing to its beneficial effects in lowering fever.20 The anti-pyretic and diaphoretic effect is extensively used in Ayurvedic medicine for curing fevers by inducing sweating.

10.Treats Infections Lemongrass works as an antiseptic and is effective in treating infections such as ringworm, sores, Athlete’s Foot, scabies, and urinary tract infections (UTI) because of its antimicrobial and antifungal properties.21 Studies have shown that the herb exerts healing effects on dermatological infections, such as yeast infections, by inhibiting the growth of pathogens.

Another study provides supporting evidence that demonstrated the efficacy of lemongrass over thyme, patchouli, and cedarwood oil in the treatment of various diseases such as oral or vaginal candidiasis.

11.Reduces Aches Lemongrass alleviates pain and discomfort caused by headaches and migraines due to its analgesic properties.23 The phytonutritients present in it improve blood circulation and help in relieving spasms, muscle cramps, sprains, and backaches. It is valuable in treating sports wounds,

including dislocations, internal injuries, and bruises.

12.Nervous System Lemongrass is nervine and has been proven to be a tonic for the nervous system.

It stimulates the mind and helps in combating convulsions, nervousness, vertigo, and various neuronal disorders. It is used in therapeutic baths, which assist in calming the nerves and alleviating the symptoms of anxiety and fatigue caused by stress.

13.Type-2 Diabetes Lemongrass has been proven beneficial in treating type-2 diabetes. Studies have shown that the citral present in it help maintain optimum levels of insulin and improve the tolerance of glucose in the body.

14.Relieves Pain & Inflammation Lemongrass is effective in relieving the pain and discomfort caused by rheumatism. It can be applied topically on both lumbago and sprains and helps in relieving neuralgia.

15.Boosts Immunity Lemongrass helps in restoring the vital systems which are operational in the body, including digestion, respiration, excretion, and the nervous system.

This assists in the better absorption of nutrients and strengthening of the immune defense mechanism of the body. Lemongrass extracts have a beneficial effect on the inflammatory actions of cytokines, which are the signaling molecules through which the cells communicate and respond to the body.

Studies have shown that lemongrass exerts antiinflammatory action and its constituent, citral, may be the cause of its inhibitory effect on cytokine production.

16.Skin Care Lemongrass has been treasured as a skin tonic and makes an effective cleanser for oily or acne-prone skin, due to its astringent and antiseptic qualities.It helps in strengthening the skin tissues

and toning up the pores while also sterilizing them. Care should be taken while using lemongrass products, as the undiluted application might lead to dermal irritation in some cases.

17.Cellular Health Lemongrass possesses antioxidant qualities and helps in protecting the body cells from oxygen-derived free radicals. It also helps in the cleansing of blood and strengthening the spleen to discard the tarnished red blood cells. It supports the function of the thymus glands which helps produce white blood cells. It helps in stimulating the regeneration of cells. The folate and potassium content in the stem and leaves of lemongrass aids in DNA synthesis and promotes cell division.

18.Treats Edema Lemongrass is effective in curing the condition of water retention or edema. It has a cleansing effect on lymphatic congestion and helps soothe the swelling.

19.Aromatherapy Lemongrass consists of the beneficial ingredients of essential oils such as neroli, citronellol, myrcene, dipentene, geraniol and methyl heptenone which possess anti-fungal, insecticidal, and antiseptic properties.

Lemongrass oil is extensively used in aromatherapy, due to its therapeutic effects, which help in revitalizing the body.

The cooling effect of lemongrass oil is beneficial for the body during hot weather and promotes the revival of both the mind and the soul.

This oil possess natural astringent and toning qualities which help in stimulating blood circulation and tones up the dermal tissues. It also helps in tightening, uplifting and firming lethargic or sagging skin.

20.Obesity Lemongrass contains citral, which has been proven to be effective in combating

obesity. It prevents the accumulation of abdominal fat and promotes the use of stored energy, which helps in preventing diet-induced weight gain. It aids in healthy metabolism and enhances the oxidation of fatty acids in the body.

21.Body Odor Lemongrass is used in the manufacturing of deodorants due to its cleansing and antibacterial properties which help combat unpleasant body-odor and prevent fungal and bacterial infections.31It can also be added to footbaths for sanitizing sore and odorous feet.

22.Insect Repellent Lemongrass is used as a natural insect repellent and helps in preventing the occurrence of insect-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Lyme disease.

Studies have provided supporting evidence regarding the anti-malarial and anti-protozoan properties of lemongrass, which makes its oil an effective ingredient in mosquito repellents.

23. Good For Breast feeding Lemongrass has galactagogic properties, which promote the formation of milk in breasts.

24. Good during Menstruation It is also effective in stimulating menstrual flow and helps in soothing menstrual cramps and discomfort.

25. Reduces Varicosity.

It helps in soothing the swelling and the effects of the conditions of varicosity.

26. Helps in preventing Dementia and Alzheimer Diseases Emerging studies are showing that herbal lemongrass teas do play a slight role in lowering down the incidence of Dementia and Alzheimer Disease In The Aged but further studies are ongoing to verify this. (https:/ /www.thailandmedical.news/ news)

Kaieteur News

Sunday May 23, 2021

PAGE 43

A look at assault, robbery and threat matters A look at assault, robbery and threat matters The Court Journal

By Renay Sambach

T

oday my aim is to enlighten you about three types of court matters – assault, robbery and threat. In so doing, I will explain how they are sectionalised and the penalties they attract. In so doing, I will share with you some related court matters, so that you can have a better understanding of what transpires in a court room.

As established in a previous article, criminal matters are first heard at the Magistracy level. A preliminary inquiry (PI) is conducted for serious offences and a trial is done for minor offences.

It should be noted also that some criminal charges have a different section which better identifies the offence that might have been committed.

ASSAULT Assault for instance is one of the offences that have multiple sections. According to the Criminal Justice Act, these are: common assault, assault in pursuance of combination to raise the rate of wages, indecent assault on a female, assault with intent to commit a felony; assault, obstruction or resistance and assault on a person protecting a wreck.

The law outlines that, “Everyone who assaults any person shall be guilty of a misdemeanour and shall be liable to imprisonment for one year.”

One example of common assault is the 2018 matter of

A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) activist, Carol Smith-Joseph, of Hope Town, West Coast B e r b i c e a n d P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament, Harry Gill, of Lot 27 School Street, Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice.

According to reports, Gill was slapped with a common assault charge, which alleged that on November 7, 2018, he assaulted Smith-Joseph.

Smith-Joseph was also charged for assaulting Gill so as to cause him actual bodily harm, on the same date.

On November 7, 2018, at the back of the GECOM building at Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice, Gill and Smith-Joseph were part of their respective delegations at the site during the arrival of some Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) containers.

It was reported that Gill, claimed that Smith-Joseph struck him and hit his phone out of his hand after she was told that he was recording.

Smith-Joseph on the other hand claimed that Gill had struck her under her left side breast, causing her injuries.

It should be noted that Smith-Joseph’s charge fell under the section of Bodily Harm of the Criminal Justice Act. For that offence, “Everyone who assaults any person so as to cause him actual bodily harm shall be guilty of a misdemeanour and liable to imprisonment for five years.”

A screen grab of a video recording of the bus driver running the policeman with a cutlass.

Jermain Melville During March 2019, the matter against Gill and Smith-Joseph was dismissed b y M a g i s t r a t e Rabindranauth Singh in the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court, due to no evidence being provided to the court.

ROBBERY Like assault, there are many different types of robbery charges. Forms of robbery charges are assault with intent to rob, robbery with violence or underarms, compelling execution of a document by force or threat; demanding something with menace or by force, with intent to steal; extortion by threats of accusation of certain offences, and larceny in dwelling-house, with menace, and causing someone to be in fear.

A court matter for one of the aforementioned charges is three young miners who were charged and remanded to prison for robbery with violence committed on their 62-year-old employer, Adam DaSilva. Robbery with violence is when the defendant assaults the victim before, after or during the course of a robbery.

The young miners involved in the matter were identified as Christopher James, 20, and Jermain Melville, 19, both of Tuschen New Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, and 23year-old Dellon Benjamin of Suddie, Sandhill Creek. It is alleged that on June 26, 2020, the three men had beaten and robbed their Brazilian employer of 14.2 pennyweights of raw gold at Sand Hill, Oku Landing, Mazaruni, Region Seven.

They were not required to plead guilty or not guilty to the indictable offence after it was read to them.

The trio had alleged that their employer did not want to pay them, so they decided

Dellon Benjamin

Carol Smith-Joseph to take action into their own hands and assaulted DaSilva, took the gold and left. As a result of the incident, DaSilva had suffered a broken leg.

According to the law, robbery with violence can be defined as, “Anyone who robs any person, and at the time of, or immediately before or immediately after, the robbery, beats, strikes, wounds, or uses any other personal violence to any person.”

The law also states that, “Being together with another or others, robs or assaults with intent to rob, any person or being armed with any dangerous or offensive weapon or instrument whatsoever, robs, or assaults with intent to rob, any person, shall be guilty of a felony and liable to imprisonment for life, and to whipping or flogging.”

THREAT Charges of threat are often passed through court.

Threatening someone verbally or with your behaviour is an offence.

Types of threat charges are doing a threatening act by night, use of letter threatening injury or destruction, use of letter

threatening to murder or injure, and use of letter threatening to accuse of a crime.

According to the Criminal Justice Act, “Everyone who, with intent to intimidate or annoy any person, breaks or injures, or threatens to break or injure, any dwelling-house or by the discharge of firearms or otherwise, alarms or attempts to alarm any person in any dwelling-house, shall be guilty of a misdemeanour and liable to imprisonment for two years.”

While there are different types of threat charges, some of the most prevalent cases are threatening behaviour and threatening language.

Recently making headlines was the bus driver who was caught on camera running a policeman with a cutlass.

The bus driver had appeared in court and was slapped with a total of 14 charges.

Two of those charges are threatening behaviour and disorderly behaviour. The man, Collin White, pleaded guilty to the charge of threatening behaviour and he was sentenced to six months in jail, however, he denied the charge of disorderly behaviour and was remanded to prison.

During January 2019, Heerall David was charged for using threatening

Christopher James

Harry Gill language against Anne Ramsood. The charge had alleged that between October 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018 at Georgetown, David used threatening language against Ramsood.

According to reports, in 2015, David, who was an employee of Malcolm P a n d a y ’s f a m i l y, w a s charged for involvement in fraudulent dealings against the family.

Although the 2015 allegation was withdrawn against David, it resulted in the denial of United States visas for David’s wife and children.

This reportedly angered David, who then began to send threatening language via social media to Ramsood.

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Kaieteur News

Govt. moves to settle disputes with Cevons, Car Care andsettled Courtney Benn Services out of court. During

After filing lawsuits against three prominent companies, the government has announced a move to settle with the principals of Cevons, Car Care and Courtney Benn services. Vice President of the People‘s Progressive Party / Civic (PPP/C), Dr. Bharat Jagdeo told a news conference on Friday that the government will not pursue the unsuspecting businessmen,

but the public officers who contracted the deals will be held liable.

While he offered no details of the settlement, Jagdeo noted the lawsuit filed against Cevons Waste Management’s Morse Archer and Car Care Enterprise owner Wilfred Branford sought to repossess lands sold to them under the former APNU+AFC administration

as well as the case filed to recover large sums owed by Courtney Benn Contracting Service for incomplete works will be dropped.

“We don’t want to penalise unsuspecting businessmen,” Dr. Jagdeo said, adding that the administration wants to go after the people who acted willingly.

“We believe they took benefits,” Jagdeo added.

Man fights off armed bandits to save motorcycle A miner, 57, on Thursday fought off three bandits - one reportedly armed with a shotgun and another with a knife - to save his motorcycle.The man (name provided) told police that he was attacked by the bandits around 10:00hrs. along the Airstrip Road, Five Miles, Bartica, Region Seven. According to police, the miner was heading to work on his Jailing 110 motorcycle when he was stopped and approached by a lone male.

Subsequently, another man armed with a knife emerged from the nearby bushes and together the men demanded that he hand over his motorcycle. As they moved aggressively towards him, he recalled that a third individual armed with a shotgun and suspected to be a foreign national joined the men as well.

The miner decided to put up a fight and

grabbed the bandit armed with a knife. A scuffle reportedly ensued between them and as they struggled with each other, the miner claimed the one armed with the shotgun took aim and fired a shot in his direction.

The miner continued that after hearing the loud explosion, he had “blacked out” for a few seconds but soon recovered and whipped out his licensed revolver and shot back at the suspects. He told the cops that as he discharged the rounds at the men, they turned and ran into the nearby bushes.

Commander of the Bartica District, Dion Moore, related that the miner had reportedly visited the hospital. It was discovered that the shotgun blast did not hit him, but he had received bruises. Bartica police are on the lookout for the three men.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Anil Nandlall S.C, who had in March vowed to initiate legal proceeding against the men on behalf of the State, told this paper in an invited comment that government had started exploring ways of resolving the controversial matters with the businessmen, following an appeal to President Irfaan Ali. He noted that while when the PPP/C in opposition had vowed to investigate land giveaways, once the investors are found to be genuine or entrapped by political strategies, the deals would be reexamined.

“We had promised to review them and objectively try to ensure that people, who have genuinely invested, do not lose their investments. If their investments are designed to create jobs and to improve the public lot and the public good, those investments will be reviewed with a view of trying to salvage,” the Attorney General said.

Additionally, Cevons’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Morse Archer had expressed hope that the matter could be

an interview with another section of the media, Archer revealed he purchased the property based legally.

“We had purchased the land through the legal source, as far as we are aware. We’ve purchased it for $100 million, and despite the evaluation being $40 million, we have paid twice. So, it’s not like we got any special favour,” he said.

In a breakdown of the deal, the CEO pointed out that he had paid down $80 million with the understanding that transport would be received in three years’ time, after which the remaining $20 million would be paid over. He said too that he has to pay $200,000 per month for the 50-

year lease.

In addition to the over $100M investment, Archer revealed that he had employed over 200 people for the operations located at Lot 1 Mandela Avenue, on the disputed land.

“We’re hoping, as business people for some recognition of that, and we have purchased the land through the legal process, as far as we are aware,” he said in an interview last March.

Archer told the press then that he had acquired the land from the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) but it was only after construction that he was made aware that it was the property of the National Sports Commission (NSC).

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Sunday May 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

Driver killed after truck topples on hill

By Shervin Belgrave A father’s plan of celebrating his stepdaughter’s birthday fell through after the truck, which he was driving toppled on a hill yesterday, at 26 Miles Port Kaituma, Region One and killed him. Crushed to death around 06:15hrs is Sheldon Dainty, 37, a father of five and a resident of both La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank of Demerara (WBD), and Port Kaituma.

The mother of Dainty’s youngest child, Sharmin, recalled that he left home around 04:00hrs to make a trip to Baramita with his uncle’s truck. The truck was loaded with goods and was destined for a shop in the Baramita community. As was the routine, Dainty shared a moment with Sharmin before leaving.

She recounted that he had asked her to forgive him for any wrong things, which he might have done. She even remembered smiling back at him and responding, “I forgive you a long time back”, but apart from that Sharmin reflected on his plans for the day.

One of those plans was to

Dead truck driver, Sheldon Dainty. return later in the evening just to celebrate his stepdaughter’s birthday but this was not to be. Dainty left and Sharmin went back to bed. Sometime around 05:00hrs Dainty sent, what would be his final WhatsApp message to Sharmin.

He reportedly informed her in that message that he had arrived at Falls Stop (an Amerindian village located along the trail towards Baramita) and had “stopped to check the oil”. Sharmin was asleep when the message arrived; however, about half an hour later, she was awoken by

a tragic cellphone call. The caller informed her that Dainty met with an accident and died.

According to a police report, the accident took place along the 26 Miles Public Road, Port Kaituma. Dainty was at the time driving a motor lorry, GSS 4472 in a southern direction along with two passengers on board, Bryan Singh, 40, of Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) and Kurt Hernandez, 34, of One Mile, Port Kaituma, who were both seated beside him in the truck’s cabin.

As Dainty was driving up hill, police reported, he encountered some mechanical problems and the truck began to roll downhill at a fast rate.

Hernandez, sources said, had jumped out before it collided with a “Barranca” (a bump or barricade at the side of the road) and toppled.

Singh was flung out of the truck upon impact, but a trapped Dainty was crushed as the vehicle toppled. Public-spirited citizens passing by stopped to render assistance. They picked up Singh in a semi-unconscious state (continued on page 59)

Sunday May 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

Driver killed after truck topples on...

The truck that crushed Dainty to death.

From page 58 and an unconscious Dainty and rushed them to the Port Kaituma District Hospital.

Doctors pronounced Dainty dead on arrival while Singh was admitted and later airlifted to the city for further medical attention at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Also coming to grips with Dainty’s tragic demise is his sister, Jeanette Edwards, who upon receiving the news rushed to count the days on her calendar just to reflect on what she now calls the final day with her brother. For Edwards, it would be one that she will cherish for a lifetime.

She related that it was 49 days ago when he travelled to Georgetown for their sister’s wedding. It was a Thursday, she said, when they enjoyed a “gaff” filled with laughter and story telling.

She recounted too what would now be the “last raise” her brother would ever give her. “He plays Superbet and had won that afternoon and he asked me to accompany him to a Superbet location to cash his ticket”, she said.

“He told me that he want me to claim the winnings as if

it was mine cause if the boys know is him, they will ask him for a raise”.

Edwards remembers quite vividly dressing up that afternoon and walking with him down to Superbet to cash his ticket. As they entered, everyone approached him for a raise but as was planned, she told them that it was her ticket – she recalls her brother laughing playfully with her. Out of the winnings, Dainty gave her some money and they returned home that afternoon. After the wedding was finished, he spent the weekend with his siblings and mother before returning to Port Kaituma.

As Edwards struggles with the fact that she will never see her brother again, she describes him as a jovial and wonderful individual who loved adventures especially in the interior locations of Guyana. Dainty started out his life’s adventure by serving his country as a policeman and was considered to be an excellent crime fighter in the hinterland regions of Guyana.

After leaving the Force, he decided to remain at Port Kaituma where he began working as a truck driver for some time now and had eventually started a family there.

EPA giving ExxonMobil permission...

From page 10 inevitable result of flaring, is incompatible with Regulation 15.

Janki noted that Regulation 15(1) (b) of the Environmental Protection (Authorisations) Regulations requires the agency to take the steps needed to ensure that the conditions of an environmental permit are complied with. Therefore, Janki said the modification of an environmental permit to allow previously unauthorised flaring is inconsistent with the agencys duty under this regulation.

She outlined that Regulation 15(1)(a) requires the agency to take steps to ensure that the activities authorised by the environmental authorisation do not cause pollution of the environment. “Clearly it is the duty of the Agency to enforce the permit without any modification in order to protect the environment,” Janki noted in her letter to the EPA. The international lawyer also addressed the EPAs contention that the modification for the Permit Holder to pay US$30 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emitted as a result of flaring in excess of the periods stipulated at 3.6.(ii) and 3.6.1 of the

permit are consistent with the Polluter Pays Principle. The timeline at 3.6.(ii) of the permit notes that flaring is allowed for 60 days for start-up while the latter provision (3.6.1) allows flaring for 14 days in special circumstances such as during maintenance or project upsets. It is Jankis understanding that the charge appears to be due only if EEPGL flares for more than 60 days on start-up or for more than 14 days during special circumstances. She was keen to note however that the Polluter Pays Principle means that the polluter should bear the cost of measures to reduce pollution decided upon by public authorities, to ensure that the environment is in an acceptable state, and should compensate citizens for the harm they suffer from pollution.

Janki stressed that the Polluter Pays Principle does not give the agency legal authority to permit EEPGL to pollute the air/atmosphere by flaring gas.

“Therefore, both the permission to flare and the application of a charge of US$30 per tonne would appear to be unlawful,” expressed the international lawyer in her letter addressed to Sharifah Razack, Director (Ag.) of the Environmental Protection Agency.

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 60

The Three Billy-Goats Gruff Once upon a time there were three billy goats, who were to go up to the hillside to make themselves fat, and the name of all three was “Gruff.”

On the way up was a bridge over a cascading stream they had to cross; and under the bridge lived a great ugly troll , with eyes as big as saucers, and a nose as long as a poker.

So first of all came the youngest Billy Goat Gruff to cross the bridge.

“Trip, trap, trip, trap! “ went the bridge.

“Who’s that tripping over my bridge?” roared the troll.

“Oh, it is only I, the tiniest Billy Goat Gruff , and I’m going up to the hillside to make myself fat,” said the billy goat, with such a small voice.

“Now, I’m coming to gobble you up,” said the troll.

“Oh, no! pray don’t take me. I’m too little, that I am,” said the billy goat. “Wait a bit till the second Billy Goat Gruff comes. He’s much bigger.”

“Well, be off with you,” said the troll.

A little while after came the second Billy Goat Gruff to cross the bridge.

Trip, trap, trip, trap, trip, trap, went the bridge.

“Who’s that tripping over my bridge?” roared the troll.

“Oh, it’s the second Billy Goat Gruff , and I’m going up to the hillside to make myself fat,” said the billy goat, who hadn’t such a small voice.

“Now I’m coming to gobble you up,” said the troll.

“Oh, no! Don’t take me.

Wait a little till the big Billy Goat Gruff comes. He’s much bigger.”

“Very well! Be off with you,” said the troll.

But just then up came the big Billy Goat Gruff .

Trip, trap, trip, trap, trip, trap! went the bridge, for the billy goat was so heavy that the bridge creaked and groaned under him.

“Who’s that tramping over my bridge?” roared the troll.

“It’s I! The big Billy Goat Gruff ,” said the billy goat, who had an ugly hoarse voice of his own.

“Now I ‘m coming to

Sunday May 23, 2021

Junior page

Lava lamp DIY

gobble you up,” roared the troll.

Well, come along! I’ve got two spears, And I’ll poke your eyeballs out at your ears; I’ve got besides two curling-stones, And I’ll crush you to bits, body and bones.

That was what the big billy goat said. And then he flew at the troll, and poked his eyes out with his horns, and crushed him to bits, body and bones, and tossed him out into the cascade, and after that he went up to the hillside. There the billy goats got so fat they were scarcely able to walk home again.

And if the fat hasn’t fallen off them, why, they’re still fat; and so, Snip, snap, snout.

This tale’s told out.

Supplies · tall glass bottles with tops · food coloring · baby oil · water · effervescent tablets ·funnel (optional)

Fill the bottles about 1/4 to 1/3 of the way with water.

Put several drops of food coloring into the water.

Fill the rest of the way up the bottle with the oil.

Leave at least 1-2 inches of spaces at the top.

You can use vegetable oil if you want, but the overall color will have a yellow haze.

The oil and water will mix briefly, but will eventually separate.

Break the effervescent tablets in four pieces.

Drop a quarter at a time into the bottle and watch the magic happen.

Only put in a quarter piece of tablet at a time.

Adding too many pieces at once can cause the mixture to bubble up and flow over the top of the bottle.

Plus, the goal is to have slower moving bubbles for a calming effect.

FUN WITH POETRY

The clock

There’s a neat little clock In the school-room stands, It points to the time With its two little hands.

It is never late to do its work, And always does it with gusto; It tells when we’re to start, And when to stop and go.

And may we, like that little clock, Keep a face clean and bright, With hands ever ready

by Uncle Roy

Kaieteur News

Sunday May 23, 2021

Celebrate our Nations Independence by working to make your own your life worthy and independent TEEN TIME

The principles that we mentioned last week would help you to independently create a solid foundation for your life, with full confidence that you are on the correct path to the fulfilment of your life purpose, and able to contribute your utmost to the development of our nation. You will need to consider each of them, and ensure that your character is aligned to them.

We deal this week with four of those that will prove to best guide your life:Fairness a sense of justice; a proper balance of conflicting interests achieved by subordinating ones own feelings,

prejudices and desires in the interest of the good of others, which would eventually lead to your own good.

The idea of this is universal, and out of this our whole concept of justice and equality is developed. One can see evidence of even young children having this sense of fairness, although there are vast differences in how it is defined and achieved.

Honesty dealing in truth in every aspect of life, f a i r n e s s a n d straightforwardness of conduct in all situations; uprightness of character; adherence to a standard of what is right and proper.

This would require the

subjecting of your own desires and what you may sometimes feel would enrich your life to the dictates of your conscience, which always tells you what is truly right when you sincerely search for what is right.

Integrity the ability and willingness to live according to the values that one has adopted as his mode of behaviour, firm adherence to a code of moral values that one has decided on beforehand, and the quality or state of being completely undivided in ones actions and desires, while living according to these values.

When one lives with integrity, he/she will also

gain the respect of all others.

Human dignity the quality or state of being seen by others as a human being upholding proper values.

This involves acting in such a way as to be honoured or esteemed by others, sincerity in the manner one deals with others, and being straightforward in appearance.

Make a serious attempt to consider how each of these is included in your own personality, and taking steps to make any adjustment to improve on them.

Please keep on with this effort at selfimprovement by checking the next issue for the other principles.

PAGE 61

POETS’ CORNER

To build our Independent Guyana

by Rosina Ragobeer To build Guyana, for it to be better, We have to treat it as a serious matter To build Guyana it needs cooperation, So we need to introduce specialisation.

Its like when I read you will write, In this way there will be no fight.

I can till while you weed, Another dig, and the next plant the seed, Some will have to take their education, While others work on the plantation; Some must for minerals dive, As others in the dangerous rivers drive.

Working with this idea and strong management, We can all enjoy our life and ensure its well-spent; Some must fetch the loads and fill the crates, While some in the ocean are setting baits; Many in the fields will be working late, Thus no man will be able to dominate.

To build Guyana I must work to my maximum, For its not fair to my brothers facing the sun.

In this effort, all must play a part, Sharing work evenly right from the start, Planting roots of pine, cashew and banana, With this simple advice, we can all build Guyana.

Self-improvement is a lifetime effort of every human being, and the means by which we can make the biggest contribution to our own and our countrys progress.

TELL IT TO UNCLE ROY Uncle Roy is again appealing to our readers to make a contribution to this column by either giving a feedback on what is published, asking for some help with some personal problem, offering some advice to fellow teenagers, or sharing the news of what is happening in his/her community.

Please send your contribution toroypaul2002@yahoo.com

Inkies

Fill in the blank squares so that each row and each column contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.The heavy lines indicate areas (called cages) that contain groups of numbers that can be combined (in any order) to produce the result shown in the cage, with the indicated math operation. For example, 12× means you can multiply the values together to produce 12.© 2015 KrazyDad.comNumbers in cages may repeat, as long as they are not in the same row or column.

Solutions to last week’s

Inkies

PAGE 62

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Sunday May 23, 2021

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Kaieteur News

==CONSUMER CONCERNS==

By Pat Dial From time to time this column and the media in general have given much notice to the festivals of the various religious communities in Guyana but Buddhism, a religion associated with the Chinese community had never been given such notice. China regards Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism as its three national religions and there have always been much interchange between these Chinese faiths. On the full of May, that is the next three days, the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha would be celebrated worldwide. In this offering, constrained by the limitations of space, we will try to recount the story of Lord Buddha’s life and a few of his teachings.

Some 500 years before the

birth of Lord Jesus, King Sudhodana, who ruled a kingdom in what is now Nepal, was blessed with the birth of a son and heir. 108 Brahmins were invited to the naming ceremony of the Prince who was named Siddhartha Gautama. The King then asked the most expert of them to foretell what would be the future of the young prince.

They unanimously foretold that he would be a great world Emperor or a great religious teacher. He would only become a great World Emperor if he were kept away from seeing aging, sickness, death and a monk before he succeeded to the throne.The King was determined that his son would become a World Emperor and never a religious teacher and decided to im-

==GNBS IN FOCUS== Providing reliable measurement for health The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) joined measurement institutions worldwide last Thursday, May 20, to commemorate World Metrology Day 2021 under the theme: Measurement for Health. The theme was chosen to create awareness of the important role measurement plays in health and thus in the wellbeing of every human being.

World Metrology Day is an annual celebration of the significance of the Metre Convention, which occurred on May 20, 1875. Representatives of 17 nations attended the convention, which set a framework for global collaboration in the science of measurement and in its industrial, commercial and societal application. Today the majority of countries in the world have signed on to the convention, which unifies the global measurement system. Put simply, because of the convention, today 1 kilogram measured in Guyana is the same 1 kilogram in any other country you go.

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

Looking at the theme, indeed measurements are important in almost every aspect of our daily lives including what transpires in our health system – the checking of body mass, body temperature, blood pressure; the prescribing of medication and even the time patients are given to recover from a surgery or a disease. The GNBS verified scales used by health facilities including hospital, clinics and health centres.

In clinical laboratories where medical tests are conducted, measuring instru-

ments used also require calibration to ensure measurements are right for sampling and testing. Electronic balances, volumetric instruments and thermometers used in these laboratories are routinely calibrated by the GNBS. With the prevailing Covid19 pandemic, the Bureau also calibrates infrared thermometers used to check body temperature primarily at business establishments, work places and other public entities.

Therefore, the right measurement in health is important and the GNBS will continue to expand and provide crucial verification and calibration services to meet the needs of clients within the sector. When required, the GNBS welcomes requests from clients for these services, which will prevent the use unchecked, defective and inaccurate measurement instruments. In observance of World Metrology Day this year, the GNBS offered a 25% discount on the calibration of laboratory and infrared thermometers during May 17 - 20.

Meanwhile, a webinar and radio programmes were hosted to discuss in detail information surrounding the theme.

Further, a measurement for health poster competition was held for young individuals (11 -20 yrs.) to further raise awareness about and underscore the need for accuracy of measurements in healthcare. Finally, messages by the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, and the GNBS Acting Executive Director, Ms. Ramrattie Karan, were publicised the newspapers and on social media.

For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190064/65/66 Ext 240. You can also visit the GNBS Facebook and Instagram pages for regular updates.

merse him in a life of pleasure.

He built three palaces for him to reflect the seasons and furnished them most luxuriously and provided entertainment for him and his companions including the most beautiful dancing girls and the best musicians. At the age of 16 he was married to Yasodhra, the most beautiful and well-endowed lady in the kingdom. He never saw any aged, sick, or dead person nor any monk.He was trained in the military arts and performed excellently in all the tournaments. He tamed a wild horse, Kantakha, and was given the best charioteer available, Channa, who became his friend. He was a perfect monarch and his father’s plans were succeeding.Then suddenly one day, he was seized with an irresistible urge to see beyond the palace walls and the

King had to allow him to visit the City which he had spruced up and all aging, sick or dead persons removed. He started his tour with his charioteer Channa and his horse Kantakha and as he drove along, he miraculously saw an aged man grey and bent with the pains of old age. He

ordered Channa to stop and asked him what that was?

Channa explained to him that was an aging man and all human beings, including the prince himself, would eventually become aged. He similarly encountered a sick person and a corpse and received the same reply from Channa. The prince became extremely disturbed and in great mental pain and ordered Channa to return to the palace. As he was about to enter the walls, he saw a monk in meditation who exuded a peace and calm which Siddhartha had never before experienced.

Channa explained to him it was a monk.Siddhartha suffered great pain at the plight of humanity and decided to leave home and search for an answer. He arranged with Channa to escape from the palace and eluded the guards and rode on to the river Anoma which was the boundary of his kingdom. There he stopped, cut his locks and exchanged his royal

vestments and jewels with that of a beggar and ordered Channa to return and tell his father that he had left and had become a wandering monk.

He then crossed the river Anoma and wandered through the forests, suffering

great privations as he went in search of teachers. He met several teachers who all recommended extreme asceticism, which he practised until he had become very weak and reduced to skin and bones. He finally saw the two most famous teachers at the time, Alara Kalama and Udaka Ramaputta, but they could not give him the answers he was seeking. He did this search for six years and then realised that he was at death’s door and began to eat again.

He decided he would make his own effort or die in the process if he failed.He went to the river, bathed himself, changed into clean clothes, chose a high spot under a peepal tree (ficus religiosa) and began a meditation which some accounts say was for nine hours, others for nine days. During his meditation, he was attacked by Mara - the Devil, with terror and violence and then with every temptation imaginable including the offer of food, sensual pleasures and power.

Lord Jesus suffered only three temptations. Siddhartha overcame them all and went on to achieve Enlightenment or Nir-

vana. He had become one with the Universe and beyond pain and pleasure. He had become a Buddha. Mara carried his last temptation - Egotism. He told the Buddha that now that he has achieved everything, he should leave the world and enjoy his new achievement. Lord Buddha resisted this and returned to the world and taught for many years. He had discovered the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path which would take too much space to explain. Briefly, however, the Four Noble Truths are that Suffering is universal, that there is a cause of Suffering and there is a way to end Suffering. In ending Suffering, one must practice Right View, Right Resolve, Right Speech, Right Conduct, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration.We will give a few examples of Lord Buddha’s teaching: *Do not believe in anything or any doctrine only if one could experience it. *The Past does not exist; the Future does not exist, live and act only in the present.

(Continued on page 64)

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Kaieteur News

Sunday May 23, 2021

WESAK - The full...

From page 63 *Everything in existence is changing; nothing is permanent. *All that we are is the result of what we have thought it is founded on our thought and if a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain will follow him as the cart follows the horse that draws it. *Avoid useless and time wasting discussion: If a man is wounded with an arrow, he does not ask who made it, how long is it, where was it made and numerous other questions; what he does is draw the arrow out and staunch the blood.The full moon of May is a memorable day for Buddhists, for it was on this day the Buddha was born, he left

his palace to seek Enlightenment and the day on which he achieved Enlightenment or Nirvana. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Sunday May 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Sunday May 23, 2021

Sunday May 23, 2021

PAGE 67

Kaieteur News

Suarez scores winner as Atletico fight back to beat Real to La Liga title BBCsport - Luis Suarez said he was grateful to Atletico Madrid for “trusting in me” as his winning goal helped them edge city rivals Real Madrid to the La Liga title in dramatic fashion. Diego Simeone’s men trailed to Oscar Plano’s strike for Real Valladolid but they turned the match around in the second half through an Angel Correa goal and Suarez’s coolly taken effort.

Although Real scored twice late on to beat Villarreal 2-1, they came up short as they needed Atletico to drop points. Uruguay striker Suarez started the season being told by Barca boss Ronald Koeman he was not in his plans for this season but went on to score 21

league goals - including the decisive one.

A tearful Suarez said afterwards: “I am delighted the way Atletico have appreciated me and given me the chance to keep showing I can perform on this stage. I thank them for trusting in me.

A lot of people have suffered with me, my wife, my children.

“I have been playing football for many years and this is the year my family and I have suffered the most. It is an amazing feeling to have performed on the final day of the season.”

Atletico clinched their first title in seven years - and 11th overall - by finishing two points ahead of defending champions Real, who end the season without a trophy.

Barcelona - playing without skipper Lionel Messi, who was resting before the summer’s Copa America won 1-0 at Eibar through Antoine Griezmann’s acrobatic strike and clinched third place ahead of Sevilla.

Julen Lopetegui’s side play their final league game on Sunday against Alaves but will finish fourth even with a victory because of an inferior head-to-head record against Barca.

The title race was set up for a thrilling conclusion and it did not disappoint.

Injured Real skipper Sergio Ramos celebrated in the stands as news filtered through of Atletico falling behind, but the Spain defender was subdued just

Sunday May 23, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Some unusual events could cause you to feel discontented from your life and contemplate some big changes, Aries. Money matters might need attention and could prove frustrating.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Frustration could be the word for today. If you've made plans to meet a close friend or lover, Taurus, don't count on it happening.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Upsets and disappointments on the part of a family member could have the household in an uproar.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Today you may need to contact a lot of people, Cancer, but the process could be frustrating. People may not be home, messages might not be delivered, or your equipment might not work properly.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Conflict over money could get in the way of your usual cordial relationships, Leo. Attention to the household budget is definitely needed.

Unexpected events may require some immediate purchases that you hadn't planned on.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Your mother and father, or a couple you're particularly close to, could visit you today, Virgo. Plan some distractions like movies or videos, or invite some other people over.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your mother and father, or a couple you're particularly close to, could visit you today. Plan some distractions like movies or videos, or invite some other people over.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Some unusual events could cause you to feel discontented from your life and contemplate some big changes. Money matters might need attention and could prove frustrating.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Recent activities have suddenly made you bored with your job and the people you deal with. You may feel restless and contemplate changes to your professional life, Sagittarius.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) A lack of time to pursue your spiritual and intellectual interests could weigh on your mind today. Gloom might descend on you, as if responsibilities of the moment are too much for you.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) An unexpected setback could interfere with reaching a long-term goal as soon as you'd hoped. Don't let it get you down, Aquarius. A little innovative thought and extra planning could get you back on track.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your partner's family obligations could interfere with things you wanted to do together. Your desire to help could also get in the way of other responsibilities.

two minutes later when Yeremi Pino flicked in a goal for Europa League finalists Villarreal against the defending champions.

With both Madrid sides behind at the break, Simeone and Zidane needed to give inspiring team talks. In the second half, Karim Benzema thought he had equalised for Real when he powered in a header but while VAR checked the goal - and ruled it out - Atletico levelled through Correa’s smart finish to put them on the verge of glory.

Benzema, who has earned a recall to the France squad for the summer’s European Championship, dragged wide from a promising position and seconds later Suarez ran clear and converted calmly to put Atletico 2-1 up.

Simeone said: “The world is going through a different phase right now so if we can give some joy to people it means so much to us. Thirtytwo players I think have been involved, every one as important as the other. I am extremely grateful.”

...Cody Girls win “Three the Hard From page 70 was adjudged the Mother with the most children and Onica Patterson of Big Boss Girls was the recipient of one hamper for sharing the first love of the tournament. Each member of the six teams was awarded gifts for their participation in the tournament.

Prizes were also given out at the end of each sitting on each table to the individual that made 6 games. These prizes were sponsored by Austin’s Auto Sales & Imports, Andre Crowder, Banks DIH, Big Boss Transportation Services, C.B.B.B & L Imports and Exports, Empress Construction & General Services, Goldyn & Sons, Lyndon Amsterdam, Pressy’s Gift Centre, R. Beharry, Spartans Domino Club, Tony’s Jewellery Establishment, Tule Adams General Services, Strikers Sports Club and Western Union.

The organisers are heartened by the support of the sponsorship it has received and look forward for their continuous support. The Captains of each team were in high praise as they commended the organisers for the kind gesture in honouring Mothers while the organisers promised to make it an annual feature with the addition to the already much touted 2nd Annual All Female Christmas Bonanza which was cancelled due to the covid-19 pandemic last year.

This event is now slated to start in November.

Suarez added: “My work is to help the team and pay them back by scoring goals.

Sometimes it is necessary to push even harder but Atletico is a huge club and we have shown it this season - we have been the most regular performer and that is why we are the champions now.”

Although Benzema curled in an equaliser on 87 minutes and Modric scored an injurytime winner for Real, it was not enough as Atletico players celebrated on the pitch with some travelling fans gathered outside the stadium in Valladolid.

Reports last week said

Zidane has told the Real players he will leave at the end of the season but the Frenchman said he will discuss his future with the club. “Right now, we need to be relaxed and then when things have calmed down in the next few days I’ll talk to the club, and that’s that, but today’s not the day,” said Zidane.

“Soon we’ll see what happens, not only with me but with everything the club is planning for next season. You (the media) have said it already - we didn’t win anything this year and we know what we have to do at this club.”

...NBA: Memphis Grizzlies beat From page 66 and us giving everything we had in the tank,” Curry said.

“It is frustrating that this is the end and this is how we are going out.”

The play-in tournament was introduced on a oneyear basis for the 2020-21 season, to determine who

takes the seventh and eighth seeded positions in each conference for the play-offs.

The play-offs began with the Milwaukee Bucks taking on the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference last night while the LA Clippers faced the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 68

NBA: Memphis Grizzlies beat Golden State Warriors to reach play-offs BBCsport - The Memphis Grizzlies claimed the final NBA play-off spot with a thrilling 117-112 overtime win over the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament. Ja Morant scored 35 points for

the Grizzlies, including a two-pointer with four seconds remaining, while Stephen Curry managed 39 for the Warriors.

It is the first time the Grizzlies have reached the play-offs in four seasons. “I

like it when the pressure is on - I got all the confidence in the world in my game,” 21-year-old Morant said.

The Grizzlies will play the Utah Jazz in the first game of the of the Western Conference quarter-finals on

Sunday (today).

The Warriors overturned a 17-point deficit to send the game to overtime at the Chase Center in California.

“It is a very tough way to end it, coming down to the wire (Continued on page 67)

Sunday May 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

Sunday May 23, 2021

Robert Lewandowski breaks Gerd Muller’s Bundesliga scoring record by netting his 41st goal of the season as Bavarians lift their NINTH title in a row to end Hansi Flick’s reign in style

M

ailOnline B a y e r n M u n i c h striker Robert Lewandowski broke Gerd Muller’s 49year-old Bundesliga goalscoring record for a single season on Saturday as his side thrashed Augsburg 5-2 in the final match of the season.

Lewandowski scored in the last minute of their last

match of the season - taking his tally to an incredible 41 goals, one more than the former Bayern great. The Poland striker is already second on the all-time scorers list in the Bundesliga, with 277 goals now, behind only Muller’s 365.

Mueller set the previous record in the 1971-72 season with 40 goals, which

Lewandowski equalled last week.

Lewandowski missed more than half a dozen clear scoring chances in the game and looked set to miss out on the record, with Augsburg determined not to let him add to his tally and snatch the record away from Muller, a youth idol of Augsburg coach Markus Weinzierl.

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PAGE 70

GOA funds AAG airfare for S.A. Championships

Sunday May 23, 2021

Aubrey Hutson - AAG President

Nine athletes confirmed for Ecuador

By Calvin Chapman The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) held a joint press conference yesterday at the GOA’s Headquarters, Lilliendaal, Greater Georgetown where it was revealed that a total of nine (9) tickets will be purchased by the GOA to support the AAG’s journey to the 2021 S o u t h A m e r i c a Championships.

It was decided earlier this month that the South America Senior Athletics championships will be hosted from 28th to the 30th

of May in Ecuador after initial host Argentina had to pull out due to the evolving protocols and rising covid19 cases in that nation.

President of the AAG, Aubrey Hutson, had signaled his Association’s need for funding in the lead up to yesterday and after a fruitful and ‘frank’ meeting with the GOA, the decision was made by the K.A. Juman-Yassin led body to fund the airfare of seven athletes and two officials for this pivotal meet that could possibly be the last chance for Olympic qualification.

C u r r e n t l y, A l i y a h

K.A. Juman-Yassin - GOA President

Abrams is the only athlete who has qualified for the Olympics, a feat she secured since 2019, so she would not be heading to the S.A. Championships. Her sister, Jasmine, who is ranked number one in the 100m in South America will be one of the favourites to grab the gold medal.

Jasmine Abrams along

with Andrea Foster (S.A. 800m women’s top seed), Winston George, Emanuel Archibald, Quamel Prince, Noelex Holder and Jeremy Bascombe are the athletes attending compliments of the GOA while the officials are Johnny Gravesande as Coach and Kenisha Headley as Team Manager/Assistant Coach.

The AAG will fund the airfare of Arinze Chance while the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will purchase the ticket of high jumper Mark Jhalu who has been outstanding. From the nine confirmed athletes, the AAG has shared that Guyana will be able to field a 4x100m team.

Following heartfelt

remarks of gratitude to the GOA for their support, AAG President Aubrey Hutson noted that the association is yet to hear from the Ministry of Sport and with two athletes still on the shortlist in Jenea McCammon and Devaun Barrington; the AAG would appreciate added financial assistance from the State.

Kaieteur News

Sunday May 23, 2021

GCF 2021 National Championships - Time Trials

Raynauth Jeffery is Senior champ; 13 year-old Alex Leung (Junior/Juvenile); Suzanne Hamilton (Female) and Stephen Fernandes (Masters) Curtis Dey

By Franklin Wilson USA based Foundation cyclist Raynauth ‘Obeah Man’ Jeffrey presented himself the perfect birthday gift yesterday when he pedaled to the top podium spot in the Guyana Cycling Federation 2021 National Championships Time Trials held on the Linden Soesdyke Highway.

Jeffrey, in a three-way battle for the top spot with Team Evolution’s Curtis Dey and Christopher Griffith, completed the 12-mile course in 28 minutes 55.48 seconds with Dey timed at 30:07.88 and Griffith, 32:16.28.

Displaying excellent form yet again was 13 yearold We Stand United Cycle Club rider Alex Leung who bettered the times of all the juvenile and junior competitors, numbering ten (10) including himself.

Leung, the youngest competitor in the juvenile/junior category completed the 10-mile distance in 17 Minutes 38 Seconds to take the top spot ahead of Team Alanis’ Sherwin Sampson 17:49.78 and the We Stand United Cycle Club’s duo of Aaron Newton (17:54.89) and David Hicks (18:27.88).

They were followed by M a r i o Wa s h i n g t o n (19:03.98), Jeremiah Joseph (19:11.88), Mark Lewis (19:35.00), Andrew Forrester (19:43.73), Amani King (22:14.56) and Chochezi Mgquondo (22:49.12) As she had aimed to accomplish, Linden Bauxite Flyers Cycle Club’s Suzanne Hamilton added the prestigious prize of winning

the Female Time Trial gold in another comfortable performance.

An encouraging five females competed but Hamilton topped the field with victory in 19 Minutes 59.20 Seconds in the 10-mile contest.

Team Coco’s Clivecia Spencer placed second in 22:18.31 with Berbician S h e n i k a Te i x e i r a (Unattached) taking the third place in 24:34.37.

Thirteen year-old Aneisha Crandon (25:16.06) was fourth with Bartician, Selena Stephens clocking 29:07.18.

The top Master cyclist on t h e d a y w a s Te a m E v o l u t i o n ’s S t e p h e n Fernandes who blazed the 12-mile course to stop the clock at 31 Minutes 37.84 Seconds. He relegated Team Alanis’ Paul Choo Wee Nam to second place in 32:23.77 with Jaikarran Sukhai third in 32:27.91.

Like has been the case all season, the masters field continues to see more competitors than the senior category, a total of 10 cyclists, contested.

Fourth was Segun Hubbard (32:55.45) followed by Kwame Ridley (33:12.38), Kwame Fortune Fortune (33:20.72), Nigel London (33:27.00), Kennard Lovell (37:05.99), Monty Lewis (37:33.28) and Desmond Patterson (39:33.80).

Attention will now turn to the Senior Road Race championship today when the best in eth land battle in a 100-mile dual from Banks DIH to the Linden/Soesdyke Highway back to place of origin for the finish. Race time is 07:30hrs.

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Sunday May 23, 2021

Cody Girls win “Three the Hard Way Salute Mother’s” Domino Tourney In what was a fiercely competitive two-round aggregate battle between Mothers and prospective Mothers dubbed, “Three the Hard Way salute Mother’s” Domino tourney concluded on Thursday last at Strikers Sports Club with Cody Girls coming out victorious.

Six teams took part in the tournament namely, Big Girls, In Time, All Season Angels, Turning Point and Big Boss Girls. The aim was to honour Mothers through sport and the organizers, after much thinking, deliberating and consideration came to the conclusion that domino would be the best bet.

The Aggregate was based on a points system in

Lovern Spencer hands over the winning trophy to Captain Claire Benjamin of Cody Girls, the inaugural champions of the “Three the Hard Way Salute Mother’s” domino competition. which five, three and one point were awarded for first, second and third placed respectively. The first round which was played two Thursdays ago featured Big Boss Girls against Turning Point and All Season Angels with Big Boss Girls coming out top with 87 games thus earning 5 points while All

Season Angels mustered 77 games earning 3 points and Turning Point 65 games with 1 point.

The second matchup saw Cody Girls who had a miraculous final sitting with 75 games thus earning them 5 points in comparison to In Time with 74 games (3 points) and Big Girls in the

cellar with 67 games (1 point).

Due to covid-19 restrictions the tournament had to be extended over two weeks as organisers were following strict guidelines as it pertained to timings and venue capacity control. The second round started fiery as all teams were in contention to win the prizes that were up for grabs.

The first matchup brought Cody Girls, Big Boss Girls and Big Girls together and the superiority of the Big Girls was felt as they amassed 80 games with 5 points while Cody Girls who only needed second place to win overall came in with 71 games with Big Boss Girls being left boss less in

the cellar on 64 games.

Match two saw Turning Point down the homestretch galloping to a whopping 85 games earning while All Season Angels were looking angelic up to the penultimate sitting but faltered with 77 games whilst In Time who were way out of time came in with 66 games.

Final Scores: Cody Girls 8 points, Turning Point 6 points, Big Girls 6 points, All Seasons Angels 6 points and In Time 4 Points. Turning Point ended in second place by virtue of an overall score of 151 games while Big Boss Girls who were the bookies favourite, managed a disappointing 149 points.

Cody Girls walked away with $50,000, hampers

sponsored by Ansa McAl Trading and Dynasty Sports Club and a trophy sponsored

by Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Thomas while Turning Point gleefully took home $30,000 and a trophy sponsored by Aubrey Henry and Big Boss Girls found comfort with $20,000 and a trophy sponsored by Junior James.

The Most Valuable Player award was copped by Yonette Christmas of Big Girls with an overall 35 g a m e s w h i l e Ly n e t t e Springer of In Time was honoured with a hamper as the oldest Mother and awarded a token being the first Mother to be at the venue. June Watts of Turning Point received a gift as she (Continued on page 67)

Kaieteur News

Sunday May 23, 2021

PAGE 73

GASA’s plan is to prepare juniors, Persaud & Seaton for next Olympics - President - Confident that swimmer can better their times in Tokyo

By Sean Devers The pair of Olympian Jamila Sanmoogan and Andrew Fowler have been given ‘wild cards’ to attend the Olympics in Tokyo from July 23 to August 2021 but have both missed the fourday Porto Rico International Olympic Qualifier which concludes tomorrow.

President of the Guyana Swimming Association Dwayne Scott, while stressing the need for more International competition, explained that the Porto Rico trip was set less than two weeks after they had attended another qualifier in Florida where their performances were ‘appropriate’ but not ideal.

The Porto Rico meet is however being attended by G u y a n a ’s t o p j u n i o r swimmers, Aleka Persaud and Leon Seaton Jr., who is on a scholarship in Florida USA. “Concerning Porto Rico, there was not enough time for us to prepare and put systems in place for the pair going to the Olympics to attend” the GASA head informed.

Jamila Sanmoogan

Aleka Persaud and Leon Seaton Asked about the participation of Persaud and Seaton, Scott explained “For young Alika Persaud, who was in Guyana… her club was able to put things in place for her while Seaton was sent by his scholarship programme in Florida.”

“It is indeed unfortunate and a set-back for us that our Olympic swimmers could not attend this event but we are working to get them to the Paraguay meet later in the month… so it is what it is.

Ideally, what you want is for local or regional competitions be available since it is very expensive to

be going to all of these Meets working on limited budgets and without corporate contributions or sponsorship.” Scott, who was speaking on the Sean Devers Sports Watch last Wednesday on Kaieteur Radio, lamented.

“Most of our funding comes from the GASA’s coffers or the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA). But the GOA has to cater for all the Olympic Sports in Guyana. GASA’s funds comes through developmental funds from FINA which can only be used for things it is budgeted

Soogrim takes Mohammed X1 to 6-wicket victory over Matthews X1 St. John’s, Antigua - Young Steffi Soogrim out of Trinidad and Tobago continued to impress the coaches and lead selector during the second West Indies Women’s high-performance camp in Antigua, guiding the Anisa Mohammed XI to a 6-wicket victory over the Hayley Matthews led XI. Matthews won the toss for a second time in as many matches and once again elected to bat first. Posting a defendable total of 170/3 from their allotted 40 overs. Matthews and fellow opener Rashada Williams posted a 36run opening partnership before Matthews caught off Qiana Joseph for 12. Kycia Knight, returning to cricket after more than a year off due to injury, looked like she picked up right she left off in 2019. She top-scored with 42 from 67 deliveries, which included five fours.

Williams added 31 off 44 and first timer Mandy Mangru from Guyana looked settled with the bat, chipping in with 31 from 53 deliveries., which included three fours.

Aaliyah Alleyne was not out on 23 with Mangru when their innings ended. Bowling for the Mohammed XI, Soogrim, Joseph and Sheneta Grimmond finished with a wicket each.

In their reply Reniece Boyce and Britney Cooper looked set to take the game away quickly from Matthews XI. The pair came together for a 49-run first wicket partnership when Boyce was caught for 22 from 39

deliveries off the bowling of left-arm orthodox Kaysia Schultz. Vincentian, Japhina Joseph joined Cooper in the middle and the pair looked to continue the run-chase but Cooper soon after for 30 from 47 deliveries which included four fours.

Joseph and new batter Chinelle Henry looked set to achieve the victory with Henry striking a couple beautiful straight drives to the boundary. After the added 23 runs together, Joseph was the first of the pair to fall for 24 off teenaged left-arm medium pacer, Zaida James. Henry continued but consistently lost partners.

Soogrim joined Henry in the middle and did just what her captain required of her, supporting role to Henry then putting away the bad deliveries when they came. Henry was trapped LBW by Karishma Ramharack for 29 off 48 deliveries.

Soogrim then took to entertaining her teammate and coaches with some swashbuckling shots to the mid-on boundary and showing her soft touch with slices through the inner circle fielders. Needing 6 runs off the last over, she launched one through short mid-on to reduce the deficit to 2 off three.

Victory came via a leg-bye off the bowling of Cherry Ann Fraser. The West Indies Women head into their third week of the high-performance camp next week, as they continue to train and prepare for a return to international cricket in the coming months.

for. We also receive funding f r o m t h e s i x C l u b ’s affiliation fees. But because of the covid we have wavered those club fees since late 2019.” Scott disclosed.

Scott informed that the only funds that are available are from the GOA and even though the GOA pledged its support, GASA did not have enough time to plan for this Meet in Porto Rico.

He, bemoaned the fact that the pandemic severely disrupted local swimming but said the Task Force has given permission for training for the pair going to Tokyo.

“But there is nothing like competition” It is understood that the qualifying period for the Olympic conclude on June 27 and Scott informed that

Andrew Fowler there are still about two or three more such events until the Olympics.

“Our two Swimmers are not vying for qualification, they are already going… but what are trying to do is to expose them to International competition and a chance for them to improve their times for the Olympics. At the end of the day we want to be proud of what we showcase t o t h e Wo r l d a t t h e Olympics” Scott stated.

Scott said that although he does not expect them to medal because they did not qualify on times, he has seen steady improvement and is confident they can produce personal best times in their events. The pair will only be allowed to swim one event since they given Universality spots.

A Universality spot allows a nation with no Olympic swimming qualifier to enter up to one male and one female in the Olympics – typically, those ‘universality’ entries require that the athletes competed in the most recent edition of FINA’s Long Course World Championships.

Scott said the GASA’s plans is for Persaud and Seaton to start preparing from now to gain automatic qualification to the next Olympics in three years’ time “And that has always been the plan for them. Both of these swimmers can swim at both the Junior and elite levels” Scott, who was high in praise of the work to develop sports in Guyana by Sports Minister Charles Ramson Jr., concluded.