Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR NEWS

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

COVID-19 kills six-month-old baby p.

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Wednesday Edition May 25, 2022 - Vol. 17 No. 22 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 62,338

...45 new cases recorded Tuesday

Every citizen at present owes ExxonM $9M p.

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*each new discovery,

is more debt for the nation- IEEFA Financial Analyst Liza Permit expires next week Tom Sanzillo

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Melinda Janki

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put this renewal on hold and extract a better deal - Int'l more Guyanese should challenge Exxon's abuses in court Lawyer

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday May 25, 2022

Every citizen at present owes ExxonMobil $9 million - IEEFA Financial Analyst *

each new discovery, is more debt for the nation

By Gary Eleazar

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or every US dollar that Guyana earns per barrel of oil produced in the Stabroek Block, the Oil companies walk away with six dollars.

Compounding the

situation is the fact that at present, given the developments already undertaken and underway, each citizen of this country owes the oil company some US$44,000.

Additionally, at the rate Esso Exploration and

Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana—has envisaged the developments, the ones already identified would see the country repaying ExxonMobil at least US$75B to develop which would mean that the country

would be repaying debts on that amount until 2070.

This situation is likely to change, since the rapid pace of discoveries would also lead to the rapid increase in debt.

These are among the conclusions of Tom Sanzillo,

Director of Financial Analysis for the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), who during a public webinar yesterday delved into the financial burdens Guyana has been left in as a result of the lopsided arrangement with EEPGL and the Government of Guyana under the Production Sharing Agreement. The webinar was hosted in view of the fact that the Environmental Permit for the Liza 1 Development expires next week on May 31.

According to Sanzillo, the Guyana government through the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)-which is the state entity responsible for renewing the permit or not—should use the situation as leverage to address the numerous shortcomings in the contract.

He told attendees at the webinar, unless this is done, then the renewal of a permit with no additional restrictions and financial reforms would simply see the renewal process as a rubber stamp arrangement.

T h e l o p s i d e d arrangement alluded to by Sanzillo is another in the long list of abuses of Guyana.

Elaborating further, Sanzillo reminded that this year Guyana has for the first time used its oil revenue in its budget and while the leaders are touting new revenues they have not addressed the increased cost of production and the fact that each Guyanese is currently on the hook for some US$44,000, “this is

Tom Sanzillo, Director of Financial Analysis for the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis what is owed now.”

He used the occasion to posit that what each resident must pay is bad enough and that using all of the oil resources in the budget in order to fund a 37 percent increase in spending adds insult to injury. According to Sanzillo, the Guyana government is currently spending more than it is earning and reminded that the country has had to borrow billions, each year.

The Financial Analysts used the occasion to remind that while Guyana had agreed with the International Monetary Fund to use its oil resources to achieve certain specific results such as closing the deficit and saving for the future none of this is being achieved. Instead, (Continued on page 9 )

Kaieteur News

Wednesday May 25, 2022

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Liza Permit expires next week * *

put this renewal on hold and extract a better deal - Int'l more Guyanese should challenge Exxon's abuses in court Lawyer

By Gary Eleazar

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outing the importance of Guyanese to challenge in the courts, the flagrant violations allegedly being perpetrated by Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana against the people of Guyana, International Lawyer Melinda Janki is of the view that this is necessary in order to send the clear messages that the abuse would not be tolerated any further.

This was among the damning conclusions by Janki who during a webinar yesterday pronounced that the much vaunted oil bonanza in Guyana was only for the oil companies and not Guyana and that the country is presently on a path to disaster.

This, she said, was not just economically but environmentally and socially.

“The deal between government of Guyana and Exxon is one that is bad on every level,” she posited as she pointed out that under the present circumstances the oil operations represent, economically a disaster in the making.

Environmentally it's already a disaster for Guyana, she posited and cited as example that already citizens are witnessing the disappearance of the fishing industry which has since also affected the livelihoods of the fisherfolk.

Compounding the situation are the Climate Change impacts, she said adding that Guyana as a country is dependent on the Atlantic Ocean in a significant way. Apart from the legal problems, she was adamant that oil has been a disaster for Guyana and is on track for being even more disastrous for Guyana pointing to the oil curse.

To this end, she noted that with the oil curse comes greater inequality and that Guyanese only have to look at the happenings to their neighbour in the west, Venezuela, a country with the largest reserves in the world.

Head of EPA, Kemraj Parsram

She noted that things have reached a stage in that country where Guyana has now stared to give refuge to some Venezuelans.

The International Lawyer, who has already been successful in litigation filed against EEPGL told attendees that they have to be more proactive in filing action against the oil companies where infractions and wrong doings are seen.

Asked to respond to the event that the EPA did in fact refuse to renew the permit what obtains to the thousands of jobs that would be at stake, Janki was quick to remind that there are only a few hundred persons employed on the FPSO and furthermore

should the permit not be renewed, “that's a commercial problem.”

According to the Attorney at Law, “if your permit not renewed is part of any business plan…my concern is the people of Guyana not the commercial risk for any company…what I am talking about is protecting Guyana from an abusive and exploitative situation.”

She was adamant; the EPA has every right to refuse the permit, if the company cannot show that it is meeting requirements that are already encoded in Guyana's legislation.

The Guyanese born lawyer used the occasion to

also address the spending of the resources which she called worrying. “It's extremely worrying to see the way the money is being spent on vanity projects” at a time when the citizenry are in need of better health, education services.

She noted that the way in which government is going about its business the oil money will not benefit the people of this country.

Janki as such reiterated that in the prevailing situation it is really important that people go to court to see that the laws of the country are enforced.

According to Janki Guyanese must challenge the actions that they don't like and it is only by publicly challenging Exxon in the courts and publicly coupled with political pressure, then the country can likely see a change.

The Liza I is the first field to be developed by EEPGL in

International Lawyer, Melinda Janki the Stabroek Block and saw first oil in December 2019.

The Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel (FPSO)—the Liza Destiny—is fed by a 17 well field. It is the permit for this operation which comes up for renewal or

refusal by the EPA next week, and according to organisers, the people of Guyana may never see this money back, and as such, it is really important for Head of EPA, Kemraj Parsram to make the right decisions this coming week.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday May 25, 2022

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

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

EDITORIAL

The FAO report on fishing impact

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he Minister of Agriculture shared that a Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) study noted that oil production has no relationship to dwindling fish catch experienced by fishermen in parts of Guyanas waters. Rather, the barrenness of fishing grounds in some areas is more likely traceable to the effects of climate change and fresh water (“Agri. Minister says study finds oil production not affecting fish catch -Although ExxonMobil warned operations could impact fish…” KN May 22). There are mixed reactions to this news from the Minister.

We thank the Minister for stepping forward and, on the face of it, articulating what sounds like good news.

Unfortunately, this is only up to a point. That is, it is good to learn that the broadening activities of the booming oil sector do not contribute to what is happening to our fisherfolk. The bad news is that their situation is unchanged, and they are left with a new development that adds more complexity to already mysterious circumstances.

It is mysterious because climate change is not a new phenomenon, but one that has been around for several decades. While, on the other hand, reports of declining catch from our fisherfolk in our waters are from the last few years only, and specific areas. It so happens that their experience, as shared by some of them, coincides fairly closely to the commencement of oil exploration and production, and the many other activities, of the new sector.

So, for the experts at the FAO to make this climate changefresh water connection to fish catch stirs interest (looking at this positively), but also generates more than the usual uncertainty (reacting to ministerial news of the FAO report critically) since so much is still kept from the public.

It would have helped if the Agriculture Minister had armed himself with copies of the FAO report, so that they could be shared with local media professionals (or identified via an online link for them to access it). They, in turn, would be in a better position to incorporate relevant parts of the report into their coverage to confirm what the Minister offered regarding where things stood.

Regrettably, he didnt do so; and just as regrettably, it cant be accepted at face value simply because he calls a media gathering to say that this is what it is.

Already the concerns and questions are coming quickly and with increasing anxiety. ExxonMobil itself had cautioned in the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) compiled by its people that its offshore oil work could impact Guyanas marine life, including fish. Yet here it is that we have this independent study by the FAO that tables a conclusion going in the other direction.

As could be reasonably expected, this has vigilant observers asking how independent this study is. Make no mistake, the FAO is a reputable entity that has been around for a long time. Notwithstanding that appreciation, there are anxieties that still hover about the basis of its study, the specifics of it, and the extent of it. Indeed, this is information that Guyanese skeptical of how PPPC Government leaders have run interference for the oil industry want to have in their hands, so that they can review and come to their own conclusions. Leaders in this Government have made it into a practice to keep vital reports out of the reach of interested Guyanese, which makes them look as though there are things to hide, and that they are not on the side of the Guyanese people.

Another comforting statement from the Minister was that there has been an increase in fish catch. When pressed as to how much of an increase, and how that was arrived at, he couldnt answer. The Minister has since been silent, as in unavailable to clear the air by furnishing the missing details. This being a time of transparency, it is not good enough. Not because a Minister says that that is all there is to the matter.

The media needs more, the public needs more, and Guyanese are due more. We would be delighted at the fact that oil operations havent affected fish catch. But the backing must be forthcoming. The Minister must release the FAO report.

Wismar and the Sun Chapman atrocities of 1964 were cold war events in which Africans and Indians were the victims DEAR EDITOR, May and July 2022 would mark 58 years since the atrocities in Wismar and the bombing of the Sun Chapman launch. Over the years many persons, including academics, have referred to the violence of the early 1960’s as racial when in fact it was politically motivated in a small theatre of the Cold War in British Guiana where the then ruling Communist PPP was openly anti USA and pro USSR and the opposition PNC and UF were Capitalist, pro USA, and anti Communist.

The PPP had earlier been removed from office in 1953 due to its Communist postures. Back in office in 1957 Dr. Cheddi Jagan, influenced by the pro West Balram Singh Rai and other Indian leaders, kept relatively quiet until Cuba fell to the Communists. It was a euphoric moment for Dr. Jagan and he once again started mouthing his anti USA and pro USSR rhetoric.

Still the Colonial Office had full confidence that Dr. Jagan’s Communist beliefs would be tempered by Balram Singh Rai. However, when the PPP rigged the 1962 Congress elections to prevent Balram Singh Rai becoming Chairman of the PPP, and Dr. Jagan”s subsequent removal of Rai as Minister of Home Affairs, the British gave the USA the green light to remove Dr. Jagan from

office.

And so in 1962 the CIA, using elements of the PNC, UF, and TUC, fomented social unrest and due the race based support of the PPP, PNC, and UF, it pitted their supporters against each other. The PPP love to portray itself as the victim of the USA/Britain when in fact it was actively receiving arms and materiel from Communist Cuba via the Guyana Rice Board. It was pro Capitalist/ USA forces trying to remove an actively pro Communist/ USSR party from government.

It was the Cold War and Dr. Jagan’s first loyalty was not to his Indian supporters but to World Communism and the USSR. It led to his removal from office in 1964 and banishment to the wilderness for 28 years until the Cold War was won by the West.

The Colonial Office had concluded that the way to remove the PPP from government was by changing the electoral system from First Past The Post to Proportional Representation. Under FPTP the PPP won a big majority of seats in Parliament with less than 40% of the votes with the combined opposition garnering more than 50% of the votes. At the October 1963 Constitutional Conference at the Colonial Office Dr. Jagan agreed to Proportional Representation.

However PR was vehemently opposed by Janet Jagan who had by then commanded a Cuban trained and armed group called the Liberation Army. In January 1964 the PPP launched a “Hurricane of Protest” to stop PR. The main theatre of operations was on the West and East Demerara and Georgetown where violence was unleashed on innocent people. The Abrams family in Georgetown was wiped out by fire-bombing of their home. The PPP did not care about the consequences its supporters might suffer.

After five months of the Hurricane of Protest, Indians on a large scale were targeted in Wismar where they were a small minority among a largely African population.

On 24th May 1964 violence was unleashed on Indians and it lasted until 26th May. In the 2 days hundreds of homes were burnt, hundreds of Indians displaced, scores of Indians were beaten, and some women were raped. The violence was committed largely by outsiders with a few Wismar residents participating. Some Africans who sheltered Indians had their homes burnt too and Africans who tried to protect Indians were also beaten. Many of the displaced Indians returned to Wismar shortly after so it shows that the violence was

not racially motivated but rather political.

The declassified CIA files do not detail the Wismar violence. It was only referred to as “the morning after,” that is the 27th May 1966 when Premier Cheddi Jagan met with the US ambassador who described Dr. Jagan as being “dazed and confused.” Dr. Jagan agreed to call off the Hurricane of Protest against Proportional Representation.

And off course there is no declassified Cuban or Soviet files to help researchers.

In July 1964 elements of the PPP’s Liberation Army bombed the Sun Chapman launch killing 38 Africans that triggered a second wave of violence against Indians at Wismar but on a much smaller scale.

That was the last of such Cold War orchestrated violence in the early 1960’s.The PPP and the USSR was defeated on 26th May 1964 in British Guiana. Yet Dr. Jagan and the PPP agreed to 26th May 1966 as Independence Day. Upon coming to power in December 1964 the new Premier Forbes Burnham, along with the Colonial Office, detained scores of Cuban trained PPP supporters and seized hundreds of Cuban supplied guns and explosives.

Yours Sincerely, Malcolm Harripaul AA

Show us the FAO study minister DEAR EDITOR, Where’s the beef, buddy?

Show wee dee money, ministah! Those are some of the words aimed at the Hon. Minister of Agriculture, who had to do the honours as the latest front man for the PPP Government. It involved that small, sensitive matter of oil production and the possible effects on hurting segments of the fishing sector.

The minister has to deliver he cannot step back and disappear into the cobwebs.

He was the one who came forward and spoke of the disconnect between oil production and fishing fallouts experienced, as bolstered by a study executed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

They are good, reliable, old stock people there; well, they used to be, which I hope is still the case. Pursuant to the articulations of the Hon. Minister (and he is that, let there be no doubt), there is a report on which he based his public pronouncements, the

gist of which is there is no connection, no association, no devastation from oil operations out there in Exxon land.

I like the sound of that reassuring result coming out of the minister by way of the FAO. I would like it more if the minister could be kind enough (and fearless enough) to produce the paper on which it was written. Guyanese are desirous of seeing it, and reviewing it for themselves.

With due respect to the Hon. Minister (we must never forget that) and the venerable FAO, I hesitate but I must remind him that dis time nah lang time.

Meaning, the time for total belief, or any reliance, on what emerges out of the minds and mouths of ministers and their leaders is long gone.

It is a different day, and too many citizens here have been burned too often for trusting political producers with what they claim to be pure. Regrettably, it has not been so, thus it must be seen

to be believed.

The days of ‘yes, prime minister’ and ‘yes, minister’ are over. This is not British c o m e d y, but harsh Guyanese reality that we have lived with, and grimaced over. The minister, therefore, must go back to his filing cabinet and retrieve the FAO report and deliver it to Guyanese.

That would be a production of substance, one that could only make the minister look good before all Guyana.

It is why I urge the minister, common on brother, deliver. Give the people the goods; after all, this is a democracy, one that is hailed by no less a figure than His Ex-

cellency for being all about transparency. Put the FAO story out there, and let Guyanese judge for themselves. Only good things could come from such persuasive leadership action.

If anyone thinks I am giving the minister the benefit of the doubt, I am. And if they still believe that he is being given too much rope, that is true too. It is what is enshrined in the tenets of fairness and balance. It is what he is due. But only for this tranquil interlude. I have every confidence that the man from agriculture will rise to the moment and sprout a twig. Go for it, bro.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Good Initiative DEAR EDITOR, One of the positives emanating out of the just concluded Agri Investment Forum is the proposed establishment of a ferry service between Guyana and Trinidad.

This is a good initiative and development, and every effort must be made to ensure its reality. I eagerly await further developments in this regard.

Regards, Shamshun Mohamed

Wednesday May 25, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Times have changed and so must be our thinking DEAR EDITOR, I am seeing different attempts to relive President Burnham in the Agro Expo with claims that he said the exact things, and that the current implementation of ideas are a copy of Forbes initiatives. Indeed, Burnham had good ideas and the philosophy of growing your own is one we can never criticize.

However, what is happening currently is in no way the exact thing as what Forbes implemented.

Firstly, the world is more a smaller place now, more of a global village, than when Forbes was around. Whatever

was Forbes motivation, a sense of deprivation plagued Guyanese in some respects (and yes his own supporters too). Can we ask followers of Forbes party to now go back to rice flour and forget wheat flour? Look how many products are wheat based; look how many recipes are more global or foreign recipes than local. Were we to stay contended with Demico Chicken and keep out the franchises?

Guyana is currently experiencing an influx of foreigners.

Do we tell them they must eat only what we grow, and not what they’re accustomed to?

Tourism is a hand in hand in-

The Promise of Human Development DEAR EDITOR, There is so much talk of ‘human development’, hardly implemented however by any proven action – of what is understood to be ‘development’; but more critically, who is ‘human’.

In respect of both terminologies the definitions are essentially political – leaving ‘citizens’ (too many) puzzled, some indeed quite dismayed.

When one reads the several thoughtful observations on local incidents wherein the ‘human’ condition is ignored, and ‘development’ is crippled, one feels depressed, pessimistic about the future.

For example, there is the imperious, if not ‘inhumane’, undertaking to terminate the services of insubordinate ‘untrained teachers’ who are required to meet ‘developmental’ standards – all at the speed of ministerial demands, the insinuation being that all must ‘develop’ at the same rate. Not totally irrelevant is the exactly comparable expectation of the intelligence of ‘beginners’ appointed to the level of directorates, but who are not subject to any performance evaluation except possibly by those they in turn dis-appoint and, in some cases, the ‘opposition’.

But perhaps the most fundamental experience of ‘human development’ so stressfully (and lengthily) discussed in the press is about the reported miniaturization of the ‘security’ of the humanity of a female guard ‘imposed’ upon the residence of an apparent non-government official.

According to the reams of discussion across the nation the uniform worn would have appeared to have misrepresented identification of the human being involved, as distinct from the very Guyana Police Force, her employer probably leaving many colleagues to ponder upon the trustworthiness of their em-

ployers and, by extension, those who manage them.

The issue of trust would appear to have been compounded by the questionable state of mind expressed by a female Directorate of the Public Prosecution’s Office regarding the substance of a complaint by a female servant of the people – not an inkling of sympathy for the possibility of truth contained in the substantive ‘legal’ complaint – leaving observers, however distant, to identify the insinuation of: i) male superiority; ii) social inequality; iii) most profoundly, the unspoken racial division – underlying this ‘legal’ process.

For too many on whatever side of the divide, the abovementioned experience serves as a most discomfiting indicator of how callous is the interpretation of ‘human development’ – a message for the generations to come, however religious they may be. Please, where is the principle of MORALITY? Regards, Conscientious Observer

dustry with our emerging oil and gas sector, and provision of products and services that are in demand will be more important than just “using what we have” though local content must be given priority.

It’s important that we maximize local raw materials but it must not be at the expense of quality. Here is where global competition of products and services will be important. To tell Guyanese that they must produce quality and to create legislation (whose enforcement weaknesses we know too well) will not be as expedient as allowing competition, though not unfair as we have evidence right here where local providers have risen to international standards.

Mahadeo Panchu comes to mind but because he rose to the standards of the interna-

tional firms.

My point is, while the focus is on locally grown, and locally produced, we must not lose sight of the bigger picture by focusing on ONLY Local as we are in a smaller world where there must be cognizance of absolute advantage and comparative advantage. Even Forbes in this age would have agreed, and would have known that he could not preach eat only what you grow. There are some things we will never be able to produce. What President Ali and the other Caricom leaders did over the past weekend was to propose growing things which we can but are importing with the ultimate aim at reducing cost. It is NOT the same as eat ONLY what we grow.

Kind regards, Darren Kissoon

Reaching the NIS DEAR EDITOR, There has been mention in the Press of the NIS conducting a series of ‘Outreach’ sessions in various communities.

This is to ask whether it is intended that the NIS would also undertake ‘Reach-in’ vis-

its to immobile pensioners at their homes.

They too have views and complaints.

Most grateful if you would publish this plea.

Regards, A very enclosed pensioner

Guyanese not benefitting from this oil DEAR EDITOR, It is over seven years since oil was discovered offshore Guyana yet the vast majority of Guyanese have not benefitted. Where is the benefit to Guyanese? We have seen how ExxonMobil has benefitted tremendously from Guyanese oil.

The case that we should pump as much oil as possible so that Guyanese benefit before a carbon zero world is not made as the vast majority of Guyanese are not benefiting

from the oil.

The reason is that there is no job creation strategy and no poverty reduction strategy. Other than railroading through mega projects that seek to reduce electricity bills (which in itself is interesting since no FEASIBILITY STUDIES have been done to assess cost and impact) there is no real strategy on what will be achieved with reduced electricity costs.

Yours Faithfully, Sean Ori

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Kaieteur News

Maybe it is time for our Caribbean Leaders to revisit the formation of the West Indian Federation.

DEAR EDITOR, The movement to form a Federation of Caribbean states started in the 1950s and had a very short-lived existence(1958-1962) due to various factors and perceptions that existed in that particular turbulent period of our collective history.

Our present day reality has gone through so much fundamental political and economic changes that the objective conditions may now be more conducive for our Caribbean Leaders to have a fair chance of forming a successful West Indian Federation that which have eluded our past leaders.

The objective factors that presently exist are: 1) The ideological differences that existed in the 1950s due to the cold war is no longer around. All the Caribbean states basically sub-

scribe to a form of liberal democracy and practice the holding of regular national elections, adhering to the rule of law and the separation of powers of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial.

2) The fear of ethnic groups being subsumed in the collective Caribbean population no longer poses a threat as was exemplified in the recent attempts by the PNC to rig the 2000 national elections. It was the likes of Caribbean Leaders like the Hon Mia Mottley, PM Rowley & Gonsalves with a host of Caribbean observers from Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados etc. that called out the riggers. Race did not factor in their collective condemnation of the rigging but the idea of fairness, justice and equality governed their thinking.

3) The recent pandemic with the inequities of acquir-

ing vaccines has shown us in the Caribbean that we have to collective look out for ourselves. The more we act as a unified body the better will be our chances of a speedy economic recovery. Insularity and protectionism has no relevance in our global reality.

4) The present crop of our Caribbean leaders especially the big four with the likes of Madame Mia Mottley, President Ali, PM Keith Rowley &PM Andrew Holness are dynamic individuals and for the past year or two have demonstrated a propensity to act together on issues. They are results oriented leaders and can be the springboard for the launching of the West Indian Federation. I am quintessential a Caribbean man and it has always been a dream to see a unified Caribbean.

Yours Sincerely, Reggie Bhagwandin

Wednesday May 25, 2022

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Wednesday May 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

The Chairman of Golden Shield Resources is boasting loudly about how rich his company 'strike it' in Guyana.

A Canadian company chair could boast on a United Kingdom media outlet about a 350,000 oz gold jackpot in Guyana.

Why don't we know? How is it that our leaders have not said one word about Golden Shield Resources?

What is it we have? It is not a Government with leaders, but a Mafia organisation with godfathers running this country.

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Wednesday May 25, 2022

Contract signed for four-month audit of US billions spent by Exxon over three years

By Davina Bagot

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he Government of Guyana has finally signed a contract for a four-month review or audit of ExxonMobil's expenses between the years 2018 to 2020 that has already been billed to the country.

The signing took place yesterday at the Duke Lodge in Georgetown. Importantly, the audit will cost Guyanese some US$751,000. This is a discounted price from the US$1 million that was being sought by the consortium to undertake the review. The consultancy was awarded to VHE Consulting which is a registered partnership between Ramdihal & Haynes Inc; Eclisar Financial; and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc. The Local Consortium is supported by International firms- SGS and Martindale Consultants for the 'Cost Recovery Audit and Va l i d a t i o n o f t h e Government of Guyana's Profit Oil Share'.

Natural Resources

Minister, Vickram Bharrat told the gathering that the audit was delayed as the government was trying to ensure local companies undertake the important task even as it pushes for the inclusion of Guyanese in the oil and gas sector.

However, he pointed to the fact that the former government did not carry out the important review of the expenses it was billed, hence the belated audits are being conducted. According to him, the government should have been focusing on the 2020 to 2021 audits; however it must move the process forward.

At the conclusion of the event, this newspaper questioned the minister whether the country will be able to make any claims, given that the two-year period allocated for the audits would have elapsed.

To this he explained: “we don't know what the audit will find. I mentioned it in my presentation that there was speculation that the time has elapsed and we cannot do the

Officials sign the contract for the audit to be conducted.

audit or we cannot make any claims but that is not true. We have been in constant engagement with the operator and they are willing to support and be part of the audit.”

Bharrat was also asked whether he feels the fourmonth time span was adequate for the audit of the US billion-dollar expenses to which he assured that the government is quite comfortable with the

arrangement. “We consulted with the company before we actually set a timeframe. It wasn't done by the ministry in isolation. We would have consulted with them and this is the time that they are comfortable with; it's a timeframe that we are comfortable with too, as well as the international companies who are involved, and they will be working dedicatedly on the audit for the next four months so we

are pretty much comfortable that it can be completed by the consortium and the international partners.”

The minister assured that the report will be made public, following the review of the expenses. “This audit?

Yes, sure. This audit when it's c o m p l e t e d ? Ye s . ” T h e document will be filed at the Attorney General's office, he said. This is particularly important as the public is unaware of the outcome of

the audit of the US$460 million pre-contract costs, which was done by IHS Markit. The contract to the UK firm had cost US$300,000.

Nevertheless, Bharrat told media operatives that government will rely on the f i n d i n g s a n d recommendations of the report to take “appropriate steps”. While qualifying the government's decision to use (Continued on page 30)

Wednesday May 25, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Is Guyana outsourcing its food security?

No one has yet found it bizarre that the President of Guyana plans to propose that the Brazilian State of Roraima be represented on the Ministerial Task Force established

by CARICOM on food security. While, however, the proposal may be bizarre, it is not entirely irrational.

Demerara Waves has reported President Ali as saying last Saturday that Brazils Roraima State would be applying to be part of the Caribbean Communitys (CARICOM) agriculture task force with the aim of producing grains for supply to the region.

But there is quid pro quo something for something. It was also reported that in return Roraima State was offering technology, investment and partnership to Guyana.

This is the first time in the history of the Caribbean Community that such a proposal has been made. It is unheard of in the history of the regional integration movement for an extra-regional state to be represented in a Ministerial Task Force.

And why would Guyanas President make such an unusual and unprecedented request? It is not at all illogical.

This proposal being put to CARICOM puts a whole new complexion on Guyanas food security plans. It is now

clear that Brazil is at the centre of Guyanas plans to increase food production.

One possible conclusion which can be drawn from this proposal is that Brazil is really directing Guyanas food security thrust. And it is Brazil which is likely to benefit more from the dismantling of non-tariff barriers by CARICOM states.

When the PPP/C returned to office in August 2020, one of the first things it announced in its Budget was that it was going to zero-rate the poultry sector. What this means is that everything which has to be imported for use within the poultry sector will henceforth be duty free?

We were also told that Guyana was going to expand soya and corn production. As is well-known, these are major inputs into the poultry sector. It is also known that a consortium of local poultry producers conducted trials on growing soya.

The government had said that it wanted to be self-sufficient in the production of poultry feed. And the 115 acres dedicated to the growing of soya on a trial basis was intended to test whether it was viable to grow poultry.

From all accounts it has been a success.

But Guyana is not going to be a major player in soya

production. Brazil is already the largest soya producer in the world and it is looking for more acreage to cultivate since there is a growing demand for the oilseed internationally.

Brazil is already under pressure from environmentalists over the clearing of forested lands for agriculture.

And given that Brazil plans to continue to expand production, that country will need suitable lands for this purpose. What better place than Guyanas Intermediate Savannahs which are underutilised.

Brazilian investors, particularly those from the Northern State of Roraima, have long eyed Guyanas land for expanding soya and corn production. Under both the previous PPP/C administration and under the APNU+AFC, the Brazilians have expressed an interest in establishing mega farms in Guyana.

So what are we to believe?

Are we to believe that Guyana is going to become self-sufficient on soya and corn production used in feedstock? And are we also to believe that while soya and corn are going to be grown on Guyanese soil, that it will be the Brazilians which will be dominating the production?

In other words, is Guyana

Dem boys seh...

Burnham in de avenue Burnham deh under de tent in de avenue. But he still getting wet and scorch by de sun.

Dem use to call he de Emperor. And he once had unlimited powers in Guyana. He use to be able to guh where he please. But dese days it passing fuh eyepass. He cant even get admission to de library across de road.

De man create records in Guyana. He was de fuss man wah bury two times in Guyana. Dem bin bury he at he funeral. And den dem dig he up and send he to Russia fuh get preserve like Lenin.

When dem bring he back, de story is dat dem de need fuh keep he cool but because of de blackouts, which he invent, dem was nat certain if dem gan get uninterrupted power fuh de mausoleum. So dem decide fuh bury he a second time.

Now it look as if dem want bury he memory. He friends dem want raise he from de dead and make he into de hero of Independence. But dem fuhget dat is FATBOY dat is what Rodney use to call he who decide dat he nah want Independence as a holiday.

He wanted Republic Day

which was near to he birthday.

Suh dem boys seh, if Burnham gat fuh deh in de avenue, let it be near de man birthday and de holiday which he inaugurated.

But Burnham gan get de last laugh. Rodney did seh how Burnham did mek God cry.

Now de disciples crying.

Dem crying foul. Dem fuhget dat when was Cheddi 100th birthday, de post office which was contracted to do a stamp, change dem mind...just like de library doing now.

Talk half. Leff half.

Every citizen at present owes...

From page 2 what the government is doing is spending more than it earns in what is already a bad deal, made worse by the poor management of the resource.

To this end, he posited that if the government fails to change the deal it would have failed the people of Guyana.

As such, he was of the view that Guyana may never see its fair share of earnings from its oil blocks and as such pressed for government to open up its books in order for the people

to be able to determine the state of affairs.

According to the IEEFA Financial Analysts, “We are not the only ones saying that this is a bad deal for Guyana” and reminded that stakeholders from around the world have been saying the same thing. With this in mind, he noted that in recent days there are regular announcements made of new discoveries and it is being seen as a positive thing.

According to Sanzillo

however, under the present arrangement every time he sees an announcement of a new discovery, to him, that just means the mountain of debt will pile up before Guyana can get more earnings from its oil fields and reminded that with US$75B to develop what is already planned, that would take until 2070 to pay back.

With this in mind, Sanzillo said, “Our concern is that Guyana will never see the revenues it was promised.”

outsourcing its food security? And is all the hype about food security really a way of encouraging Brazilians to engage in large scale agricultural production in the Intermediate savannahs.

It is therefore not beyond the realm of the possible for rich and powerful interests in Brazil to be behind this proposal to have the State of Roraima represented in the Ministerial Task Force. It is more than a possibility; it may well be that the Brazilians are seeking guarantees either on

special access to CARICOMs market or on forcing the dismantling of non-tariff barriers for soya and corn.

Why would CARICOM, however, open its markets to Brazilian grains? What benefit will accrue to CARICOM? Guyana it is said will benefit from technology. Guyana is therefore being used to facilitate Brazilian grains into CARICOM. But more fundamental is the issue as to how strategic is a plan to outsource food security? Is this not a contra-

diction in terms? How can a nation be food secure when it is dependent on an external country for the expansion of corn and soya production?

(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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Wednesday May 25, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

A nightmare faces investors over this opaqueness. It is sickening

R

e c e n t l y, t w o ministries – N a t u r a l Resources and Foreign Affairs – held a seminar under the theme, “Opportunities for the Diaspora in Guyana's New Economy”. A diaspora investor got up and lamented on a terrible vexation in Guyana that maybe school children know about.

He used the word “backward” in describing bank operations here.

The answer he received from the head table has now generated some confusion.

The businessman was told that the government has no control over the system and that the banks have to be in compliance with the antimoney laundering act. The businessman was told that even Guyanese are fed up with the stringency the banks pursue.

This response is a revelation and the Cabinet has to explain this inexplicability immediately.

To my mind we are asking investors to do what the gods asked Sisyphus to do in Greek mythology – push a stone uphill. How can investments become actuality if the backward banking system is a deterrent? It calls into question the very raison d'être of the seminar that was just held.

So you have a banking system that frustrates investors, then why are they going to invest? It means Guyana is doomed - the diaspora will be deterred and will go elsewhere.

But elsewhere has the same anti-money laundering laws that Guyana has and banking is not that sadistic in other countries.

It is a nightmare to open a small account here. This can be deemed the oppression of low-income people. This is cruel class oppression. My daughter went to the UK to study and faced not even an ounce of hassle in opening her account. She mentions

that ease to me all the time.

If you take that same amount she had and try opening an account as a local at a bank, you will get a stroke.

There are two misleading dimensions of that statement from the head table at the seminar. One is that not everything in society comes under the watchful eye of the state.

No private organisation can just do what they want in society because it is a private enterprise. Private schools, private hospitals, private airline industry, private security firms are regulated by the state.

For example, a private school rejected the Indigenous wear of a school kid and the government read the Riot Act. State supervision of society's contents has been a feature of the world for thousands of years now. Mini-buses are instructed to adhere to certain routes and they can't condone excessive decibels.

Why are commercial banks beyond the reach of the state?

The second dimension of that statement is that the banks do not understand the anti-money laundering act, misinterpret it and could not be bothered with their excessive unreasonableness.

For example, the Act stipulates how much you can bank without having to fill out required papers. The banks ignore that. The Act says any reasonable proof of address. The bank rejects certificate of vehicular fitness from the police as proof of address. That is wrong.

If the archaic banking system is a formidable hindrance to diaspora capital and the state cannot intervene then we are living in a mirage in Guyana and we are going nowhere and will get nowhere. It is commonsensical. If you cannot be facilitated by the banking system as an investor, then Guyana

cannot have a competing economy.

The pressing Frederick Kissoon question is this; can this situation Ambassador made the same be fixed? The answer is yes. The banks lamentation last year. The have to be flexible and the ambassador pointed out that government must insist that in the World Bank report for t h e b a n k s b e 2018, Guyana's position on accommodating. Why only the ease of doing business in Guyana you endure a here dropped from 126 in h e a d a c h e w i t h b a n k 2017 to 143 in 2018. It facilitation and not in other simply means we are going backward. I think a great countries?

The diaspora folks that legacy is waiting for the are coming here to invest President if he can extirpate live in other countries so this carcinogenic tumour they make a comparison that has been tearing away at with the difficulty one Guyana for decades. It is encounters doing business simply sickening to get here and in other nations. I things done in Guyana. get emails all the time and These things are easily the lamentation is the same – obtained in other countries.

“Freddie this does not Tomorrow, I will analyse happen in the country where Guyana after 56 years of I live.” As a columnist I get Independence.

(The views expressed in complaints all the time from people abroad about the this article are those of the sadistic run-around in a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the getting things done here.

T h e A m e r i c a n opinions of this newspaper.)

Wednesday May 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday May 25, 2022

FAO says “rapid study”, available data determined low fish catch not as a result of oil production

T

he Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) used data that is currently available to conclude that the noticeable decline in fish catch was not as a result of the offshore oil operations. Not only that, but the body said that a rapid assessment was conducted to ascertain the situation.

The FAO on Monday responded to a letter sent by Environmentalist, Simone Mangal-Joly, in which she requested that the report be released to assure the public of the study's credibility.

FAO Assistant DirectorGeneral and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr. Julio Berdegue, in his response seen by Kaieteur News told Mangal-Joly that “The technical analysis in question was requested by

Guyana to contribute to its understanding of these complex catch issues and support decision-making. It is a rapid assessment of reported issues related to fisheries catch between 2020 and 2021 and is based on available data.”

To qualify the conclusion, Berdegue added that “as a specialized agency of the United Nations, FAO adheres to strong scientific principles, and employs the highest professional standards in analyzing and disseminating available data.

We are globally respected for practicing impartiality, transparency and accountability in our work, and we promote neutral fora for national dialogue and evidence-based decisionmaking.”

He therefore assured that when the report is ready and

FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr. Julio Berdegue

cleared in its final version, it will be made available through appropriate channels.

Kaieteur News

understands that the Environmentalist wrote another letter to the FAO representative, outlining she was specifically concerned about if the FAO conducted a study on the impact of offshore oil and gas activities on the fish stocks and the fisheries sector in Guyana.

“You have clarified here that y o u r c h a rg e f r o m t h e

Government of Guyana was to conduct an assessment related to fish catch between 2020-2021.This narrow focus and time period, and the fact that you refer to it as a "rapid assessment”, suggests to me that the study could not have been seeking to assess the impact of oil and gas activities on fish stocks and the fisheries sector in

Guyana. This clarifies matters,” she reasoned.

Nevertheless, the environmentalist noted that she is still anxious to see the report and supporting datasets as these documents would deliver a better understanding on the factors affecting the fisheries sector.

She said, “As you are aware, the matter of the endangerment and state of our marine resources and fisheries is of great economic, environmental, social, and cultural importance to present and future generations of Guyanese. We await your study with great interest. In the vein of transparency and inclusive governance espoused by the United Nations, and your stated commitment to constructive dialogue, it would be helpful if you would clarify what you mean by “appropriate channels”. Please disclose the formal channel and anticipated timeline for release of the final version of the FAO's report,” she said in (Continued on page 30)

Wednesday May 25, 2022

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Wednesday May 25, 2022

Govt. tells Uitvlugt sugar workers to look for other jobs

...promises cash grants, training opportunities

Uitvlugt Estate sugar workers at the meeting with the Vice President.

By Allyiah Allicock

V

ice President Bharrat Jagdeo h a s t o l d struggling workers at the Uivlugt Sugar Estate to seek employment in other sectors, and said that his government is willing to provide training to those who wish to transition out of the industry.

Jagdeo made the comments on Monday when he met with the workers who have been home since March after the factory closed due to a mechanical problem. With

new parts slated to arrive in the country before this month end, the government is hoping to have the factory back up and running by July month end.

This is according to Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha who also met with the workers on Monday. As reported on, the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate has been closed since March this year due to mechanical issues of its #1Mill turbine gearbox.

In a statement, the Guyana Sugar Corporation said then that after the factory went

down, immediately the mechanical problem was detected and the technical team kicked into action and had the necessary repairs commenced at a fabrication workshop. “The promised delivery date from the workshop is March 8th, 2022. If this plan is fulfilled, grinding operations will recommence on the evening of March 9th, 2022 where some 600 punts of cane are scheduled to be crushed,” GuySuCo said then.

Since then, there has been no breakthrough in fixing the

problem and recently reports surfaced that the sugar company was seeking to source the parts overseas.

These parts Mustapha said on Monday have been ordered and are expected to arrive before the month finishes.

Mustapha explained that at the factory there have been many attempts to have the broken parts repaired. “We tried on a number of occasions as a matter of fact, a lot of engineers in GUYSUCO including those at Albion came to Uitvlugt.

We took the parts to the best mechanical workshop in the country, it was repaired and it came back to Uitvlugt. It worked for 12 hours and it had issues again, and after an assessment was done by the main mechanical engineer it was decided that we have to have new parts,” he stated.

Following that discussion, the Minister said that they had agreed to give the funds to purchase the parts for the factory. He added that the parts are coming from Texas. “So I'm hoping by the end of July we can get this factory running and we can get back operations back into speed at Uitvlugt Estate, because this is one of the estates in the West Demerara area that are important to the people and the livelihood of people living in this part of the

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo engaging the sugar workers on Monday.

(Photo: Office of the Vice President.

region,” he told the sugar workers. In addition to Jagdeo and Mustapha the meeting was also attended by Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh; Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall; and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar.

Meanwhile, at the meeting Jagdeo told the workers that the government is willing to provide training for them in other sectors of work.

Jagdeo noted that with the current labour shortages they are encouraged to take up the training opportunities that are available now. He added that with the transition

to get into higher paying jobs, the government is willing to work with them every step of the way. He also called for workers to get involved in the government online GOAL scholarship programme. In addition, the Vice President proposed small grants to workers who would like to start a small business, this way he highlighted they can have a supplemental income.

According to him persons would receive a grant of $250,000 to start a business. “So we are going to put two options to people, one is that if you are interested in a business development, small business, you will get $250,000 grant and if you are not interested in that you will get $200,000 flat each worker will get that,” he told the gathering.

Wednesday May 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Proposed Hire Purchase Bill of 2020…

Companies must get court order to repossess goods paid for 50 percent or more

By Rehanna Ramsay The Hire Purchase Bill of 2020 which seeks to safeguard the rights of consumers who buy items on credit has outlined a number of new rules which inter alia, will regulate the repossession or seizure of items.

For one, the Bill proposes that instead of the company or seller being able to repossess items from a purchaser after three months of default in payments, they will now have to obtain a court order to do so. The proposed bill which is before

the Parliamentary Select Committee and opens for the 2nd cycle of public consultations places a restriction of company's seizure of a customer's items which has paid at least 50 percent of the hire purchase price.

According to the incoming legislation, under the aforementioned circumstances the seller can no longer seize the item unless they obtain order of court to do so. The Bill explains too that once the vendor or company approaches the court for an

order, it is up to the court to determine whether to repossess the item, or put in place conditions by which the purchasers pay the balance of the price.

Further in cases where the purchaser is in default payment after remitting less than 50 percent of the hire purchase price, the company or vendor must give the purchaser a notice of 21 days to pay the installment which are in arrears before he gives the notice of termination and possible seizure .

But within the 21 days of the notice, if the buyer pays

the outstanding installments, the agreement between the two parties shall remain in force.

The Hire Purchase Bill of 2020 seeks to make provision for the regulation of hirepurchase, credit sale and conditional sale agreements' and for related purposes.

As previously explained

by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, the bill was referred to the select committee after some gaps were detected in the consultation process.

Nevertheless, the

Minister noted that Hire Purchase Bill is an important piece of legislation that will reform the hire purchase sector.

The legislation she said will provide protection for people who are buying items on credit in the form of hire purchase. Speaking on the Bill, Attorney General, Anil Nandlall SC had explained that “The law says currently, that if you default in any single payment, the owner is entitled to forfeit all the previous payments and repossess the item. That can bring and has brought

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond. catastrophic hardship on people,” the Attorney General said.

He pointed out that hire (Continued on page 30)

Wednesday May 25, 2022

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Burnham exhibition opens on Main Street Avenue T

he Burnham Foundation announced that its Independence Commemorative Exhibition will be open for public viewing, in the Main Street Avenue, west of the National Library, from May 24 to May 28, 2022.

“Our commitment to bringing authentic pictorial depictions of the events surrounding the 1966 attainment of Independence was not daunted, although the National Library was instructed to deny us the space that they had committed for the mounting of the exhibition.

We are inspired by, and responsive to, the public outcry for the exhibition to be mounted, at all cost.

We will not be deterred by the dictatorial and vindictive act of the denial of Freedom of Expression, albeit pictorial and verbal expressions,” the Foundation said in a statement. “We will continue to share with the public insights into Guyana`s history, even as we memorialize those who made it possible.”

It was disclosed on Monday that after granting permission for a commemorative exhibition of the late Guyanese President, Forbes Burnham, as part of this week's Independence activities, the National Library withdrew its consent shortly before the event's

commencement. Chairman for the Forbes Burnham Foundation, Vincent Alexander told the Kaieteur News that a call was received from the library some two hours before to say that the exhibition could no longer take place.

This refusal, the chairman said in a public missive, came after permission was sought and obtained on April 25, last to mount an Independence Commemorative Exhibition from May 23 to 28 in the Foyer of the National Library. A site visit was conducted on May 18, on which occasion all of the details for the mounting of the exhibition

were finalised. However, on Monday, May 23, “the Foundation received a phone call from the Chief Librarian, in which she indicated that permission was being withdrawn since the Library needed the facility for its own use,” Alexander revealed.

He said that the Foundation can only conclude that a directive was handed down to the Librarian to disallow the mounting of the Exhibition by the Burnham Foundation. This publication was unable to confirm that this was indeed the case. According to Alexander, “The PPP/C (People Progressive Party/Civic) once again shows its dictatorial hand in its attempt to rewrite Guyana's history and to impose itself on the people of Guyana through the total control of the political, social and economic landscape, while the President mouths “One Guyana” for local and global consumption.”

He added, the Burnham Foundation, which is a nong o v e r n m e n t a l organisation committed to the commemoration and the memorialisation of the life of the Leader who led

Guyana to Independence, “is left with no alternative but to join forces with the true democrats of Guyana in the struggle to reclaim their rightful space and entitlements as citizens of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.”

Alexander told the newspaper that the contents of the exhibition were essentially independence photos with the first portrait being Guyana's two iconic leaders Burnham and Dr. Cheddi Jagan entitled: 'Where it all began'.

The pictures, he said, were of the 1966 Independence; the parade at the National Park, flag raising, the handing over of the Independence instrument, and the dignitaries that were in attendance, among others.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday May 25, 2022

Sophia man jailed for 18 years for raping teen

T

hirty-six-year-old Aduke Josiah, of Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was on Tuesday sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for raping a 15-yearold girl that was left in his care.

Josiah had pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on August 8, 2018, at Plum Park, Sophia, he engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16. In April, he

was found guilty of the offence and on Tuesday Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry in the Demerara High Court handed down his sentence.

According to reports, on the day in question, the teen was at home alone when Josiah forced his way into her room and had sexual intercourse with her. The young girl later told her parents what transpired and Josiah was arrested and subsequently charged.

Jailed, Aduke Josiah.

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Wednesday May 25, 2022

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Wednesday May 25, 2022

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Cop knocks out abusive taxi driver during fight - OPR launches probe The Office of Professional Responsibility of the Guyana Police Force is investigating a brawl between a traffic constable and a hire car driver, which led to the latter being knocked out with some heavy blows to face by the lawman.

The incident which was captured on video went viral on social media and on the various news outlets and showed the policeman who was on duty at Strand Road, New Amsterdam in the vicinity of the market, in a physical altercation with the driver of motor car HC 8428.

Kaieteur News was informed that on Monday 23rd May 2022 at around noon, Constable Walker was performing traffic duties on Strand Road when he noticed the driver of HC 8428, identified as Narine Ramdharry of Kortbradt, East Bank Berbice pulling over on a "No Stopping" sign that was situated on the western side of the public road.

Upon noticing that the man was

committing a traffic infraction, the policeman approached the driver and informed him of the offence he c o m m i t t e d , h o w e v e r, t h i s reportedly annoyed the driver and he began hurling expletives at the traffic rank. Constable Walker reported that owing to the way the driver was behaving it raised suspicion that he may have been under the influence of alcohol and to be cautious, he asked the driver to step out of the vehicle.

The driver reportedly refused to do so and began "revving his vehicle."

The constable reported that because of the driver's behaviour, he attempted to remove the keys from the ignition to prevent him from driving further in the state he was in.

However, as the policeman attempted to remove the keys, Ramdharry shoved him several times and dealt him several jabs to the head and face.

The Constable in retaliation, fired back punches at the driver,

eventually pummeling him to the ground where the driver was dealt more punches to the face. In the video that circulated, several persons who were nearby rushed to the policeman and broke up the fight.

The Constable and the driver of the car were both medically examined for injuries and treated.

The matter is presently being investigated by the Region Six branch of the OPR. Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken has since registered his dissatisfaction with regard to the incident and has assured that an investigation will be conducted in an effort to "mitigate against this type of behaviour."

He also appealed to the public and the police to be cooperative saying: "the police [do] not and cannot operate in isolation, thus the need for partnership and cooperation between the police and the public."

The Policeman and the taxi driver during the altercation.

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday May 25, 2022

Essequibo woman Porter feared dead celebrates 105th Birthday after boat mishap

d.

adfor

Br cretia

u

Ms. L

The Methodist Church Guyana District has extended birthday blessings to Ms. Lucretia Bradford who celebrated her 105th birthday on Tuesday.

Lucretia was born in the year 1917 to James Bradford and Christina Grant in the village of Cullen, Essequibo. She was known to many as “Sister Baby” and “Baby Bradford”, as she was the first of four children.

Lecretia attended the Abram Zuil Methodist School, and in her mid-twenties, she left Essequibo and resided on the West Bank of Demerara for a few years before

returning to Essequibo and starting her own family.

She bore four children, Edward (deceased), Randolph, Sheila and Yvonne.

Ms. Bradford is the grandmother to 30, greatgrandmother to 75, great-great grandmother to 10 and great-great-great grandmother to six.Ms. Bradford is well-known for her skills in preparing home remedies and herbal medicines- a task she no longer performs but is still always willing to share her knowledge whenever needed. May God continue to enrich and sustain Ms. Bradford as she presses on.

A photo taken of the Devil Hole Landing with a section of the rapids in the background.

Feared dead after boat capsizes, Roberto Kelson

A

search party is currently combing the Cuyuni River at Devil Hole in the Region Seven District looking for a 27-year-old porter who disappeared on Sunday after the boat he was in capsized in the rapids.

Missing is Roberto Kelson also known as, “Cari Cari” of San Martin, Venezuela. Based on reports received by Kaieteur News the boat mishap took place in the afternoon hours.

Kelson's relatives said that he had left his home in San Martin to work at Devil Hole on fuel boats.

They did not expect that it would be the last time seeing him alive.

Kaieteur News was told that on Sunday he and a few other persons were crossing the rapids in a boat heading to a shop at the Devil Hole Landing when the outboard engine suddenly stopped.

The strong current from the

falls caused the boat to capsize.

While others made it to safety, the strong currents reportedly took him away and he was not seen again.

Many have already given-up hope that he is still alive and are expecting only to find his floating body.

His friends who spent the final moments with h i m b e f o r e h e disappeared were left in a state of shock at how quickly his life might

have been snuffed out.

One of them posted on their Whatsapp Status, “RIP (rest in peace) friend, a hour before we were gaffing and laughing and minutes later you were gone and can't be found up to now”.

A family member described him as a jovial person. That individual in a Facebook post stated, “I cannot believe it cousin, you gone away. I will always remember you. I will forever miss your jokes and pranks”.

Wednesday May 25, 2022

Local companies struggling to get in on oil contracts ...owners complain about late payments, bundling of services

By Davina Bagot

M

inister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat has put oil companies on notice that the Government of Guyana will not tolerate the shortchanging of citizens in their own country after it was brought to the attention of the administration complaints of unfair competition and other i s s u e s i n t h e i n d u s t r y.

He made these and other remarks on Tuesday as the ministry hosted the first consultation on the Local Content Legislation, passed in D e c e m b e r l a s t y e a r.

Bharrat listed a number of issues he said are raised with him daily, while signaling to the oil companies present that it would be a hard task to "fool us". He reminded that while he is aware of the fact that they are here to make a profit, it is of equal importance that Guyanese benefit in the process.

To this end, he explained that local businesses have complained that oil companies have been bundling services for catering, security, garbage collection and other technical offshore support systems as part of one contract. This, Bharrat said, has been posing significant challenge to locals, as they are burdened to offer a service they are not registered to. In fact, this often lends to the oil company failing to achieve the local content targets. To ensure that the breach of the fresh law is not the outcome, the Minister urged that the practice be stopped.

Another sore issue that has been particularly stifling local businesses, is the late payments from oil companies for services already provided.

Bharrat pointed out that foreign companies have been failing to pay locals in a timely manner, with some payments taking as long as four months.

He explained that it is the practice here in Guyana for companies to be paid shortly after completing jobs so as to ensure the business has the resources required to start new projects. On the other hand, he said that while some companies (Continued on page 31)

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Wednesday May 25, 2022

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Suspect in Kescia Branche killing freed Hours after the trial commenced for the murder of 22-year-old school teacher, Kescia Branche – the man who was charged for the crime was freed of the

...as key witness fails to show up charge after the prosecution was unable to locate the key witness.

The battered body of Branche was discovered unconscious at Louisa Row,

Georgetown, on November 5, 2017. The woman was rushed to the Georgetown

Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where she remained without regaining

Matthew Munroe consciousness and subsequently succumbed on November 7, 2017.

On Tuesday morning, Matthew Munroe, 52, of Diamond East Bank Demerara, was arraigned in the Demerara High Court before Justice Sandil Kissoon for the murder.

Munroe pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on November 5, 2017, he murdered Branche, a teacher of the Richard Ishmael Secondary School.

The prosecution was expected to call three w i t n e s s e s t o t e s t i f y, including the key witness.

H o w e v e r, o n Tu e s d a y afternoon, when the matter continued the prosecutors indicated to the court that they were unable to locate the key witness.

In response, Justice Kissoon explained that since the prosecution could not locate their key witness to testify – then there will be insufficient evidence in the (Continued on page 28)

Murdered, Kescia Branche

Wednesday May 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Order coming to real estate industry ...realtors set-up steering committee to guide industry as legislation looms

By Rehanna Ramsay

A

n interim s t e e r i n g committee has been set up to guide the drafting of legislation geared toward regulating the standard practice for the real estate industry in Guyana.

On Monday, members of the committee were selected during a stakeholder meeting at the Tower Hotel, Main Street Georgetown. The meeting also served as a consultation exercise for dozens of local real estate

agents and companies who gave their input on regulations and standards for operating in the industry.

The members of the interim steering committee included: Ramkumar Jewanram, Stefan John, S t a n l e y Wi l l s , S h a r i a Bacchus, Steven Persaud, Ryan Gomes, Rashawna Alleyne, Rosh Khan, Peter Abai, Pete Persaud, Nicola Duggan, Melissa Khan, Komal Ramnauth, Chief Samsair, Alfred Mentore, and Aleem Hussain.

Real Estate Broker

Ramkumar Jewanram who chaired the meeting explained that the establishment of the committee gives realtors and real estate brokers a chance to build relations among themselves, consult and have an input in the rules which will help guide the sale of properties. “This was set up so that we can have a form of entry into the field not as it is now; where anybody can buy a licence for roughly GYD $40,000 and operate a real estate agency in Guyana. We are moving away from that so

Members of the newly formed interim steering committee for real estate agents in Guyana. that everything can be done in a more uniformed manner,” he said.

“We see the need to regularise, we see the need for education and

certification, we see the need for a body that members can be held accountable to that is a disciplinary committee, an ethic committee and a compliance committee…”

Mr. Jewanram continued, adding that consultations towards drafting a real estate bill which will bring a legal structure to the real estate (Continued on page 30)

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Wednesday May 25, 2022

Suspect in Kescia Branche killing...

From page 22 case against Munroe. As such, he directed the jury return a formal verdict of not guilty against Munroe.

The taxi-driver was being represented by a battery of lawyers including attorney-at-law Dexter Todd and Dexter Smartt, while the State was being represented

by Prosecutor Abigail Gibbs, Taniesha Saygon and Mohammed Ali. On December 5, 2017 Munroe was charged for

Branche's murder.

Kaieteur News had reported that Munroe was detained after returning from an overseas vacation.

He had reportedly travelled on vacation to the United States of America (USA) around the same time that Branche was found unconscious at Louisa Row, Georgetown.

The police had impounded his vehicle, which had sustained damage, and had a missing

bumper.

Munroe had claimed that he had driven into a pothole on the East Coast of Demerara – but was reportedly unable to show police the location.

It was reported that Branche's injuries appeared to be consistent with those inflicted by the impact of a vehicle, and a post mortem later revealed that she succumbed to brain hemorrhage, caused by blunt trauma to the head.

Wednesday May 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday May 25, 2022

Companies must get court order to repossess goods...

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.

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

From page 15 purchase in Guyana is governed by a common law where you pay a sum of money monthly, as rent towards the purchase price. When the final purchase price is paid, the customer then becomes the owner of the item. For example, the Minister said, under the current legislation, if you buy a car on hire purWANTED chase and you miss the final One experienced female able payment because of an unbodied sales clerk. Tel: 225- foreseen circumstance, the 2313, 226-1497. company has the right to re1 experienced housekeeper possess the item. to work in Providence, age 40. Tel:697-0157.

Female for general domestic From page 12 with cooking skills, age 25- her response to the FAO. 45yrs. Contact: 652-9616.

In another letter, sent by 1 planner/moulder operator,1 the environmentalist to the woodmizer operator. Con- Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, she pointed out tact:264-2524. that no less than a “well-studMale & Female to work in fac- ied” approach would be retory. Apply to R.P's Ent.Area quired to reach the concluK Le Ressouvenir E.C.D. sion that oil and gas activities Tel: 220-2818. did not impact the decline in Driver salesman & porters, fish catch as reported by attractive salary. Call:661- fisherfolk.

For instance, the environ1000. mentalist shared that in an 1 trainee washing machine & Environmental Impact Asrefrigeration technician. Call sessment (EIA) ExxonMobil or whatsapp: 660-8905. and partners submitted to the One experienced female Government of Canada for a Sales Clerk. Tel: 225-2313, permit for the Flemish Pass Exploratory Drilling Project 226-1497 and Eastern Newfoundland Offshore Exploratory Drilling Programme in 2019, the oil

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

possessed from you,” the Attorney General had underscored.

In the meantime, the landmark Hire Purchase Bill 2020 has been committed to a Special Select Committee of the National Assembly. The Committee has begun its work but wishes to receive from members of the public, individuals and organizations their views on the Hire-Purchase Bill.

The Committee has therefore, extending an invitation to members of the public and

organizations to forward written submissions of their views on the Bill no later than Monday, May 30, 2022.

It is advisable that the submission should address specifically those segments of the Bill that are of interest to you or your organization.

Copies of the Bill could be obtained from the Parliament Office, Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown or via the Parliament Offices' Website: https:// www.parliament.gov.gy/.../ hire-purchase-bill-2020

FAO says “rapid study”, available data determined low... 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.

“There is no information in any document submitted

by ExxonMobil 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.

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 fresh water that was responsible.”

Contract signed for four-month audit of US billions...

From page 8 foreign companies on the review committee, the Minister explained, “The technical company is needed because our local auditors might be very familiar with the auditing (of) basic expenses (such as) fuel, meals, transportation, but when we are talking about jumpers and risers and Christmas trees, FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel)and these technical terms obviously they will need that kind of

technical knowledge and expertise onboard to assist them to have a thorough exercise being done.”

He added that there will be new arrangements for future audits even as the government seeks to conduct annual and even bi-annual cost reviews for ExxonMobil.

As part of the agreement signed on Tuesday, local agencies will be trained to undertake the technical reviews in the future. For instance, on-the-job training

Cleaner,Time keeping,Tool issuing clerk,2 security (night & day).Contact:621-6969/ From page 23 615-7784. industry. He emphasised that Maid to cook and clean for as long as the real estate secEast Bank area.Call:615-9132 tor is regulated, its members Security Officer.3 CXC,3-5 yrs will be obligated to do their experience.Must have police job with professionalism. clearance,2 recommenda- “Right now there are a lot of irregularities happening and it tions. Call:225-7517. is as I would call it the wild, Lifeguard.Must have water/ wild, west where anyone life safety course,CPR license, could buy a licence, but in police clearance,2 recommen- time we will all come together dations. Call:225-7517. under one umbrella as a body,” he said.

For a Receptionist, Hotel AtOver 200 persons function tendant. Tel: 231-0951, 227- in real estate in Guyana. On 7714, 640-0673.

May 10, 2022, several members of the real estate industry met with the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall SC, to discuss legislation that will govern the real estate sector.

The Attorney General noted that the real estate sector is one of those that Guyana

has an obligation to regulate by way of legislation under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) law and therefore the request was seen as a timely one.

Upon the completion of the meeting with the Attorney General, a subsequent virtual meeting was held with the aim of reaching all other realtors to combine efforts in submitting a comprehensive proposal for the model real estate legislation.

During that meeting, a short-term interim steering committee was established to: 1) expedite the process of submitting the legislation and to, 2) form one unified association that is built on pillars of inclusivity and fairness for all.

While the proposed leg-

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The Bill that will be laid in the National Assembly will offer a number of protections to customers before businesses can exercise their right to forfeit the item.

“This Hire Purchase Act will put a stop to that and protect the interest of the hirer because the law as it currently stands, is tremendously harsh and leaves no remedy to a defaulting hirer.

This Bill offers some form of protection and when you pass a certain number of payments, the item cannot be re-

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.

will be had with the staff of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and other agencies, with the objective of enhancing local capacity.

This newspaper had reported that due to the nation's failure to conduct cost audits within the two-year deadline prescribed in the Stabroek Block Agreement, Guyana has no choice but to allow ExxonMobil's subsidiary,

Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), to recover all stated costs for its Liza Phase One and Two Projects. Both initiatives total approximately US$9.5B. Under the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) inked with EEPGL—ExxonMobil— and their partners, the Guyana Government has up to two years to audit and query the spending had by the US oil major, failing which, the bills would have to be paid, as is.

Order coming to real estate industry...

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islation is being prepared for submission to the Ministry of Legal Affairs, it is important to note, that key components of the proposed legislation will include: A code of conduct for real estate agents and brokers, the formalization of the current transaction process with enhancements, greater protections for buyers, sellers, agents, and brokers, and the creation of a state-run real estate authority which will oversee key issues such as real estate training and certification, and the process for implementing cures for real estate issues.

It is also proposed that an association be formed by a democratic process to elect the Executive Management Team based on its membership.

The association will also

offer different tiers of membership, as it aims to be inclusive to involve all players in the real estate industry.

The committee has invited submissions of the proposed legislation and explained that it will be reviewed and approved by the Government after consulting with the sector before it is taken to Parliament.

The interim steering committee hereby requests feedback and participation from all real estate agents and firms.

This feedback will be compiled into the proposed legislation which will be submitted to the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

All questions and contributions should be submitted via email to Real EstateAssociationGY@gmail.com

by May 27, 2022.

Wednesday May 25, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Local companies struggling to get in on oil...

From page 21 can wait for several months to be paid, they are sometimes told that issues were encountered with the invoices, thereby forcing a longer waiting time or double the time for payments, even though the glitches in the system were not their fault.

The Minister urged the foreign companies to set a timeline for the processing of payments which will otherwise result in the 'death' of local contractors, effecting unfair competition as well.

While addressing another matter that was brought to his attention, he lamented the fact that foreign companies have been using "middlemen" to hire employees which creates a blurred or inaccurate representation of the number of persons employed, as it seeks to meet the local content targets.

“What we have been seeing recently is companies going through manpower agencies. Now we don't have a problem with you going

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat through manpower agencies but if you are going through manpower agencies you have to go through the Local Content Secretariat,” Bharrat said, while adding that the foreign companies have been employing Guyanese to say the 75 percent managerial staff requirement was met. It has been discovered however, that this does not reflect the total staff complement as others are being hired in by the

manpower agencies or recruitment firms.

Bharrat told the oil companies that government does not wish to amend the legislations to resolve these issues, while pointing out his disappointment on the "bad faith" shown by some companies. He was keen to note, "We have no issue with manpower agencies…the issue is if companies are not actually been reporting to us their full

complement of staff…and some companies have been trying to do that so that they can satisfy the requirement with the local content legislation.”

“When you do that you are shortchanging Guyanese in Guyana. You are shortchanging the people in their own country. So I'm saying that because the government of Guyana will not tolerate such behaviour…we are willing to work with any company but we must do it in good faith and we must do it in a manner that is a win-win situation and not somebody trying to out-win the other,” Bharrat warned. Yesterday's consultation gave local businesses as well as the foreign companies an opportunity to share some of their concerns regarding the Local Content Policy with the goal of discussing measures to address same. The issues highlighted by the Minister during his presentation had also been raised recently by the local private sector bodies.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday May 25, 2022

COVID-19 kills six-month-old baby

...45 new cases recorded Tuesday With an increase in new infections over the past weeks, the Ministry of Health on Tuesday revealed that a six month-old baby boy from Region Six who contracted the novel Coronavirus (COVID19) disease, has died. The baby boy is now reportedly the eighteenth child to have passed away from the virus since the pandemic started.

As a result of this, the country's COVID-19 death toll has moved to 1,232.

Via its daily dashboard, the Ministry reported that within the last 24hours, 45 new cases have been detected across the country. The new cases which now brings the total confirmed cases to 64,342 were detected in Region Four which recorded 23 cases, Region Six which recorded 11, Regions Three and Five which recorded three each, Region 10 which recorded four and Region Nine which recorded one.

The dashboard data states that four persons are now in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 22 are in institutional isolation, 515 are in home isolation and four are in institutionally quarantine.

Additionally, 54 persons have recovered from the virus within the past 24 hours taking the total recovery cases to 62,569.

Wednesday May 25, 2022

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Tears flow as Tsonga retires after Thomas-Dodd produces her longest throw since French Open defeat PARIS, (Reuters) - JoWilfried Tsonga gave Norway’s eighth-seeded Casper Ruud a run for his money in a tight French Open first round battle but predictably headed into a tear-jerking retirement with a 6-7(6) 7-6(4) 6-2 7-6(0) defeat yesterday.

The Frenchman, whose career had been hampered by multiple injuries in recent years, fought for almost four hours before bowing out in tears.

The court Philippe Chatrier crowd gave him a standing ovation as the 37year-old knelt on the red dirt after being unable to put up more of a fight because of

shoulder pain.

It was the latest in a series of physical problems that saw the former world number five drop to 297 in the ATP rankings.

Tsonga, one of only three men to beat Rafael Nadal, Novak Dokovic and Roger Federer when each was world number one and an Australian Open runner-up in 2008, had not won a match on clay in almost three years and there was no miracle on Tuesday albeit a lot of hope after a solid opening set.

The match started in front of a sparse crowd as most of the corporate seats were empty around lunch time, a recurring pattern at Roland

Garros where the food often trumps tennis.

Tsonga held firm, delighting fans with some well-executed drop shots as he made the most of his opponent’s early nerves.

The volume finally increased as the stands filled up after coffee time and Tsonga bagged the opening set following a tense tiebreak.

He saved break points in the fifth game of the second set but yielded under pressure in the tiebreak and it appeared he would bow out quickly after being overwhelmed in the third.

Backed by a buoyant crowd, however, Tsonga broke to love for 6-5 in the

Wednesday May 25, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Focus on the simple pleasures today, Aries. Don't feel like you have to search in far-off lands or engage in expensive recreational activities to find happiness and peace.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Focus on your creative mind. This is a very fertile time for planting hearty seeds that will be sure to grow up healthy and strong. You have the ability to be very prosperous, but it certainly won't come easily.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Motivation must come from within, Gemini. The only thing that can pull you out of bed is your inner drive and determination.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your mind should be quite clear today, and communication will go extremely well for you, Cancer. You'll find that you'll need very few words to get your point across.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Strong forces may be acting up and asking you to stand up a little straighter than usual, Leo. Keep your shoulders back and be proud.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Feel free to take the lazy route today. Don't lift a finger if you don't really have to. It may be hard to get others moving as well. You can prod all you want, but, ultimately, if people don't want to go, they aren't going to.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your thinking is steady and reserved today. You'll find that your mind is right in line with your ego, and you'll be able to accurately verbalize what's going on inside.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today is an excellent day for you to say exactly how you feel, Scorpio. Your thinking is sharp and clear. You'll find that once you start talking, you may never stop.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You might find that your brain is chugging along in the slow lane today, Sagittarius. It could even be gradually creeping over to the breakdown lane!

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You might find that words aren't the best way to communicate today, Capricorn.

Body language and the sense of touch and taste are much more effective.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Things are apt to get intense for you today, Aquarius.

There will be a lot of information coming your way, but it all won't necessarily be great. It seems that someone is putting a roadblock in your path, making it difficult for you to pass.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your head may be buzzing with activity, Pisces. It seems like the spotlight suddenly has been turned on. Your mind is on stage and your brainpower is being tested.

fourth, only for Ruud to level and force another tiebreak.

SHOULDER PROBLEM Tsonga had the physiotherapist on for a shoulder problem and he could barely serve in the tiebreak.

Once his ordeal ended, Tsonga, who won the 2017 Davis Cup with France, was greeted on court by all of his former coaches and his parents wearing a ‘Merci Jo’ t-shirt, as well as his children.

His former Davis Cup team mates Richard Gasquet, Gilles Simon and Gael Monfils also came onto the court to embrace him.

“It’s great day for me. The day when I say goodbye to my long-time companion. I’ve never looked back but now is the time to do it,” Tsonga told the crowd.

“I want to thank all the people who helped me achieve my dream of becoming a professional tennis player.

“Thanks to the French tennis federation and all my coaches who supported me even when I was extremely silly. I managed to be good amid the best generation of players and I’m happy about it.

“You have been an inspiration to me and many others,” said 23-year-old Ruud, who was nine when Tsonga beat his idol Nadal on his way to the final in Melbourne.

2019 to win shot put at USATF Throws Festival

Jamaican shot-putter Danniel Thomas-Dodd SportsMax - Jamaican shot-putter Danniel ThomasDodd was in scintillating form to win at the 2022 USATF Throws Festival in Tucson, Arizona on Saturday.

The 2019 World Championship silver medallist produced a season’s best 19.53m to win, her farthest throw since her 19.55 personal best and national record done in 2019, to win gold at the Pan Am

Games in Lima, Peru.

The throw was one of three in Thomas-Dodd’s series to eclipse 19m.

Canada’s Sara Mitton was second with 19.47m while the USA’s Jessica Ramsey was third with 19.38m.

Jamaica’s Ralford Mullings threw 63.75m for third in the Men’s discus behind the American pair of Sam Mattis (68.69m) and Andrew Evans (66.74m).

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday May 25, 2022

Medvedev puzzled by chance to claim No.1 ranking despite Wimbledon ban PARIS, (Reuters) - Russian Daniil Medvedev still yearns to play at Wimbledon next month and finds the situation “very strange” that he could climb to the top of the men’s rankings even if excluded from the grasscourt Grand Slam, the world number two said yesterday.

The ATP and WTA last week took away ranking points from Wi m b l e d o n f o l l o w i n g t h e organisers’ decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from participating in the wake of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, which Russia calls a ‘special operation’.

Medvedev briefly took over as world number one from Novak Djokovic earlier in 2022 and will be the highest-ranked player to miss out on the major.

Djokovic, who will lose the 2,000 points he earned by lifting last year’s trophy, is among many players who will be affected and could drop down the rankings, paving the way for Medvedev to overtake him.

“Very strange,” a smiling Medvedev told reporters when asked about him returning to the top of the rankings without even playing at Wimbledon. “I need to be honest.

“I’d be really happy to play Wimbledon. I love Wimbledon. I love playing on grass. I will play on grass (elsewhere) after Roland Garros. But if I cannot, (I’m) just going to prepare for the next tournaments and just follow what’s happening there.

“There are no points, I become number one. Well, great for me. If

there are points, I cannot become number one, I’m going to be gutted.

It is what it is. I cannot change some decisions, both about ATP and Wimbledon.”

The Wimbledon ban is the first time players have been excluded on grounds of nationality since the immediate post-World War Two era when German and Japanese players were banned.

ATP LOGICAL Russia and Belarus are banned from international tennis team competitions following the invasion but their players are allowed to compete as neutrals except at Wimbledon.

The absence of ranking points will reduce the world’s most prestigious tennis tournament to an exhibition event and Japan’s fourtime major champion Naomi Osaka

said on Monday that she was “not 100% sure” of playing at the Grand Slam.

“I’m not saying which decision is right, but at least so far in explaining their decisions, I found ATP just more logical,” Medvedev added.

Frenchman Benoit Paire said he found it absurd that Medvedev could become number one without playing.

“I’m sorry for Russia and Russians, but they are the ones causing all the trouble and all the ATP players are actually paying the price,” the former world number 18 said.

“Medvedev will be number one worldwide. This is absurd. We should actually take a position for all the players in the world, and it’s the opposite that is being done right

now.

“Yes, there is a war ... so there can be some sanctions that can be made. But ATP should defend the majority of players, not four or five players.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin says that he launched a “special military operation” on Feb. 24 to disarm Ukraine and rid it of anti-Russian nationalism fomented by the West. Ukraine and its allies say Russia launched an unprovoked war.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday May 25, 2022

PAGE 37

GCF President Dowridge eager to see the growth of cycling

By Zaheer Mohamed President of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) Linden Dowridge wants to see the growth of cycling across Guyana.

The GCF successfully hosted the Independence three stage event on May 14 and 15 and the Independence road race on the Essequibo Coast on Sunday last.

Akil Campbell of Trinidad and Tobago won the senior male category in both races. He clocked

an overall time of 7 hours 18 minutes 19 seconds in three-stage, while Walter Grant Stuart won the veteran’s segment with an overall time of 7:33.01. Arjoon Sookhai took the junior title in 5:58.15 and Clavecia Spencer won the female category.

In Essequibo, Campbell of Team Foundation, crossed the finish line in 2 hours 18 minutes 23 seconds, while Robin Singh took the veteran’s under 50 segment, Talim Shaw won the veteran’s over

50 division and Spencer was victorious in the female division.

Speaking with Kaieteur Sport yesterday, Dowridge said he would like to see the nursery programme get back on track and a velodrome so that fans can witness an entire event. “This will encourage more youths to take up the sport and this will help to put cycling back on track,” he added.

Dowridge stated that he would like to see more sponsors coming on board so the prizes can be more

lucrative. He explained that he was satisfied with the three-stage event and the race in Essequibo. “I would like to see the event in Essequibo continue and the Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle indicated of making it an annual event,” he posited.

Dowridge said he is looking at the possibility of taking races in Lethem, Bartica and Wakenaam.

“We have to work in spreading the sport across Guyana, not only in Georgetown and hopefully we can do that on a regular basis.”

He indicated that the GCF has shortlisted a team to compete at an upcoming U23 championship in Guadeloupe and they are waiting on a response from the GOA. On June 6 the GCF will be staging the Ballot Box Marty’s race in New Amsterdam.

Dowridge expressed gratitude to the Government of Guyana, National Sports Commission, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, The Guyana Police Force and the cyclists.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 38

Wednesday May 25, 2022

Semenya offered to show her body Namibia earn historic T20I series win after to officials to prove she was female successfully defending (Reuters) - Double Olympic 800 metres champion Caster Semenya offered to show her vagina to athletics officials when she was 18 to prove she was female, the South African middle-distance runner said in an interview with HBO’s Real Sports that aired yesterday.

Semenya, now 31, burst onto the scene in 2009 when she won the women’s 800m world title by a stunning margin hours after the sport’s world governing body said she would undergo gender verification tests.

“They thought I had a dick, probably,” Semenya said in the HBO Real Sports interview that aired at 10:00 p.m. ET (0200 GMT). “I told them: ‘It’s fine. I’m a female, I don’t care. If you want to see I’m a woman, I will show you my vagina. All right?”

Gender tests on Semenya reportedly showed the runner had no womb or ovaries but that she had internal testes, the male sexual organs which produce testosterone, and her levels of the hormone were three times that of a “normal” female.

South Africa’s Caster Semenya before the women’s 800m in Qatar, 2019.

Semenya has a condition k n o w n a s hyperandrogenism, which is characterised by higher than usual levels of testosterone, a hormone that increases muscle mass and strength and the body’s ability to use oxygen.

She took medication after the first ruling in 2011

by World Athletics - then the International Association of Athletics Federations - that all female athletes with hyperandrogenism had to medically lower their testosterone levels.

“It made me sick, made

me gain weight, panic attacks, I don’t know if I was ever going to have a heart attack,” Semenya told HBO Real Sports. “It’s like stabbing yourself with a knife every day. But I had no choice.

“I’m 18, I want to run, I want to make it to Olympics, that’s the only option for me.”

World Athletics lawyer Jonathan Taylor, speaking during the HBO Real Sports interview, disagreed with medical panels, including t h e Wo r l d M e d i c a l Association, that

condemned the sport’s governing body for requiring women with differences in sex development (DSDs) to take drugs to compete.

“You say medically it’s not healthy for me, then my question back to you is: ‘Why do the world’s leading experts say that that is what we would prescribe?’” said Taylor.

Semenya fired back: “Jonathan must cut his tongue and throw it away. If he wants to understand how that thing has tortured me, he must go and take those medications. He will understand.”

In 2020, Semenya lost her appeal to the Swiss Federal Tribunal to set aside a 2019 Court of Arbitration ruling that female athletes with high natural testosterone levels must take medication to reduce it.

She had approached the tribunal after CAS, sport’s highest court, ruled that the r e g u l a t i o n s o f Wo r l d Athletics were necessary for athletes with DSDs in races ranging from 400 metres to a mile to ensure fair competition.

NBA: Tatum stars as Boston Celtics level series with Miami Heat Jayson Tatum returned to form as the Celtics bounced back in the play-off final. (Getty Images) (BBC Sport) - Jayson Tatum rediscovered top form to help the Boston Celtics level their Eastern Conference play-off final with the Miami Heat.

The Celtics forward, 24, scored 31 points in a 102-82 win that levelled the best-of-seven series at 2-2.

Tatum’s display included eight rebounds and five assists and was a significant improvement on his return of 10 points in the Celtics’ defeat on

Saturday.

“You feel like you let your teammates down,” he said of his game-three tally.

“I think I do a really good job of sleeping it off regardless if I had 10 points or 46 points. I’m a big believer that you can’t change what happened. I didn’t doubt myself.”

Game five of the series takes place in Miami today.

The Celtics started quickly on their

home court to lead 29-11 after a quarter and they built on their early success with Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Robert Williams III, Derrick White and Payton Richard all reaching double figures.

Celtics coach Ime Udoka said: “Nobody scored in double figures among the Heat starters. We obviously set the tone right there.

“We have a prideful team and one of the best defensive teams in the league.

We came out in the right mindset.”

127 against Zimbabwe Craig Williams made 48 for Namibia.

(Associated Press)

ESPNcricinfo - Namibia have won their first T20I series against a Full Member after beating Zimbabwe by 32 runs in the deciding fixture of their five-match series, which was locked at 2-2 entering the final match.

In the finale, Namibia defended 127, only the second time in the series that a total that was not successfully chased, by bowling out Zimbabwe for 95, their second-lowest T20I total.

In the process, Namibia have underlined how they have risen to become Africa’s second-best team, after South Africa, which has seen them attain automatic qualification for the first stage of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, have not competed at a T20 World Cup since 2016 and missed out on the 2019 edition after the temporary suspension of their board.

They are due to host the qualifiers in July for the 2022 edition and have organised fixtures against Namibia and Afghanistan to prepare. So far, the signs are that they have much improving to do, particularly in their batting.

Zimbabwe were without regular captain Craig Ervine for this match and missed his experience, especially after Wessley Madhevere, their leading batter in the series, w a s d i s m i s s e d e a r l y.

Madhevere was the first wicket to fall, lbw to Jan Frylinck, who bowled standin skipper Regis Chakabva with his next delivery.

Zimbabwe were 23 for 3 and slipped to 54 for 5 when Bernard Scholtz bowled Richmond Mutumbami.

Tony Munyonga, who made his comeback in this series after last playing in 2019, put up some resistance with a 31-ball 28 but when David Wiese dismissed him in 17th over, Zimbabwe were all but defeated. They lost their four wickets for seven runs and were bowled out inside their 20 overs.

Gerhard Erasmus finished with the best return among the Namibian bowlers: 2 for nine.

It was not always that grim for Zimbabwe having pulled Namibia back from 79 for 4 in the first 10 overs to allow them to score only 48 runs in the last 10. Despite a strong start, Only veteran opener Craig Williams scored more than 20 as Zimbabwe’s seamers and spinners shared wickets between them. Brad Evans took his first T20 wicket when he had Michael van Lingen caught behind before Luke Jongwe struck twice to remove Jan Nicol LoftieEaton and Erasmus.

Sikandar Raza and Madhevere took two wickets apiece and conceded only 33 runs in their eight overs to keep Namibia quiet. In the end, Frylinck’s 15 and Ruben Trumpelmann’s 14ball 19 at No.7 and 8 respectively proved the difference between the two sides and will leave Zimbabwe with several questions about their strategy and personnel ahead of the T20 World Cup Qualifiers.

Scores: Namibia 127 for 8 (Williams 48, Madhevere 2-15, Jongwe 2-16) beat Zimbabwe 95 all out (Munyonga 28, Erasmus 29, Frylinck 2-25) by 32 runs.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday May 25, 2022

PAGE 39

2022 TATA IPL: Miller, Pandya power Titans into finale T

he Gujarat Titans (GT) marched into the finals of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 campaign with a 7-wicket win over the Rajasthan Royals (SRH) yesterday at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

David Miller stepped up to the challenge and scored an unbeaten 68*(38) which powered Gujarat Titans to a successful chase and a place in the finals.

Chasing 189 for a place in the finals, GT lost Wriddhiman Saha’s wicket in the first over after the wicket-keeper batter was caught behind off Trent Boult’s bowling.

Matthew Wade and Shubman Gill negated the pressure of an early wicket as Wade was in attacking mode after smacking five fours at the top.

Gill took Ashwin to the cleaners after the opener clubbed two fours and a six as GT were placed at 64-1 at

David Miller roars after hitting 6, 6, 6 to secure a final over win alongside Hardik Pandya. (BCCI)

the end of the powerplay.

A confusion in the middle led to the run-out of Shubman Gill which brought an end to the dangerouslooking partnership.

Skipper Hardik Pandya was out in the middle but GT lost another wicket after

Wade holed out to the deep off Obed McCoy’s bowling.

David Miller joined skipper Hardik in the middle as GT were 97-3 at the 10-over mark.

RR added pressure after conceding only 17 runs in the next three overs. Pandya

played a release shot against Ashwin while Miller dispatched his first six as GT required 50 off the final five overs.

The 150 was up for GT as Miller and Pandya took calculated risks to get GT closer to the target. Miller whacked a maximum straight down the ground to bring the equation down to 23 off 12.

Miller reached his halfcentury in the penultimate over before the left-handed batter wrapped the chase with three sixes in the first three deliveries of the final over.

Earlier, RR were put in to bat first by GT. Jos Buttler was off the mark with two well-timed fours in the first over. However, RR lost Yashasvi Jaiswal’s wicket early after the opener was caught behind off Yash Dayal’s bowling.

Sanju Samson was immediately on the move after the RR skipper clobbered three sixes inside the powerplay and RR were 55-1 at the end of the six overs.

The fifty partnership was up between Samson and Buttler but Rashid Khan kept things tight from one end after conceding eight runs in his first two overs.

R Sai Kishore put an end to the partnership after Samson was caught at longon for 47 and RR were placed at 79/2 at the 10-over mark.

Buttler was joined by Devdutt Padikkal, who

cleared the ropes against Sai Kishore to bring up his first maximum as the duo kept the runs ticking.

GT skipper Hardik Pandya provided the next breakthrough after Padikkal dragged the delivery on to the stumps.

The half-century was up for Buttler after the opener added four fours against Yash Dayal in the 17th over and was given a reprieve.

Buttler, with luck by his side, added three more fours in the 18th over while Shimron Hetmyer was caught in the deep in the next over, bowled by Shami.

Buttler was run-out in the final over, not before the RR opener hammered a six each against Shami and Yash Dayal. A confusion in the middle led to the run-out of Riyan Parag before RR reached to 188/6 at the end of 20 overs.

Brief Scores: Gujarat Titans 191/3 (David Miller 68*, Hardik Pandya 40*; Trent Boult 1-38) beat Rajasthan Royals 188/6 (Jos Buttler 89, Sanju Samson 47; Hardik Pandya 1-14) by 7 wickets. (IPL)

GFF celebrates first black international player Andrew Watson West Indies Championship

T

he Guyana F o o t b a l l Federation (GFF) paid tribute yesterday to the legacy of Guyana-born footballer Andrew Watson, who was born on May 24 in 1856 and is widely credited as being the first black player to perform at international level, the first professional black footballer and the first black football administrator.

Watson, the son of a Scottish plantation owner and a Guyanese mother, left Guyana as a child and went on to study at school in northern England and London before attending the University of Glasgow in Scotland.

The football pioneer played and administrated for several clubs in England and Scotland, including Scotland’s biggest club at the time Queen’s Park – helping them to win two Scottish Cup titles in 1881 and 1882.

He was capped three times by Scotland, twice as captain, including a 6-1 victory over England in 1881, which remains a record home defeat for the Three Lions, and a 5-1 win

Andrew Watson

continues today in T&T

T

over Wales.

“We salute the memory of this incredible son of the soil,” said GFF President Wayne Forde. “ A n d r e w Wa t s o n ’s pioneering achievements on the field of play and in his professional life provide an inspirational example for all of us – they remind us that anything is possible through hard work and dedication.”

“We are proud to share this legacy with our partners at the Scottish Football Association (SFA), and look

forward to working together to create a permanent and meaningful platform of initiatives in honour of this true Guyanese – and Scottish - legend,” Forde added.

As part of an ongoing capacity building partnership, under the UEFA Assist banner, the SFA has conducted an online coaching programme for GFF technical staff and coaches.

Watson passed away at the age of 64 in London on March 8, 1921.

h e 2 0 2 2 We s t I n d i e s Championship continues today in the Twin Island Republic with the fourth round of matches in the 4-day Tournament that is allotted to be completed on May 28.

Guyana Harpy Eagles will oppose the Jamaica Scorpions at the Diego Martin Sporting Complex, Barbados Pride take on the host, Trinidad and Tobago at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba and Windward Island Volcanoes tackle the Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain. All matches are scheduled to bowl off at 10:00 hrs on each day. The Harpy Eagles, Hurricanes and Scorpions were all clinically victorious in the third round against the defending champion Pride, T&T and Volcanoes, respectively. For their efforts, advancing a step closer to the top of the table was a great reward.

Barbados marginally occupies the top spot on the points table with 47.2 points ahead of the Leeward Islands, who have 46.4 points.

The host nation is third with 43 points while Guyana is fourth with 41.4 points.

Jamaica leaped out the cellar position and are

on 29.6 points while Windward Islands are last with 15.6 points.

Meanwhile, as far as individual performances go, Guyana’s Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Gudakesh Motie, T&T’s Yannic Cariah, Barbados’ Shai Hope, LI’s Kieran Powell and Jamaica’s Brandon King were the new centurions added to the list.

The West Indies captain also added another century in the round to his mammoth double century of 276 which he scored against the Scorpions. He still heads the runs scoring list with 469 runs from 6 innings at an average of 93.80.

In second and third are Powell and his Hurricanes team mate, Devon Thomas, on 366 and 338 runs, respectively.

For Guyana, among the top 15 batsmen this season includes Chanderpaul (230), Motie (176), Anthony Bramble (167) and Chandrapaul Hemraj (149).

In the bowling department, Jeremaih Louis picked up eight wickets in the last round to stand atop the bowling ranks with 14 wickets while Veerasammy Permaul, Anderson Phillip and Marquino Mindley all have 13 wickets each.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 40

Chelsea: Premier League approves takeover deal from Todd Boehly consortium (BBC Sport) - The Premier League has approved the £4.25bn takeover of Chelsea by a consortium led by LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly.

The league says the consortium has passed its owner’s and directors’ test.

The Premier League club was put up for sale before owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned over his links to Russian president Vladimir Putin.

The purchase remains subject to the Government issuing the required sale licence. The final stages of the transaction will then need to be completed.

The government does not want Abramovich to make any proceeds from the sale but sources are optimistic about a deal being finalised last night.

“We now believe everyone will be ready to issue the necessary licences” said one insider.

“The last remaining hurdle boils down to a number of final technical details that are being discussed with the club.”

Earlier this month the deal had seemed close to collapse over concerns proceeds would not reach good causes as promised by Abramovich.

Abramovich denied that he had asked for his £1.5bn loan to Chelsea be repaid when the

Fraser-Pryce, Miller-Uibo, Sturgis to clash over 200m at Prefontaine Classic Diamond League meeting Saturday

Boehly has attended Chelsea’s recent Premier League games. (Getty Images) club was sold.

Several parties expressed an interest but Chelsea agreed to sell to the Boehly-led consortium earlier in May. The consortium is led by Boehly but Clearlake Capital, a Californian private equity firm, would own a majority of the shares in Chelsea. Other investors include US billionaire Mark Walter, also a co-owner of the LA Dodgers, and Swiss billionaire Hansjoerg Wyss.

Chelsea have been allowed to continue operating under a special government licence which expires on 31 May.

Giro d’Italia: Hirt wins stage 16 as Carapaz has overall lead cut (BBC Sport) - Czech rider Jan Hirt claimed a first Grand Tour win with victory over a tough mountain stage as Richard Carapaz saw his overall lead of the Giro d’Italia cut to just three seconds.

The 202km stage 16 from Sala to Aprica had three category one climbs and was seen as one of the toughest stages.

Hirt finished seven seconds clear of Team DSM’s Thymen Arensman.

“I’ve had a few problems during the stage. My chain dropped, I cramped, but I never gave up,” said Hirt.

“I’m glad I managed to go solo. I always said that my biggest achievement would be to win a stage at the Giro d’Italia and I could stop after that, but I won’t stop now.”

Hirt, from the Intermarche-WantyGobert Materiaux team, had been part of the main breakaway group, before attacking on the final ride up the Valico di Santa Cristina.

Australian Jai Hindley - who had come into the stage seven seconds behind in the overall standings - brought the rest of the chasing group home, with Ineos Grenadiers rider Carapaz among them.

Hindley’s third place saw the BoraHansgrohe rider pick up crucial bonus seconds which moved him closer behind Ecuador’s Carapaz in the battle for the maglia rosa leaders’ jersey. However, Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates) now sits 44 seconds behind having been unable to respond on the final climb, which saw him lose time to his general classification rivals.

Carapaz said: “It’s been a hard stage and at the end I’m happy. I thought I was going to win the sprint for third place. I eventually

Wednesday May 25, 2022

Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will headline the 200m.

SportsMax - Tokyo Olympic 200m finalists Shaunae Miller-Uibo and ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce go head to head in the 200m at the Diamond League Meeting in Eugene, Oregon on Saturday in what promises to be an epic clash that will also feature World Indoor 60m champion Mujinga Kambudji.

The Bahamian speed queen will be making her outdoor 200m debut against a very strong field that will also include compatriot Athonique Strachan, who has been in good form this season, following a lifetime best 10.99 over the 100m and 22.55 over 200m in Kingston in late March.

Fraser-Pryce, who broke 22 seconds for

the first time last year and finished fourth in the half-lap sprint in Tokyo, has run 22.79 this season easing down 50m from the finish line and could be looking to go much faster this weekend while she decides whether to take on the sprint double at the World Championships this summer.

Two-time USA 200m champion Jenna Prandini ran a personal best of 21.89 at the USA trials last year and will be hoping to replicate that time when she goes up against this field that will also have 2021 NCAA Champion, who has run 22.40 so far this season. The field is completed by the promising Brittany Brown, Tamara Clarke and Dezerea Bryant.

Badosa, Pegula victorious in straight sets; Tiafoe earns first French Open win

Paula Badosa

Jan Hirt finished 12th overall in the 2017 Giro d’Italia. (Getty Images) didn’t, but it’s still a good day for me.

“I’ve lost a few seconds on Hindley, but I gained more on Almeida so the balance is positive.” Stage 17 runs over another 168km of mountain terrain from Ponte di Legno to Lavarone, with the 21-stage race concluding in Verona with a time trial on 29 May.

Associated Press PARIS — Third-seeded Paula Badosa needed just 54 minutes to beat wild-card entry Fiona Ferro 6-2, 6-0 at Roland Garros.

The 24-year-old Badosa lost only two points in the second set as she looks to build on her run to the quarterfinals at last year’s French Open.

Jessica Pegula also reached the second round with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Qiang Wang of China.

The 11th-seeded

American led the second set 5-1 before Wang fought back. Pegula finally clinched it on her 10th match point.

A quarterfinalist at the Australian Open, Pegula reached the final of the Madrid Open earlier this month, losing to Ons Jabeur in three sets.

Frances Tiafoe finally earned his first victory at the French Open on his seventh attempt.

The American beat Benjamin Bonzi 7-5, 7-5, 76 (5) for his first win at

Roland Garros after six firstround defeats.

The 24th-ranked Tiafoe converted just five of 23 break point opportunities against his French opponent but advances to a secondround match against David Goffin of Belgium.

Tiafoe reached the fourth round at the U.S. Open in both 2020 and 2021.

The 24-year-old American first lost at Roland Garros in 2015, then failed to qualify for the tournament the following year.

Wednesday May 25, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 41

CWI Regional First-Class C/Ships

Harpy Eagles’ title hopes still alive, but top order must step up

By Sean Devers in Trinidad In association with WD Hotel & Mall Charity & Dave’s West Indies Imports On the back of a thrilling T20-like five-wicket win over defending champions Barbados Pride in the last game, Guyana Harpy Eagles face Jamaica from today in Diego Martin in the fourth round of the CWI Regional First-Class Championships.

In the late afternoon sunshine at the Oval, Guyana were set 68 to win from 13 overs but at 41-5 in 10 overs, they were making a mess of the chase.

T a g e n a r i n e Chanderpaul, dropped down to number seven due the nature of the chase after scoring the slowest FirstClass ton by a West Indian batter (by balls) in the first innings, joined his level headed Captain Leon Johnson and together they saw their team to victory with six balls to spare.

Chanderpaul, the unlikely hero, smashed a cameo unbeaten 23 from just 10 with four boundaries, one of them, a magnificent scoop from outside off stump to fine-leg, while Johnson kept his composure as the required run rate increased.

Johnson was on 14 from 23 balls at the end to spark unadulterated celebrations from his teammates and Guyanese fans far and wide.

None of the top order got‘big scores’ after getting good starts, apart from Chanderpaul who made a marathon undefeated 140.

And it took lower order batter, Gudakesh Motie, one of nine batters to score 10

centuries so far, to help Guyana to their latest win by helping them to 490-7 declared.

A one-wicket win against the Windwards was followed by an innings defeat to Leewards but despite their most recent win, Guyana remains fourth going into their penultimate game on 41.4 points from two wins and a loss behind leaders Barbados (47.2), Leewards (46.4) and T&T (43.3) Of the six teams, Guyana (4.4) has the least fast bowling points, even though Keemo Paul and Nail Smith shared seven wickets in Barbados second innings and the hardest decision could be if to replace pacer Demitri Cameron, who had an inauspicious debut against Barbados, especially in the field, with off spinner Kevin Sinclair.

It is confirmed that Anthony Bramble, who retired hurt against Barbados after being struck on his wrist, is ready for today, while Vishaul Singh, who missed the last game due to illness, has passed a battery of tests and should replace Akshaya Persaud.

The last time three Guyanese top order batters scored centuries in the same innings was in 1998 against T&T at Enmore, when Shiv Chanderpaul, Clayton Lambert and Carl Hooper got tons. Chanderpaul Hemraj must understand this is four-day cricket and that a boundary studded cameo will not win games, while Johnson and Singh, both with Test experience, needs to be consistent like Test Captain Kraigg Braithwaite.

Braithwaite is the leading run-scorer with 468

Veerasammy Permaul is Guyana’s leading wicket-taker with 13 scalps.

(Sean Devers photo)

runs with two tons (270 & 111) from three matches.

Tevin Imlach, who kept well in the absence of Bramble, also got 53 but needs to put more value on his wicket.

The batting continues to be the biggest worry as it is being left too often to the lower order to contribute with the bat if Guyana is to post a big score.

The Harpy Eagles’ bowling attack has generally been impressive; bowling out the Bajans twice after they were asked to followon. As has been the case for the last six seasons, left-arm s p i n n e r Ve e r a s a m m y Permaul is Guyana’s leading wicket-taker with 13 scalps, one behind Leewards’ pacer Jeremiah Louis.

Keemo Paul has worked

hard on getting back to full fitness and its showing.

During his four-wicket haul he sent down 10 overs on the trot in sweltering heat.

Like Paul, Motie has 11 wickets, but his trajectory and the pace at which he bowls, needs to be discussed with Head Coach Crandon, his assistant Hercules and even Manager Albert Smith, who has been Guyana’s most successful U-19 Coach, winning consecutive titles from 1992 to 1997.

Smith, the spearhead of the pace attack looked hot and cold, bowling with real pace in the first session but struggled for pace and control in his second and third spells.

The Guyanese will not be affected by the West Indies tour to the Netherlands and

GCB Female Under-19 InterCounty T20 Tournament 2022 Play in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Female Under-19 Inter-County T20 tournament starts today and continues until Saturday at the Everest Ground. Here are the fixtures: Date Time Matches Venue Wednesday May 25, 2022 0900 hours - 1300 hours Select X1 vs Demerara Everest Wednesday May 25, 2022 1330 hours -1730 hours Essequibo vs Berbice Everest Friday May 27, 2022 0900 hours - 1300 hours Select X1 vs Essequibo Everest Friday May 27, 2022 1330 hours -1730 hours Demerara vs Berbice Everest Saturday May 28, 2022 0900 hours - 1300 hours Essequibo vs Demerara Everest Saturday May 28, 2022 1330 hours -1730 hours Berbice vs Select X1 Everest

Keemo Paul looks back to full fitness as he contributes with both bat and ball.

(Sean Devers photo)

Pakistan since only Romario Shepherd, who is in the IPL, has been selected.

The Harpy Eagles took a rest on Sunday while their practice session was held yesterday morning.

Jamaica are fifth with 29.6 points with a win and two losses and will be hurt by the absence of one of their two centurions (Campbell being the other) Brandon King. Like King, Nkrumah Bonner, has also been selected for the West Indies ODI team and will also be unavailable leaving a gaping hole in their middle order.

Jamaica’s batting will be dependent on the experience of Opener John Campbell and Jermaine Blackwood, while Paul Palmer and Leroy Lugg will need to contribute significantly as Jamaica, no longer with a shot at the title, plays for pride.

The bowling should be spearheaded by Derval Green, Nicholson Gordon, Jamie Merchant and Marquino Mindley.

Harpy Eagles’ best scenario of winning their 13th title is T&T beating Barbados, the Windwards beating the Leewards and

Guyana beating Jamaica, leaving final round clash between T&T and Guyana at the Oval, a virtual final. But that’s all conjecture.

The reality is that the team from the Oil-rich Guyana on the South American mainland must defeat Jamaica with maximum bonus points before thinking about the final round.

Jamaica won the first of their 11 Regional four-day titles in 1969 but has not won since 2012 when their fiveyear winning streak was broken by Barbados.

Tamar Lambert was captain from 2008 to 2011 while Chris Gayle won in 2012. Barbados (1976-1980) and Guyana Jaguars (20152019) are the other teams to win five consecutive titles before Barbados broke Guyana’s streak in the last tournament.

Johnson was captain for every year of Guyana’s winning streak making him the most successful Regional First-Class Captain.

Today’s matches are scheduled to commence at 10hrs with the forecast predicting cloudy skies.

CWI Regional First-Class C/Ships

Harpy Eagles’ title hopes still alive, but top order must step up

rts Spo

A lot is expected from Tagenarine Chanderpaul. (Sean Devers photo)

Leon Johnson must lead from the front with big scores.

(Sean Devers photo)

Respective winners with their accolades following the race in Essequibo on Sunday. (Zaheer Mohamed photo)

GCF President Dowridge eager to see the growth of cycling 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.