Kaieteur News

K

Friday Edition US High Court AIETEUR NEWS judges reject Exxon's motion to dismiss climate change lawsuit May 27, 2022 - Vol. 24 No. 24

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 73,615

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

p. 13

“Join us now and stand

up for a fair deal for Guyana, a fair deal for …as Int'l activists start global campaign the planet” ahead of Liza 1 Permit renewal THE HOUR OF $$ DECISION IS NIGH! The Liza-1 Permit expires next Tuesday, May 31st. The clock is ticking away. Our national leaders, President Irfaan Ali and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, should by now be aware of what will be beneficial for Guyanese. Guyanese want a greater share of revenues from Liza-1. OR NO RENEWAL. Guyanese must get more from Liza-1, OR NO MOVEMENT ON RENEWAL. President Ali, and Mr. Norton

must fully support this. They should use the application for the renewal of the Liza-1 permit to reclaim some of our oil birthright which has been stolen by Exxon.

The international experts have outlined, in the sharpest, clearest terms, how Guyana has been shortchanged financially and environmentally. They have also urged our leaders to USE THE LIZA-PERMIT RENEWAL AS A GAME CHANGER, SO THAT G U YA N A R I G H T F U L LY

BENEFITS. This opportunity must not be spurned. Exxon has played hardball with Guyana for its own benefit.

It is now Guyana’s turn to be tough and determined and to capitalise on this golden opportunity. President Ali and Opposition leader Norton must demonstrate their patriotism.

They must strike while the iron is hot. Fortune favours the brave. This must be their finest hour.

China's outreach Man collapses and to pacific islands dies in vehicle angers West after ordering fuel …as Australia warns of growing security threat to the reg.

at gas station

13 contractors bid Abusive 3 children lower than Engineer's husband perish in $8M estimate for shot dead Mocha fire AG's parking shed by police

Guyana now spending EIA Gas-to-Energy excessively more than project now at ...Financial Analyst says Govt., ExxonMobil it earns must open up their books to the public EPA for approval

PAGE 02

Kaieteur News

Friday May 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

Friday May 27, 2022

PAGE 03

“Join us now and stand for A Fair Deal for Guyana, A Fair Deal for the Planet” ... Int'l activists launch global campaign ahead of Liza 1 permit renewal

By Zena Henry

W

ith about 5000 signatures within a matter of hours, global nonprofit organisation, Avaaz has joined the fight for a better oil deal between Guyana and petroleum giant ExxonMobil.

Given that the operating permit for Exxon's first oil field Liza 1 expires next week, May 31, 2022, international advocates and environmental activists have increased momentum to support Guyana in its call for a better financial deal from its oil endowments, as well as adequate protection from environmental and other negatives arriving from the country's offshore operations.

During an important Avaaz hosted webinar on Tuesday last, representative, Martyna Dominiak said that organisation had launched a campaign 48 hours earlier asking its members globally to send in messages directly addressed to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA')s Executive Director, Kemraj Parsram, to ensure more benefits for Guyana through the bargaining of the Lisa 1 permit's renewal.

Dominiak said on Tuesday that since the campaign was launched (on Sunday), Guyana had received support with some 4,600 signatures coming in from countries as far as Uganda, Qatar and Guyanese in the Diaspora. The signatures have since increased.

These messages will be delivered directly to Parsram's office. Dominiak said that the campaign supporting Guyana is a global one.

“We decided at Avaaz to launch it because it is very difficult for the people in Guyana to stand against Exxon alone. People are afraid of that and that's why we want to support them with the power of our global movements.”

Avaaz is a U.S-based organisation launched in 2007 that promotes global activism on issues such as climate change, human rights, animal rights, corruption, poverty, and conflict. Avaaz has been

Avaaz's Martyna-Dominiak during a climate change protest in Poland.

EPA boss, Kemraj Parsram will decide next week whether to renew the Lisa 1 well permit.

referred to as "the globe's largest and most powerful online activist-network with more than 70 million members.

The petition, which takes direct aim at the EPA head, says, “You can stop Exxon's oil bomb. ​Mr. Parsram, thousands of people around the world ask you not to grant Exxon a new environmental permit.

Don't sacrifice the future of the people of Guyana and all of us for the profits of a billion dollar company.”

The campaign also notes to its signatories that, “Kemraj Parsram, head of the

Guyanese environmental body, will decide soon whether to grant Exxon a new permit to continue this devastating operation. With thousands of messages from all around the world, we can encourage him to stand up for our planet. Write your encouraging, personal message to Kemraj Parsram now and Avaaz will deliver it directly to his office and social media he's using.”

Among the messages from signatories, Hart Feuer an associate Professor and researcher in Kyoto University, Japan urged Guyana to “reject any

unnecessary and overly optimistic claims by Exxon.”

He said fossil fuel projects are no longer necessary at the global level.

Margaret D. from the United Kingdom said she was born and raised in Guyana, “…and I am proud of my country.

Please don't endanger Guyanese and the world by granting Exxon this permit.

Don't sacrifice the future of

the people of Guyana and all of us for the profits of a billion dollar company.”

Art R. from the United States said that he spent decades drilling in oceans around the world.

“Drilled in neighbours Venezuela & Trinidad and Tobago and I have witnessed the pollution Exxon leaves in its wake.

I am ashamed of having been part of it. Offshore

drilling produces massive amounts of greenhouse gas and ocean pollution.

PLEASE resist the siren call Exxon is whispering to you; for your own sake and the planets!”

Tracy P. from South Africa said to the EPA executive, “You are in a powerful position right now as you hold the future of your country's marine life in your hands. I'm asking you to be courageous and do the right thing. Exxon don't need to pump this oil at such a cost to your country. You can be a champion of clean energy, which will encourage future generations to do the same.”

Sunday's call against ExxonMobil is Avaaz's third online petition regarding Guyana, having launched one in February and March of this year.

The February petition highlighted that drilling offshore Guyana threatens the country, the Atlantic Ocean and the entire Caribbean.

Apart from the damage oil from Guyana can contribute, Avaaz noted that (Continued on page 16)

PAGE 04

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

Kaieteur News

Friday May 27, 2022

Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.

Guyanese abroad question police EDITORIAL top brass about safety and Food and security in Diaspora Units meeting

I

Water

t is part of standing convention, a settled aspect of political and diplomatic protocol. That is, to speak in strange ways to send strong messages. This is precisely what the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley made sure that she did with some words that she articulated directly to Guyanas President Irfaan Ali. It was on the occasion of the inaugural Agri Investment Forum gathering held in Guyana (KN May 20), and PM Mottleys words were: “…to do what you have done in the last 18 months is nothing short of phenomenal and let me say my friends that we have suspected it but we know it; food and water are as important or more important than oil.”

Politically speaking that was well said for it obeyed the nuanced etiquette of both leadership and diplomatic comportment. There is much embedded within that little kernel that the Barbadian PM shared with a look at her Guyanese counterpart.

As could be interpreted, the PM went out of her way to couch her introductory words with the smooth, some would say even the syrupy. But having paid courtesy to leadership necessity and diplomatic courtesy, the hammer came down in one unerring arc. It is worth repeating that strike to the jugular, which was nothing but a subliminal message that we hope did get through to our own President. To repeat PM Mottleys words: “Food and water are as important or more important than oil.”

We totally agree, and are certain that most Guyanese would not disagree. Oil is important, and it is comforting that we have it in huge quantities since it could represent so much that is positive and beneficial for this poor society.

But that is only one side of the oil story, when it is handled right by those political leaders put in charge of it, elected to deliver the best for all Guyanese from its presence and its mouthwatering wealth. The other side of the oil story is that it cant be taken by mouth. It cannot be eaten or drunk; it can do many things, has been transformed to make many good things possible, but it cannot perform the miracle of replacing food, it is not a substitute for water.

This fits neatly with what some Guyanese voiced in their way to a British newspaper called The Guardian, when they said that “you cant eat infrastructure….” In an indirect way, the subtle manner of skilled political practitioners, this was what the Barbadian PM put before her Guyanese host.

Her choice of time and place could not have been more immaculate, for this was, after all, an assembly for agriculture, and in deference to the hospitality of her host, her words though gentle had a piecing quality about them.

They had to have registered with anyone, regardless of how thick they may be, or tone deaf or resistant they are to Ms. Mottleys careful words and phrasing, which should require little to no translation at all. There could have been no better centre, no more appropriate chamber, than an investment Agri Forum to make that point and to sound a beautifully muted alarm over what should be the foremost priority.

Agriculture with its roots in the Latin agricola, is about the farmer and farming, and the products of such activities that can be put on a table, and taken from there. A barrel of oil is a lovely thing to own, and a billion barrels still lovelier. But it cant wash and prepare, it cant be eaten, it cant be drunk, no matter the sophistication with which it is refined. Light and sweet is for iron and machines, and some other remarkable byproducts, but after those its utility comes to an end. It is not food, it is not water.

As we interpret this, it is more than about diversification, and evading the disease and curse that are the unruly and uncontrolled children of oil. It is about the kind of leadership that genuinely, and as a matter of principle, balances maximising the prizes of oil, while pursuing what sustains citizens, what energizes and inspires them, oil or no oil. It is food and water, and at the ready.

DEAR EDITOR, Overseas Guyanese peppered the Police top brass with questions about safety and security in the recent Diaspora Units zoom meeting. About 165 persons from different countries joined the meeting, and there were more questions than answers, as time ran out before all questions could be addressed.

C l e a r l y, G u y a n e s e abroad are following very closely whats happening in the homeland. The Government says it wants Guyanese abroad to return to Guyana and has organized these connection meetings. It is not known what success the effort is yielding. The foremost consideration for Guyanese being asked to come back home to Guyana is whether Guyana is safe and secure or am I coming back to be robbed or killed?

So, it was not surprising that after listening to the Acting Police Commissioner for 80 minutes of presentation that almost all the questions were about safety and security of Guyanese if they were to return.

I must note that I wrote a letter on May 21, 2021 (SN),

“The Diaspora website is woefully outdated,” but very little has changed since, despite promises that they were working on a new website.

Links do not work, the news is from 2019 including Mr. Grangers news, some ministry links do not work, etc. Its hard to work with these Government people who ignore good advice, and do not follow up. You wonder if these people really care about diaspora engagement or whether they are just looking for proGovernment supporters.

Here are some questions posed and comments made

by Guyanese abroad to the Police Commissioners team: Will Police give some priority for Diasporans to acquire firearms, since they carry a bullseye on their backs? If I want to remigrate to Guyana to open a business, is it possible to apply for a firearm Licence from the Consulate Generals office in Canada, and have the Licence approved before going to Guyana?

Can the Commissioner address the processing time for a Firearms Application since I have had to file a New

Application after being told that the First Application was lost in the system. In the West Coast Berbice unrest, some Indian diasporans going to the airport were pulled out of vehicles and brutalised and their vehicles burned. Why did the Police not charge anyone although there were lots of videos identifying the perpetrators? This failure to act is not a drawing card for Diasporans to return and be involved. How about more cameras in the regions, which are rural? Spend money to put up more cameras all over the regions.

Thats a greater priority than a stadium in Berbice. Many crimes have been solved because of video footage from private homes.

Subsidise security equipment and remove VAT. Why have the top brass of the Guyana Police Force stopped holding regular press engagements where questions can be asked about pressing and unsolved matters? If the objective is to be transparent and informative, shouldnt these press engagements be resumed? In the past these engagements were very constant and informative.

Now the top brass seems afraid to face the press.

What are your recruitment and retention strategies for hiring a competent diverse workforce?

What enforcement strategies are in place to combat speeding, loud distractive noises from boom box playing at very high decibel, unlicenced drivers, drunkenness? Many loved ones are losing their lives.

W h a t i s t h e Commissioner of Police and his team doing to stop bribery and corruption in the police force? If fighting crime is a PPP priority, why is the Police lab not properly equipped to do simple testing such as cyanide test? Why is it we always read that samples have to be sent abroad? We can develop those capacities especially if we get more funds from renegotiated oil contracts?

Can the Police do DNA testing now?

Do you have a modernization technology roadmap to consolidate criminal data into a single repository for traceability and near real-time of (Continued on page 5)

Friday May 27, 2022

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

GTUC calls for a govt. that watches out for workers and vulnerable in society DEAR EDITOR, The 56th anniversary of Guyanas independence finds a very divided nation- a society dangerously drifting from its motto, “One People One Nation One Destiny.”

Hopelessness, despair and fear are everywhere. One would never have expected that any indigenous leader or group would have thought about taking this country down a pathway of division,

after coming so far, having overcome so many obstacles.

Who would have thought an indigenous leader would have brought us back to this, where any section of this society would be bare facedly denied opportunity? We cannot continue living and coexisting like this.

Discrimination and marginalisation anywhere are threats to people everywhere.

If the international community, and our Caribbean brothers and

Guyanese abroad question...

From page 4 criminal intelligence and reporting? The bicycle bandits, motorcycle bandits creating havoc. Needs to be a specific plan for this type of crime. Cameras strategically placed have been helpful.

Spend more on cameras.

Encourage businesses to use security systems. Why would they not see that as important?

We dont have enough vehicles, and Govt. giving away the oil income to the oil companies. Dont you think renegotiation of oil contracts and resources for security and safety are related?

Diasporans want to be able to trust that the Police will be professional, not take bribes, not giving you the run around, not playing favorites with money people or political people.

Continue to work on building that trust. If people contact you, return their call and answer their emails. Put your PR people to work. I contacted them on a matter no response.

I think this issue of communication-

accountability is systemic.

Many government agencies (past and present) seem to be handicapped by the absence of any centralized information system. I have worked in government where there is an information system called My Agent is used: it tracks what is reported, to whom, when it is scheduled for response etc. so that public accountability is enhanced.

This is perhaps a solution the government can consider generally, not just for members of the diaspora, but Guyanese home, who should be the foremost beneficiaries.

There needs to be a reinventing of Govt. in Guyana in all Ministries, agencies. The Police still uses the station book, I believe.

This is the information age.

Solutions are available.

Diasporans can help. Try to call a Govt. agency and see who would respond to you?

Not sure how serious the Govt. is about Diasporan engagement. Mostly talk, and you better be proGovernment.

Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall

sisters, remain silent and supportive of the atrocities happening in Guyana, making no attempt to even give this regime a tap on the wrist, they must know what happens in Guyana will not stay in Guyana. I say, it will ripple across the Atlantic and Caribbean waters and affect them via migration, trafficking and other cross border issues.

The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) reiterates the call for an approach to governance that is inclusionary and consistent with the Constitution of Guyana., universally acceptable principles, and human rights. Congress calls for a government that watches out for workers and the vulnerable in our societywhoever they are, wherever they are, and whatever they look like- even as it addresses the legitimate needs and concerns of the wealthy and well connected.

More than 56 years ago, the Trade Union Movementin fact from 1926- led the charge for the peoples right to self-determination and today asserts its commitment to inclusionary and sustainable approaches to governance; the protection, security and advancement of the people; and proper management of our resourceshuman, natural and manmade.

The undermentioned 10point represents the workers just demands to peacefully co-exist and thrive: 1.Implementation of the nation’s Political Objective to establish an inclusionary

democracy, as outlined in Article 13 of the Constitution of Guyana; 2. Old Age Pension to be pegged (at least) to the minimum wage established in the public service; 3. Return National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to financial viability + activate Unemployment Benefit to assist displaced workers; 4. Establishment of new wages/salary bands for Public Servants, Disciplined Forces + Teachers to reflect the new economy. The current bands are outmoded and should be discarded; 5. Realise Cash Grant as proposed by Professor Clive Thomas (i.e., $1 million to every adult Guyanese as a form of Direct Transfer from oil revenue); 6. Honour the Tripartite Committee Wage Agreement for private sector workers, as agreed to during the APNU+AFC administration; 7. Respect right to freedom of association and collective bargaining as enshrined at Article 147 in the Constitution of Guyana and which are among the first international conventions the Government of Guyana ratified in the immediate post independent period; 8. Respect the right to free education from nursery to university (Article 27Constitution of Guyana).

Cancel debts from students who took loans to attend the University of Guyana (UG).

Direct oil money to the indigenous education institutions (UG and Critchlow Labour College) that have played a pivotal role in bringing this country to

where it is now; 9. Equity in management of oil and gas as well as nonoil economies- Systems must be put in place to create opportunities for all, based on want, ability and interest; not race, political association, and other discriminatory markers.

Guyana needs an Affirmative Action Plan; 10. Political, economic and social justice for all Guyanese for there can be no societal peace when all are not treated as deserving.

Workers/citizens are reminded on this auspicious day that we could have only come this far because our

ancestors fought various battles to bring us to where we are today. We must honour them by continuing the struggle for freedom; for economic, social and political justice; for fundamental human rights; for equitable development.

Happy Independence!

Regards, Guyana Trades Union Congress

PAGE 6

Friday May 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

The peoples of this nation must rise from their perpetual slumber DEAR EDITOR , Fifty-six years of independence from colonial ruler Britain and Guyana is the subject of discussion in every major country in the hemisphere and the world.

This is because of thirty-one discoveries of oil within its economic zone, off the mainland of Guyana. These discoveries are replete with possibilities of catapulting the Guyanese peoples into a world of wealth, if this was to be managed in the best interest of our peoples. The peoples of Guyana, with the exception of our indigenous brothers and sisters, were either brought to Guyana as slaves or came sometime around May 1838 to seek better lives for themselves, following the abolition of slavery in 1834.

Given the background of the two major ethnic groups in Guyana, that is to say, one forcefully removed from their homeland Africa and enslaved for centuries, while the other maltreated and were despised members of Indias lower castes in search of a better life, the greatest seer would have predicted that these groups would have integrated easily, to achieve Guyanas dream, expressed in its motto “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”, so boldly adopted on May 26, 1966, when Guyana was proclaimed an independent nation.

The proclamation of nationhood was meant to bond the diverse peoples of Guyana into a unified nation.

However, through the years, selfish politicians have dug deep divides between our peoples, pitting the larger groups against each other. In recent times, political machinations have been bolder with clear economic alienation of a large percentage of the population, not perceived to be their supporters. In fact, our

chosen leaders, over the fiftysix years of independence, have squandered every opportunity to unify our peoples, towards the development of the Country, with the result of perpetual migration of skilled workers.

This resulted in bold misrepresentations by some politicians that most of the relocations occurred at the time of a thriving dictatorship that reportedly strangulated the people. Nonetheless, changes in leadership from that era to date has done nothing to stem the flow.

As racial polarization intensified between the two largest groups, discrimination (even from the seats of Governments), supplemented and compounded by poor wages and issues surrounding occupational health and safety became identified as the major reasons for the mass exodus, mostly to the developed world, where our peoples tirelessly pursued better lives for themselves and generations to come.

Poverty dispelled Peace and tranquility in the new era and heightened crime became the new watchwords, as economic pressures were visited upon the people.

There has also been a reduction in job security, because of political intervention into workplaces and an escalation of deprivation and poverty.

Contrarily, in 1993 the Guyana Government endorsed the existence of this scourge and committed to address its alleviation. However, to date there has been an abysmal failure to do so, with the result that poverty has become more widespread, being selfevident by the increasingly atrocious number of beggars and homeless persons, countrywide.

Our peoples, who remained at home, have been tirelessly used as political

pawns to seat new governments in the name of “democracy.” Successive Governments, after taking the oath of office, have taken unconstitutional paths towards their own selfish desires and in the process have implemented programmes and systematically squandered the countrys resources without plans, research or involvement of the people.

For example, our politicians now parade as angels bearing gifts, where work or revenue is doled out as though a political favour, apparently in exchange for the sanctity of future votes. Also, they have used political clout to desecrate the proper functioning of independent constitutional offices and manipulate outcomes and processes set to achieve transparency and fairness.

Some Constitutional Heads appointed by them lacked moral fiber to uphold truth and justice, while others have had their tenures cut short, because of daring to stand strong to desired values.

There are the so called “Guardians of Democracy” that cheer on our leaders even when these undermine democratic obligations and/or constitutional requirements.

These “Guardians” exists only to give lip service to the existence of democratic norms, but care little about the presence of real democracy.

They willingly subscribe and make excuses for lawless and unconstitutional conduct of our leaders, while our peoples struggle. The people are made to subsist on starvation wages and slave-like conditions, while politicians live like kings and wantonly misrepresent the Countrys situation and inveigle their minions with perks to secure their support.

To ensure wider support, some politicians play on ethnic weaknesses, subtly suggesting reasons for

political and other differences.

A notable example is the constant denial of improved conditions of service to Public Servants, the Countrys premier workforce, through the rejection of the right to collective bargaining, and the payment of starvation wages and salaries, instead of realistic wages and salaries, commensurate with current economic conditions.

Government most recently limited these workers to what amounts to a miniscule handout, while embarking on public funded political campaigns within its constituencies making political commitments to invest billions of dollars in these areas. As if this was not enough, it again approved a fertilizer grant for some 70,000 farmers that is expected to cost one billion dollars and cash grants of twenty-five thousand dollars to persons in riverine and hinterland communities, who had also benefitted during a similar payout in 2020.

This disingenuous and divisive methodology of Government is destined to create more disunity, tensions and disgruntlement among the peoples of Guyana, who cherish the Countrys independence, but are made to suffer immensely through the selfish schemes of Government. The systemic partitioning of the nation has had negative effects on the growth of Guyana, which despite its vast national resources, have seen little development over the fiftysix years of independence.

Again, the discovery of oil on our shores, militates against excuses for the failure to eradicate poverty and also works in contradiction of the payment of scanty national minimum wages.

Hence, the genuine practice of good governance, by whosoever is afforded the

Rapid study and available data DEAR EDITOR, The UNs Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a body I respect. Ms. Simone Mangal-Joly is a Guyanese who has earned my regard for her selfless and untiring efforts to shed light, get to the bottom of sensitive things that trouble. As I consider this FAO study, and what Ms. Mangal-Jolys writing(s) have led to, the air gets clearer, and it is not to the credit of the Government of Guyana.

This was what surfaced in the article titled, “FAO says “rapid study”, available data determined low fish catch not as a result of oil production”

(KN May 25). I term this the fine print of territory covered, and that could be possible, given those four finely tuned words: “rapid study” and “available date.” It is also relevant to include the disclosed time limit of the study, viz, 2020-2021, as was fleshed out by Ms. MangalJolys probing. I give my take on all three areas, which have more significance than they appear to at first glance.

First, “rapid study” means exactly what it says. To put objectively, it is an effort that looks at what is before it, gives a swift expert opinion, and quickly moves on. It is more of a consultation, than

a deep diagnosis, more of a referral, and not so much an expansive in-depth review. I hesitate to say it is a surface job, along the lines of a hurryup job, which is in deference to the FAO. To say differently, Guyana got what it paid for, and nothing else.

When something starts out with the understanding, or Terms of Reference (if so), that it is a “rapid study” then that condition is sufficiently restrictive to produce a certain desired outcome, unless matters are really that egregious, and obviously so.

Second, and I think that this is the killer: the FAOs quick fire study and still

unfinalised report is “as based on available data.”

Where fine print is concerned, there is nothing finer. In these circumstances, “available data” becomes loaded with meaning and menace. It can only be what the Government gives to the FAO. Available data can only be what the Government decides serves its objectives for the FAO to have and to study. In other words, the data made available to the FAO could have been subject to cherry-picking.

Such filtering could mean that the Guyana Government didnt think it necessary (Continued on page 30)

privilege to discharging that mandate, is paramount and persons afforded such privileges must at all times be held accountable to the people and be not above the law.

Cementing of the peoples has always been necessary for the development of robust national bonds as a durable basis for the advancement of the Country, not only economically, but also socially and structurally. In this regard, education of the peoples was seen as key to all forms of development and as such was availed to every Guyanese at no cost, from “Nursery to University.” As the political believers of this theory passed on, education within some levels began to carry price tags, including at the University level. This departure over the years must be revisited to guarantee all our peoples their educational needs.

Satisfying the nations educational needs would doubtlessly increase the national response to climate change and inform requirements for disaster preparedness. These are imperatives that would determine the Countrys future, given the facts that the coastland of Guyana is below sea level, in addition to the inherent risks in oil mining. In recent times, our leaders have taken a carefree approach to the imminence of both

threats, giving political manoeuvrings precedence.

This sad state of affairs poses dire risks, not only to our peoples, but also to our pristine environment.

While as a people we ponder on issues of governance that are real threats to our very existence, focus should also remain on the ravages of the coronavirus and other imminent biological threats, that also threaten our very existence as a people. Do everything to be safe and avoid the damning pitfalls outlined by the World Health Organization and Guyanas Central Board of Health.

Fundamentally, as a people, irrespective of our individual political beliefs and persuasions, our engraved mindsets must be Country oriented, whereby there is strength and independence to stand for what is just and right.

Our minds must dispel all things that threaten harmony and/or strive to make the achievement of the virtues of our national motto a myth. As a priority, the citizens of Guyana must strive for real unity, stand in defense of each other, recognizing that power resides in the people.

It is only with such unity that we the people can hold our politicians accountable for their acts. The disunity among our people (Continued on page 30)

The banking system in Guyana makes it hard for investors DEAR EDITOR, This morning I read an article written by Freddie Kissoon which brought back memories of my encounter with Scotiabank in New Amsterdam, Guyana.

I was in Guyana in January this year and I wanted to add my wife to my savings account at Scotiabank. Before I made my trip to Guyana, I requested information on the documents that I will need to add my wife to my account. I couldn’t believe that they wanted a reference letter from my US bank, Passport, Social Security, Income Verification.

Mind you, all I wanted to do was to add her to my account so that she can have access to my funds if she is there and I am not.

My wife is a retired teacher so I took documents regarding her retirement benefits and bank statements showing the monthly amounts that is deposited in

our bank account. I also took all of the other documents that they requested.

To make a long story short, they did not put her on my account because we did not have a current letter from her retirement company. So to hear that a member from the diaspora saying that the banking system is “backward”, I totally agree with that sentiment. I totally understand the issue with Money Laundering, however I cannot comprehend why any banking institution would require income verification just to add a spouse on an account that has already been established. If she was requesting a loan from the bank then that would have been a valid request. Sad to say, the banking situation in Guyana does not make it an attractive option for investors to pursue.

Regards, Kamta Ramnarine

T N U L B . . .

T B N U T L N B T .

U .

L .

L T B . .

N .

U N U T L N B .

U T . .

L N N U T B .

U .

N L U BL BLUNT. B . .

T .

T T N N U .

U L . .

L B .

T B . . . .

N .

T U T N N T U N U L L U B .

L B . . . .

B .

T . .

T .

N N T U N L LU U B .

N L . .

U B T No to Liza 1 .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B Permit RENEWAL T . .

U .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B .

T L . .

N B T . .

U .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B .

T .

U .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L .

B .

UN .BLUNT. L . .

B T . . .

N T U N L . .

U B T .

L .

B .

UN .BLUNT. L . .

B T . . .

N T U N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L B T .

U . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T . . .

LU ...BLUN B T . . .

N T U N L U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T .

U B . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T BB T...BLU U N L U B .

L . .

B .

T . .

N N T T L U U N L L U B U T...BLU B L . .

N .

B .

T . .

N T U N N N U L U U B L .

BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Friday May 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

Guyana has an opening next week to set things right with Liza 1.

The Liza1 Permit is up for renewal.

It must only be renewed under one condition: Guyana gets increased share, Guyana pays less in expenses and Exxon pays its taxes.

It must be this way and no other way.

No concessions from Exxon, No renewal of Liza 1 from Guyana.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Friday May 27, 2022

Abusive husband shot dead by police

By Shervin Belgrave

The police force's Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is currently investigating the death of an “abusive husband” who was on Tuesday shot dead by a police rank attached to the Ruimveldt Police Station.

The dead man identified as 30-year-old Deanraj Singh, also known as “Steve Singh”, was shot around 20:00hrs Tuesday in the Riverview, Ruimveldt area.

His body was found around 06:45hrs on Wednesday lying on a mudflat in the Demerara River by a fisherman.

According to a police report, Singh's reputed wife had called the Ruimveldt Police Station on Tuesday evening and reported that he

had gone to her Riverview home and beaten her. It was revealed that police ranks along with a neighbourhood police rank were sent to respond to the report and found Singh drinking with some friends at a house.

When Singh saw them, he reportedly ran into the house, jumped through a window and sprinted towards the Demerara River. The ranks along with the man's reputed wife reportedly followed.

One of the ranks claimed that he heard sounds coming from some bushes beside the river bank and when he pointed his flashlight in that direction he saw Singh with an object looking like a gun in his hand.

The rank said he then heard a loud explosion and reacted by pulling out his .38

revolver and shooting twice in Singh's direction. Singh, according to the rank, jumped and ran into the Demerara River. The ranks made checks for him soon after but he was not seen again.

The following morning, when a fisherman went into the river to repair his boat, he stumbled upon Singh's lifeless body.

Crime scene experts who visited the scene said that they observed a gunshot wound to Singh's abdomen.

Investigators found no firearm on Singh and had even made checks to see if he might have dropped it close by but did not find it.

Investigators, this publication has learnt, swabbed both Singh's and the officer's hands for

Police ranks at the area where the body of Deanraj Singh was found. (Photo Credit: Royston Drakes)

gunpowder residue.

The investigation that has been launched by the OPR is to determine if the police rank had in fact shot an unarmed man.

Singh's reputed wife told police that she had ended her relationship with him three years ago but he would still visit and abuse her regularly.

This was despite her having a restraining order against him.

Police in a report noted that Singh was no stranger to the law. He was previously charged with breaking and entering, larceny, assault and other offences. At the time of his death, there were arrest warrants out for Singh along with several other pending criminal charges.

Dead: Deanraj Singh, also known as “Steve Singh”

Friday May 27, 2022

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

Ali, like Burnham, will fail!

There is bald-faced attempt to suggest that Irfaan Alis Caribbean food security plan is a reproduction and reintroduction of Burnhams Grow More Food initiative.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Burnham could only spout rhetoric about Guyana becoming the breadbasket of the Caribbean. But in reality his attempts to revive the local agriculture flopped, more so after his disastrous record of the 1970s when food production declined, malnutrition and beri-beri increased and Guyana became financially insolvent.

It all began with his promise to Feed, Clothe and House (FCH) the nation by 1976. By the time that deadline came around the country was already in crisis and the FCH had collapsed.

The FCH plan was linked to import substitution which was then in vogue. Import substitution led to the banning of a number of items, including apples, grapes, sardines, and other food items.

The plan was to have these substituted by local produce.

However, agriculture production began to decline and the economy went into a tailspin after 1976. Not only did Burnham fail to feed the nation but per capita consumption of food items had declined.

According to Odeen Ishmael, the Guyana Consumer Association reported that in 1976 per capita consumption of poultry was a mere eight ounces per week;

eggs were 1 egg per person every eight days; fish, 14 ounces per person per week; beef, 4 ounces per person per week; and ground provisions, 5 pounds per person per month.

According to Ishmael, local food production fell short of its target vegetables by 2 million lbs., pulses and nuts by 6 million lbs., and fruits by 14 million lbs. Milk production also declined.

Burnham had hoped that cooperatives would be the vehicle for ensuring self-sufficiency. But this proved an abject failure. In an attempt to restore credibility to farming cooperatives as a model for food self-sufficiency, Burnham granted to Jim Jones of the Peoples Temple, some 3,800 acres of land in the interior.

After the Jonestown experiment ended in the world greatest human tragedy, Burnham found himself in a deeper morass. Food shortages wracked the country.

People had to queue for food.

Far from becoming the breadbasket of the Caribbean, Guyana soon became a begging bowl.

Trinidad is once again making an offer to procure Guyanas crude. In considering that offer, Guyana should remember when Trinidad bankrolled Burnhams acquisition of fuel, so much so that Guyana bankrupted the Caribbean Multilateral Clearing Facility which had allowed Caricom states to trade with each other in their own currency. Without Trinidads

help, there would have been fuel and food riots locally.

By 1982, the country was insolvent. By the end of the decade Guyana had been deemed non-creditworthy and a highly indebted poor country.

Burnhams revived “Grow More Food, and “Be Local, Buy Local” were attempts to stimulate the country declining agricultural sector. It was in response to severe shortages of foreign exchange shortages and thus the need to limit food imports.

Among the imports which were restricted was wheaten flour. Guyana could not afford to import this commodity and this began the highly unpopular emphasis on rice flour.

But Burnham had a slogan for every crisis. He came up with “Produce or Perish”. By 1983, for example, half of Guyanas children were deemed to lack proper nutrition, and the incidence of beri-beri (white mouth) had increased.

By 1985 the food crisis had not abated. The Working Peoples Alliance launched a Long Walk from Corriverton to Georgetown to protest the countrys food crisis. As such, even though Burnham changed course in the early 1980s he was never successful in his food security plans.

At the time Burnham died, the alarm bells had not begun to ring about Caricoms food import bill. Those alarm bells began ringing long after Burnham died.

There is therefore no truth to the claim that Irfaan Alis

Dem boys seh...

De Minista was in de wrang chair!

Life is ah strange thing. A few months ago, some local organisations bin up in arms when de CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) did suggest dat de Local Content Bill could be in violation of de CARIGONE Treaty.

Wan organisation seh dat if Guyana gat to come out of CARICOM we should come out. Another went to Liliendaal and ask CARIGONE fuh derecognise de organisation. Even de private sector claim dem nah represented in de CPSO. But time langer dan twine.

When people gat concerns yuh gat to listen and discuss dem concerns. Yuh gat to meet with dem.

De organisation meet with Prezzie last week in Guyana.

And dat is a good thing. It shows dat dialogue better dan lang distance jousting.

Dem boys nah know wat was discussed or wat dem agree pon. But news gan seep out eventually. Dat is how things does wuk.

But is one thing which dem boys nah understand. De picture of de meeting show de meeting in a rectangular for-

mation. De President sitting on de right and de Minista sitting to he left. But de protocol is dat de chief guest does sit next to de President when de meeting in a rectangular formation.

If dem bin meeting across wan table, de President does sit opposite de chief guest.

But in a rectangular formation de President does sit next to de chief guest and den de other seating is based pon precedence. De Minista therefore was in de wrang chair.

Talk half. Leff half.

emphasis on food security represents a reincarnation of Burnhams “Grow More Food” and “Be Local, Buy Local” campaigns. A key element of Alis plans is to help CARICOM reduce its food import bill.

Burnham had no such ambitions. He could not feed his own countrymen much less to feed the Caribbean.

Ali on the other hand is not seeking to feed anyone.

He is seeking to increase local food production and to penetrate the Regional mar-

ket. Prior to Ali, former Agriculture Minister, Robert Persaud, had launched a “Grow More Food” campaign during the food crisis after 2008.

Then it was emphasised that the PPP/Cs “Grow More Food Campaign (GMFC)” was different from Burnhams version. The PPP/C said then that its GMFC was an agricultural diversification strategy, expanding production and increasing market opportunities.

But like Burnhams food

plans, Alis food security plans will also fail. And the main reason is that Guyana appears now to be batting for Brazil rather than for itself.

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

Friday May 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Can replacement theory circulating in the US be applied to Guyana?

I

n an article of mine of Thursday, January 20, 2022 headlined: “Deadly parallel between Guyana and the US in 2022,” I quoted words from one of the world's famous names in journalism, Carl Berstein. I quote him once more: “The idea that the Trump base is some narrow group of white men with guns? Bullshit.

This is a huge movement including misogynistic women, including racists of every kind, but also including all kinds of educated people in cities and suburbs”.

I found those words to be uncannily applicable to Guyana even though I agree that American sociological system is vastly different from ours. But I believe in terms of the ethnic foundations of both societies, this one similarity as contained in my January 20th column has forceful validity.

This column here was motivated by an anonymous letter I saw in the Stabroek News of May 20, attacking

the First Lady for holding a cruise outing that carried an expensive price tag. The event was to raise money for charity. This is the second critical outlook on the initiative of the first lady.

The first was a Stabroek News editorial to which the columnist Peeping Tom did a trenchant rebuke (see my column of Wednesday, May 18, 2022, headlined, “Peeping Tom on the Stabroek News.”

Peeping Tom described the editorial as nasty. Even nastier was that anonymous letter. My interpretation of that publication was that the First Lady project was simply the occasion to attack the government.

Concentration on the event itself was less than 50 percent than on the chastisement of the government.

In my Tuesday piece (Tuesday, May 24, 2022, “This is either sheer PPP bashing, dishonesty or ignorance”) I looked at a guest editorial in the Stabroek News. The writer

condemned the outdated marijuana law. But no part of the article discussed the fiveyear-old, deliberate relegation of the changes to the law to the dust bin by the APNU+AFC regime.

The guest editorialist explained that the changes were not passed by the APNU+AFC government because of foot-dragging.

More than 50 percent of the argument was devoted to chastising the present PPP administration for not tabling the necessary amendment and there was a bitter critique of the new proposed amendment by the PPP government. The real purpose of that editorial was to take shots at the present set of rulers.

The letter writer withholding his/her name in the condemnation of the First Lady would make perfect sense so would be the guest editorialist. But who is the writer. That letter-writer either belongs to the usual suspects (TUS), the Creole Middle Class (CMC) and the political nouveau lumpen

(PNL). And who are the folks that make up these spheres?

To understand their motives, let's look at replacement theory which is gaining currency at a fast rate in the US among racist rightwingers. The police found documents that belonged to the killer that shot dead 10 Afro-Americans at a Buffalo supermarket in the US. The papers point to the killer's acceptance of replacement theory.

B r i e f l y, t h e t h e s i s espoused by White extremists is that there are concerted efforts by the Democratic Party, the liberal establishment, left-wing forces and non-white Americans to expand the population of the non-white races to minimise the numbers of White people in the United States. The objective is to make White people a minority.

How does replacement theory fit into Guyana's sociology? I repeat for the umpteen time on this page, such complex theorising and

historical outlines cannot fit into a newspaper column. What Frederick Kissoon follows then are j u s t m e r e the Indian dominated PPP mentions so readers can get a little since 1992. The shock defeat glimpse into the profound of APNU+AFC and shock transformation taking place return to power by the PPP in 2020 has left those classes in in Guyana.

I would isolate six events psychological tatters but not in this country's history as mental dormancy.

Since 2020, with support the most important. 1- The extension of the franchise from sections of the national t h a t l e d t o t h e 1 9 5 7 media landscape, those premiership of Cheddi classes have assigned Jagan. 2- The Wismar themselves the task of massacre including the Sun w e a k e n i n g t h e P P P C h a p m a n d i s a s t e r. 3 - government. How does Independence. 4- The 1975 replacement theory fit in d e c l a r a t i o n o f p a r t y here? From March 2020, a paramountcy. 5- The Buxton conglomeration of groups conspiracy. 6- The five has dedicated themselves to months of election rigging in the resuscitation of nonIndian entities with the 2020.

Briefly, the electoral eventual goal of bringing defeat of the PPP in 2015 was back non-Indian rule. Read a whirlwind reclamation of between the line dear power by the CMC and their readers.

(The views expressed in associates including Christian Indians and the this article are those of the Portuguese community. a u t h o r a n d d o n o t These classes were literally necessarily reflect the swept away from power by opinions of this newspaper.)

Friday May 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Friday May 27, 2022

13 contractors bid lower than engineer's $8M estimate for AG's parking shed F ollowing a recent invitation for bids to construct a parking shed at the Ministry of Legal Affairs and Chambers of the Attorney General's office, 13 out of the 14 contractors who responded, submitted bids lower than the engineer's $8,053,437 estimate.

The opening of bids for the project occurred on Tuesday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office.

At the opening, it was revealed that the 13 contractors submitted bids ranging from $6.5 million to $7.8 million. The bids for the project are as follows: Genesis General Construction - $8,217,279; Krishna Ramdeen & Sons Construction - $6,805,785; VMR Investment - $7,690,662; DR Engineering - $6,519,360; OB General Construction & Supply$7,800,000; Andrect Engineering & Construction - $6,995,940; AKP Contracting - $7,744,979; Modern

The current parking shed at the Ministry of Legal Affairs' office.

Engineering Supply & Services $7,391,843; K. Ramdial Construction & Services $6,708,502; Randolph Taylor Construction - $7,614,275; Rohit Persaud Construction Services & Lumbering - $7,217679; OG's General Service -$7,474,236; BM Property Investment Inc. $7,861,455; and Extreme General Construction & Supply -

$6,945,120.

Kaieteur News had previously carried an article stating that the estimated cost for the project is almost two times the cost for a turnkey home.

Sources had told this publication that the ministry is tearing down the old shed and is replacing it with a bigger one to accommodate more vehicles. The

source too had raised concerns about the cost of the shed and even called it “ridiculous.”

“Why would you build a parking shed for such a high cost, when people can't get houses?

Some persons have lands and can't even afford to build a house and you are spending $8M on a shed,” the source added.

It was also explained that the

current shed has a low roof that is damaging large vehicles. “But this could be easily remedied. Just raise the roof, why spend so much money on a project like this? It is not like it was earning the ministry anything…” the source pointed out.

The current structure is supported by at least 20 2×4 posts cemented to the ground and standing at an estimated height of at least 10 feet.

As the ministry embarks on this project, it should be noted that the money, which was stated as the estimated cost, can build a 20 by 30 foot turn-key home with inside toilet and bath facilities and still have a minimum of $3M remaining.

Responding to that article, the Attorney General Chambers in a statement had noted that a simple enquiry from the ministry or an examination of the bid documents would have provided the relevant information that the reporter (Continued on page 25)

Kaieteur News

Friday May 27, 2022

PAGE 13

US High Court judges reject Exxon's motion to dismiss climate change lawsuit O

n May 24, last the Massachusetts High Court unanimously rejected ExxonMobil's submission to dismiss a lawsuit against them in which it was stated that the oil giant misled consumers and investors about climate change and the dangers of using fossil fuels.

The court ruled that the oil giant must face a trial over allegations that it lied about the climate crisis, and even hid the fossil fuel industry's role in worsening environmental damage.

The lawsuit was brought against Exxon by Massachusetts Attorney General, Maura Healey.

Exxon called the lawsuit politically-motivated and claimed that it violated a state law protecting defendants from lawsuits designed to silence them.

According to a Guardian report, Healey's lawsuit accuses Exxon of breaking the state's consumer protection laws with a decadeslong cover-up of what it knew about

the impact on the climate of burning fossil fuels. The state also noted that the company deceived investors about the risks to its business posed by global heating.

Exxon claimed the lawsuit was in breach of legislation against what is known as strategic lawsuits against public participation, or S L A P P, u s e d b y w e a l t h y individuals and corporations to silence critics. Anti-SLAPP laws provide defendants a way to quickly dismiss meritless lawsuits—known as “SLAPPs” or “Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation”—filed against them for exercising their First Amendment rights.

The Massachusetts court ruled that anti-SLAPP laws do not apply to government cases. In fact, Justice Scott Kafker said that the statute protecting against strategic lawsuits against public participation only applied to private lawsuits, not government enforcement actions.

Massachusetts Attorney General, Maura Healey In 2019, Healey sued Exxon following a three-year probe, alleging the company misled consumers about the impact fossil fuel products had on climate change and deceived investors

about the climate-driven risks facing its business. Exxon denies the allegations and argues Healey brought the case to punish it for its political stances on climate change.

Healey is a Democrat running for governor and has called the decision "a resounding victory in our work to stop Exxon from lying to investors and consumers in our state.”

On the other hand, Irving, Texas-based Exxon has disclosed that it was assessing its next move.

Meanwhile, on a local front, Exxon is facing yet another court action on the issue of climate change.

Last year two citizens, through their lawyers, filed a case in the High Court against Exxon's Stabroek Block projects.

According to the case, which lists Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, SC, as a representative for the State, the High Court is being asked to determine whether Exxon's operations violate the

Constitutional right of current and future generations to a healthy environment.

The first applicant, Dr. Troy Thomas, is a Scientist and a University of Guyana lecturer. The second applicant, Quadad de Freitas, is a young man from the South Rupununi Region of Guyana, an area rich in biodiversity, now threatened by climate change.

According to Dr. Thomas: “Guyana is a carbon sink. The Guyanese people are not responsible for climate change, but we are already suffering the effects.

Climate change, ocean acidification and rising sea level pose existential threats to the people and State of Guyana. As a scientist, I urge people to look at the evidence and to face reality.”

The case refers to the overwhelming scientific evidence of the devastating effect of greenhouse gas emissions, pointing (Continued on page 28)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

57 new COVID-19 cases, 3 in ICU On Thursday, the Health Ministry reported that from 1,483 COVID-19 tests conducted, 57 new infections were recorded within the last assessed 24hour period.

The 57 cases – 24 men and 33 women – have now brought the total number of confirmed cases to 64,492.

The new infections, according to the Ministry's data, were detected in Region Four –39 cases, Region Two – four cases, Region Six – seven cases, Region Three – three cases, Region 10 – two cases and Regions Five and Nine – one each.

The dashboard data

shows that three patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 18 are in institutional isolation, 587 are in home isolation and one person is quarantined institutionally.

Within the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry, a total of 35 persons recovered.

Friday May 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

Friday May 27, 2022

PAGE 15

Guyana now spending excessively ...Financial Analyst says Govt., ExxonMobil more than it earns must open up their books to the public

By Gary Eleazar

T

he Government of Guyana and Esso Exploration and Production Guyana L i m i t e d (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana— must open up their books to the people of the country in order for them to obtain a better understanding of what is transpiring with its wealth.

This was the clarion call made by Tom Sanzillo, Director of Financial Analysis for the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) during an online media engagement to appeal to the local authorities, ahead of the expiry of the Liza I Environmental Permit on May 31, to produce oil from that field in the Stabroek Block.

Sanzillo was adamant that given the track record of the administration and the oil company since it first began operations should the Environmental Protection Agency renew that permit without financial and other reforms, then it was merely rubberstamping the demands of the oil operators.

According to Sanzillo, “the government of Guyana and Exxon (Mobil) must also open up their books so the public can better understand what is going on, if Guyana

simply approves the environmental permit without real changes to this deal it would have failed to protect the people of Guyana.”

Addressing the renewal of the permit directly, Sanzillo was adamant that should this be done with “no additional restrictions on environmental and climate related matters and no financial reforms will mean it's just another rubberstamp of oil industry demands on the country.”

He subsequently quipped “…it's one addition to a long list of contract abuses that are short changing Guyana.”

Qualifying his calls for g r e a t e r t r a n s p a r e n c y, additional restrictions and fiscal changes, he pointed to the fact that Guyana this year used up all of its earnings from the oil sector representing profit and royalty being used in the 2022 Budget.

“The new revenues touted by government officials and corporate officials cannot erase the fact that the cost of production is high and mounting…as we see it, every Guyanese resident is on the hook for about US$34B or US$44,000 (G$9M) per person.”

According to the Financial Analyst, the figures cited represent “the

amount we know is already owed and there will be a lot more if the production plans go forward as they seem to be.”

With this in mind, he noted that what each resident must pay “is bad enough and what we see in this year's Guyana budget adds insult to injury.”

Elaborating further, he told media operatives, “the government has been touting growing revenues from the oil field but the revenue had done not in fact help the country to achieve any of the goals it had agreed to with the International Monetary Fund.”

He reminded that in 2019 the IMF and Guyana had agreed to a series of goals that would dictate the way in which the oil money would be used.

According to Sanzillo, there were four key objectives agreed to namely, that the money in the Natural Resource Fund would be

Tom Sanzillo, Director of Financial Analysis for the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis used to help firstly close the deficit gap for the country, allow for some new spending, reduce the debt and contribute towards savings for future generations.

Setting a bad precedent

from the beginning, Sanzillo pointed out that based on their reviews of the first budget to be funded in part using oil revenues “the revenues did not close the deficit.”

He said new spending did occur with the Budget ballooning by 37 percent but it meant that Guyana also had to go out to borrow US$420M in order to fully finance the entire spending plan for the year. That spending, he said “is not sustainable.”

The new revenues, according to Sanzillo, did not reduce the national debt and neither was there anything left in the account as savings for future generations.

“So far Guyana has received some US$600M and the oil companies have walked away with an estimated US$3.6B tax free.”

Elaborating this point further, he noted that “for

every US$1 Guyana gets the oil companies get around US$6.”

He observed too that it was not just about how much revenue is coming in but how much the country is spending and “this year new spending exceeded the amount of new oil revenue, Guyana is spending more than it is taking in.”

Reflecting on Budget 2022—the first budget to be financed in part using oil money—Sanzillo noted that the first year of use is critical since it sets the precedent for how the money will be used in future “and all the precedence in this instance are bad; no deficit closing, excessive spending, increased debt, no contributions to the long term.”

To this end, the Financial Analyst concluded “it's a bad deal now made worse by bad management and that adds up to each resident owing US$44,000.”

Friday May 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

China's outreach to pacific islands angers West …as Australia warns of growing security threat to the region

C

hina has proposed a sweeping regional security deal with a number of Pacific Island nations, amid concerns from the United States and its allies including Australia about Beijing's expanding reach in the region.

The draft proposal that was sent by China to potential partners in the South Pacific calls for greater cooperation in security, policing and cybersecurity, and in economic development, among other areas.

As a result, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi and a 20-member strong delegation arrived in the Solomon Islands on Thursday and kicked off the eight-nation tour.

The Chinese government has since inked a pact with the leaders of the Solomon Islands that would see the Asian giant providing support to the pacific nation in the area of security and other sectors.

Australia's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong

Solomon Islands Foreign Minister, Jeremiah Manele (L) and Chief Protocole, Walter Diamana (R) escort Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi (C) upon his arrival in Honiara on May 25, 2022.

Australia subsequently sought to counter the move by sending its own Foreign Minister Penny Wong to Fiji to shore up support in the Pacific.

Wong was on the job just five days following an Australian election and had just arrived back Wednesday night from a meeting in Tokyo.

"We need to respond to

this because this is China seeking to increase its influence in the region of the world where Australia has been the security partner of choice since the Second World War," Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese told the Australian Broadcasting Corp.

Meanwhile, the Media Association of Solomon Islands was calling on its

members to boycott a news conference being held in the capital, Honiara, by Wang and his counterpart from the Solomon Islands, Jeremiah Manele.

That's because only selected media were invited to the event, and the schedule allowed for just a single question to be asked of Wang

by China's state-owned broadcaster CCTV. "It's a tough call to make regarding the media boycott for the press event on Thursday," wrote association

president Georgina Kekea on Twitter. "Our protest is for our government to see our disappointment. They have failed us and they failed to protect #democracy."

China signed a security pact with the Solomon Islands last month in a move that sent shock waves around the world.

That pact has raised fears that China could send troops to the island nation or even establish a military base there, not far from Australia.

The Solomon Islands and China say there are no plans for a base.

A draft document obtained by The Associated Press shows that Wang is hoping to strike a deal with 10 small Pacific nations during his visit. The sweeping agreement covers

everything from security to fisheries and is seen by one Pacific leader as an attempt

by Beijing to wrest control of the region.

Wang is hoping the countries will endorse the pre-written agreement as part of a joint communique after a May 30 meeting in Fiji with the other foreign ministers.

During his 10-day visit, Wang was also planning to make stops in Kiribati, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and East Timor.

Last month, Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare made assurances that Honiara's deal with Beijing would complement an existing security agreement with Australia and would not (Continued on page 25)

“Join us now and stand for...

From page 3 Guyana needed a better oil contract for its people, adding, “A 'favorable' contract benefits ExxonMobil and its partners while burdening the Guyanese people with financial costs and environmental danger.” For the sake of Guyana, the Caribbean and the rest of the world, Avaaz demands, “a pause on oil and gas operations until ExxonMobil guarantees that proper environmental safeguards are in place to protect our lands, ocean and climate.

We demand a pause on oil and gas operations until ExxonMobil provides evidence that they have stopped flaring and stopped using faulty equipment.”

Avaaz is also calling for a pause of oil operations until ExxonMobil guarantees that they will pay for all environmental, social and economic damage

across Guyana and the Caribbean as a result of any well blow-out or oil spill from their operations. They advocate for a pause in local operation until the Government of Guyana provides independent evidence that the benefits to the Guyanese people outweigh the costs and until the Government invests in solar energy jobs in Guyana in light of its conditional undertaking under the Paris Agreement to go 100 percent renewable by 2025.

The body called for Government to make public a full, independent audit of pre-contract costs and all other costs claimed by ExxonMobil and its partners in Guyana as well as putting in place an independently controlled escrow account for the billions of United States dollars necessary to pay for the safe and permanent shut down of ExxonMobil's deep-water wells at the end of oil/gas

production. The petitioner also sounded their voices in support of the ailing fish industry.

Avaaz said Kemraj Parsram is the only one who can stop Exxon in its tracks right now. “We only have few weeks to make sure he stands strong against Exxon.”

The plan is to have enough persons join the petition.

“Avaaz will help expose in the local media how bad the project is for Guyana, support brave opposition and work hand in hand with experts until the pressure is impossible for Mr. Parsram to ignore. For the sake of life on Earth and future generations, we have to stop Exxon's oil bomb -- sign now and tell everyone, the petition concluded. Use the link to access the Avaaz p e t i t i o n https://secure.avaaz.org/ca mpaign/en/exxon_sam_lett ers_to_mr_parsram/”

Kaieteur News

Friday May 27, 2022

After $82 million in repairs, Fort Island Stelling commissioned R

esidents of Fort Island would now have the opportunity to properly trade their goods and services to nearby markets as they can now utilise the Stelling there that was rehabilitated to the tune $82 million.

The Stelling which underwent rehabilitative works last year was a project undertaken by the Ministry of Public Works' Transport and Habours Department.

The Department, last year August signed a contract with IB Contracting and Machinery Service to upgrade the Stelling and the works were completed on March 17, last. The project was supervised by Eric Morris, a civil engineer of the ministry.

Some of the works on the Stelling included the driving of 85 piles into the low and high ramps areas and to the main carriage way, a new passenger accommodation, a newly built lavatory and for the first time it would be utilising solar power technology.

At the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, Minister within the Ministry

of Public Works, Deodat Indar told a gathering that when his government ascended to office in 2020, he visited the island and saw that it was in need of much needed repairs. Following that visit, his Ministry had proposed a sum in the 2021 budget that would go towards the rehabilitation of the structure.

He noted that having the stelling repaired would not only help boost tourism at the island but it would help residents greatly in terms of economic benefits. Indar stated that the stelling, in a deplorable state, had affected farmers because they were not getting the opportunity to sell their goods.

“The first thing is that our ministry and our government, we wanted to make sure that we fix the stelling, to make sure that the people of this community have the same kind of access like the people on Leguan, Bartica, Wakenaam and Supenaam. All of those points are movement of goods, people trade and they plant and take their stuff to (Continued on page 23)

PAGE 17

The newly rehabilitated Fort Island Stelling (Photo Credit: DPI)

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

The aftermath of the fire.

Friday May 27, 2022

3 children perish in Mocha fire The grieving mother, Tracey Flue speaking with reporters.

Three young children tragically lost their lives during the wee hours of Thursday after their North Barnwell, Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home went up in flames.

They were identified as eight-year-old Timothy Kippins, six-year-old Triston Kippins, and one-year-old Zhalia Flue. According to reports, the fire started after 01:00hrs.

Their mother, Tracey Flue, a security guard, was at work when she received the tragic news that her house was on fire. “I was at work and somebody call and seh yuh house on fire,” she told reporters.

The Guyana Fire service (GFS) stated that its command centre received the call around 01:25hrs and dispatched fire trucks from the Diamond and West Ruimveldt Fire Stations.

However, when the fire trucks arrived they were unable to gain access to the burning one-storey wooden building because of the deplorable state of the dam on which it is located.

Flue said that she rushed

home from her job only to find out that her children were trapped inside the burning building. The fire fighters who responded, she learnt, could not save them.

Speaking with reporters, Flue was inconsolable. The woman said that she suspected that her exboyfriend had burnt the house down because he had threatened to do so in the past.

However, fire investigators were able to determine that the blaze was not maliciously set but “electrical in nature.”

The children's demise even caught the attention of President Irfaan Ali who reached out to the grieving mother.

After returning from his Anna Regina trip for the country's 56th Independence anniversary flag raising ceremony, the President, along with the Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken, East Bank Police Commander, Denise Griffith and Fire Chief, Gregory Wickham visited Flue. They expressed their condolences and did their best to comfort her.

Kaieteur News

Friday May 27, 2022

PAGE 19

EIA Gas-to-Energy project now at EPA for approval E

sso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana—has submitted for approval, its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the Gas-to-Energy Project, to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval.

As such, the public will now be provided with a 60-day period to register any concerns it may have with any of the provisions contained in the threevolume EIA submitted to the EPA. Among the glaring admissions in that document is the fact that in addition to the onshore and offshore pipeline to be constructed by that company, said to be to the tune of some US$900M, the oil giant will also be t a k i n g o n t h e responsibility of constructing a Natural Gas Liquids Plant.

Included in the 5,906 pages document submitted to the EPA, ExxonMobil is looking to begin construction of a gas plant aspect of the project as early as August this year as long as permission is granted by the State Agency.

A c c o r d i n g t o ExxonMobil Guyana, “Subject to receipt of

e n v i r o n m e n t a l authorisation; Construction will begin as soon as possible after receiving all necessary authorisations (with a target date of August 2022 for start of NGL Plant site preparation) and will take approximately three years.”

According to the company, “the project will involve capturing associated gas produced from crude oil production operations on the Liza Phase 1 (Destiny) and Liza Phase 2 (Unity) Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels, transporting approximately 50 million standard cubic feet per day of rich g a s v i a a subsea pipeline and then an onshore pipeline to a natural gas liqu ids (NGL) processing plant (NGL Plant), treating the gas to remove NGLs for sale to t h i r d p a r t i e s, and ultimately delivering dry gas meeting government specifications for use at the Power Plant.”

According to the Stabroek Block Operator, “the purpose of the EIA is to provide the factual and technical basis required by the EPA to make an informed decision on EEPGL's

Application for E n v i r o n m e n t a l Authorisation for the Project.”

EEPGL said it conducted a robust public consultation programme to both inform the public about the project and to understand community and stakeholder concerns so this feedback could be incorporated and addressed in the EIA, as applicable.

According to the publicly available schedule for those consultations, 11 such sessions were held.

T h e p r i m a r y components of the project include new connections to the existing Destiny and Unity FPSOs, an offshore pipeline, an onshore pipeline, an NGL Plant, and various ancillary facilities.

These ancillary facilities include a temporary worker camp, a temporary material offloading facility (MOF), and a heavy haul road.

The project, according to EEPGL, will use existing third-party support facilities such as shorebases, fabrication facilities, fuel supply facilities, and waste management facilities.

The project will also use ground-based vehicles, marine and riverine vessels, and helicopters to provide logistics support throughout all project stages.

NGL Plant 3P Power Plant

- 30 km onshore

Georgetown

A representation of how the gas will be brought to shore from the Liza One and Two fields.

12” diameter pipeline 220 km offshore

Destiny

Unity

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Friday May 27, 2022

Friday May 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

PAGE 22

Kaieteur News

Friday May 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

Friday May 27, 2022

PAGE 23

After $82 million in repairs, Fort Island Stelling...

From page 17 the market but Fort Island has been cut off from that route. This is evidence that we want to integrate back in a manner that allows people to meet their daily living,” he said on Tuesday.

While noting the importance of the stelling, the Minister pleaded with the residents to take good care of the newly rehabilitated structure.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill in brief remarks said that with the number of tourists the island attracts, the government is

looking to have new features introduced to the community.

The Minister explained that following a meeting with the President, they are

looking to have transportations which would cater for the elderly and not so agile persons that would want to visit the island.

“I have been instructed,

and we are pursuing buying a golf cart that would be stationed here that when people come out of the boat they can go on the gulf cart and they can go

and see the fort and other places, and that would be part of the tourist enhancement features here in the island,” Edghill disclosed.

With the stelling ready for use, it was explained that the boats travelling to Bartica would make stops at Fort Island on Saturdays and Sundays.

Friday May 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Norton calls Ali 'disrespectful' over failure to hold 2nd round of talks on appointments Meeting on constitutional commissions…

O

pposition Leader Aubrey Norton has accused President Irfaan Ali of

showing a lack of commitment when it comes to fulfilling his obligation to hold consultations on the

appointment of constitutional commissions.

The Laws of Guyana stipulates that the President

and the Opposition Leader must hold consultations before the appointment of constitutional commissions

and important offices such as the Commissioner of Police, Chancellor of the Judiciary, and Chief Justice.

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton On May 13, 2022, Norton met President Ali at the Office of the President to hold the first round of discussion on the appointments.

Following the meeting, a joint statement was issued by both parties on the matters discussed. The two leaders were expected to meet again.

However, during a press conference on Wednesday, Norton explained that while the President gave a commitment to hold a second meeting on the appointment of the commission within seven days of the first meeting but it has not happened.

Norton explained, in response to a question about the progress of consultation “… I have not heard from the President and in my opinion, they are in breach of the very agreement they made that was put in the joint press statement. And so, I don't expect them to come to talk a b o u t t h e u rg e n c y o f consulting because we have (Continued on page 28)

President Irfaan Ali

Kaieteur News

Friday May 27, 2022

China's outreach to pacific...

From page 16 adversely impact or undermine the peace and harmony of the region.

The Solomons is around 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometres) from Australia's northeastern coast.

Nevertheless, in a mark of the Albanese government's concern about Chinese expansion in the region, Australian Foreign M i n i s t e r P e n n y Wo n g travelled to Fiji on Thursday, where—in a speech that didn't name China directly—she pitched

Australia as a partner that doesn't come with strings attached, nor imposing unsustainable financial burdens.

"We are a partner that won't erode Pacific priorities or Pacific institutions.

We believe in transparency. We believe in true partnerships," Wong said.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Wednesday she was very strongly of the view that the Pacific has the means and ability to respond to any

security challenges that exist.

Beijing has not confirmed it is seeking a multilateral agreement in the region.

Wang's visit was meant to further strengthen high-level exchange, consolidate political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and deepen people-to-people bond so as to build an even closer community with a shared future for China and Pacific Island countries, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday.

13 contractors bid lower...

From page 12 needed.

“Such resorts would have revealed that the current parking shed is decades old, is dilapidated and unless demolished or repaired, would damage government and private vehicles parked under it.

It is made of wood and zinc both of which are rotting.

Rather than repair such a derelict structure or replacing with similar materials, the management of the Ministry prudently decided to construct a parking shed made completely out of steel, cemented to the ground.

Such a structure will last, at a minimum of two decades, once properly maintained as

opposed to one made of wood and zinc which requires annual maintenance,” the statement read.

According to the ministry the proposed shed is approximately 200 feet in length by 19 feet in width.

“This is larger than the current structure and will accommodate several more vehicles, as more space for parking is badly needed.

The design and bill of quantities was prepared free of cost by engineers at the Ministry of Public Works.

If any sensible person examines the acquisition costs of the steel and concrete needed, coupled with transportation, fabrication

and labour required to carry out the works at prevailing rates in the country, that person would conclude that the sum of $8 million is quite a reasonable sum for such a project,” the ministry said in its defense.

It was reported in September 2020 that the current government had earmarked an area at Perseverance located behind Providence, East Bank Demerara to construct turnkey homes for low-income families.

The Ministry of Housing and Water had back then stated that each of the turnkey homes will cost $4.4M or $4.9M and includes two bedrooms, an inside toilet and bath with a kitchen sink.

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

Kaieteur News

Friday May 27, 2022

Friday May 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 27

PAGE 28

Friday May 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

Russia slams sanctions, seeks to blame West for food crisis 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.

FOR RENT One,three room unfurnish.

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 experienced housekeeper to work in Providence, age 40. Tel:697-0157.

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

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

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

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

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

One experienced female Sales Clerk. Tel: 225-2313, 226-1497

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

One head cook, one assistant cook.Tel: 687-8709. Email: thepizzaboy@gmail.com

VACANCY PROPERTY FOR SALE Excellent location, commercial/residential, Alberttown:185x39. Email: Alberttownsale@gmail.com or 225-7417.

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

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

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

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

Price negotiable. Call: 6130007.

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

Contact:231-4933.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area.Call:615-9132 For a Receptionist, Hotel Attendant. Tel: 231-0951, 2277714, 640-0673.

One Porter. Apply at: Lens 136 Sheriff Street next to Buddys/Pizzahut. Call: 2272486 or 226-3750

KYIV, UKRAINE (AP) — Moscow pressed the West on Thursday to lift sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine, seeking to shift the blame for a growing food crisis that has been worsened

by Kyiv’s inability to ship millions of tons of grain and other agricultural products due to the conflict.

Britain immediately accused Russia of “trying to hold the world to ransom,” insisting there would be no sanctions relief, and a top U.S. diplomat blasted the “sheer barbarity, sadistic cruelty and lawlessness” of the invasion.

Ukraine is one of the world’s largest exporters of wheat, corn and sunflower oil,

VACANCY Vacancy at People's Choice Kitchen for experienced cooks, night shift. Tel: 6799449 Female Cleaner for office.

Call:642-9823.

Water Delivery Driver and Porter for E.C.D.Tel:676-1363/ 692-6768.

AccountsClerks.

Quickbook knowledge & accounting experience. Survival Complex,173Sheriff St,CampbelvilleG/ tow.Tel:609-2995.Email: survival.humanresources @gmail.com.

Inventory/Data Clerk. Survival Shopping Complex.

Te l : 6 0 9 - 2 9 9 5 , E m a i l : survival.humanresources @ g m a i l . c o m .

Cashiers, must have CXC Math & English. Apply: Survival Complex,173 Sheriff St,CampbelvilleG/ t o w n . Te l : 6 0 9 - 2 9 9 5 .

Email:survival.humanresources @ g m a i l . c o m Sales Representatives.Apply: Survival Complex, 173 Sheriff St,CampbelvilleG/ t o w n . Te l : 2 2 7 - 5 2 8 6 - 9 , 6 0 9 - 2 9 9 5 .

Email:survival.humanresources @ g m a i l . c o m Bond Clerks/Porters. Apply: Survival Shopping Complex, 173Sheriff St, Campbelville G/town.Tel:227-5286-9, 6 0 9 - 2 9 9 5 .

Email:survival.humanresources @ g m a i l . c o m 1 night guard for Soesdyke Hillfoot & Industry, E.C.D. 1 Male office Assistant 2yrs experience. Tel: 219-2170, 618-9186.

Children walk among buildings destroyed during fighting in Mariupol, in territory under the government of the Donetsk People’s Republic, eastern Ukraine, Wednesday, May 25, 2022. (AP Photo)

but the war, including a Russian blockade of its ports, has halted much of that flow, endangering world food supplies. Many of those ports are now also heavily mined.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov tried to put the blame squarely on the sanctions. “We accuse Western countries of taking a series of unlawful actions that has led to the blockade,” he said in a call with reporters.

Russia also is a significant grain exporter, and

Peskov said the West “must cancel the unlawful decisions that hamper chartering ships and exporting grain.” His comments appeared to be an effort to lump the blockade of Ukrainian exports with what Russia says are its difficulties in moving its own goods.

Western officials have dismissed those claims. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted last week that food, fertilizer and seeds are exempt from sanctions imposed by the U.S. and many

others — and that Washington is working to ensure countries know the flow of those goods should not be affected.

With the war grinding into its fourth month, world leaders have ramped up calls for solutions. “This food crisis is real, and we must find solutions,” World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said Wednesday at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

Norton calls Ali 'disrespectful' over...

From page 24 put in place a framework for urgent consultation and it has been violated by no other than the President himself.”

He told the press that he had suggested meeting in two weeks but the President insisted that they meet in seven days.

“First of all, I was saying let us meet in two weeks [for the second time].

The President said, when I said two weeks; he said it is unrealistic that two weeks is too long. He then said, I think we could meet and we agreed that we can meet in seven days, and that he will provide certain information…” he

said.

Norton continued, “Now, in my opinion, the President is very disrespectful. They do not honour agreements.

This is an agreement that was made between the Opposition and the President that we will meet in one week.

Until now, I have not heard from the President, and I hope the President doesn't believe that when he says he wants to meet, I will disrupt my schedule of meeting the people of Guyana, doing my work just to meet with him.”

He further stated that the government cannot be trusted to keep its word, adding that the agreement has been vio-

lated without any explanation.

At the first meeting, Norton requested that the curriculum vitae of proposed appointees for the various constitutional commissions be provided for perusal prior to future discussions, and President Ali had agreed to make those documents available to him.

The statement which followed said that during the meeting, it was further agreed that the “consultations will be guided by the Constitution and the in-person consultations will resume on a date to be fixed, but within a week.”

However, that meeting is yet to happen.

US High Court judges reject Exxon's...

From page 13 out that oil and gas production are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.

Guyana is particularly vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels while ocean acidification threatens the Guyanese livelihoods that depend on healthy marine ecosystems.

The case cites Guyana's international obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement in support of its claim for declarations that emissions from oil and gas

production make the environment more harmful to health and wellbeing in violation of Article 149J of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to a healthy environment and requires the State to protect the environment for present and future generations.

Article 149J specifically states that: (1) Everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to his or her health or well-being. (2) The State shall protect the environment, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable

legislative and other measures designed to – (a) prevent pollution and ecological degradation; (b) promote conservation; and (c) secure sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development.

The case, which is set to be heard in the Guyana High Court, also seeks to protect children, young people and future generations who bear a disproportionate burden in having to live with the effects of climate change.

Friday May 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 29

Man collapses, dies in vehicle after ordering fuel at gas station

The dead man's pick-up parked at a fuel pump at the gas station.

A 66-year-old man died on Thursday at the Rubis Gas Station located at Bel Air, Georgetown, moments after ordering fuel for his pick up.

The man has been identified as Amid Shariff of Non Pareil, East Coast Demerara. Based on information reaching this newspaper, the man drove into the gas station, ordered his fuel and collapsed in his vehicle.

Persons at the gas station, according to reports, tried to revive him but when they realised he was unresponsive they called police.

An ambulance was summoned and when it arrived the emergency response team onboard pronounced him dead at the scene.

PAGE 30

Friday May 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

Police face questions over response to Texas school shooting UVALDE, TEXAS (AP) Law enforcement authorities faced mounting questions and criticism Thursday over how much time elapsed before they stormed a Texas elementary school classroom and put a stop to the rampage by a gunman who killed 19 children and two teachers.

Investigators were also unable to say with any certainty whether an armed school district security officer outside Robb Elementary in the town of Uvalde exchanged fire with the attacker, 18-year-old Salvador Ramos, when Ramos first arrived on Tuesday.

The motive for the massacre the nations deadliest school shooting since Newtown, Connecticut, a decade ago remained under investigation, with authorities saying Ramos had no known criminal or mental health history.

During the siege, which ended when a U.S. Border Patrol team burst in and shot the gunman to death, frustrated onlookers urged police officers to charge into the school, according to witnesses. “Go in there! Go in there!” women shouted at the officers soon after the attack began, said Juan Carranza, 24, who watched

the scene from outside a house across the street. Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw said Wednesday that 40 minutes to an hour elapsed from when Ramos opened fire on the school security officer to when the tactical team shot him.

UVALDE SCHOOL SHOOTING But a department spokesman said Thursday that authorities were still working to clarify the timeline of the attack, uncertain whether that period of 40 minutes to an hour began when the gunman reached the

school, or earlier, when he shot his grandmother at home.

“Right now we do not have an accurate or confident timeline to provide to say the gunman was in the school for this period,” Lt. Christopher Olivarez told CNN. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz did not give a timeline but said repeatedly that the tactical officers from his agency who arrived at the school did not hesitate.

He said they moved rapidly to enter the building, lining up in a “stack” behind an agent holding up a shield. ”What we wanted to make sure is to act quickly, act

Waiting months on Govt. electrical inspectors while my house being vandalized DEAR EDITOR, It is with a broken heart, tears in my eyes unable to control my emotions that I write this email. Mr Editor I have built a house at Zeeburg West Coast Demerara, a new housing scheme developed by government.

However, my family and I are unable to move in our new home due to the fact that the electrical department which falls under the direction of the Ministry of Public Works have failed and refused to

inspect my house. My electrician has submitted documents to the department four weeks ago. I visited the department and I was told to wait because of the backlog of applications. While I am waiting for the certification my house is being vandalized by persons or person unknown.

I cannot understand why a government department would sabotage the government housing drive or is it a case where a house

owner has to pay large sums of money before visits are made.

I therefore appeal for help and for government to ensure that once an application is received by the department visits must be made within seven working days and electrical inspectors are posted in Regions one to ten without delay.

My contact number is 614 7154 Sincerely, Dennis Clarke

Still no national awards DEAR EDITOR, I wondered whether it was an address on the occasion of our Independence Anniversary or exhortations from the campaign platform.

But I enjoyed the cultural presentations.

Still no National Awards.

Ag a i n bitterly disappointed.

The unfurling of the Golden Arrowhead brought joy and pride.

T h e s h o w e r s did not stop the fireworks....to light up the night sky.

All in all, the programme

to herald our 56th Independence Anniversary observance was well organized, choreographed and attended. Happy Independence Anniversary Guyana!.

Regards, Shamshun Mohamed

swiftly, and thats exactly what those agents did,” Ortiz told Fox News. But a law enforcement official said that once in the building, the Border Patrol agents had trouble breaching the classroom door and had to get a staff member to open the room with a key. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was

not authorized to talk publicly about the investigation.

Olivarez said investigators were trying to establish whether the classroom was, in fact, locked or barricaded in some way. Javier Cazares, whose fourth grade daughter, Jacklyn Cazares, was killed in the attack, said he raced to the school when he heard about the shooting, arriving while police were still gathered outside.

Upset that police were not moving in, he raised the idea of charging into the school with several other bystanders.

“Lets just rush in because the cops aren t doing anything like they are supposed to,” he said. “More could have been done.”

“They were unprepared,” he added. Carranza had watched as Ramos crashed his truck into a ditch outside the school, grabbed his AR15-style semi-automatic rifle and shot at two people outside a funeral home, who ran away uninjured. Olivarez told CNN that the school security officer outside was armed and that initial reports said he and Ramos exchanged gunfire, “but right now were

trying to corroborate that information.” As Ramos entered the school, two Uvalde police officers exchanged fire with him, and were wounded, according to Olivarez.

Ramos went into a classroom and began to kill.

Carranza said the officers should have entered the school sooner. “There were more of them. There was just one of him,” he said. On Wednesday night, hundreds packed the bleachers at the towns fairgrounds for a vigil.

Some cried. Some closed their eyes tight, mouthing silent prayers.

Parents wrapped their arms around their children as the speakers led prayers for healing. Before attacking the school, Ramos shot and wounded his grandmother at the home they shared.

Neighbor Gilbert Gallegos, 82, who lives across the street and has known the family for decades, said he was puttering in his yard when he heard the shots.

Ramos ran out the front door and across the yard to a truck parked in front of the house and raced away:

The peoples of this nation must...

From page 6 can be easily eradicated if we open our minds and take an enlightened approach to dealing with all matters that are not being done in our best interest.

The peoples of this nation must rise from their perpetual slumber and demand that Governments be not laws

unto themselves, but be accountable to the people.

Citizens must also demand that Governments lead by example, a trait that so far has not been manifested, but is a requirement of good governance. On behalf of the Executive Council, Members and Staff of the GPSU, myself and my family, I extend to all

Guyanese, best wishes for the 56th Independence Anniversary, while we look forward to a bright future, working and living together in love, unity and harmony.

Regards, Patrick Yarde President Guyana Public Service Union

Rapid study and available...

From page 6 that other, most likely relevant, data (revealing data) be shared with the FAO for its study.

Naturally, this forced the agency to come to the only conclusion possible: oil production has no relation to declining fish catch.

I table this publicly, because of governments lengthy record of deception, and unscrupulous conduct. It is what characterizes the standard operating procedures of this PPP Government, from its leaders to handpicked public servants to tricky political operators placed in pivotal offices. In compressed form, “available data” is just that and thats it.

If the FAO people are not given what they are supposed to see, what would help their evaluation and determination,

then the study will be “rapid” and th e r e s u l t w i l l b e foregone, as in no nexus.

Further still, when the period of this study (if such can be said with a straight face) is bounded by 2020-2021, then that is all the confirmation fairminded, thoughtful, and reasonable Guyanese need.

It is too short, too tight, too limited.

I can understand now why the Hon. Minister of Agriculture has done a strategic withdrawal, and sits on his hands, after his bold speech about no connection (my words) between oil production and declining fish catch.

He has nothing of substance on which to go, and even that is based on what I call the questionable.

Guyanese have a saying: mouth open, story jump

out. In this instance, it is more accurate to say that the FAO mouth open and a big fish fall out.

I thank the FAO folks for making their side of the story clear, and distancing its name from any fancy Guyanese footwork.

The FAO did successful damage control, now its the Minister of Agricultures turn to do the same.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Corruption benefits the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor.

Say no to it.

Friday May 27, 2022

Winnipeg Golfers make sizable donation of golf clubs and accessories to the Lusignan Golf Club

T

his donation which amounted to sev eral full sets of golf clubs and golf bags were made complements of the strong Winnipeg based Guyanese community. These brothers and sisters are proud associates of the Lusignan Golf Club. The organizer of the effort was long time member and supporter Mr. Ferose Barakat, who is resident in Winnipeg, but returns to his home in Guyana often.

Mr. Barakat expressed his satisfaction with the way the current executive committee is

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

running the club and promised further support. This donation will greatly assist with the LGC’s goal of expanding this great game to more Guyanese.

Anyone whether you are a beginner or a seasoned golfer can come to the club and will have the golf equipment and balls available to rent at a very affordable rate.

Club Captain Patrick P r a s h a d a n d V P P a t on George received this generous donation on behalf of the club and extended heartfelt

appreciation to their friends in Winnipeg. The VP further went on to say that, “With such generous support continuing to flow our way, we are excited to share our good fortune with anyone visiting the Lusignan Golf Club - we have programmes for kids 15 years and under to enjoy the game without paying the green fees. Golf clubs of all sizes are available for rent.”

Golfers of all ages can also reserve coaching and playing time just by calling the Club Manager Vishal Changur at 220-5660.

Rafael Nadal earns 300th Grand Slam match win

Associated Press - PARIS — Rafael Nadal reached 300 career Grand Slam match victories by beating Corentin Moutet 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 in the second round at Roland Garros.

The only real blip for 13time French Open champion Nadal on Court Philippe Chatrier came near the end, when he was broken by the 139th-ranked Frenchman while serving for the match at 5-3.

But Nadal broke right back to improve to 107-3 at Roland Garros.

Only Roger Federer, with 369, and Novak Djokovic, who collected his 325th, are ahead

Sadio Mane: Senegal...

Friday May 27, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You may feel as if you're sinking into an emotional vortex, Aries. Be careful about assuming that things are yours when they aren't really.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Any argument you start today is likely to erupt into a brutal emotional battle, Libra, so beware. Try not to tread on anyone else's turf.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You may need to keep your spaceship idle today and perform a safety check for your crew, Gemini. Make sure everyone on board is informed of the destination.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You may find that people are likely to challenge your mental process today, Scorpio.

Don't be surprised if they seem to argue with your ideas left and right. Your heart may be especially tender. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) The key for you today is to use your heart more than your head, Sagittarius. Base your actions on your feelings and your inner knowing of the situation.

Facts may deceive you.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Things may not be as obvious as they first seem today, Cancer. Don't get started on a project until you understand the full scope of what you're getting into.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Things should go especially well for you today, Capricorn, so don't worry about a thing. Life doesn't necessarily get easier as you get older. You just learn how to deal with things.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Don't try to force your ideas on anyone, Leo. It's important to maintain neutrality so you can act from a stable state of mind when someone brings you an issue that needs to be dealt with right away.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) The more attention you try to get from other people today, Aquarius, the more people are going to ignore your fancy displays and grandiose ideas. Take a much more sensitive approach.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Your intuitive nature is especially strong, Virgo. You won't have to think about things because you'll have the ability to just know the answers.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Take care of the people around you, Pisces. Service to others is an important part of the day, as compassion and caring are at the forefront of your mind.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Your thinking is quite clear, Taurus, and you'll find that your emotions support your mental processes. Your psychic nature is also strong, so you should trust any hunch you have.

From page 32 final would likely elevate Mane’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or, given he was also central to Senegal’s success in February.

He is hoping to become only the second African after George Weah in 1995 to win the award, although Salah will also provide competition.

“It’s true.

If you guys say it, what can I say myself? Which is sad,” added Mane on the lack of African winners.

“This cup, the Africa Cup of Nations is one of the biggest for myself, it is the biggest trophy I have won in my life, and for an African player not to have won the Ballon d’Or since George Weah it is sad for sure.

“Winning the Champions League is special.

I have a chance to play it again and we will do everything we can to win it and then we will see what happens, with the Ballon d’Or.”

Archibald's ton and Cornwall's...

From page 38 figures.With a commanding lead of 160, the Leewards extended that lead beyond 200 runs by the close with Montcin Hodge (24) and Kieran Powell (18), the batsmen dismissed.

Ross Powell (14) and Devon Thomas (3) will resume their innings on Friday, hoping to put the match beyond the reach of the Windward Islands.

McSween (1-7) and Josh Thomas (1-12) were the wicket takers.

Rafael Nadal has reached 300 career Grand Slam match victories. of Nadal on the men’s list for career wins at major tournaments.

Nadal has the most Grand

Slam trophies for a man with 21.

Federer and Djokovic both have 20.

PAGE 32

Kaieteur News

Friday May 27, 2022

Friday May 27, 2022

PAGE 33

Kaieteur News

Bernie Ecclestone: Former F1 Former champion Halep boss arrested in Brazil for illegally knocked out by Chinese carrying gun while boarding plane teenager Zheng

BBC Sport - Former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has been arrested in Brazil for illegally carrying a gun while boarding a private plane to Switzerland.

In a statement yesterd a y, l o c a l p o l i c e s a i d they found an undocumented LW Seecamp .32 gun in the 91-year-old’s luggage during an X-ray screening.

Eccles t o n e a c k n o w l edged o w n i n g t h e g u n , but said he was unaware it was in his luggage at the time.

After paying bail Ecclestone was freed to continue his journey to Switzerland.

Ecclestone, who spent

Ecclestone was taken to a facility in Viracopos airport in Campinas, Sao Paulo following his arrest but released after paying bail. (Getty Images) 40 years as the head of Formula 1 before stepping down

in 2017, is married to Brazilian-born Fabiana Ecclestone.

‘I’ve done it before and can do it again again’’ - Blak Blakee hasn hasn’t’t given up hope on returning to top of men men’s’s sprinting SportsMax - Former 100m World Champion and world’s second-fastest man Yohan Blake has not quite given up on the idea of returning to dominate sprinting, despite an underwhelming performance at the Tokyo Olympics last year.

The 32-year-old Blake was once considered the heir apparent to celebrated compatriot Usain Bolt. In fact, it is Blake that still holds the second-fastest times over both the 100 and 200m sprints.

Devasting injuries, which happened to the sprinter in the 2013 and 2014 seasons, however, largely curtailed that promise and left the sprinter unable to step into the void. In a barren stretch of results, Blake has gone without a medal since the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Since the 2012 Olympics, the athlete has finished outside of the medals at the last four major championships and failed to make the final at the last two.

Despite the lack of success in recent seasons, however, Blake is feeling confident of a late-career revival this season, on the back of a

Yohan Blake

decent showing at the Birmingham Diamond League last week.

The Jamaican finished second in the men’s 100m, clocking 10.18 behind Canadian Aaron Brown who took top spot in 10.13. “I think I took it too easy at the end and didn’t see the guy in lane 8. I was focused forward. It was challenging because it was cold. The two false starts were tough but I am used to

dealing with these things. I am feeling good after coming back. I want to stay hard to beat and move from being second fastest in the world to be fastest,” Blake said following the race. “I have been here before and I am used to the pressure. I am looking forward to the trials and getting back to my best and challenging the American top sprinters. I have done it before and can do it again.”

PARIS, (Reuters) - Former world number one Simona Halep crashed out in the second round of the French Open yesterday as she failed to find a way past the aggressive game of Chinese teenager Zheng Qinwen and fell to a 2-6 6-2 6-1 loss.

Halep, who lifted the trophy at Roland Garros in 2018 before winning Wimbledon the following year, came into the contest on Court Simonne Mathieu having won her only prior meeting against the 19year-old Zheng in straight sets in Melbourne in January.

The 30-year-old Romanian got off to a flying start by dominating play from the baseline, breezing through the opening set and going up a break before Zheng, ranked 74th in the world took control.

Winners started flowing from the Chinese player’s racket as the unforced errors count started soaring for Halep and Zheng did not look back from there on.

Zheng, who hit 28 winners to her opponent’s nine, won eight games in a row to go up 3-0 in the deciding third set and Halep won just one more game in the match.

“I have been working really hard, and it was really nice, that was my best performance. I am happy today,” Zheng said in an interview on court.

The Romanian also seemed to struggle with her breathing during the third set and had her pulse and blood pressure checked on court.

Zheng, playing only her second major after making her Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open, will meet the

Romania’s Simona Halep in action during her second round match against China’s Qinwen Zheng.

(REUTERS/Dylan Martinez)

China’s Qinwen Zheng in action during her second round match against Romania’s Simona Halep.

(REUTERS/Dylan Martinez) winner of the match between local hope Alize Cornet and former champion Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia in the third round.

On another day of upsets for the seeded players in the women’s draw, American Shelby Rogers sent compa-

triot and Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins packing with the ninth seed losing 6-4 6-3.

Local wildcard Leolia Jeanjean earlier swept away former world number one and eighth seed Karolina Pliskova in straight sets.

Elastic man Medvedevthrough...

From page 35 French - a talent he likes to play with.

“I’m really disappointed, I thought you would speak French with the French crowd,” he earlier told courtside interviewer and three-time Roland Garros champion Mats Wilander.

“You have to improve

in French... I’m joking,” he added with a smile.

Commenting on the match, Medvedev said he was fortunate to escape with a straight sets win.

“Today he (Djere) played maybe better claycourt tennis but I managed to play better on the important points,” the 26-year-old said.

“It’s very difficult. I tried

to make him play a little bit more.

Maybe he had cramps or an injury and he took the ball early and so he either made a mistake or a winner.

“One break is nothing on clay and if he had broken back the pain would maybe have gone away,” the Russian added.

PAGE 34

Friday May 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

French Open: Karolina Pliskova De Bondt wins stage 18 loses in second round to Leolia of Giro in photo finish Jeanjean at Roland Garros BBC Sport - French wildcard Leolia Jeanjean stunned eighth seed Karolina Pliskova in the French Open second round for a win she said “will change everything”.

The world number 227, who lived on minimum wage after a knee injury when she was 15 kept her off the courts for two years, beat the Czech 6-2 6-2. The 26-year-old has earned a minimum of 125,800 euros (£107,118) here following the upset that surprised even her. “I don’t really know how it’s possible, I don’t have an explanation,” she said.

Jeanjean is a former big hope of French tennis, but after her injury she was dropped by Nike, which ended a 10-year sponsorship deal, and by the French federation, which had assigned her a full-time coach when she was 12. She then studied in the United States at the Lynn University in Florida and earned a degree in finance, only for her return to tennis be slowed down by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I lived on minimum wage and I didn’t live from day-today, but week after week,” Jeanjean added. “I put all the money I had into a week’s worth of tournaments and if they went well I got another week, but if they went badly I didn’t play for two months because it was financially impossible.

“It [the prize money] will make life easier. I can certainly pay a coach, pay my tickets when I go to tournaments. I can actually travel around further away. I can actually have staff.”

After being handed a wildcard to play at Roland Garros, Jeanjean beat Spain’s

Leolia Jeanjean had never competed in a Grand Slam event before she was handed a wildcard to play in the French Open.

(Getty Images)

Karolina Pliskova lost to Ashleigh Barty in the 2021 Wimbledon final. (Getty Images) world number 45 Nuria Parrizas Diaz in the opening round before shocking former world number one Pliskova, who was runner-up at Wimbledon last year. “I could not try to overpower her, it was impossible, so I had to try to derail her and it worked perfectly,” said Jeanjean.

“It’s my first Grand Slam.

I thought I would have lost in the first round in two sets, and I found myself beating a top-10 player.” Pliskova’s loss means seven of the top 12 women’s seeds have now ex-

ited the tournament in the opening two rounds. In the first round, Barbora Krejcikova (seeded second), Anett Kontaveit (fifth), Ons Jabeur (sixth) and Garbine Muguruza (10th) all lost, before fourth seed Maria Sakkari and Britain’s Emma Raducanu, the 12th seed, went out in the second round. Jeanjean will next face Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova, the 30th seed, or Romania’s Irina-Camelia Begu and will break into the world’s top 150.

Alpecin-Fenix’s Dries De Bondt celebrates after crossing the finish line to win Stage 18. (REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini)

BORGO VALSUGANA, Italy, (Reuters) - Belgian Dries De Bondt of Alpecin-Fenix led a breakaway group to win stage 18 of the Giro d’Italia yesterday in a closely-fought sprint to the line, beating Edoardo Affini of JumboVisma in a photo finish.

After t h r e e r i g o r o u s stages in the mountains, the 156km ride from Borgo Valsugana to Treviso was a flat one with a circuit at the end.

De Bondt and Affini were in a breakaway group of four riders which also included Magnus Cort (EF Education-EasyPost) and Davide Gabburo (Bardiani-CSF-Faizane).

D e B o n d t w a s t h ird with less than a kilometre to go but the Belgian timed his attack to perfection to win by less than half a wheel

length for his first stage victory and Alpecin-Fenix’s third at the Giro.

Other sprint favourites such as Mark Cavendish, Arnaud Demare and Alberto Dainese were left to rue the fact that they had not caught up with the breakaway group in time.

“It was a collaboration until the last kilometre,” De Bondt said.

“I knew Affini was going to go from far in the sprint so I had to be on his wheel and the pressure would be on Magnus.

“The collaboration between the four of us was magnificent.

There was no moment of doubt, nobody skipped one turn... It was written in the stars.”

Richard Carapaz of Ineos Grenadiers finished with the peloton 14 sec-

onds later to retain the pink jersey and maintained a three-second lead over second-placed Jai Hindley with Mikel Landa third, a minute and five seconds behin d .

“It was a relatively c a l m d a y, t h e p a c e w a s v e r y h i g h . To m o r r o w and Saturday it will be different,” Carapaz said.

“I checked Landa and Hindley all the time as I knew there could be some gaps.

I want to keep the Maglia Rosa till the e n d , I trust in my legs.”

Earlier yesterday, Joao Almeida of UAE Team Emirates was forced to withdraw from the Giro after testing positive for COVID-19. The Portuguese rider was fourth in the general classification after stage 17.

Sri Lanka closing in on test and series win in Bangladesh DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal hit centuries as Sri Lanka raised hope of winning the second test after reducing Bangladesh to 34-4 on day four yesterday.The host still needs 107 runs with six wickets remaining on the last day to force Sri Lanka to bat a second time.

Bangladesh was in survival mode after its hope of a first home series win over Sri Lanka was shattered.

Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das, who helped Bangladesh recover from 24-5 to post 365 on Tuesday with a record 272-run partnership, were in the

middle at stumps after another top-order rout.

Mushfiqur was 14 not out and Liton on 1.

“If someone can bat like Mushfiqur or Liton, there is a chance to save the test,” Bangladesh left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan said.

“Hopefully, Mushfiqur and Liton can bat till lunch, and then if I can bat for three hours anything can happen.”

Mathews followed his 199 in the first innings with an unbeaten 145, and Chandimal scored 124 to give Sri Lanka a 141-run lead. They were all out after tea for 506 in the first innings.

Mathews and Chandimal combined for 199 runs for the

sixth wicket to take the game away from Bangladesh, despite left-arm spinner Shakib’s 5-96.

Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne hit 80, his opening partner Oshada Fernando struck 57, and Dhananjaya de Silva added 58 for their team’s cause.

“The early morning session tomorrow is important for us,” Oshada Fernando said.

“We would love to go all out attack. They still have Shakib and Mosaddek (Hossain) to come. So we need to bowl well.”

The day’s play started 30 minutes early to make up for time lost on Wednesday, and Mathews and Chandimal, re-

suming on 58 and 10 respectively and their team on 2825, rode their luck.

Mathews, dropped on 37, scored briskly to reach his 13th century off 274 balls, pushing a Mosaddek delivery to midwicket for a single.

Soon after, he overturned an lbw decision.

Chandimal, who raised his 12th century off 181 balls, got successful video reviews on 43 and 75.

But after two wicket-less sessions, Bangladesh hit back with five wickets for 41 runs. Chandimal’s dismissal started the collapse.

Medium-pacer Ebadot Hossain bagged Chandimal after playing 219 balls and hit-

ting 11 boundaries and a six Shakib joined the party and completed his 19th test five-for when Praveen Jayawickrama poked a tossed-up delivery to wicketkeeper Liton Das for a duck.

Ebadot took 4-148 and Asitha Fernando was run out to leave Mathews stuck on 145. Mathews faced 342 balls and hit 12 fours and two sixes.

A disciplined Sri Lanka attack then put the visitors in complete command with pacer Asitha Fernando leading the way with 2-12.

He dismissed opener Tamim Iqbal for an 11 ballduck to give the batter a pair for the first time in his 14-year

career.

Fernando also had opener Mahmudul Hasan caught by Kusal Mendis for 15 after the batter survived two strokes of luck.

Najmul Hossain was run out on 2 and captain Mominul Haque’s lean streak was extended to a seventh straight single-digit figure when Kasun Rajitha dismissed him for a duck.

Scores: Bangladesh 365 (Mushfiqur 175*, Litton 141, Rajitha 5-64, Asitha 4-93) and 34 for 4 (Mushfiqur 14*, Litton 1*, Asitha 2-12) trail Sri Lanka 459 for 5 (Mathews 123*, Chandimal 120*, Shakib 3-83, Ebadot 2114) by 107 runs

Friday May 27, 2022

PAGE 35

Kaieteur News

Meghana, Rodrigues power Trailblazers to win, Velocity in final with better net run rate ESPNcricinfo - For the third straight game, the bar was raised by the batters at the Women’s T20 Challenge.

The record for the highest total in the tournament from Trailblazers was very nearly threatened as Velocity produced a record-smashing performance with the bat, but failed to chase it down in the end.

However, Velocity technically proved victors even in defeat as their score of 174 was 16 runs more than what they had to score to qualify into the final. Their superior net run rate (+0.74) compared to Trailblazers (-2.45) coming into the contest meant they didn’t ever need to chase 191, all they had to do was not lose by 32 (or more) runs.

At the halfway stage, a chase of 191 seemed daunting and it appeared that the prudent strategy for Velocity would be to approach the game like a 159 chase. However, Yastika Bhatia and Shafali Verma smacked 36 in four overs and Kiran Navgire, batting in her first innings of the competition, hammered 69 in 34 balls to show that they were playing like it was 191 that they needed. Eventually, they lost steam and fell 16 runs short, but not before threatening to break the highest total record for most of the chase.

A chase to remember The chase began with Shafali Verma being joined with a new partner for Velocity’s second game.

Yastika Bhatia was promoted to open, and together they made use of the field restrictions to lift the run rate to nine in the first four overs. But Yastika fell for 19 to Salma Khatun’s offspin around the stumps after being bowled while trying to slog.

Verma, who had started aggressively with five fours in her first 14 balls, then fell for 29 for Velocity to lose both set openers in quick succession. But while the 18-yearold was around, she entertained with her cuts and inside-out punch shots through the off side.

When Laura Wolvaardt walked in at No. 4, she and No. 3 Navgire were both on 0, and the score read 50 for 2.

With two new batters in the middle, the Trailblazers’ target of restricting Velocity to inside 158 seemed like a reality again. But the very next ball began a deflating process that would eventually last till the final ball.

That’s because Navgire, facing her first ball of the com-

Jemimah Rodrigues and S Meghana hit fifties for Trailblazers. (BCCI) petition, and facing the experienced Khatun started off with a slog-swept six over deep midwicket right away.

She then punched the Bangladesh spinner through cover and followed it up with another six over the leg side to start with 17 in her first five balls.

The onslaught would continue till the 17th over, with a final tally of five fours and five sixes from Navgire’s bat. The Dhoni fan who hit 54 fours and 35 sixes in her debut T20 season for Nagaland in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy showed why she is considered the new big thing in Indian white-ball cricket by dominating through the middle overs.

By the time her two sixes ended the 14th over, Velocity needed only 20 more runs to go past 158, and as the time out was called, the Trailblazers shoulders had dropped.

Navgire eventually fell for a 34-ball 69 in the 17th over, but not before she set the record for the fastest fifty (25 balls) in the competition’s history.

With two tidy overs from Sophia Dunkley and Renuka Singh pushing the required run rate for the match target of 191 to over 10, Navgire looked to find the boundary for the 11th time, but was out stumped by Dunkley.

As she walked back to a standing applause from the dugout and her home state crowd in Pune, Velocity needed only five to reach 159 and with 20 balls to spare, the result that decided the finalists was in the touching distance even though the match target of 191 appeared to get out of reach.

Velocity eventually secured finals qualification in

the 19th over with debutant Simran Bahadur hitting the ‘qualifying’ runs - a paddle four to fine leg - off Hayley Matthews.

That ensured the defending champions would be knocked out, even if they did sign off with a 16-run win.

Trailblazers push the limits Knowing that they had to post a total that was big enough to keep that 32-run buffer for the bowlers, Smriti Mandhana’s Trailblazers started off aggressively even though the captain herself fell

Kiran Navgire smashed a 25-ball half-century. (BCCI) for 1.

S Meghana - making her debut for the season muscled 73 runs in 47 balls, and Jemimah Rodrigues clubbed 66 in 44 balls to lead the way in setting the competition’s highest score.

The duo got together in the third over, and eventually put on 113 runs together in 73 balls for a second-wicket stand that kept the run-rate hovering around 8.50 through the innings.

Meghana, in particular, enjoyed scoring over the bowler’s head to full balls in

the opening salvo with the new ball and grew into playing the square shots as the innings progressed.

Rodrigues was more innovative, walking across the crease to find the boundaries behind square on either side.

Meghana reached her fifty in 32 deliveries but did enjoy some luck in her innings. She was dropped by Sneh Rana and Ayabonga Khaka through her stay, and was eventually out in the 15th over to Kate Cross.

Rodrigues, who reached her fifty in 36 balls, then ac-

celerated in Matthews’ company to eventually finish with a strike rate of 150.

Matthews and Dunkley then added a brisk 32 in the death overs to set an impressive target, but eventually did not prove to be enough, a result of their big defeat in their opening game of the competition.

Scores: Trailblazers 190 for 5 (Meghana 73, Rodrigues 66, Bahadur 2-31) beat Velocity 174 for 9 (Navgire 69, Verma 29, Poonam 2-33, Gayakwad 2-44) by seven wickets.

Elastic man Medvedev through to French Open third round PARIS, (Reuters) - Daniil Medvedev still has issues with claycourt tennis, but the world number two cantered into the French Open third round with a 6-3 6-4 6-3 win against Serbian Laslo Djere yesterday.

The Russian, who reached the quarter-finals at Roland Garros last year after four consecutive first-round exits, struggled at times but his elasticity eventually made up for his lack of natural ability to move around on the slow surface.

“I honestly think I played better in the first round,” Medvedev told a news conference. “I definitely need to play better next rounds, because it’s going to be tougher and tougher. Again, I am not going to lie, I prefer hard courts.

“I couldn’t really make the ball, you know, go through the air fast. I was just trying

Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in action during his second round match against Serbia’s Laslo Djere. (REUTERS/Yves Herman) to put it in, running, running, running.”

“So that’s where I think it could be better, because again, the better, the tougher guys you play, the less they are going to miss and more you have to run and more it’s going to be tough,” he said.

Medvedev found himself down a break in the first set but his brilliant defence helped him claw his way back both times on Court Philippe Chatrier.

He will next meet 28th seed Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia.

Medvedev, who won the

U.S. Open last year and was runner-up at the Australian Open this season, arrived at the French Open with only one match on clay under his belt after undergoing a procedure to treat a hernia in April.

A string of early unforced errors gave Djere a break in the first game, but Medvedev moved up a gear to win five games in a row and take control of the contest as his opponent appeared to be struggling physically.

The Russian broke decisively for 5-4 in the second set and there was no coming back for world number 56 Djere, who bowed out on the first match point when he netted a routine backhand.

Medvedev’s win was enjoyed by the Roland Garros crowd, who have made him one of their favourites for his ability to speak almost fluent (Continued on page 31)

PAGE 36

Friday May 27, 2022

Kaieteur News

West Indies Championship squads updated as ODI representatives head to the Netherlands SportsMax - Five West Indies Championship squads have been updated as members of the West Indies team have made their way over to the Netherlands for their three-match One Day International series with the Dutch followed by a three-match ODI tour of Pakistan.

Leaders of the West Indies Championship after three rounds, Barbados Pride, have roped in fast bowler Miguel Cummins and batsman Jonathan Drakes to replace West Indies ODI vicecaptain Shai Hope, who scored a well-played 119 against Guyana in round three, and Shamarh Brooks.

The Leeward Islands Hurricanes currently sit second behind the Pride and have brought in Jahmar Hamilton and Kofi James to replace Hayden Walsh Jr and Keacy Carty.

The Jamaica Scorpions have replaced round three centurion Brandon King and Nkrumah Bonner with Alwyn

Williams and Brad Barnes, while the Windward Islands Volcanoes have replaced Sherman Lewis with Ryan John.

The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force have had to make the most changes with Jyd Goolie, Sharron Lewis, and Terrance Hinds coming in for Akeal Hosein, Jayden Seales, and Anderson Phillip.

Full squads for Round 4: Barbados Pride: Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Keon Harding, Chaim Holder, Akeem Jordan, Shayne Moseley, Raymon Reifer, Ramon Simmonds, Jomel Warrican, Camarie Boyce, Justin Greaves, Miguel Cummins, Jonathan Drakes.

Guyana Harpy Eagles: Leon Johnson (Captain), Keemo Paul, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Tevin Imlach, Vishaul Singh, Akshaya Persaud, Veerasammy Permaul, Anthony Bramble,

Gudakesh Motie, Nial Smith, Demetri Cameron, Antony Adams, Kevin Sinclair, Ronsford Beaton.

Jamaica Scorpions: John Campbell (Captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Leroy Lugg, Oraine Williams, Aldaine Thomas, Gordon Bryan, Paul Palmer Jr., Jamie Merchant, Marquino Mindley, Nicholson Gordon, Derval Green, Patrick Harty, Kirk McKenzie, Alwyn Williams, Brad Barnes.

Leeward Islands Hurricanes: Rahkeem Cornwall (Captain), Devon Thomas, Amir Jangoo, Kieran Powell, Colin Archibald, Terence Warde, Jeremiah Louis, Sheno Berridge, Daniel Doram, Damion Williams, Ross Powell, Kian Pemberton, Jahmar Hamilton, Kofi James Trinidad & Tobago Red Force: Imran Khan (Captain), Jason Mohammed, Jeremy Solozano, Isaiah Rajah, Khary Pierre, Shannon Gabriel, Darren Bravo, Terrance Hinds, Bryan

West Indies are taking on the Netherlands from next month.

Charles, Yannic Cariah, Sharron Lewis, Uthman Muhammad, Jyd Goolie, Keagan Simmons, Joshua Da Silva. Windward Islands Vol-

canoes: Kavem Hodge (Captain), Keron Cottoy, Denis Smith, Devon Smith, Ackeem Auguste, Alick Athanaze, Alick Athanaze, Daurius Mar-

tin, Desron Maloney, Josh Thomas, Kenneth, Dember, Kimani Melius, Preston McSween, Ryan John, Teddy Bishop, Larry Edward.

Caribbaean Cricket Club crowned ESCL over-40 champion Caribbean Cricket Club defeated Sunrisers Masters by 101 runs to win the 2022 Essequibo Softball Cricket League (ESCL) over-40, 20overs competition last Sunday at Number 1 ground, Affiance, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Caribbean Cricket Club rattled up a sufficient 238-6

from the allotment of 20-overs and then kept Sunrisers Masters to 137-7 when the overs ran out.

High-profile batsman Patrick Rooplall led the way for the winner with an impressive 73, while Prashad Mahadeo offered fine support with 61. Gopaul Deen grabbed two wickets for 30 runs from his maximum four overs.

When Sunrisers Masters batted, Deen proved his allround capability by hitting a top-score of 73.

Tameshwar Sanchanrie made 21 as Joel Da Silva snatched 3-17 off four overs and Jamuna Persaud collected 2-9 off four overs.

Deen was named the Most Valuable Player and he took home a trophy and $10,000.

The winning side received $100,000 and trophy while the runners-up side pocketed $50,000 and a trophy. Rooplall scored the most runs in the tournament and he was awarded with a trophy and $20,000 while Ramkissoon Seeram was given the same prize for taking the most wickets in the tournament.

Eon Grovesner got a trophy and $10,000 for the most catches while Shivsankar Bissoon collected a trophy and $20,000 for being the man-of-the-series.

The third-placed play-off match between Ravens Sports Club and Queenstown Tigers was cancelled due to rain. The game is now fixed for Sunday at the same venue

from 09:00hrs, weather permitting. Meanwhile, Chairman of the ESCL Wakeel Layne thanked all the six teams for their participation in this year's edition, the second after it was inaugurated in 2021.

He echoed similar sentiments to the sponsors and all who would have contributed in various ways to make the tournament a success.

Kaieteur News

Friday May 27, 2022

PAGE 37

Timing very important to Thompson-Herah's success at World Championships this summer Elaine Thompson-Herah

SportsMax - Though pleased with her 'workout' at the National Stadium in Kingston last Saturday, Derron Herah, coach and husband of Olympic champion, Elaine Thompson-Herah believes the next six weeks of preparation will be crucial.

This is especially true if she is to realize her goal of winning her first World Championship title this summer.

The triple-gold medallist at last year's Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, ran a smart 10.94s to win the 100m dash running into a headwind of -1.8m/s and then less than an hour later clocked a decent 22.55 to complete the double.

“Her performance is good,” her proud husband told Sportsmax.TV after the 100m final where had there been no headwind, Thompson-Herah's time would have been 10.81.

“Today (Saturday) was mainly a training run; didn't know she was going to run this fast. She was not necessarily pressing the gas, just basically the first 30 and trying to maintain and maintaining brought her 10.94, so we are right there.

We just need to lighten up because we're still heavy. So when the time is right we will

lighten up and then go when we need to go.”

Lightening up, as Herah puts it, involves getting Thompson-Herah to approach her peak at the National Championships from June 23-26 but be at her best at the 2022 World Championships that begin in Eugene, Oregon on July 15, just over two weeks later.

He explained that with the two championships so c l o s e t o e a c h o t h e r, everything comes down to timing.

“The timing is very important. After the National Championships, we have two w e e k s b e f o r e Wo r l d Championships, so we almost have to peak in the championships and maintain t h a t i n t o t h e Wo r l d Championships. We have to be very careful and very and very selective with races and how we approach races,” he said of Thompson-Herah's preparation.

“What we are trying to do is getting her to peak for Oregon, not necessarily the trials. We will have to be in some kind of shape to indicate what we are going to do in Oregon so we have to be on that cycle now, six-seven weeks out, so by the time trials come around then we would have to be in similar shape as to what we would be

FIFA to review GFF statutes F

o o t b a l l Governing body, FIFA, has formally communicated to the GFF its intention to undertake the revision of the GFF Statutes, with the aim of ensuring that our Statutes fully comply with the mandatory requirements contained in the Statutes and Regulations of FIFA and Concacaf, a release from the Guyana Football Federation stated.

A joint FIFA/Concacaf mission will be visiting Guyana in the coming weeks to commence and oversee this process.

During their stay, they will be conducting consultation sessions with the Members of the GFF and other Football

Stakeholders.

The GFF will be appointing an adhoc “Statutes Revision Committee” to participate in this exercise.

“FIFA and Concacaf is keen on ensuring that the Governance Structures of the Concacaf Member Associations are fully aligned with the Statutes of the Governing bodies. We have successfully revised and updated the statues of several Member Associations in recent months and look forward to working with the GFF and its members in the coming weeks,” remarked Mr. Howard McIntosh, Head of One Concacaf and Caribbean Special Projects in the missive to the GFF.

in Oregon.”

The delicate nature of this phase is partly why they decided against flying to Birmingham, England last week for the Diamond League meeting after Thompson-Herah suffered some discomfort during training.

Herah explained.

“Even our decision to not go to Birmingham, we had everything in mind because we knew what the weather was going to be like and she was feeling some type of soreness. It's not like we would go and then not run,” he said.

“We decided on the day not to go and as the week went along she started to feel a little better so I decided we

would come out here today (Saturday) because we would have had a training session today anyway, so we got in two competitive runs but what we saw today was good enough.”

Thompson-Herah is down to compete at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League meeting in Eugene, Oregon on Saturday, May 28.

She lines up against some of the fastest women in the

world including Dina AsherSmith, World 60m champion, Mujinga Kambundji, Olympic gold medallist Briana Williams, Shericka Jackson, Marie Jose Ta Lou and Twanisha Terry.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 38

Rahkeem Cornwall took 5-61 in 22 overs.

Friday May 27, 2022

Archibald's ton and Cornwall's five-for put Hurricanes in control against Volcanoes at Port-of-Spain SportsMax - The Leeward Islands Hurricanes were in command at stumps on day two of their West Indies Championship match a g a i n s t t h e Wi n d w a r d Islands Volcanoes at Port-ofSpain yesterday.

At the close of play, the Leewards are 64-2 in their second innings, a lead of 224 with eight wickets in hand.

Colin Archibald scored an unbeaten 106 as the Leewards compiled a score of 333 all out from 95.5 overs. Archibald's knock rescued the Leewards from an uncomfortable 179-9 while sharing in a 10th-wicket stand of 154 with Daniel Doram, who scored a patient 43.

Left-arm medium pacer Preston McSween was the

pick of the Windwards bowlers with 5-92 from 27.5 overs. Kenneth Dember took 2-77.

Needing 334 to overhaul the Leewards' total, the Windwards only lasted 55 overs and were bowled out for 173 thanks to Rahkeem Cornwall, who took 5-61 in 22 overs of his off-breaks.

He was supported by fastmedium pacer Jeremiah Louis who returned figures of 3-26 from 14 overs.

Only Kerron Cottoy offered any real resistance to the Leewards' attack with an unbeaten on 73 when the innings closed.

Opener Devon Smith, 35, Alick Athanaze, 12, and Denis Smith, 11, were the only other batters in double (Continued on page 31)

Kaieteur News

Friday May 27, 2022

PAGE 39

Thomas' ton takes Jam to 393, Chanderpaul's unbeaten 96 leads Guy fight back CWI Regional Frist-Class C/Ships..

By Sean Devers in Trinidad In association with WD Hotel & Mall Charity & Dave's West Indies Imports

O

n a day that G u y a n a celebrated its 56TH Independence anniversary, Tagenarine Chanderpaul continued his fine form to end the day on 96 from 229 balls with 16 boundaries as Guyana Harpy Eagles replying to the 393 made by Jamaica Scorpions on day two of the CWI Regional Frist-Class Championships yesterday at Diego Martin Sports Complex reached 213 for 1 at the close.

Chanderpaul had with him Tevin Imlach unbeaten on 38 from 93 with their partnership worth 101 after Chanderpaul, who turns 29 on May 31, had added 112 for the first wicket with Chanderpaul Hemraj who rode his luck to fashion an entertaining 78 from 87 balls with 15 fours and a six.

Chanderpaul with scores of 140 not out and an unbeaten 23 from 10 balls against Barbados Pride in the last game, is four short of his

third century at this level with his team 180 away from Jamaica's score with nine wickets in hand.

Resuming 282-6 Jamaica quickly lost overnight batter and first day centurion Jermaine Blackwood when the impressive Kemo Paul removed him for 114 from 261 balls decorated with six fours and a six to leave the score on 291-7.

Thomas, on 35 overnight, was joined by Jamie Merchant and the pair dealt in boundaries with good sweeps and good use of their feet, tore into the Harpy Eagles attack.

But with the score on 367, Cameron picked his second First-Class wicket to a brilliant catch by Keeper Tevin Imlach to break the 76run stand and remove Merchant for a cameo 39 from 36 balls with six fours and two sixes.

Thomas took the attack to the bowlers with a number of pugnacious shots and raced to his maiden century from 101 balls with 14 fours and two sixes.

Permaul grabbed his 16th wicket when he had Marquino Mindley caught at short leg by Vishaul Singh

Tagenarine Chanderpaul (right) and Tevin Imlach talk mid pitch after Chanderpaul reached his half century.

for a duck before Aldaine Thomas was then stumped when he charged Permaul and missed one that turned to end the innings after making an even ton from 103 balls with 14 fours and two sixes.

Permaul (3-103) Gudakesh Motie (2-39), Kevin Sinclair (2-74) and Cameron (2-103).

Set 243 to avoid the follow-on, Guyana went to lunch on nine without loss with Chanderpaul on eight and Hemraj on one.

After the break, the only success for Scorpions was Hemraj who rode his luck with couple of edges not being taken and one which was taken signalled a no-ball

when Mindley overstepped with first delivery off the match.

Chanderpaul batted with confi d e n c e a n d responsibility and along with Hemraj who played some flamboyant shots much to entertainment of a handful of spectators at the small venue equipped with

flood lights.

But after reaching his 13th fifty he edged a catch to the Keeper off Nicolson Gordon at 112-1 before Imlach joined Chanderpaul to see their team 30 runs away from avoiding an innings defeat.

Today is third and play starts at 10:am.

CWI Regional Frist-Class C/Ships..

Thomas' ton takes Jam to 39p.

393, Chanderpaul's unbeaten 96 leads Guy fight back

Feroze Barakat (C) is flanked by LGC captain Patrick Prashad (L) and Paton George.

Winnipeg Golfers make sizable donation of golf clubs and accessories to the Lusignan Golf Club

Tagenarine Chanderpual and Chanderpaul Hemraj added 112 runs for the opening wicket. (Brandon Corlette photo)

p.

31

s t r o Sp

The victorious Caribbean Cricket Club team strikes a pose after the final.

Caribbean Cricket Club crowned ESCL over-40 champion p. 36

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.