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AIETEUR

May 23, 2022 - Vol. 15 No. 20 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 63,320

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

Guyana, TT strengthen ...new MoU to address trade ties investment, agriculture, energy ...leaders say pact lays groundwork for CARICOM Agri/food response Wales Gas-to-Energy project…

ExxonMobil's Gas Leak Management Plan must - Former be included in EIA EPA Head

‘Show us the study'

Guyana private sector now backs MoU with TT

...Environmentalist challenges Mustapha to release findings for greater trade that conclude oil industry not ...looking relations with their affecting declining fish catch Trinidadian counterparts

'Leaders lack of focus hurting Guyana' ...Glenn Lall slams 'cuss-down politics, indifference to strengthening of oil governance

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Monday May 23, 2022

Guyana, TT strengthen trade ties

By Zena Henry Endless possibilities exist for Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) to partner in a number of developmental areas following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries on Sunday.

G u y a n a ’s F o r e i g n Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd and his Trinidadian counterpart, Dr. Amery Browne signed the document on behalf of their respective countries at a State House ceremony yesterday. The MoU which was signed before Heads of State, President Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Keith Rowley, is an agreement for the two nations to work together in areas trade investment, removal of nontariff barriers, energy, education, security, tourism and any other determined by the two leaders.

While Guyana and Trinidad will work to address their own trade barriers, President Ali who leads the Agriculture Subcommittee of CARICOM, said that special focus was

- new MoU to address investment, agriculture, energy - leaders say new pact lays groundwork for CARICOM Agri/food response a lso placed on the issue from the regional level where, “a comprehensive document” was drawn up for the entire region, itemizing every issue and every product; “saying where we are on those issues and the action that is required by the member state.”

Guyana’s discussion with Trinidad on this matter brought preclearance conditions such as phytosanitary to the fore.

This is an issue CARICOM leaders had indicated was being used by regional private sectors to keep out non-local products. This important matter is now being placed under CARICOM’s Single Market and Economy (CSME) committee chaired by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley for special attention.

Guyana and Trinidad will experiment with cargo, plus ferry facilities that will make moving people, goods

From left: President Irfaan Ali and Trinidad and Tobago’s PM Keith Rowley. and services between the two nations easier. Additionally, partnerships in energy will be explored.

President Ali said that T&T has already been participating deeply in the local energy sector, but collaboration will be looked at on a broader sense as it evolves. It was noted that a number of possibilities was touched on regarding energy and they are all on the table.

However, “some of these discussions we would like to have them go further behind closed doors because we have other parties involved and we do not want to blindside anybody,” PM Rowley noted.

In the immediate, near and long term future, PM Rowley said that there will be efforts between Guyana and Trinidad to have the nations’ young people

cooperating on various issues, including agriculture which is a main concern at this time. “We intend to have them mix and train and share the responsibility,” and understand that the Caribbean is not hopeless.

They will have to continue the work when those involved are retired to continue the mission of regional food security.

On local content, PM

Rowley explained that everything will be done to address matters that hinder access to markets. Given Guyana’s local content legislation and the push back from the T&T private sector, Rowley said that from a government level, the matter is “not to be viewed through a negative lens but to understand what Guyana is trying to do. And from that stand point we have not aggressively taken any position”. Rowley pointed out also his reliance on what embodies the MoU and whatever intensions are codified in the Treaty of Chaguaramas.

“So there is no need to get at each other’s throats, and start misrepresenting intensions and creating a negative environment. We believe the Treaty of Chaguaramas is sufficiently robust to deal with any of those matters.”

However, a court of law interpretation regarding the local content legislation against the regional treaty is “normal” if required, Rowley submitted. He posited that “What we hope not to have is individuals going off on a frolic on their

Kaieteur News

Monday May 23, 2022

PAGE 03

‘Leaders lack of focus hurting Guyana’

- Glenn Lall slams ‘cuss-down politics, indifference to strengthening of oil governance

Amid mounting crises here and abroad, Guyanese leaders seem more concerned about insulting each other with their focus on minor issues, Businessman and Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall has said. He said critical issues such as strengthening the governance architecture of the oil and gas industry and pursuing greater social cohesion were not being advanced.

“Every programme I have done I have been exposing to you very simply what both the PPP and the Coalition governments have done and still continuing to do to this land and its people,” Lall said on his radio programme: The Glenn Lall Show’ aired last Friday evening on Kaieteur Radio.

It is not the first time Mr. Lall has called out Guyanese leaders for what he deemed as their lack of vision for this country. “All they have been doing is focusing on frivolous things, cussing out each other, pulling down each other, doing their very best to cause racial division among us,” Lall told his audience tuned in both on radio and social media.

“They are not focusing on ways that they can work together in unity to bring

Radio Host, Mr. Glenn Lall about major changes to the way our wealth is managed to uplift the nation and so make the lives of the people of this country way, way better than it is now,” the businessman stated.

Back in April also on his radio show Mr. Lall had urged the current crop of leaders to develop a bold and progressive vision for this country. At the time he bemoaned the lack of a commonsense approach to this nation’s development, saying: “Every day these guys open their mouths, I feel like cry and scream for this country with the kind of bicycle and jackass cart vision they have for this country and its people. Many days when I glance at the newspapers or listen to them as they speak on TV or the radio, I shudder to think what will become of future generations.” The

newspaper publisher and businessman said, many days he would ask himself whether President Irfaan Ali and Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton were living in this 20th century in a country with these massive oil finds.

Meanwhile, Lall drew reference to the recent formal talks between Norton and President Ali. “For the first time the newly elected Opposition Leader meeting with the newly elected President, what did they talk about? Appointing people to their substantive constitutional offices, this episode has been an ongoing mantra with both political parties for decades and they get nowhere, they have the people in an acting position – many have died acting and they will continue to die acting because they will not agree on anything and

Guyana, TT strengthen...

From page 2 own and seek to control the narrative into a nothingness cause.”

Both Guyana and Trinidad had an opportunity to discuss trade and other working areas with the State of Roraima following a presentation. The Brazilian state also wants to partner with the Caribbean in its ambitious food bill reduction goal. President Ali said that the state which produces numerous grains, onions and other basic agricultural products is offering investment, technical and other support to CARICOM. A proposal will be taken to the Heads of CARICOM to have Roraima part of the ministerial task force on agriculture in CARICOM. The MoU signing comes after the threeday Agri-Investment Forum and Expo which saw the Caribbean Community coming together to address specifically, ways of improving the regional Bloc’s ability to increase its food production and reduce its dependence on foreigners for their food supply. President Ali pointed out that a strategic cooperation partnership is what has been formed. A bilateral commission will be established between public and private sector to achieve the obligations of the working document. Within three months, the work of this committee will begin to show, said the President.

In the outcome document following the forum and expo, the President said, the consensus was reiterated that a working business model was needed with Trinidad

taking on the aggressive implementation of the model by an immediate follow up in August on the decisions and types of policies that are required for pushing the regional food agenda.

PM Rowley said, “We (CARICOM) have been frightened during the height of the COVID period at the extent of our vulnerability where even when we hand money in hand we could not buy food. And that situation is not going to change, it will get worst,” the T&T leader warned. He said the recent three day event was demonstrated that CARICOM can seek and find solutions to their many problems.

During COVID, the Caribbean found itself denied access to its normal food supplies which comes from Australian, New Zealand, Ukraine, Russia, the US and others.

“Our supply model is that we get our food from other people’s efforts in faraway lands.”

CARICOM was then asked to look at its existing initiatives “to disentangle” nations from world food suppliers and to find mechanisms where regional food access is not impeded, destroyed or obstructed by others.

Rowley said CARICOM must expect some push back from “those who are comfortable with what is happening now,” and wants to keep the status quo.

“They will not be happy to hear we intend to do something else.” As such, the T&T PM said, listen to whom and what is being said, and it will be known who supports CARICOM trying to feed itself and who does not.

anybody.” Mr. Lall then asked: “did they talk about your wealth and your resources? That is not a m a t t e r o f u rg e n c y o r importance to both of them.

Taking loans, paying fat, fat interest rates, indebting this country year after year, is an emergency for one government after another…”

No jail time for misuse of oil funds Lall also spoke about government recent move to Parliament to table a bill to regulate the cultivation of industrial hemp as well as stricter penalties for reckless road users,” but laws for the oil industry to regulate and jail people for thieving the money not important.”

This newspaper had reported previously that despite heavy criticism, the PPP/C Government has remained steadfast in its

belief that there is no need for specific penalties for the misuse of oil revenues.

According to the administration, the existing laws such as the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA) are more than enough to address any malfeasance in public office. As a result, it hurriedly passed on December 29, 2021, the Natural Resource Fund legislation which was assented to hours later by President, Irfaan Ali. It is significant to note however that while the Ali administration insists that there is no need to outline explicit penalties for abuse or misuse of funds in the legislation, its Western counterpart, Ghana, which it claimed to have consulted on the NRF law, has shown a completely different approach toward the protection of the nation’s oil

revenues.

According to Ghana’s legislation governing its Petroleum Fund, “A person who (a) misappropriates the Petroleum Funds; (b) defrauds, attempts to defraud or conspires with another person to defraud the Republic in relation to the Petroleum Funds; (c) uses, attempts to use or conspires with another person to use information on the Petroleum Funds or documents relating to the Petroleum Funds for personal benefit or advantage or for the personal advantage or benefit of another person; commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than five hundred thousand penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not less than 15 years or to both.”

It goes on to state that, “(2) A person who abets in Continued on page 8

NOTICE Dear Readers, please be advised that, effective June 1, 2022, the price of our Monday to Saturday editions will be $100 and our Sunday edition will be $150.

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Monday May 23, 2022

Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

Gold Shield boasting – How could this be?

It is stunning, this development involving a foreign company called Gold Shield. Here it is that Gold Shield is boasting openly about its shining mineral future in Guyana on a foreign media outlet, and Guyanese are in the dark.

Guyanese are clueless about the existence of this company here, about how that came about, and about the extent of its relationship with Guyana and its government.

We at this publication ask four questions: how can this be so? What is going on here? Why this need for secrecy with something as big as this, and with so much meaning for citizens of this country? And last, who in this PPP/C Government’s leadership ranks is responsible for this development, this lately dawning revelation, now that a Gold Shield chief decided to boast to his investors and boost their confidence?

Before proceeding, we place two scenarios in front of readers. This is not a local company with local explorers, or a small pork-knocker. This is a huge matter involving gold exploration in three massive areas in Guyana’s rich goldfields.

Yet we have not heard a single utterance from any PPP/C Government leader who are usually proud to boast about the attractive investment climate of Guyana, and all who are coming here to setup shop, so that we can get jobs and infrastructure and taxes and royalties.

The truth is that Guyanese don’t know anything of this enormous gold company’s presence, one that is proudly boasting of the millions in store here. From all indications, this is not a fly by night outfit, but one with substance, strength, and reach. Look at how far it got with the people who run this country, who had to be involved in this decision to let them come here, but which they hide from us.

The second scenario is one with which many Guyanese are familiar.

Developments involving land and property, awards, sales, concessions, and so forth, usually are publicised in the Official Gazette; or some kind of notice or announcement is placed in national print media channels. On this occasion involving Gold Shield, however, there has not been a whiff of information, not a speck of detail. That is, until the company chief couldn’t help himself, given his overflowing joy, on his Guyanese gold prize. His delight, and that of his people (the executives and shareholders of Gold Shield) over their glittering Guyanese gold bonanza is the tragedy of what pretends to be governance and leadership at the highest levels in this country.

Where are the people who are the stewards of this rich and sensitive gold sector? We point first to the Minister of Natural Resources, even though we recognise that he is not calling any shots on big matters in his portfolio, and ask how come he did not make any disclosure?

As carried by this publication last week, the Minister spoke of three mega firms coming here to exploit our gold riches, but there was no identification of any of them, including this strange, new corporate creature called Gold Shield rushing into the news. What about the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), which has oversight of the sector, how come there was not a peep from that corner?

We did note, however, two familiar names that are on the board of Gold Shield. The first is Mr. Hilbert Shields, a Guyanese, who has been around mining for decades, and has accumulated much knowledge and many relationships over the years. Clearly, his association with Gold Shield is no random event, but yet the citizens of this country are unaware whatever went on here. The second name is that of Canadian Alison Redford, a former Premier of Alberta Province, and one with a spotted political record. Whenever she is around, there is much wheeling and dealing that is usually part and parcel of the mix.

Whatever is happening, and whoever else is involved, the reality is that millions of ounces of gold, likely countless tons, are set to be shipped out of Guyana, and Guyanese learn about it, because a man from Gold Shield couldn’t keep his joy to himself. Fellow Guyanese, what is the meaning of all this? Where are we heading?

FARMERS’ CONTINUOUS DILEMMA DEAR EDITOR, Over the years, deliberate damaging and thieving of crops, flooding, etc., have been plaguing farmers without any proper assistance or remedy coming up to protect farmers from these plagues.

History has shown us that out of frustration, repeatedly, the farmers took actions into their own hands and in some cases, caused quite a furor in Guyana, even escalating to racial tension, protesting, etc.

If one should check, crop thieving is the most regular disaster farmers suffer in terms of time and cause quite an economic burden to them.

They would suffer losses in fractions daily, every crop, or in many cases, one huge loss, based on the crop and season. In reality, for me, a farmer

suffers severe losses more than anyone else in Guyana.

Thieves would break into your house or you get robbed in most cases, and sometimes a few times, but total up the farmer’s continuous losses, it’s unmatchable.

Editor, three nights ago, talking to a young man told me that he and quite a few farmers planting in Uitvlugt are constantly suffering losses.

Numerous junkies are patrolling around just looking to create discomfort to others by stealing your fruits, crops, etc. when you are not around and some are even bold to venture into your yard to steal. Police would get numerous reports of these crimes, consider them petty and fail to act. I’ve made reports at

Leonora Police Station of seeing thieves stealing fruits from my trees and they tell me, that when I see the culprits, I must inform them.

It’s frustrating to know every season you have to give extra attention to what is rightfully yours because you’re not getting protection.

When caught police usually keep them for a few days and release them without charge, even though you check.

That’s why when caught many people take action into their own hands. Many people would voice their disgust, but only those who continuously face this plague know the torment. In addition, it also creates a racial environment, some races would see one race stealing from another race and agreeing, or

would mercilessly beat someone if he/she is of a different race.

Government and officials come from all over for the Agriculture programmes, talking about trading, planting, and various methods that are supposed to be benefitting everyone but fail to address this sore. Getting stiffer laws, finding means to prevent, discuss ways of getting the various races to unite are not being discussed. But hey, just walk around, make glorious speeches, eat, drink and be merry.

Is it by coincidence that free fertilisers were promised just before the events started or was it just to hush the farmer’s mouth to avoid embarrassment?

Sahadeo Bates

In solidarity with Police Officer Shawnette Bollers in her struggle to get justice DEAR EDITOR, I write this letter in solidarity with Police Officer Shawnette Bollers in her struggle to get justice for a grievous crime committed against her by an attorney-atlaw, Nirvan Singh, son of the former Chancellor of the Judiciary.

Bollers faced with police inaction in her matter, brought private criminal charges against Singh for spitting in her face and making racist, insulting remarks.

Her case was unceremoniously discharged by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, without any judicial explanation.

I first learnt of the DPP’s action in the matter while viewing Dr. David Hinds, Poli-

tics 101 on Thursday evening, May 19, 2022.

Hinds observed that Bollers was protesting by herself in front of the DPP’s Office and made a passionate call for support for her cause and it got a positive response.

PNCR activists were out in support of Shawnette Bollers.

There was a stand/face-off between the police, Bollers and her supporters in front of the DPP’s office. A peaceful picket exercise was deemed by the police unlawful with threats to use force, and backed up by police reinforcements.

To avoid a violent confrontation with the police in their backyard (Eve Leary).

Bollers, a police officer, sensed possible danger to her supporters and moved the

Great hypocrites among us DEAR EDITOR, Many Guyanese are shocked by the hypocrisy of some of the people who are criticising the recent decision of the DPP. One of the most vocal critics is overseas based.

He has posted a video on this matter on his Facebook page, while appearing on other social media sites to express his vocal and written condemnation of the DPP’s decision.

Yet, he has shown great hypocrisy by posting and giving an untrue account of an alleged PPP supporter on his Facebook page.

He posted a photograph of this man, who was merely trying to bury his dead wife.

He falsely alleges the man was “acting as though they are all powerful and above the law

“. Not satisfied with demeaning the alleged “PPP supporter” he proceeded to smear the businessman’s wife, suggesting that at the time of death they were not living together.

He has since been advised that his original story is not true about the businessman, but has not issued a public apology on his page.

The photograph and false story of the businessman is still on his page.

It is now crystal clear that he is a hypocrite of the worst kind, using a man’s dead wife to make cheap points.

So far, the same people who are eager to condemn the DPP for alleged racism have turned a blind eye to this man’s racial hypocrisy.

Respectively submitted, Chitrakha Persaud

protest to the police barriers located some distance from the DPP office, thereby preempting an unnecessary use of force by the police.

Standing at the barriers, and paying keen attention to developments, I observed the behaviour of both the protestors and police.

The situation was an interesting spectacle of people’s determination to be seen and heard and the police’s instinctiveness for repression.

Most of the police officers were of the younger generation and their attitude to public protest was as backwards as that of the older generation officers.

There is no sense of change in that institution, no new thinking, but predictable conduct. The utterances of Bollers directed to the police were a mixture of condemnation and appeal for solidarity.

She made the point that she

is one of them, was abused on the job, and that it could happen to any one of them: “when I leave my home that day for work, I did not expect what happened to me to occur and the same could happen to any one of you”.

The profoundness of the logic got to some officers at times during the protest.

I sensed some reflection on their part.

The most moving moment was when Bollers burst into tears as she continuously repeated: “the least I expect was that the police would have allowed my protest in front the DPP’s office”.

When consoled by supporters she kept repeating: “you all don’t know how it is hurting me to be treated this way by my colleagues”. It was 11 am and the protest ended with a commitment to resume next Monday.

Yours sincerely, Tacuma Ogunseye

Going back into agriculture made easier DEAR EDITOR, My heartfelt gratitude and sincerest sentiments go out to the government and agriculture institutes that will be rolling out the 1B dollar fertiliser intervention to assist farmers in the country with the planting and replanting exercises.

This free intervention forms part of a series of measures to tackle the global rise in cost of living and food prices which have been escalating.

It will help the cash crop and rice farmers who are beginning to go back to the fields in two or three weeks.

This form of assistance is

a good initiative by the PPP/ C Administration that listened to the cries of the farmers.

It is good to see the current PPP/C leaders doing something for them.

I am satisfied that this government seems to understand the needs of farmers and citizens during this world phenomenon with global and escalating crises.

Food security is secured because we, the farmers, are going to work towards getting higher yields and crops for the agriculture markets.

Again, thank you.

Regards, Alvin Hamilton

Monday May 23, 2022

If only China, India, Russia, the USA, Germany and UK, etc., can sit at the table to discuss world peace and the eradication of hunger DEAR EDITOR, First, I am not saying that Russia was right to invade and of course countries have the right to sovereignty and the right to choose their own associations, however the issue is what may have prompted the particular action. Nobody should want war and the resultant destruction and sufferings are unbearable to watch.

We need an independent and strong United Nations but it seems that to a great extent it has failed and while many scream for internal democracy in countries there seems to be the absence of this in international affairs.

So many are locked into a particular view point which makes it difficult for objective discussions. If one intervenes to fact correct a criticism of the PPP or PNC one becomes PNC or PPP respectively. Today if one is critical of the West re Ukraine you are a “Putinist” Some of what I have written here has been covered to some extent by Ralph Ramkarran and Clement Rohee in the local press. One of the main talking points today is the war in Ukraine.

A lot of people look at CNN and BBC etc. I have been looking at them and see, always, a number of likeminded journalists and politicians confirming and reenforcing each other, no dissenting voices, no alternative information, no Professors like Professor John Mersheimer, etc. who has written that the West is at fault.

Bernie Sanders said, “It would be hypocritical for the United States to say that we as a nation do not accept the principle of spheres of influence. Our country has operated under the ‘Monroe doctrine’, that as the dominant power … the United States has the right, according to the United States, to intervene in any country that might threaten our alleged interest……under this doctrine the USA has overthrown at least a dozen countries” in Latin America, Central America and the Caribbean.

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Kaieteur News

He Stated “in 1962 we came to the brink of nuclear war with the Soviet Union… in response to the placement of missiles in Cuba. The United States said it was an unacceptable threat to national Security” he said that even if it was not Putin, Russia would have seen a NATO on its borders as a threat to its security. He asked how would the US react if Russia was to attempt to establish a base in Mexico.

In addition, one gets the impression that some are afraid to state dissenting views as the very press has worked up the people and made them internalise a particular view re the war.

One BBC correspondence said the refugees have blue eyes and blond hair and they are supposed to be the epitome of objective reporting. Another journalist said they are Europeans, they look like us and are civilised unlike the Syrians. In a short time over two Million are welcomed, some into the homes of Europeans while they erected miles of barbed wire fences to keep out the Syrians and others.

I listened to CNN and I hear Putin wants to reestablish the USSR and Ukraine is the beginning. The second thing I hear is Putin wants to spread communism. Now to recreate the USSR the Russians have to invade NATO countries. Even while Russia is finding it difficult in Ukraine these journalists still conclude Putin wants to reestablish the USSR when they are aware that Article 5 of NATO’s treaty states that an attack on one is an attack on all including USA thus triggering world war three and the end of civilisation as we know it, naivety or deliberate fear mongering.

The other reason stated is that Putin wants to spread communism. Well, this defies reality. The West won the cold war. Russia is now capitalist with the largest Mafia.

I am surprised that European leaders have fallen prey to their own propaganda and in my opinion their conduct

and utterances are not steeped in rational thinking.

It’s like a mob reasoning, war, war, war.

Russia attacked Georgia when it wanted to go NATO. It has attacked Ukraine for the same reason. So wrong or right we know the reason and it is not to recreate the USSR. Yet Germany has just allocated 100B to buying weapons, Poland has ordered 6B. Other countries are doing the same. Some sending their weapons to Ukraine and so they would be buying upgraded ones.

All because of them swallowing the stupid conclusion that Russia would attack them.

Third world war would be nuclear so your conventional weapons would be of no use.

Now we are hearing that because of the attack on Ukraine, Finland and Sweden are fearful and so have moved to join NATO, the very reason for the attacks on Georgia and Ukraine.

There was neutrality and peace for countless of years, now they say Putin’s invasion is the cause. I cannot see the logic, the rational thinking?

I have written before that Capitalism has reached the degenerated stage where it needs destructive consumption to survive. It needs wars to survive. Can you imagine the state of the American economy if it did not feed the Military Industrial complex?

They are those especially (Continued on page 6)

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

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

The answer is crucial for any meaningful transformation.

This article is not intended to provide an answer, but it is a narrative to provoke public discourse to inform the Government’s transformational policy on education.

Guyana inherited a system of education created by our colonial masters (CM) to produce factory workers for the industrial era, programmers, analyst, and so on for the cur-

rent information technology era. This servitude system was about educating students to conform, to gather external data (imposed by teachers following strict preset curriculum and content) and to regurgitate some of the data in standardized tests. It is a “one size” fits all system.

Many countries including Guyana have tried to modernize this system.

But the tendency is to copycat changes made or suggested by the CM and/or other World powers (WP), particularly the USA. For example, let us consider the evolution of the call to emphasize Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in schools. In the 1990’s the US government, with staunch support from US businesses, created a program called SMET, an acronym for Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology. It did not get much attention. In 2001, after US students performed poorly in Mathematics and Science among the industrialized nations as measured by an international test called the Program for International Student Assessment or PISA, the name was changed to STEM because it was alleged that SMET was not sounding good for marketing purpose.

Since then, it has become a wildfire.

This is the true genius of Americans for which no PISA test can measure. Countries, with notable exception of Scandinavia, assumed the US problem as their own and began emphasizing (in many

cases, overemphasizing or obsessing) with STEM, which garner devoted attention within their existing curriculum or with some minor changes.

This became a bonanza for the US. Many of the best graduates from these countries cannot find suitable jobs in their home countries and this creates a ready supply pipeline of students to US universities and colleges, and employees for corporate America. What a waste of scare resources and a brain drain for the lower and middle-income countries (LMIC)? Make no mistake, I am an ardent supporter of STEM but not how it is taught and its overemphasis. In addition, living requires moral discipline, social and natural harmony, and security. Despite billions of dollars spent on STEM by the US Government, State Governments and businesses, US students continue to do poorly according to PISA scores, and this is an embarrassment for the most powerful country on Earth. In 2010, US corporations realizing that STEM was not producing workers that can think and innovate and work as teams strongly supported the National Governors Association and Council of Chief State School Officers to develop Common Core State Standards Initiative called Common Core that stressed critical thinking, creativity and problem solving.

Parents, teachers, and unions fought against its introduction and this initiative died (Continued on page 6)

PAGE 6

I TOO WONDERED ABOUT THIS Dear Editor, The satirical column ‘Dem Boys Seh” wasn’t so satirical in its writing ‘De media lax’ (KN May 22) when it called out the local umbrella media organisation for failure to of-

fer a statement on the recent killing of Palestinian-American Al Jazeera journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh. I too wondered about this. Her killing sent shock waves around the world and particularly rocked

the media fraternity. Surely as a member of the media fraternity, the killing of one of its ‘own” deserves some measure of commiserating even from afar.

Shamshun Mohamed

If only China, India, Russia, the USA...

From page 5 from the diaspora who would tell me I hate America.

I don’t tell them they hate Guyana when they criticise.

I am opposed to policies of the USA. In fact, these policies are detrimental to the people of the US. America is a great country and it can play a great role

Monday May 23, 2022

Kaieteur News

in the development of the peoples of the world but the Americans have to take control and ensure the leadership of the US is in the hands of genuine people.

At this point in time the supra nationals, multi national and the military industrial complex controls America’s policies and profits are rolling in for the big

weapons manufacturers.

If only China, India, Russia, the USA, Germany and UK, etc., can sit at the table to discuss world peace and the eradication of hunger which is essentially a breach of the peace.

Look at the achievement re space exploration because of cooperation.

Rajendra Bisessar

TRANSFORMING EDUCATION REQUIRES...

From page 6 allegedly when the then President, Obama, supported it. A key debacle in Common Core is the triple objectives of critical thinking, creativity and problem solving that are now incorporated in STEM. These are competing objectives and require different approaches in a “one size” fits all system. Critical thinking and creativity come from unfettered individuals, while teaming is best for problem solving.

History showed that no magnificent work of art or great scientific invention resulted from a team of people.

How do countries such as Guyana start with transforming education.

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

The transformation of the current education system must allow our children to fashion their path early in life and prepare them for living a quality life in this 21st century. No one can predict what

life will be like as the 21st century advances but there are certain trends that provide clues.

For example, rapid deployment of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, 3D printing, self-driving (autonomous) vehicles, quantum computing, Internet of Things, pervasiveness of social media, globalization, climate change and social and health problems (increasing obesity, increasing loneliness and depression, increasing rate of suicide, diminishing intellect, and so on) will impact our children’s lives.

To prepare them to tackle these and other issues and live pleasant lives require a break from the past, bold thinking from a “one size” fits all, and teacher knows best attitude.

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

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

Here is a potential example. Sanskrit (Samskritam), an ancient Indian language, and mother of the Indo-European family of languages which include English, has been demonized by the British in their rule of India. Sanskrit, however, is taught in British schools (e.g., St. James Junior School) and Universities (e.g., Oxford University), European and American Universities. Many linguists rated Sanskrit as the “perfect language.” However, the teaching of it in schools and Universities is not to resurrect it as a spoken language rather it is what it offers for 21st century living.

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

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

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

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

any place. No teacher can compete with this readily available, updated knowledge. Parents have a vital role to play in this transformation.

Too often parents think of their children as extensions of themselves and not as individual human beings, who should chart their own courses in life.

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

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

But some of these children do not desire to be at these higher institutions of learning.

Rather, they prefer doing other things in life such as being a carpenter, a plumber, a farmer and so on. However, this is often unsatisfactory for parents, who think that their children are making mistakes or are on a path to failure in life. Consequently, these children miss creating a life of their own, underscored by their own passions, drives and goals.

Guyana with a new source of wealth, a small population, and a non-entrenched education system is in a unique position to lead education transformation for the 21st century.

It should begin this transformation on an experimental basis, which can then be progressively enhanced, before embarking on nationwide adoption.

Any implementation of such a grand, nationwide education narrative requires political will and stability, boldness and leadership, public involvement and acceptance, and decades of sustainable execution and adjustments.

Some readers may conclude that this narrative is utopian and cannot be accomplished

by Guyanese (perhaps, a legacy of colonial thinking).

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

Transformation is suspicious, threatening, arduous, and uncertain but it provides the opportunity for creativity and high rewards. “Every child is a genius only to be converted into an idiot in school.” (Attributed to Nobel Laureate Alexis Carrel).

Dr. Muniram Budhu Professor Emeritus

Monday May 23, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Monday May 23, 2022

Camille’s Academy introduces life skills, mental health programme Life skills are defined as a set of psychosocial competence and personal skills that help people make decisions, communicate effectively with others, develop coping skills with surrounding circumstances, and manage themselves in a manner that leads to progress and success.

On Thursday, the Life Skills Education Institute (LSEI) in collaboration with Camille’s Academy Inc. (CAI) (a private school) launched the life skills and mental health programme with the objective of aiding students of the school, build capacity in these two areas.

The launch was marked

with attendance from representatives of the Ministry of Education (MOE) as well as the Ministry of Health (MOH) including Deputy Permanent Secretary within the MOE, Indranie Ramnarine, former Minister within the MOH, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran as well as clinical psychologist

attached to the Mental Health Unit of the MOH, Dr. Mark Constantine.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CAI, Camille Deokie-Gorakh told those gathered at the launch, that the programme is one which offers students an opportunity to access the services that are important to their overall growth and wellbeing.

She asserted that “This programme is one which will help aid our students greatly in the areas of problem solving and decision making. It will also help them develop coping mechanism that will alleviate the mental stress that can sometimes be associated with their academic pursuits.”

Deokie-Gorakh explained that as an educator, she understands the importance of investing in the education of young

people.

“Our young people are the future. We want them to have a balanced life that‘s why the life skills and mental health progamme is important and will now complement the curriculum at Camille’s Academy,” the CEO added.

She explained that the LSEI programme will be implemented at the school’s four locations. CAI currently serves a student population of approximately 1500 combined at four locations; at Crane, West Coast Demerara, Lusignan East Coast Demerara, as well as Diamond and Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara.

In her remarks, Ramnarine lauded CAI for its initiative. The DPS told the gathering that the life skills programme is missing from the education curriculum. “In my 25 years of experience working in the

CEO of CAI, Mrs. Camille Deokie-Gorakh sector, I have always looked to see something different...So very often, we educators focus on the academics and we forget about the soft skills. We forget that we raising these young ones to become adults; we forget to ask the question how are they going to be productive, if they don’t have the soft skills,” Ramnarine said.

The DPS emphasized too, that paying attention to the signs of mental health and developing coping Continued on page 16

Fourth from left: CEO of CAI, Mrs. Camille Deokie Gorakh is flanked by ActionInvest Caribbean Chairman Dr. Vishnu Doerga, (third from left), Dr. Arulsamy Anand CEO of LSEI (fourth from right) and Ms. Upasna Mudlier Operations Manager of LSEI (third from right), ActionInvest Caribbean Director, Keon Smith and students of CAI.

‘Leaders lack of focus hurting...

From page 3 the commission of an offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than two hundred and fifty thousand penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not less than seven years or to both.”

When Guyana had pursued the creation of its first NRF legislation back in 2018, it was warned to have clear penalties or the fund could run the risk of failing to serve current and future generations.

This advice was provided by the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), which also cited numerous examples from around the world of how often Natural Resource Funds become easily mismanaged, and the perpetrators, mostly politicians, go unpunished.

For example, the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) fund,

established in 2009, has proven to be a major source of alleged corruption and mismanagement.

Designed to attract investment into Malaysia by forming joint ventures with foreign firms, 1MDB ended up being in over US$11 billion of debt by 2014.

Among its more suspect transactions are a US$1 billion investment in a Saudi oil company in 2009 which has gone missing; funds that were diverted in 2012 from an Abu Dhabi state fund to a firm in the British Virgin Islands (a secrecy jurisdiction); and US$4 billion that has been misappropriated from Malaysian state firms. Malaysia, the US, Switzerland, Singapore and the UK are still trying to unravel the web of corruption and money laundering schemes that are related to the fund that robbed current and future generations of their wealth.

Monday May 23, 2022

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Kaieteur News

CARICOM is a glorified talk-shop

I

s the Caribbean C o m m u n i t y (CARICOM) for real?

The Outcome Statement of the just concluded AgriInvestment Forum, held in Guyana, mentions the word “investment” thrice, and all three times it is to refer to the name of the conference.

The length of the Statement, including the heading is 929 words. For a conference dealing with investment, there is nothing in the Statement as to how the Region will attract the US$7.5B in investment which Jagdeo says it needs.

This is CARICOM for you.

A glorified talk-shop if ever there was one.

Guyana, however, needs CARICOM. It is a vital market which can be tapped for Guyana’s overpriced agricultural produce. Highextra regional tariffs allow local commodities, such as rice and sugar, market penetration.

The good news for Guyana is that global food prices are increasing.

According to the Outcome Statement, the Forum took the opportunity to discuss the current situation regarded high prices of imported food, the shortage of and increased prices of fertilisers and other agricultural inputs and the problems affecting transport – presumably the difficulties of intra-regional food transportation.

The leaders agreed to have the quasi-Cabinet responsible for transportation complete a “proposal for establishing adequate and sustainable regional transportation, after consultation with the Caribbean private sector, the international donor community and multilateral development agencies.” This proposal was mandated to be finished in time for the July summit of regional leaders.

Given the short timeline, it will be interesting to see how much can be achieved in the just over one month. The leaders may have set themselves an impossible timeline.

Even more disturbing is that this proposal is not likely to be market driven. If there was indeed a viable market for increasing intra-regional food trade, the private sector would already have jumped on board. Having politically driven investments in regional transport is a recipe for failure.

The limited trade in agricultural produce taking place at present is done by the private sector. There is therefore no reason to believe that simply coming up with a plan will automatically bring immediate results to address rising food inflation and rising input costs to the agricultural sector.

The most important development arising out of the Forum is the recommendation that a Special Committee “prepare proposals, with time-bound deadlines, for eliminating trade barriers. The Forum urged that a Special Committee should be convened by the Minister in the quasi-Cabinet responsible for the Caribbean Single Market and Economy, and its proposals for implementation should be presented at a Special Meeting of Heads of Government in the third quarter of 2022.”

The Forum however can only recommend. Its decisions are not binding on regional leaders and would have to be endorsed by a Special Heads of Government meeting due to be held after September.

There is going to be opposition to any proposals arising out of this Committee.

The assumption that much of

these barriers are unjustified is false. However, it is likely to be argued, with some justification, that most of the barriers are essential to protecting the Region’s food system.

Also, many of the barriers are also due to vested commercial and economic interests and it is not going to be easy to overcome these.

But even if non-tariff barriers were to be toppled overnight, the region does not have the capacity to meet its food needs in the short or even medium term. Food production in the small islands is too limited to satisfy regional food demand or to even substitute for 25 percent of regional food imports. And the larger countries like Guyana have problems in even filling a container of any single non-traditional agricultural product.

President Ali has been talking up about some container terminal which is being developed in Barbados.

This ostensibly is to help encourage agricultural trade between the two countries.

One of the big items in demand in Barbados’ tourist industry is pineapples. But it is almost certain that Guyana cannot consistently fill orders for a container of pineapples per week to send to Barbados. Another fruit is watermelons. But how many containers of watermelons can be filled per week to send to Barbados?

As much, therefore, as Guyana wishes to present itself as the breadbasket of the Caribbean, it does have the food production capacity to satisfy regional demand.

Merely dismantling the barriers, therefore, is not a sufficient condition for increasing food exports.

The problem which Guyana faces is not markets.

Large markets exist in the United States and Canada

Dem Boys Seh…

Guyana showing it hand Dem boys hear about franchise cricket. It does allow yuh to include players from another country in yuh team. Suh at one time de Guyana cricket team had a Barbadian cricketer playing fuh dem.

It now look like de concept spreading to politics.

Dem boys read a report how de Guyana guvament planning fuh ask CARIGONE fuh include a Brazilian representative on a Ministerial Task Force dealing with agriculture.

Dem gat a state called Roraima in Brazil. It big and it developing fast. Dem good

at planting soya and corn and deh even gat Brazilians controlling de biggest farm in G u y a n a .

But dis proposal fuh lobby fuh a Brazilian fuh sit on de CARIGONE Ministerial Subcommittee mek dem boys eyes open wide. Dem boys start to see things dem nah bin see before. Everything start to be much clearer.

Is de fuss time, CARIGONE gan ever have to consider any proposal like dat. Brazil is wan outsider and dem boys worried as to why a Brazilian State want fuh be represented on a CARIGONE committee.

And why Guyana suh keen fuh embarrass itself by asking CARIGONE fuh do something which it never do. Guyana expose it cards.

And dem CARIGONE leaders gan see right through it.

Dem boys realise wah happening. All dis talk about food security and food production is not about Guyana. Is about Brazil. De Roraima State people is de people wah gan produce most of de feedstock and de poultry fuh supply de Caribbean.

Guyana outsourcing it food security to Brazil.

Talk half. Leff half.

where the bulk of our diaspora reside. But Guyana cannot produce in the quantities which large food importers demand.

The leaders present in Georgetown were said to have welcomed the agricultural development plan Advancing the CARICOM Agri-Food Systems Agenda: Prioritising Food and Nutrition Security and the 25 by 2025 Plan which was presented by President Irfaan Ali of Guyana, at the Conference of Heads of

Government of CARICOM in March 2022.

The Government of Guyana is positioning Guyana to become the breadbasket of the Caribbean, and it has presented to Caricom a regional plan for advancing regional agriculture. But the plan remains a secret; it has not yet been made public.

A major disconnect exists, therefore, between the political directorate in Guyana and the local agricultural sector. The farmers and

producers are not privy to the details of this plan. It makes you wonder just who is advising the government when it comes to agriculture.

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

Kaieteur News

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Monday May 23, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

The Guyanese Indian psyche: Two incidents Hindu priest, Swami Aksharananda published a letter recently in the newspapers in which he described a situation that occurred at a Hindu cremation at Ruimzeight.

The requirement is for a Ministry of Health official to be present to see that the rites are done according to health standards.

The official, Mr. Gary Hinds, arrived on time but not the family of the deceased. When the family and relatives did arrive, according to the Swami, the official was incensed and decided he will only give permission hours after so the family can experience how frustrating it is to wait.

Swami wrote: “What was perhaps even more shocking to me was that beyond the hushed murmurs of disapproval the nearly 200 persons present on the ground meekly submitted to the big and bad bully. When I suggested to the concerned persons that we go ahead anyway the answer was that, ‘We don’t want to get in any trouble’.”

Let’s journey from West Coast Demerara to East Coast, Berbice. A gentleman reported in a letter to the press last Saturday that he was involved in a disagreement over the incorrect change he got from the goods he bought at a

supermarket in East Berbice.

He said when he objected the owner became enraged and began to abuse him. He wrote: “It is sad to know that as the only Afro Guyanese in the supermarket, about eight Indo Guyanese stood at different angles looking on and even to the tearing of the money, no one said anything.”

I don’t know why the letter-writer did not write the words “eight persons.”

He made it clear that he was African and there were eight Indian witnesses. I don’t know the state of mind of the writer. My task is to put interpretations on the things people describe.

Before I offer my reason why ethnicity was mentioned I want to revisit a letter in the Stabroek News which carried in the caption the words that the writer was a victim of racism.

The writer who is African Guyanese said she went into a very famous Indian business place and was not served by the Indian attendants, particularly the cashier and her bill was

thoroughly scrutinised. She amazingly claimed she was a victim of racism.

It turned out that the very cashier was African and the CEO of the store was African. I have seen both Indian and African Guyanese not treated properly by store attendants.

I believe it has to do with attitudes rather than racial instincts. I went into a bakery on South Road to buy pastries.

Three African persons who came after me were served before me. I know this was just one of those things involving sales clerks. I don’t believe it had anything to do with racism.

When it was my turn to be served, the attendant just dealt with me with no expression on her face. You expect these things with sales clerks.

The gentleman in the supermarket incident, I believe mentioned ethnicity because he believed the eight Indians did not act because he was a Black person. Then how do you explain Mr. Hinds versus 200 persons which I believe were

predominantly Indian? They just stood there and a l l o w e d themselves to be treated like that by Mr. Hinds.

The Swami Frederick Kissoon went on to add in his letter that he spoke to the believe he will pounce on the gathering urging them to Indian guy. proceed with the service but His thinking is based on they preferred to be bullied. three perceptions. 1- The So the question to be asked is Indian guy would be the why did the Indians stood in quieter of the two. 2- He can the supermarket and not physically handle the Indian acted. The reason was not guy. 3- The Indian guy will race. The reason is the Indian not fight back. This is my psyche that was on display at experience both as an the crematorium site. academic and someone who There is a controversy in has spent his entire life living Guyanese sociology for in Georgetown. We are too which I have my theory. quick to see ethnic motive in Many Indians hold the everything. But then again, belief that Black youths in there are too many ethnic Georgetown single out preachers in this country.

Indians to rob. I do not Yes, including sections of subscribe to that as a the mainstream media.

Guyanese academic.

Robbery is based on the (The views expressed in p e r c e p t i o n o f l i k e l y this article are those of the success. If a Black youth a u t h o r a n d d o n o t who wants to steal a bicycle necessarily reflect the sees one Indian cyclist o p i n i o n s o f t h i s passing by and another one newspaper.) is African riding his way. I

Monday May 23, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Monday May 23, 2022

GPF looking for skilled civilians to boost IT department With technology rapidly advancing almost every day, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is now opening its doors to citizens with no training in law enforcement, solely for the purpose of

enhancing the capabilities of its Information Technology Department (IT).

However, according to head of the force’s IT and Communications Department, Superintendent

Jermaine Johnson, prospective candidates must be highly skilled and qualified in the area. Apart from this, they must have a character of honesty and discipline.

Johnson extended his invitation for civilians to join his department during an episode of a podcast, Police and You, aired on GPF’s Facebook page. “The Civilian component out

there, we welcome you, we want you to come onboard, to further enhance and develop the technical department”, Johnson said.

He continued, “I am looking for persons who

Head of GPF’s IT Dept., Superintendent Jermaine Johnson already possess the skill set and experience and the necessary qualifications so that we can be able to propel the area (IT department) because the demand is great.”

The policeman was also quick to highlight some of the responsibilities his department is tasked with in order to give civilians an idea of the type of skills GPF will be looking for.

“We have the network section that takes care of the linking and creation of computer network, and under that section we also have security. We also have a software section that broadly entails developers, database admins and such”, Johnson detailed.

Other technical responsibilities of the force’s IT department is the maintenance of its website, supporting the cybercrime section and also working along with the immigration department for the technical aspect of border control.

The force’s IT department also partners with International Police (Interpol) to support GPF’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The superintendent explained that one of the main reasons why he has a vision to boost these areas in his department is because every single thing in law enforcement deals with technology. He added that the investigation arm of the force heavily relies on technology to solve crimes.

“The IT department is basically the engine room of the Guyana Police Force because I remember General Schwarzkopf (Norman Schwarzkoph an American Army General) said in one of the golf wars, an army without an engineering corps is no army at all”, Johnson said during his explanation.

He made it clear that as he pursues his goal to make the department grow and meet the demands in service and protection, he fights for resources to train the staff Continued on page 18

Kaieteur News

Monday May 23, 2022

PAGE 13

‘Show us the study’ - Environmentalist challenges Mustapha to release findings that conclude oil industry not affecting declining fish catch Environmentalist, Simone Mangal-Joly has challenged the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha to release the study conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), which has found that contrary to the suspicion of fisherfolk and the science behind oil exploration and production activities, the exploitation of the natural resource was not to be blamed, but rather, climate change.

In a letter to the Minister, dated May 21, 2022, Mangal-Joly said, “I urge you to release the study without delay and look forward to seeing the geographical and temporal data sets that provided evidential support for the captioned conclusion.”

She was keen to note, in her articulate missive to Mustapha that no less than a “well-studied” approach

Environmentalist, Simone Mangal-Joly would be required to reach such a conclusion. For i n s t a n c e , t h e environmentalist shared that in an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) ExxonMobil and partners submitted to the Government of Canada for a permit for the Flemish Pass Exploratory Drilling Project

and Eastern Newfoundland Offshore Exploratory Drilling Programme in 2019, the oil company understood the assignment of a credible impact assessment. In explaining this point, Mangal-Joly said that Exxon was sure to include precise data that identifies where its operations would occur, relative to ecologically significant areas as well as the fishing grounds used by fisherfolk. Regrettably, the opposite is done for Guyana where the company only identifies the oil block in which it will be operating, she said.

She explained that during the approximate five years period since the oil companies have been conducting seismic surveys offshore, ExxonMobil in particular has received four environmental permits, without including information to show where

A map included in an EIA by ExxonMobil for its Canadian operations that highlights the fish species, in and around the project site as well as the harvesting locations.

A map Exxon submitted to Guyana that merely identifies the proposed project site.

v a l u e d m a r i n e environmental receptors are located relative to drill and production installations, effluent discharges, and ocean currents.

“There is no information in any document submitted

by Exxon Mobil on the location of sensitive coral reefs, sponges, fish spawning areas, seasons during which commercially and ecologically important species spawn (this would guide management of activities such as seismic gun use at sensitive times of the year), or information on reproduction and life cycle patterns of important fish and other marine species at different heights of the water column and geographically. Nor is there any information in any Environmental Impact Assessment submitted and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency on migratory routes and seasons for key fish and other marine life. Nowhere can one find the locations of fishing grounds relative to the production activities and routes of numerous offshore service vessels.

Moreover, ExxonMobil has been producing oil and gas

and conducting surveys offshore for some years now. The Government of Guyana has not produced any independent monitoring and verification reports that can give insights on the effects of ExxonMobil’s operations on fish and the fisheries sector,” she said in the letter.

To t h i s e n d , t h e environmentalist told the Minister, “It is impossible for you to sustainably manage Guyana’s fisheries sector if the Environmental Protection Agency continues to indulge Exxon Mobil with what appears to be a pathological propensity for ignoring the legal requirements and established standards for the conduct of an Environmental Impact Assessment.”

She added, “…your revelation that that the FAO has determined that the oil industry is not responsible for the low fish catch offshore is a game changer.

Clearly, the FAO has not drawn this conclusion from data provided by ExxonMobil’s EIAs, as such data does not exist. The FAO must have therefore independently studied and

acquired the necessary data to draw this conclusion.

These studies must have over the years also included the mapping and identification of valuable environmental areas offshore, location of fishing grounds, and impact monitoring and evaluation data.”

The Environmentalist reasoned that by making the report public, the FAO can make a significant positive contribution to environmental impact assessment processes for offshore oil and gas activities in Guyana, adding that “If perchance (you have) misspoken on this matter, your office and the FAO must publicly clarify this matter, particularly as this issue is the subject of great national debate and importance…”

In a brief telephone interview on Friday, the Minister told Kaieteur News that the study has concluded that the visible impacts to the local fisheries sector was merely as a result of climate change. According to him, “It’s not as a result of that (oil operations)…the report says about climate change and the Continued on page 18

Kaieteur News

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Monday May 23, 2022

Wales Gas-to-Energy project…

ExxonMobil’s Gas Leak Management Plan must be included in EIA - Former EPA Head

Gas-to-Energy Project Manager, Friedrich Krispin

“How does it make sense that the highest hazardous risk is a leaking pipeline but it is not addressed in the EIA?” This, Former Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams said, is a question that must be answered by the American oil major, ExxonMobil.

Dr. Adams, in an invited comment, was responding to

a statement made by the Gasto-Energy Project Manager, Friedrich Krispin, who told Kaieteur News at a recent consultation, that the document will develop and submitted to the EPA, about a year before the project commences.

T h e G a s - t o - E n e rg y project or the aspect that will be pursued by Exxon through its subsidiary, Esso

Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) is expected to cost around US$1.3 billion. Importantly, this cost will only cover the o n s h o r e a n d o ff s h o r e pipeline to be set up to transport gas to the Wales Industrial Site on the West Bank of Demerara from the Liza One and Two Fields in the Stabroek Block.

The Government of Guyana will be separately pursuing a Power Plant to generate electricity, which will utilise the gas brought to shore.

Wi t h b o t h p a r t i e s pushing full steam ahead with the project, even as the nation is still in the dark regarding the feasibility of the project, the developer has failed to include a Gas Leak Management Plan (GLMP), a document that should have been part of the oil c o m p a n y ’s a l r e a d y submitted Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

This is according to Dr. Adams, who first explained

in detail the importance of an EIA. “Remember what an EIA is; that’s the document that defines, it’s what I like to call the bible of any project. It defines all of the environmental risks and hazards. No other document does it in detail, so if a risk has not been identified and not only identified, it has to say in that EIA how you are gunna address that risk in terms of mitigative action or how you are gunna respond if something happens,” he shared.

To this end, the former Executive Director of the state-owned agency pointed out that if the EIA fails to address such a risk, it should be deemed incomplete. In the environmental study submitted by Exxon, through its Consultant, Environmental Resources Management (ERM), it was stated that gas leaks, and worse yet explosions are likely to occur as a result of corrosion, objects striking the pipeline, and a buildup of stress in the pipe wall, causing buckling.

Even though this risk was identified, the Consultant did not see it fit to also attach a detailed response plan, accompanied by the various scenarios in which such an event can occur.

The former EPA Head has however argued that the

Former EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams sole purpose of the EIA is to identify risks and propose measures to address same.

“That’s what an EIA does and if that risk, let’s say a leaking pipeline below the ocean is not addressed in the EIA, the EIA is incomplete because no risk has been identified there and how are you gunna address it. The gas leak management plan has to be inserted in the EIA,” he told Kaieteur News.

Dr. Adams stressed, “Anything that could potentially impact the environment, even if you are just thinking or it’s just a thought that it might occur, you’ve got to study it and say in the EIA okay it’s highly unlikely and this may never occur but you have to address and you have to study it in the EIA. It’s a

hazard.

A leaking gas line in the ocean is hazardous for many many reasons. First of all it’s toxic to fish, especially certain fish…they have to say well okay how are they gunna be monitoring that gas line to see when it’s leaking or not, and how are they gunna address it. All of that has to be analyzed and the only document that does that is an EIA.” He was keen to note that this GLMP must also consider natural disasters which can potentially cause damages to the pipeline.

“Are you looking at Earthquakes below the ocean? Volcanoes, are you looking at mud slides below the ocean in terms of damaging the pipeline? You have to look at that and then you got to cater for that to say the pipeline may rupture so how are you going to address that? You have to say if you are going to monitor that remotely, so you have to address that in the EIA.” The former EPA boss told this publication that ExxonMobil must address this dangerous risk in the EIA. “You can’t say you are going to do it after the EIA is submitted. That is the reason for the EIA; you look at all of the risks up front before you move forward. You cannot say well now that I’m Continued on page 16

Kaieteur News

Monday May 23, 2022

PAGE 15

Brazilian state wants to be integrated into CARICOM’s food security vision - President Ali President Irfaan Ali said that Brazilian investors from the neighbouring State of Roraima are interested in being integrated into CARICOM’s vision of reducing its food import bill by 25% by 2025.

The Head of State made this announcement during a joint press conference with Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley, at State House on Sunday, the Office of the President reported. As part of this integration, the President said, CARICOM has committed to ensuring that the State of Roraima is represented on the Region’s Agriculture Ministerial Task Force. This was after President Ali led a

delegation of the visiting CARICOM Heads and other Caribbean Government Officials to the Santa Fe farm in the North Rupununi where they had a CaribbeanRoraima Investors Luncheon with a number of Brazilian investors.

“They have offered their technology, they have offered their investment.

They have offered a partnership and they offer the commitment. In exchange, we have committed to taking to the Heads a proposal of the State of Roraima to be part of the Ministerial Task Force on Agriculture from C A R I C O M . We h a v e invited them to be part of the Continued on page 17

President Irfaan Ali addressing the gathering in the presence of CARICOM heads of governments.

PAGE 16

Monday May 23, 2022

Kaieteur News

Camille’s Academy introduces life skills, mental health...

FOR RENT

VEHICLE FOR SALE One Honda CRV,fully loaded immaculate condition, low mileage 3.3M negotiable & 1 new super custom Hiace Bus 2.5M .Contact:649-0956.

2014 Kia Sportage,brand new excellent condition 49,000km $5.7M negotiable. Call:6697644.

SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design,Advertisements, Wedding decorations & Elderly grooming: Hair,Nail etc.Tel:626-7040.

Specialized repairs/service refrigerator,washing machine, pressure pump, stove, treadmill,dryer,filteration system, deepfryer.Call:6949733.

Glasgow's Executive Cleaning Service.We offer residential and commercial cleaning & maid services. Call:6503133/672-6935.

FOR SALE One adult female German Shepherd & German Shepherd pups black & tan.

Tel:665-9140.

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

Contact:231-4933.

One,three room unfurnish.

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

WANTED One experienced female able bodied sales clerk.Tel:2252313,226-1497.

One experienced male able bodied worker. Tel:225-2313, 226-1497.

1 experience housekeeper to work in Providence,age 40.

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Female for general domestic with cooking skills,age 2545yrs.Contact:652-9616.

1 planner/moulder operator,1 woodmizer operator. Contact:264-2524.

Seamstress,Tailor wanted.

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Block Maker.Tel:691-1918.

1 cook needed.Tel:623-8654.

Driver 45-55yrs,Live in Cook 30-40yrs, Handyman 18yrs, Waitress 20-25yrs 233-5477/ 634-4281.

Male & Female to work in factory. Apply to R.P's Ent.Area K LeRessouvenir E.C.D. Tel:220-2818.

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

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

LAND FOR SALE One empty land located in Parfaite Harmonie,price $2,500,000.Tel:697-6311/6421252.

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

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

Price negotiable. Call: 6130007.

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

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

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

Call:650-1394,650-1941.

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

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

Female Cleaner for office.

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From page 8 mechanism are equally important to the academic development of children.

“Their decision making skills, problem solving, mathematical skills, analytical skills, management skills are all important to life, so giving them an education is not just about what is written in these text books. Life is about being an all rounded individual,” the DPS added.

As such, she lauded CAI for taking the step to introduce the programme to the students. “It gives me great pleasure in being at this launch here today. What you are implementing here at Camille’s Academy may very well be the stepping stone of changing the education sector in this country. We need to begin at a point and you may very well be that sample

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

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

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

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

and that example. This is a good start…To the students, take advantage of the opportunity to develop your skills so it doesn’t matter where you are placed, you will shine,” DPS Ramnarine added.

Dr. Vishnu Doerga, Chairman of the Action Invest Caribbean and an advocate for the life skills education, spoke to the need for a more equipped workforce. According to Dr. Doerga the economic direction that Guyana is taking, is requiring individuals with better management and creativity skills.

“We have to find better ways to develop these traits that is needed in the workforce. Students when they leave college or the university if they have not paid attention to the life skills, they struggle. So, that’s why this is important,” he said.

Dr. Doerga’s company is the franchise holder to the LSEI programme which he hopes to roll out across the education platform.

Meanwhile, speaking briefly on behalf of the MOH, Dr. Ramsaran said, that the Health Ministry is more than willing to offer support to the school as it endeavours to build better students. Toward the end of the launch, Dr. Arulsamy Anand CEO of LSEI and Ms. Upsana Mudlier operations manager for LSEI gave a presentation on how the programme works.

It was explained that the Life Skills Proficiency Index (LSPI) - a web application developed by the LSEI through which students can take an assessment showing the extent of their life skills proficiency, wellbeing and mental health status.

They demonstrated that the web app generates automated results for the student, whereby they will be able to view their scores in comparison with their classmates, region and the country. It also provides percentile ranking of the students within his/her school, region and the country.

It was noted that the app also generates similar reports for the schools, whereby they will be able to view their students’ proficiency level in comparison with the other schools in the region and country.The LSEI officers explained the result from the assessment is used to determine a student mental health status, and to seek early intervention and mental health support from trained and competent staff including the school’s guidance counselor.

ExxonMobil’s Gas Leak Management...

From page 14 finished with the EIA I am going to be addressing a risk afterward in some document.

That is absolute insanity! It’s nonsense,” he argued.

According to him, ExxonMobil is well aware that the company would not be permitted to submit a GLMP after an EIA is submitted especially in developed countries, such as the United States. “It is the most obvious thing that can occur (gas leak) in this project so I don’t understand why they believe they can get away with it,” Dr. Adams concluded.

An EIA for the project has already been submitted, however, the document does not state how gas leaks, a likely event listed, will be responded to, even though the Project Manager, Friedrich Krispin, has acknowledged that the company is required

to present such a document around the world.

At a Consultation on the project, hosted May 13, even though Krispin acknowledged the importance of the document, the Project Manager addressed the news of the absent management plan by informing the residents present that the Stabroek Block partners, which will also be involved in the project, have not only been investing time into the venture to ensure such events are avoided but are also financially stable to respond.

In response to a follow up question by another concerned citizen, as to why the document was not included in the EIA, the Project Manager said it was not required, but will be submitted before the startup of operations.

“The reason why it’s not in the document is because a

gas leak management system is a gas emergency response type process and procedure which is not part of an EIA. In the EIA we might say we are going to have one. It is part of operations and it will be developed before the operations get started…my guess would be about a year and a half before startup because you usually need about a year or a year and a half to train your employees and your operators…,” he explained.

However, Attorney-atLaw, Elizabeth Hughes, who was present during the meeting, questioned the logic behind the oil company’s reasoning, as she pointed out that the EIA includes an oil response plan in the event or an emergency, while the same diligence is not extended to a gas leak and other associated effects.

Monday May 23, 2022

Jagdeo calls on int’l community to give more assistance to private sector Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has suggested to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), a reorientation of international assistance to their countries to serve in areas where it is most needed.

He told a gathering at the recently concluded Agri-Investment Forum and Expo where he delivered his keynote address on constraints to growing the agriculture sector, that more of the money coming from the international community would better serve to develop the enterprising capabilities of regional nations, rather than the regular contributions to government agencies in the form of capacity building.

Jagdeo pointed out several areas where regional nations, and even as a collective, are disadvantaged in getting its economic concerns across. Competing, country size and getting pass trade barriers are among the many issues faced by the Caribbean Community. As such, Jagdeo said the regional Bloc must return with a zeal, to the issue of carving an international framework to deal with trade.

Too often, the international help comes to the government, Jagdeo pointed out.

“That we are building some capacity in some ministry that

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Kaieteur News

…says capacity needed in enterprise than govt and its agencies

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo just doesn’t do anything much for people. We need to get the international help to build capacity at the enterprise level, not in government ministries and regulatory agencies that sometime have very little to regulate and sometimes themselves are humbug to development. We have to reorient the international assistance,” Jagdeo posited.

He pointed to the impressive packaging of some small agro-processers who participated in the expo. He said because they had worked with an international group

48 new Covid-19 cases, two persons in ICU The Ministry of Health on Sunday recorded 48 new Covid19 cases with two persons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Guyana has seen a steady increase in Covid-19 cases in recent times.

that helped with the packaging or longevity of their product, they now have an improved item to market.

“That’s where the help comes in,” the VP posited. In furniture, he said manufacturers need designs, so a designer from abroad is needed, not someone sitting in a ministry telling the manufacturers what they must do, but someone to work with them on the enterprise level.

Outside of this, the VP urged CARICOM to also pay attention to the threat in the evolution of the global trade and development finance framework which has already not been favourable to small countries.

“We have seen a dedicated campaign to remove the preferences that were won and fought for since GAT (General Agreement on Trade in Services) and were part of the WTO (World Trade Organisation).

But there has been a systematic erosion of that driven by large countries who say they want to help us. They will give us a small loan or small grant, maybe 10 million dollars but take away in trade preferences, 50million dollars.

We saw it in the sugar sector and [with] bananas.”

Even regional policy makers become enarmed with the logic of what they are told that they become willing participants in the destruction of the intentional framework that is favourable for the developing countries. Speaking from practical knowledge, Jagdeo recalled that during the regional negotiating machinery involved in the regional economic partnership agreements with the European Union. “We had a major fight and some of our own people were fighting for full reciprocity, recognizing that under conditions of full reciprocity, we will never be able to survive in some of these markets.” He said the United States was pushing this matter at the time, so when former US President Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton came to the region, they were informed that in countries like St. Kitts, there are less people living there than the number of people sometimes living in a single building in New York.

So that, such a country could not trade competitively on a reciprocal basis with the United States of America.

This new international framework Jagdeo submitted must be led by leaders of CARICOM and their ministries.

Gender mainstreaming critical to reaching agricultural goals must be included in policy making - Minister Walrond Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond said gender equality in agriculture is critical to reducing the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) food import bill by 25 percent by 2025.

Minister Walrond was at the time delivering remarks at a panel discussion on Gender and Agribusiness in the Caribbean during the final day of the Agri – Investment Forum and Expo at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Saturday.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), if women had the same access to productive resources such as men, their farm production could increase by 20 to 30 percent, leading to a 12 percent decrease in hunger. “Our regional target is 25 percent by 2025. The aim is to reduce our food import bill within the region by 25 percent. We have little time and the study would confirm that our countries cannot achieve our objective without the full gender parity,” Minister Walrond stated.

The Minister explained, like many other sectors, there is a gender gap in terms of deriving the benefits in agriculture. In fact, research has shown that around the world, women face major obstacles that exacerbate gender inequality in agriculture including; access to land rights, productive resources, labour and participation in decision making. The extent of these constraints, Minister Walrond stated, should be examined by CARICOM nations, and appropriate strategies to address them must be crafted in keeping with international standards.

In the case of Guyana, the minister said that while the country has in place the necessary framework in place including, strong land management systems and legal framework for occupational safety and health, it has much to build on in order to achieve gender parity within the agriculture sector. “With appropriate attention paid to gender impact and gender mainstreaming in our policy making, we can build on our institutional framework to attack at least three of the constraints that were identified in women in agriculture, namely, land rights, employment issues and decision making,” she told the participants.

Minister Walrond made reference to a number of projects including the black belly sheep initiative being

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond

pushed by the government which allows farmers to access support for sustainable agriculture production. This she said, addresses the issue of financing, which has been identified as a critical contributor to the gender gap in agriculture. “Here again, while we pay attention to financing as a whole, we must incorporate gender mainstreaming into policy making in order to achieve the gender equity outcomes…it goes without saying that country by country we must go through this process of examining our en-

vironment, identifying the obstacles to gender equality and setting up systems to ensure that we eliminate the gap,” the minister emphasised.

She reiterated that gender equality will not be achieved by accident, it requires deliberate intervention to make it happen and therefore, CARICOM nations must consider gender impact in each of their policies and put in place initiatives to address them in order for the achievements to reflect fair outcomes for women. (DPI)

Brazilian state wants to be...

From page 15 forum in Trinidad and Tobago in August and they are going to be part of that forum.”

INTEGRATED INTO CARICOM’S VISION President Ali said that he spoke to the Secretary of Agriculture of the State of Roraima, Marlon Buss, who indicated that they are looking to be integrated into CARICOM’S vision. “They want to be integrated not only from a supply perspective, but from a productive perspective.

They want to be integrated into this vision of CARICOM. They want to be part of this and I think it is an excellent opportunity for a win-win.”

On Saturday, President Ali told the investors that CARICOM knows that it has to take action and has committed to taking action to ensuring food security in the region. He said that CARICOM is not looking for a win for one country, but for all countries that are willing to participate.

BRIDGING BRAZILAND CARICOM President Ali also noted that Guyana is willing to be

the bridge for the State of Roraima to work with CARICOM. Prime Minister Rowley, during Saturday’s Rupununi visit, had highlighted Guyana’s importance in connecting the State of Roraima to the wider Caribbean. “Guyana is the springboard for the change that we are required to make, and Guyana has the support of CARICOM, particularly Trinidad and Tobago—its nearest neighbour in CARICOM.” He said that as CARICOM increases its production using the technology and goodwill from Brazil, the Region will be able to answer the questions it has been asking itself.

“What can we do to improve our food supply? What can we do to increase our production? And who can we turn to work with? I feel we have found our answers for that business model.” During the visit, President Ali and Prime Minister Rowley were also joined by the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne; Premier of Montserrat, Joseph Farrell and other Regional officials.

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Monday May 23, 2022

Guyana private sector now backs MoU with TT - looking for greater trade relations with their Trinidadian counterparts

The local Private Sector Commission (PSC) is looking for greater trade relations with their Trinidadian counterparts as the Caribbean moves to enhance its food security capabilities through the removal of barriers and other constraints.

The PSC lauded the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the governments of Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, but highlighted the need for the countries’ private sector bodies to have closer ties.

In a statement the PSC said it recognises the commitment made by the leaders of both Guyana and Trinidad to collaborate in areas of trade and investment, agriculture and food security, security, energy, and infrastructure.

Through its Council which represents the interest of 23 Business Services Organisations (BSOs), the PSC will be taking steps to engage the Private Sector in Trinidad and Tobago as well as the Governments of both countries to establish a roadmap to move these commitments forward. “We therefore call on the Trinidad and Tobago Private Sector to

work towards enhanced trade and economic relations and fully collaborate with Guyana’s Private Sector and the Government in a manner that will allow for a higher level of efficiency in areas of interest to both sides.”

The commission said it anticipates the establishment of the High-Level Bilateral Commission and looks forward to actively participating in the process towards execution of this historic MOU. President Irfaan Ali said at the signing of the MoU, that within three months, stakeholders will begin to see the work of the upcoming Commission.

The PSC said it commends the Government of Guyana on its initiative to engage the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states, through the just concluded AgriInvestment Forum, not just on matters regarding trade barriers but those affecting women & youth, regional transportation and food security. The PSC said it welcomes the signing of the MOU on Renewed and Enhanced Cooperation between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.

For its part the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Guyana’s Foreign Minister Hugh Todd exchanges MoU with Trinidad’s Minister Avery Browne before President Irfaan Ali and Trinidad’s Prime Minister Keith Rowley.

(GCCI) also welcomes the public commitment by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to work with the Government of Guyana to r em o v e t r a d e b ar r i e r s between the two territories.

The Chamber notes that it is intended for a Commission, as well as a timeline, to be

established for the removal of these barriers.

“The GCCI views this as a step in the right direction.

The Chamber would like to encourage its private sector colleagues in Trinidad & Tobago to support its Government in the work to remove trade barriers. Such support would engender a relationship based on mutual

respect and usher in a spirit of cooperation between the territories for advancement of the regional agenda and private sector development.”

“The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry would like to reiterate its role as a partner in the development of Guyana and its continued

‘Show us the study’ From page 13 fresh water that was responsible.”

He had noted, during the earlier conversation, that the FAO report would be released shortly after the government peruses it.

Fishermen in Guyana have been complaining bitterly of low catches over the past months, blaming the situation on oil giant, ExxonMobil’s operations offshore.

But even though high ranking government officials have shot down this claim, arguing that there is no data to prove this, Exxon’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), which is gearing to startup production at the Yellowtail development, has warned that its operations can impact fish within the project site. In fact, this warning is included in all of the EIAs submitted by the company for its offshore operations.

GPF looking for skilled...

From page 12 and enhance their skills to be more effective.

In fact, he noted that in this year’s budget, monies have been allocated to upgrade the force’s technological capabilities for crime fighting and some of that is already being used to train ranks in the cyber section department. At the moment, related Johnson, there are 63 persons in his IT and Communications department and two of them are civilians.

As the force opens its doors to civilians, he informed viewers that some of the requirements will be posted on the website and Facebook page. Some areas that GPF is currently looking to boost are software developing and network engineering.

commitment to supporting private sector growth. The Chamber also reaffirms its willingness to serve Guyana and the wider Caribbean, remaining disposed to offer support in the work to remove trade barriers in the region,” the statement added.

CARICOM is seeking to reduce its food importation bill from US$6billion by 25 percent by 2025, the next three and half years. As such, a recently concluded AgriInvestment Forum and Expo was held here to merge key players within the economic and production aspects of food security to develop mechanisms on how they can become self- sufficient by looking at the constraints to achieving the 2025 goal.

Trade barriers, was one of the severe humbugs to the movement of goods across the region. Outside of transportation difficulties, nontariff trade barriers were highlighted where it was said that there were deliberate moves by those with influence to keep non-local products out of their countries. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had said during his address at the forum that Guyana was well aware of the blockages and aware of those putting them up. He noted that there is a need for government offices to help cut through local retail trade monopolies that have strong political influence by their sheer presence and period within a country.

These monopolies have deep connections within governments and regulatory agencies and they push the regulatory agencies toward restrictive measures such as those involving phytosanitary standards as protectionist tools to maintain dominance. Jagdeo had said that these same persons are the ones wanting to visit Guyanese ice-cream factories, but would not make the same request of a US company.

On the arrival of Prime Minister Keith Rowley ahead of the Agri-Forum, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) warned the government against signing any MoU with the twin island nation until it removed non-tariff barriers (NTB) on Guyanese goods.

Guyana and Trinidad have agreed to work on the trade barriers and supporting each other in building capacity in other areas.

Monday May 23, 2022

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Monday May 23, 2022

Monday May 23, 2022

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David Benavidez batters, knocks out David Lemieux in Round 3 Boxing Junkie - David Benavidez boldly sent a message to his rivals in both deed and words Saturday.

First the super middleweight contender delivered a short, but fearful beating against overmatched David Lemieux before the fight was mercifully stopped in the third round in Glendale, California.

And then he dared the top fighters at or near his weight to face him next.

“I’m waiting for them to sign the contract,” said Benavidez, referring to the likes of Caleb Plant, Jermall Charlo, Demetrius Andrade and even Canelo Alvarez.

“Them bitches know what’s up. I’m waiting for them. I’m

not scared of nobody.

“I’m the youngest guy. I’m a three-time world champion in the 168-pound division. I’ll put up my belts against anybody. And I’ll guarantee you I’ll knock everybody out.”

Benavidez’s rivals evidently haven’t been in a hurry to face him. Perhaps we saw why on Saturday.

The Phoenix native, fighting in front of his hometown fans at Gila River Arena, fought methodically to open the scheduled 12-round fight for the WBC’s “interim” title.

He jabbed well, landed some hard body shots and a few to the head, but he took his time.

Then, in an instant, everything changed. A left hook to

Lemieux’s head with 12 seconds to go in the opening round buckled his knees and hurt him badly. He managed to stay on his feet even under a barrage of follow-up punches but that was the beginning of the end for the Canadian slugger.

Benavidez continued the onslaught at the start of Round 2. About 20 seconds into the frame, he put Lemieux on his behind and under the ropes with a left hand. The winner continued to pound Lemieux with an assortment of punishing shots, which ultimately drew blood and made it seem clear that Lemieux wouldn’t last much longer.

The former middleweight

titleholder showed great courage and resilience – punching back with vigor even amid a firestorm – but Benavidez was landing too many punches for Lemieux’s cornermen, who stopped the fight to save their man from undue punishment.

The official time of the stoppage was 1:31 of Round 3.Benavidez (26-0, 23 KOs) was asked immediately after the fight how he was able to dominate a motivated veteran opponent who was fighting to keep his career as an elite fighter alive.

“Because Mike Tyson gave me the name ‘Mexican Monster.’ What did you think I was going to do?,” he said.

“I’m the strongest 168pounder. Nobody can mess with me.”

There wasn’t much Lemieux (43-5, 36 KOs) could say afterward.

“After the first round, I was OK,” he said. “I got hit with good shots [but] I came back. I got to give him respect. He’s a good fighter, good hands, good movement.

Congrats to him.”

The opponent Benavidez wants most is Alvarez, the undisputed 168-pound champion who lost a decision to light heavyweight beltholder Dmitry Bivol on May 7. He’d like a shot at the world titles and an opportunity for a defining victory, not to mention

Rain ruins play at Providence Monday May 23, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Two different sides could be tugging at you, Aries. It may be that neither one is really making a strong case for pulling you one way or the other.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Tension may be a bit high in just about everyone and everything you encounter today, Taurus. Some will feel a strong need for stability and discipline.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Remember that you were put here to have fun, Gemini, and that happiness is your true destiny. Keep that in mind today, as forces may tend to pull you away from the fun you've been having.

CANCER(June21–July22) You, of all people, will appreciate the need for structure and stability on a day like this, Cancer. This practical energy could be taking some of the fun out of the equation. You may not recognize it at first, but if you aren't careful LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Tension is apt to build to a high level if you aren't careful about how you use words, Leo. The tricky thing is that forces are going to try to push you and pull you in different ways.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) TTake a look at what's going on around you today, Virgo.

Do some internal processing before you reach a conclusion about the best way to proceed. You may find that powerful forces are trying to win you over to one camp or another.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Watch out for a little jolt in the action as someone close to you puts on the brakes in your relationship, Libra.

Conflicts could arise based on a need for more structure and stability.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Just when you thought you had everything planned out and working smoothly, Scorpio, love comes in and clogs up the works.

Suddenly your attention is diverted and your concentration flies out the window as that dazzling creature catches your eye.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your heart is going pitty-pat, Sagittarius, and you're tempted to escape to a romantic fantasyland in which you play the starring role.

The bad news is that something could be trying to hold you back.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You may feel a bit of strain today as you try to figure out the best way to get to where you need to be, Capricorn.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Your romantic side is powerfully charged today, Aquarius. The more you tune into this side of your nature, the happier you'll be.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Attend to your duties today, Pisces. There's a pronounced sense of the passage of time and feeling that the days are slipping quickly by. Make sure you fit love and romance somewhere into the equation.

Rain prevented any play in the Guyana Cricket Board senior female inter county 50-over tournament yesterday.

Essequibo were scheduled to play the Select XI at Providence. The competition will conclude today with leaders Berbice playing second place Demerara.

a financial windfall.

However, Alvarez is likely to face Bivol again or Gennadiy Golovkin in a third fight in September.

Thus, Benavidez will need a different dance partner for his next fight. He has mentioned super middleweight contender Plant and middleweight titleholders Charlo and Andrade as potential foes who could generate interest and further his career.

At the same time, he’s patient. He’s only 25. He knows the opportunities will come.

And when they do, he’s certain things will fall his way.

“When I first started, I thought one world championship was impossible,” said Benavidez, a former two-time beltholder. “Now I have three.

So the sky’s the limit right now.”

Punjab beat...

From page 22 match, fielding should have been better,” Hyderabad skipper Bhuvneshwar Kumar said. “I wouldn't say we were a few runs short, we were many short … (but) fielding (was) not up to the mark.”

Punjab ended the season in sixth place with 14 points from 14 games. Hyderabad, which won five of its first seven league games, could win only one more and ended up with 12 points.

Gujarat Titans will take on Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday. Lucknow Super Giants will meet Royal Challengers Bangalore in the eliminator on Wednesday.

Scores: Punjab Kings 160 for 5 (Livingstone 49*, Dhawan 39, Farooqi 2-32) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad 157 for 8 (Abhishek 43, Shepherd 26*, Brar 3-26, Ellis 3-40) by 5 wickets.

Windies will miss Hetmyer for ...

From page 23 we hope that he will make himself available for future tours."

Notwithstanding Hetmyer's absence, Estwick said he expects the West Indies to win the three ODI series against the Netherlands.

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

"It's about how quickly we adjust to conditions.

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

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Man City fight back to win title, Spurs take fourth MANCHESTER, (Reuters) - Manchester City won the Premier League title by a point from Liverpool on a thrilling final day of the campaign after Pep Guardiola's side survived a huge scare yesterday.

City had to fight back from 2-0 down against Aston Villa in the second half, but three goals in the space of five stunning minutes -including two from substitute Ilkay Gundogan -set off the party, with fans pouring onto the field at the Etihad Stadium at the final whistle.

City have now won four of the last five Premier League titles and their victory ends Liverpool's hopes of a unique quadruple of trophies.

"Four Premier Leagues, these guys are legends already, people have to admit it. This group of players are absolutely eternal in this club because what we achieved is so difficult to do," Guardiola said.

Liverpool, who face Real Madrid in the Champions League final in Paris next week, had also found it hard to get their business done at Anfield against Wolverhampton Wanderers but late goals from Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson earned them a 3-1 win.

Juergen Klopp's side never went top of the 'live table' during the afternoon of drama but until City's revival the destiny of the title was hanging tantalisingly in the balance.

To t t e n h a m H o t s p u r comfortably secured the fourth Champions League spot with a 5-0 win at relegated Norwich City while North London rivals Arsenal had to settle for fifth spot despite crushing

Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan scores their first goal. (REUTERS/Hannah Mckay)

Everton 5-1 at the Emirates Stadium.

At the bottom, Burnley joined Watford and Norwich in heading down to the second tier Championship.

A fine header from fullback Matty Cash had put Villa 1-0 up at the break and the nerves of the City fans worsened after Brazilian former Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho doubled the advantage in the 69th minute.

At that stage Liverpool were being held 1-1 by Wolves and were still in second spot but a goal for them at Anfield would have put them in pole position.

GUNDOGAN DOUBLE But by the time Liverpool did take charge of their game, City had fought back and blown away all the fear of a final-day collapse in five blistering minutes.

German Gundogan headed in a Raheem Sterling cross before Spanish midfielder Rodri drove into t h e b o t t o m c o r n e r.

Gundogan then completed the turnaround, tapping in a low cross from Kevin De Bruyne at the back post.

City fans poured on to the field at the final whistle

with no sign that the novelty of being champions of England is wearing off.

"The last game is always special, a lot of emotion.

Aston Villa gave everything but the first goal changed everything. We had to handle it," said Guardiola whose fourth triumph at City makes him the most successful foreign manager in terms of English league titles.

"When you win the Premier League in this country four times in five seasons it is because these guys are so, so special. We will be remembered.

"Winning at home in front of our people is the best. The moment we equalised we had the feeling we had the chance to score the third," he added.

Liverpool's afternoon had also started with a hiccup as they fell behind to a third-minute Pedro Neto goal before Sadio Mane pulled the home side level in the 24th.

'ABSOLUTE BEST' Although the late efforts from Salah and Robertson made sure the Merseysiders finished their domestic campaign with a win, City's late goal rush put paid to any

Manchester City's Fernandinho lifts the trophy with teammates and the coaches after winning the Premier League. (Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff)

hopes of a second league title for Klopp and his team.

"Congratulations to Man City and Pep Guardiola.

Thank you to Aston Villa and Wolverhampton for making a proper game of it," said Klopp.

"It's not the result we wanted. It was a bit of a rollercoaster," added the German.

"You can't do more than give your absolute best and that's what the boys did again. We chased the best team in the world to the wire, that's absolutely special.

We'll build a team again and go again."

Spurs made sure of a return to Champions League football with an easy win at already condemned Norwich with Son Heungmin scoring twice to ensure he finished joint top scorer this season with Salah on 23 goals.Dejan Kulusevski also struck twice for Antonio Conte's side with Harry Kane finding the target as well.At the other end of the table, Burnley were relegated after they lost 2-1 at home to Newcastle United while Leeds United secured survival with a 2-1 victory at Brentford, who finished their game with nine men.

Norwich and Watford had already been relegated before the final day.

Manchester United will play in the Europa League after finishing in sixth position despite a 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in Ralf Rangnick's final game in charge.

West Ham United will have to settle for Europa Conference League action after they failed to take advantage of United's slip, losing 3-1 to Brighton and Hove Albion.

Monday May 23, 2022

Punjab beat Hyderabad to finish sixth in IPL MUMBAI, India (AP) — Punjab Kings notched a consolation five-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last Indian Premier League game of the season yesterday.

Liam Livingstone smashed an unbeaten 49 off 22 balls and was dropped twice as Punjab raced to 1605 with almost five overs to spare.

Left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar picked up 326 in the middle overs that earlier restricted Hyderabad to 157-8 in its 20 overs after it chose to bat first.

Opener Abhishek Sharma top-scored for Hyderabad with 43 runs off 32 balls before Livingstone plucked a good catch on the edge of the boundary in Brar's second over.

Abhishek and Rahul Tripathi (20) shared a 47-run second wicket stand before Brar removed both in successive overs. Tripathi was furious with himself after trying to sweep the spinner's third ball and getting caught at short fine leg.Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis, playing in only his second game of the season, had Nicholas Pooran (5) caught behind before picking up two more wickets in the penultimate over to finish with 3-40.

Sloppy Hyderabad fielding let Punjab cruise to the target in 15.1 overs.

Umran Malik dropped a sitter from Jonny Bairstow at short third man in only the second over before the

Liam Livingstone was at his belligerent best against the high pace of Umran Malik. (BCCI)

Romario Shepherd powers the ball down the ground as he scored quick runs. (BCCI) Englishman was clean bowled by Afghanistan fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi (232) for 23.

Pacer Malik continued to impress with his wickettaking ability when he had Shahrukh Khan (19) caught at long-on off his third ball.

But Livingstone's power-hitting took the game away quickly as he smacked spinner Washington Sundar for a first-ball six over midwicket before dominating the pace of Malik and West Indian fast bowler Romario Shepherd.

“If you want to win a (Continued on page 21)

Kaieteur News

Monday May 23, 2022

PAGE 23

Campbell wins senior category in historic NSC Independence cycle road race in Essequibo - Persaud, Shaw, Spencer, Washington also in winners' lane

By Zaheer Mohamed in Essequibo

A

kil Campbell of Tr i n i d a d a n d Tobago showed his prowess once again as he overpowered his rivals to win the historic National Sports Commission Independence cycle road race which was contested on the Essequibo Coast yesterday.

Fresh from his victory in

prizes in the process.

Jamual John took the runner up spot while Paul De Nobreaga placed third, Cortis Dey was fourth followed by Kemwell Moses and Robin Persaud in that order.

Robin Persaud won the veterans under50 title, while Paul Choo Wee Nam placed second, Walter Grant Stuart occupied the third position and Junior Niles fourth.

Tallim Shaw captured the

The respective prize winners with their accolades. (Zaheer Mohamed photo)

race, said that the event was the brainchild of Minister of Sport Charles Ramsonjr jr.

"As I greet you in the spirit of One Guyana I wish to reiterate that this event continues the Ministry's focus on supporting and enhancing sport throughout Guyana," Ninvalle said.

"The National Sports Commission has contributed more than three million dollars into staging the recent

Veterans under50 winner Robin Persaud (right) and Junior champion Mario Washington (left) at the finish line. (Zaheer Mohamed photo) last weekend three stage race, Campbell dominated the event from the onset which commenced at Charity and proceeded to Supenaam before returning to Anna Regina for the finish, covering a distance of approximately 60 miles.

Despite constant rainfall which caused some difficulty for the cyclists, Campbell crossed the finish line unchallenged, in a time of two hours 18 minutes and 23 seconds, bagging eight prime

veterans over50 Segment while Ian Jackson placed second followed by Gary Benjamin.

Clavecia Spencer took the top podium spot in the female category, while Mario Washington carted off the top junior prize ahead of Alexander Leung and Ajani Cutting respectively.

In an invited comment following the race, Campbell said the condition was pretty good despite the rain which he said caused a bit of

difficulty seeing. “Jamual (John) and I came into the race with the aim of pulling off a one and two. It didn't matter if I won or he won, but I ended up riding away from the fifth mile and stayed away from the bunch,” he pointed out.

Campbell now set his sights on a stint on the United States before heading to the world cup in Colombia and then to the Commonwealth games.

Speaking at the

Talim Shaw crosses the finish line in the veterans over50 category. (Zaheer Mohamed photo)

presentation ceremony Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, who also started the

three-stage and this event today.

Our intention is to make

Windies will miss Hetmyer for Netherlands ODIs - Roddy Estwick SportsMax - West Indies bowling coach Roddy Estwick believes West Indies will miss middle order batsman Shimron Hetmyer during their upcoming tour of the Netherlands and India but hopes the player will make himself available for future tours.

The West Indies will take on the Netherlands in three ODIs on May 31, June 2 and 4.

The team will then travel to Pakistan for three more ODIs on June 8, 10 and 12.

Estwick was speaking at a media conference late last week when he addressed the Hetmyer situation. Hetmyer recently withdrew from Rajasthan Royals in the IPL to travel back to Guyana for the birth of his first child.

M e r e d a y s l a t e r, h e returned to the Royals which will play the Gujarat Titans on Tuesday, May 24 in the first IPL qualifier. However, the explosive Guyanese batsman has not made himself unavailable for the West Indies

this an annual event and we will soon sit again with the cycling Federation to map the way forward," Ninvalle added.

"The present National Sports Commission has been most receptive, most embracing, most supportive and will continue to reach out to national associations in order to creating a better playing field for all.

The directive from the

tours.Estwick said the West Indies will miss his talents.

"If someone like Hetmyer's not playing, you're obviously going to miss his talent. He's having an outstanding season for Rajasthan Royals. He's doing very, very well. He's playing well,” Estwick said.

“He will be missed, but at the end of the day, he's not there. He's asked not to be selected for this tour so we have to get on without him and (Continued on page 21)

Roddy Estwick believes West Indies will miss middle order batsman Shimron Hetmyer during their upcoming tour of the Netherlands and India.

Hon Minister is to be available and if not, follow up," Ninvalle stated.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Monday May 23, 2022

Back Circle ignite the celebrations with title win 2022 Magnum Independence Cup…

Tournament MVP Jermaine Beckles receiving his individual prize.

Devon Charles of Sparta Boss collecting the second place package from Lucozade Brand Manager Triston Freeman in the presence of Magnum Brand representatives.

U

nderdogs Back Circle were crowned the Magnum Independence Cup champion, defeating former winner and tournament favourite Sparta Boss 6-5 in a thrilling final on Saturday night at the National Park Tarmac.

The East Ruimveldt unit survived a second half blitz from the North East La Penitence outfit to secure the coveted title in a fixture witnessed by arguably the largest crowd to grace the format.

Firmly in control at 4-0

following the end of the first half, and further strengthening their position at 6-1 with less 11 minutes remaining in the contest, Back Circle weathered a storm from Sparta Boss which resulted in four unanswered goals, as the deficit reduced to 6-5 heading into the final seconds.

Further drama almost unfolded, as the clock denied Sparta Boss from sending the match into the extra time interval, as an attempted equaliser sailed into the back of the net a second after the

time expired.

The expiration was confirmed by the referee and the official timekeepers as wild celebrations ignited on the playing surface and around the vicinity.

Eventual Most Valuable Player (MVP) awardee, Jermaine Beckles, led the victor with a hat-trick in the 12th, 16th, and 23rd minutes, while the trident of Stephon McLean, Adrian Aaron, and Stephon Reynolds scored in the third, 19th, and 29th minute respectively.

For the loser, Jermin Junior tallied a double in the

31st and 38th minutes, while Nicholas McArthur netted in the 37th and 39th minutes.

Adding a goal in the 28th minute was Gregory Richardson.

With the result, Back Circle collected $700,000, and the championship award, whilst the runner-up received $400,000, and the respective trophy.

Meanwhile, Gold is Money crushed Bent Street 16-7 in the third place playoff. Randolph Wagner fashioned six goals in the 23rd, 26th, 28th, 31st, 37th, and 38th

minutes, while Deon Alfred tallied a helmettrick in the fifth, seventh, 11th, and 22nd minutes.

Adding doubles were Michael Oie in the13th and 33rd, Jamal Pedro in the 32nd and 35th, and Michael Pedro in the 3rd and 39th minutes.For the loser, Dwayne Lawrence recorded a hat-trick in the 21st, 27th and 39th minutes, while Cosmos DeSantos, Nicolai Andrews, Sheldon Profitt, and Lance Browne scored in the fourth, ninth, 18th and 24th minute respectively.

Due to the outcome, Gold is Money pocketed $200,000 and the third place trophy, while Bent Street received $100,000, and the fourth place trophy. In the Plate final, North East La Penitence defeated Future Stars 7-6 to walk away with $40,000 prize.

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

Early Voting wins 147th Preakness Stakes AFP - Early Voting handed Epicenter another Triple Crown heartbreak on Saturday, holding off the Kentucky Derby runner-up to win the $1.65 million Preakness Stakes.

Well-rested after sitting out the Kentucky Derby, Early Voting validated the decision by trainer Chad Brown and owner Seth Klarman to skip the first jewel of US flat racing's Triple Crown.

"They had enough points to run in the Derby and they passed," said jockey Joel Ortiz. "It's hard to get an owner to pass on the Derby and they did the right choice by the horse.

"I didn't think he was seasoned enough to run in that 20 horse field and they proved that they were right today."On a sultry evening in Baltimore, where temperatures hit 94 F (34 C), Early Voting broke smartly out of the fifth post, then sat tight as Armagnac took the lead with Epicenter and fancied filly

Secret Oath bringing up the rear of the nine-horse field.

Ortiz took Early Voting to the lead on the turn for home and repelled the challenge of Epicenter, who second 1 1/2 lengths behind.

Creative Minister was third and Secret Oath, trained by six-time Preakness winner D. Wayne Lukas, fourth. " H o n e s t l y, I w a s n e v e r worried," said Brown, who saddled Preakness winner Cloud Computing for Klarman in 2017.

"I thought on the backside it was going to take a good horse to beat us. And a good horse did run up on us near the wire and that was about the only one that could run up on us.

“But it was a second straight disappointment for Epicenter and trainer Steve Asmussen -- although not perhaps as bitter a blow as being beaten at the wire in the Kentucky Derby by 80-1 longshot Rich Strike

in the greatest Derby upset since 91-1 shot Donerail won in 1913.Sent off as a 7-5 favorite under jockey Joel Rosario, Epicenter was making a strong late move but just didn't have enough to overtake Early Voting.

Asmussen had hoped that Epicenter could mimic the 2007 season of his Preakness winner Curlin, who finished third in the K e n t u c k y D erby but came back to win at Early Voting, ridden by Jose Ortiz, crosses the finish line to win Pimlico on the way to an the 147th Running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race outstanding campaign that Course in Baltimore, Maryland. (AFP/Patrick Smith) included a Breeders' Cup Classic win.

Klarman didn't immediately could get the 1 1/2-mile Belmont None in the field had Rich Strike to contend with, after commit Early Voting to the third distance.Rich Strike's absence from the surprise Kentucky Derby Triple Crown race in New York the Preakness meant there would winner's connections opted out of next month. While noting that the not be a Triple Crown winner for a the Preakness to rest him for the colt has "gotten better every race" fourth straight year. Only 13 horses he said he wasn't yet convinced he have completed the coveted treble.

Belmont Stakes.

Kaieteur News

Monday May 23, 2022

PAGE 25

French Open: Dominic Thiem, Ons Jabeur lose on opening day NBC Sports - The French Open began with two notable defeats: 2020 U.S. Open men's champion Dominic Thiem was eliminated in his 10th consecutive tour-level defeat since returning from a wrist injury and women's No. 6 seed Ons Jabeur, the favorite to reach the final

Dominic Thiem was eliminated in his 10th consecutive tour-level defeat since returning from a wrist injury. from the bottom half, was ousted in three sets.

Thiem, the 2018 and 2019 French Open runner-up from Austria, fell 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 to Hugo Dellien of Bolivia.

Thiem has gone more than one year without a match win.

Jabeur, the Tunisian who made the final of the last major clay-court lead-up event in Rome, lost 3-6, 7-6

Garbine Muguruza, 2016 champion, out of French Open in 1st round Associated Press - PARIS — Two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza is out of the French Open in the first round for the second year in a row.

Muguruza won the title at Roland Garros in 2016 and was seeded 10th this year but was defeated 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 by Kaia Kanepi of Estonia.

Kanepi turns 37 next month and is the oldest player in the women's draw in Paris.

She is ranked 46th and is participating in her 15th French Open. Her best showings were quarterfinal appearances in 2008 and 2012; she has appeared in seven Grand Slam quarterfinals but never won one.

The match ended under a drizzle and Muguruza missed a service return on match point, then cracked her racket against the ground.

She beat Serena Williams in the final at Roland Garros six years ago, then defeated Venus Williams in the final at Wimbledon in 2017.

(4), 7-5 to Poland's Magda Linette.

Jabeur, who made three

finals in the clay-court season, was arguably the biggest threat to

overwhelming tournament favorite Iga Swiatek, who is on a 28-match win streak.

With her defeat, the new favorite to make the final from the bottom half is No. 4

seed Maria Sakkari of Greece, followed by American Coco Gauff.

Steve Ninvalle presents the top prize to Akil Campbell after he captured the NSC Independence race in Essequibo.

Akil Campbell was unchallenged at the finish line.

(Zaheer Mohamed photo)

Clavecia Spencer accepts her prize from Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle. (Zaheer Mohamed photo)

Campbell wins senior category in historic NSC Independence cycle road race in Essequibo - Persaud, Shaw, Spencer, Washington s t r o also in winners' lane Sp

2022 Magnum Independence Cup…

Back Circle Captain Stephon McLean collecting the championship from Magnum Brand Manager Jamal Baird in the presence of teammates, tournament officials, and brand representatives.

Back Circle ignite the celebrations with title win Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.