Kaieteur News

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Guyana’s oil critical NEWS for Exxon’s increased - Darren global production Woods AIETEUR

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

Tuesday Edition May 31, 2022 - Vol. 15 No. 21 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 83,242

VP Jagdeo admits that citizens forced Govts. in US, UK and Canada to get more benefits - but says doing same in Guyana from oil companies would breach contract with Exxon 1 dead, 1 injured in Corentyne accident Yesterday, a group of concerned Guyanese assembled at the Square of the Revolution calling on government to use the renewal of the Liza Phase 1 Development environmental permit, which expires today, as a bargaining chip to bring about a change to Guyana’s lopsided oil deal with Exxon. Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall, who spearheaded the protest, is of the view that change can be made in favour of Guyana without renegotiating the contract. He said that without that change, protest action will continue. The protest continues today from 10:00hrs.

Autopsy shows Crane teacher died from head injuries

Jagdeo Attorney seeks VPinsists…

More bad than good CARICOM intervention over surrounding traditional ExxonMobil’s failures in National Oil Companies environmental assessment - govt. considering shareholder rights only Gas-to-Energy project…

Govt. ignores experts, set to renew Exxon’s Liza 1 permit All the Int’l Experts saying our govt. have the opportunity to make a HUGE CHANGE with this Liza 1 Permit for the betterment of all the citizens of this country, instead of Jagdeo using the opportunity to correct everything and stop the suffering of the Guyanese people, Listen to The Glenn Lall Show he is switching the focus to the foreigners to distract us. How long will you people allow him to do this to all of us?@11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday May 31, 2022

VP Jagdeo insists…

More bad than good surrounding traditional - government considering National Oil Companies shareholder rights only A

By Zena Henry

s government continues to c o n s i d e r introducing a National Oil Company (NOC) with a “strategic investor” verses the auctioning of its remaining offshore oil blocks to interested parties, one of the main variables to determine the establishment of this company is whether Guyana will still be able to significantly increase its revenue from other streams such as its Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

This was underscored by Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo during a press conference at the Office of the President on Monday.

The VP submitted that there seems to be a lot more cons and a few pros when examining existing NOC models globally. As such, the state is considering a NOC with a model outside of the ordinary set-up.

The VP told media operatives that in contributions pertaining to the development of the NOC, questions continued to be raised about the time it would take to develop a

NOC, the overload on domestic capacity, and the corruption usually associated with these entities. Based on what has been seen, “The examples are not encouraging,” Jagdeo pointed out. He said more i m p o r t a n t l y, f r o m t h e government’s end, there are additional concerns regarding the NOC. These additions, he said, include the fact that with the net zero target by 2050, it becomes harder to raise money globally for a NOC. He said having a NOC with the remaining assets can also concentrate things and cause a slowdown in the sector. “If all the remaining assets were vested in a NOC, it could lead to too much concentration and slow down the process of exploration,” he said.

In the model using a strategic partner, Jagdeo said that having just one strategic partner to work with could also mean a much slower process of exploring, and that would be at a time when the country needs to prove its resources in an era when, “we have to accelerate the proving of these resources and possibility, get them out

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo before the world totally decarbonises.” As such, Jagdeo said Guyana cannot go forward with the old NOC model.

“The model that we are talking about should we go down this route is not an old style NOC,” he said, “It is about a passive ownership of shares…”

In exchange for the offshore blocks, the thinking of the government, Jagdeo highlighted, is that, “we just simply say that we are getting a strategic partner, we are taking a share of the

company but we have no control over operations or management except for the controls given to shareholders through passive ownership by virtue of owning shares.”

G l o b a l l y, t h e V P submitted, there is a sense that if the NOC is owned, then it belongs to the people of the country and that it is set up in such a way to break foreign monopolies.

However, Guyana is not in that category, the VP noted.

The key variable, he said, is the changing of the PSA that

“for example, if Guyana is now receiving 50 percent of total revenue through the current PSA, then the new PSA can then give us a 60 percent of all of the oil company revenue. So whether a NOC is established or not, Guyana has to receive 60 percent of the proceeds, should production commence. We are then thinking would ownership give us a next set of money?”

He added, “Assuming that we own 10 percent or 20 percent of another company, will we then get even more than the 60 percent coming to the budget and the national resources fund? That’s the key variable.”

The VP questioned, however, how much money Guyana would need to invest in the risky venture to get that 20 percent ownership.

He noted that if Guyana were to put money into a venture and dry wells are discovered, then the country loses all its money. “We have to look at all those issues and whether we want to spend our money in a risky venture in that way too,” the VP stated.

In the meantime, the government is going to

market the remaining oil blocks as is. The VP said that the country would make the blocks available with the current information that exists. Given what is expected from the strategic partner, Jagdeo said that the government has made it clear that whoever is coming to the table “must have deep pockets to finance exploration activities.” The government, he added, is not seeking a partner that cannot take on its losses and raise its money to operate since this would slowdown activities.

The VP also revealed that the government currently has a team providing advice in relation to the auction since it is the first time that the government will be doing this; and is also looking for maximum value.

The marketing of the blocks could be a straightforward one, but the government is still unsure of the model it will eventually go with. A decision, he said, will also be made as to whether the government will keep existing operators, such as ExxonMobil, out of the upcoming process given the large offshore area the company already controls.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 31, 2022

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Govt. ignores experts, set to renew Exxon’s Liza 1 permit

By Gary Eleazar

T

he Environmental Permit that was handed to Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana—to develop and produce crude oil from the Liza 1 field in the Stabroek Block expires today but according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, notwithstanding pleas to the contrary, the instrument would be renewed.

Jagdeo gave the confirmation yesterday during a press engagement venued at the Office of the President.

He told media operatives “there has been a lot of people internationally and locally who have been u rg i n g t h e E PA (Environmental Protection Agency) not to renew the permit for the Stabroek Liza 1.”

To this end, the Vice President lamented that such a move would effectively shut down the production of oil and gas in the country, adding “that means we would lose all of this revenue and we would lose everything else.”

Additionally, Jagdeo also took aim presumably at Hollywood actor, Mark

International Lawyer, Melinda Janki Ruffalo—the Hulk—saying, “I see some celebrities and everybody who live in their countries that are expanding oil and gas production now they want us to stop it here in Guyana; they don’t even have a voice to stop it in their country in fact they are expanding.”

He posited, however, many of them wittingly or unwittingly work for the lobbyists.

Jagdeo was adamant, the world needs the fossil fuel now, “that’s why the price is US$120 a barrel that’s why it’s going up.”

According to the Vice President, there is a scarcity all over for crude oil and “therefore they (developed

oil producers) would reap all the windfall, the rich countries.”

He said, “They want to shut it down in Guyana (because) we are causing climate change; we are destroying the planet,” adding, that with each passing day, the green house gases (GHG) “that gets churned out of the developed world is tens of thousands time more than our total GHG in Guyana.”

A s s u c h , t h e Vi c e President was of the view, “they pick on Guyana because we are a small country.”

Encouraging the citizenry to “don’t waste your time on these people,”

Former journalist caught with cocaine strapped to body changes plea, remanded What was slated to be the sentencing of former journalist, Zanneel Williams, 25, of Lot 181 Lamaha Gardens, Georgetown, on a narcotics charge, changed to her being remanded to prison after she pleaded not guilty.

On Monday April 25, last three days after Williams was reportedly caught with a quantity of cocaine strapped to her body and also in her luggage, she appeared in court and had accepted culpability.

She had appeared in the Diamond/Grove Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Sunil Scarce – on that court appearance her sentencing was deferred to Monday. A psychiatric evaluation and probation report were prepared in her favour.

However, when the matter was called on

Former journalist, Zanneel Williams

Monday, Williams opted to change her plea to not guilty.

She pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on Friday, April 22, 2022, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), she had in her possession 9.6 kg of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

The magistrate denied bail and remanded her until

the next hearing of the matter on June 27, 2022.

Kaieteur News had reported that Williams alleged accomplices, former Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) officer, Anil Sookhoo, 33, of Lot 127 Kuru Kuru, SoesdykeLinden Highway and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) officer, Shameka Caesar, 27, of Lot ZZ, D’Urban Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown, had denied the charge on their first court appearance and were both placed on $750,000 bail each.

Wi l l i a m s i s b e i n g represented by attorney-atlaw Lloyd Conway, Caesar is being represented by attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes and Sookhoo is being represented by attorney-at-law Adrian Thompson. According to (Continued on page 6)

Senior Avaaz Campaigner, Martyna Dominiak

Financial Analyst, Tom Sanzillo Jagdeo suggested that those speaking out against the project, “would have us suffer forever, including some who are flying around in private jets but they want us to stop producing.”

Having confirmed that the Permit will be renewed, the Vice President noted that there would be some changes but only spoke of an increased fine for flaring which was last earmarked at US$45 per every ton of natural gas flared above permissible levels.

This past week i n t e r n a t i o n a l l a w y e r, Melinda Janki had again revisited the issuance of the Permit.

Janki during a webinar had pronounced that the much vaunted oil bonanza in Guyana was only for the oil companies and not Guyana and that the country is presently on a path to disaster.

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

“The deal between government of Guyana and Exxon is one that is bad on every level,” she posited as she pointed out that under the present circumstances the oil

operations represent, economically a disaster in the making.

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

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

Another international expert, who spoke out recently on the Liza 1 permit, Financial Analysis, Tom Sanzillo, suggested that for government to renew the permit without additional restrictions and fiscal reforms would simply be a case of government rubber stamping the demands of the oil company.

Martyna Dominiak of the Non-Profit Global Organisation Avaaz, which last week hosted the online engagement with members of the global media corps to speak on a global movement that has been gaining momentum with regards bringing about a better deal for the country or to halt the operations altogether is of the view, “this is a really bad deal for Guyana environmentally and financially, simply put, the people of Guyana may not see this money back.”

It was noted that the campaign was launched by Avaaz, “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 movement.”

The Liza 1 is the first field to be developed by EEPGL in the Stabroek Block and saw first oil in December 2019.

The Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel (FPSO)—the Liza Destiny—is fed by a 17-well field.

It is the permit for this operation which comes up for renewal or refusal by the E PA n e x t w e e k , a n d , according to organisers, the people of Guyana may never see this money back, and as such, it is really important for Head of EPA, Kemraj Parsram to make the right decisions.

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Tuesday May 31, 2022

Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

Liza 1 Permit renewal shutdown only as last resort of last resorts All Guyanese should know by now that the Liza 1 Permit renewal expires at midnight tonight. The call as conveyed by a headline of ours is sharp: “Shutdown operations if you must -Intl lawyer says ExxonMobil must do better for Guyana” (KN May 30). We at this publication understand the thinking behind such a position, but only as the last of last resorts. We must get better and the Liza1 Permit renewal represents such an opportunity for leaders to press Exxon.

Indeed, International Attorney, Ms. Melinda Janki, has made it clear that her focus is on Guyanas environment.

She made no bones about her position on the dangers of deep-water drilling, and the contaminations of flaring gas into the atmosphere. In addition, Attorney Janki noted that this countrys “Environmental Protection Agency has a legal duty to protect Guyanas environment.” She went further with a firmer recommendation, which is that “The Liza 1 Permit should not be renewed because of the great harm to the environment.” Last, she pulled all the stops out, “If that means shutting down operations, then that is what the EPA must do.”

Exxon has played hardball with the interests of Guyanese, which has hurt us, starting with the environment. Thus, if circumstances necessitate that Guyana has no option but to pause the companys operations, then this is what the EPA must have the guts to do for the security of Guyanese. Exxon is a hard charging corporate power, and we must show that we can be hard charging also.

The deep-water drilling and gas flaring that damage the air are not one, but two Achilles heels for the company. Our EPA must aim for those vulnerable cracks in the companys armour and let fly with its best ammunition. This is not the time for Guyanas EPA or leaders to get squeamish, as we are fighting for our rights on our own terms. It is do business in this clean way, or let there be a pause in doing business here. The headmen of Exxon must come to the realisation that we are serious, and will stand our ground.

The EPA must not flinch before the task that is at hand while using to the maximum the cards that are in its hands.

Since others are talking about contract sacredness, and the company appears to be balking, then we have to use what we have, and proceed from there. It is fix these things to our satisfaction, or get ready to holdup oil operations. It is put up (as we demand) or shut up (as in be ready for the slowdown in operations coming). Instead of arguing about Exxons infallible powers as vested in its lopsided contract, then let us all zero-in on the exposures that Exxon has created for us, and now for Guyana to turn around and take those exposures and push leaders to exploit them.

Given the Machiavellian nature of our political leaders, it is astonishing that they have not sensed any opportunity to get creative and pile intense pressure on the stubborn company. It is either that, or they are so prostrate before Exxon due to being compromised by it, that it cant do anything but surrender. For the enlightenment of Guyanese, we revisit what the Russians did to Shell, an oil major, over Sakhalin.

The original PSA signed by Governor Farkhutdinov exempted Shell from taxes, but not from environmental laws, which the angry Russians exploited to their advantage, through using its EPA that had sat on its hands. Oleg Mitvol, the Russian EPAs deputy director was handed the job to teach Shell a hard lesson. Suddenly Greenpeace, Russias Environmental Watch, and Russias agent at the World Wildlife Fund all appeared and had concerns about rivers, grey whales, and so forth. Russian courts ordered Shell to cease damaging the environment and about 50 sets of people came out of nowhere to rail against Shells negative conduct at Sakhalin. Eventually Shell capitulated.

The lesson for Guyanese and foreign oil companies is best expressed by Oleg Mitvol: “we want international investment, but we dont want to be made into a banana republic.” This is where Guyana and its EPA must be with Exxon and the Liza-1 Permit renewal.

Uvalde, Buffalo, Guyana and policing DEAR EDITOR, This is not who was right or who was wrong, but what is reasonable, because it speaks to consistency.

While the anger and grief still swirl around Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde Texas, the actions of local law enforcement in two far apart communities are enlightening. They raise questions, they emphasize that fears are not farfetched, and they leave us trust under siege once again.

In Buffalo, 10 Black Americans are machine-gunned by a young White American, and somehow the alleged killer is still alive, despite a swarming hornet’s nest of defenders of the law. I cannot help but speculate about if the construction, meaning complexion, of the killer had something to do with the fact that he was allowed to surrender, the great and commendable restraint manifested. In terms of training and procedures followed, it seems that there was none of those baffling breaches that we hear of every so often, when others are involved. I proceed some more, and wonder about the

victims themselves, the demographic reputation of the community, and if that, too, had something to do with the lesser aggression demonstrated by the Buffalo police personnel on the scene.

In traveling to Uvalde, Texas, the circumstances are parallel but with an eerie and alarming twist. It is a community on the US-Mexican border, and has a heavy Hispanic concentration. The hitherto unknown (to the world) Robb Elementary School had to be well-known to the Uvalde police in terms of its composition, meaning the overwhelming percentage of its students (perhaps, teachers also) were of a nonEurocentric heritage. Again, the unnerving question arises: what did that have to do with the reluctance of the police personnel present to take the most life-saving action possible? Not for themselves, as it turned out to be, but for those trapped little ones. I discard that this had anything to do with lack of courage, absence of training, or deficiency of adequate firepower. I discard also all this

law enforcement officialese about “active shooter” and “barricaded situation” and the rest of that bureaucratic polyglot. Instead, I limit myself to these: why not? Why so long? Why the fatal hesitation? Would the situation/ response have been the same in a differently constituted community, a more prestige institution of learning? If any answers ever come from inquiries like those, they are sure to be hedged, defensive, and unconvincing.

Editor, these anxiety-inducing circumstances are probed because of what we live with here, re: law enforcement.

At different times under different regimes, the complaints and laments have been characterised by what is deemed to be racial or political; sometimes both of those toxins.

Phones ringing off the hook, response times, communities neglected, officers either slothful, purposely inefficient, or derelict, and never any persuasive, enduring remedies following. Today the charges are of manipulation, double standards, as in

haste and hostility toward some, but coddling and condoning for others. Our police have been taken to task, many times rightly; our police have been used and misused, and usually for the worst of purposes.

Everybody is talking, and everyone knows what I am talking about. I notice the hullabaloo over “Baderation” and I limit myself to two things. First, another group would not have been given ‘official clearance’ (police), not with that lyrical history, not with this society’s polarity. And, second, in the subsequent shots and cyber snapshots, that’s an awful amount of guns around, however extrapolated, statistically extended.

When I observe law enforcement operating in this manner-be it Buffalo, Uvalde, Minnesota, or Guyana-then all the talk about freedom, democracy, and what is fair and of justice all come tumbling down. This is my stance. I wonder where other Guyanese stand.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

56 years later Guyanese still wallow in the lies of our history DEAR EDITOR, May 26th, 2022 marked Guyana’s 56th Independence Anniversary. As an artist who’s works in both categories, painting and sculpture, focuses on our Pre and Post Colombian History and Culture out of the realization that Art can play an instrumental part in social transformation. In the production of an outline of Guyanese history the titled work ‘THE ANATOMY OF A DICTATORSHIP’ is a condensed study of the monumental breakthrough in the colonization process that occurred in Guyana, the only English speaking country in South America. The 1763 Berbice Rebellion was the first blow for Internal self-government.

Guyana’s strategic Geopolitical location ignited an intercontinental flood of events in 1776 with the American Independence in Haiti in 1791 and

in Latin America in 1808.

It is not as though Guyana’s Independence was given on a plate. It was fought for by our fore-parents of both African and Indian people against the cruelty of the Colonial rule. It is unfortunate or rather well designed that the date chosen for Guyana’s Independence would not in any way be remembered as part of our Revolutionary struggle as a people but one of racial conflict and animosity. Two years earlier, some sources claim from the 22nd of May 1964 to the 26th of May 1964 an unprecedented wave of violence against Indians in the mining community of Wismar was unleashed. Homes were burned, people were killed, beaten, women raped, and not even children were spared. Hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to properties and over 3,000 citizens were dis-

placed. Though orchestrated by the CIA to prevent Guyana from becoming another Cuba in America’s backyard, this is oftentimes down played and the local politicians and their support base have for their participation been blamed for what was the British and American government’s agenda since the ousting of the Nationalist PPP Government of 1953. Guyana is not singular in its experience, this is what the British and American governments have done in most of its former colonies.

They have left us a Legacy which their handpicked colonial subordinates have effectively used to Divide and Rule its population. 56 years later, Guyanese of Indian descent, particularly those living in the diaspora reflect on the horrific event that changed the course of their lives. This has dampened the appreciation for Guyana’s Independence

and the Struggles of our ancestors both African and Indian against the atrocities of Colonialism. Guyana remains of strategic Geopolitical importance in the region, rich in natural resources, the discovery of Oil/gas, which should have long since accelerated its developmental thrust with a viable agricultural sector.

Instead, that process has been deliberately undermined by the local Political Elites acting in concert with big Capitalist Consortiums. The oil/gas blocks will bring prosperity to a few while the majority continue to exist in a state of abject poverty. While Guyanese 56 years Later, still grapple with a past unable to see the big picture, wallow in the lies and distortion of our history that has been constantly fed to them.

Yours Faithfully, Desmond Alli (General Secretary GUA)

No proper roads, street lights in South Ruimveldt Gardens DEAR EDITOR, As a citizen in the South Ruimveldt Gardens Community, this letter is written to raise two issues. Firstly, more than one and a half years ago, the David Rose Street (now a dam) and Caneview Avenue,

South Ruimveldt Gardens, were used by the Government’s contractor Junior Sammy Guyana Ltd for the construction of the fourlane highway. The works have been completed and the roads now have huge pot-

holes and craters. Since then, there has been no communication with the residents about the repairing of the roads. Please note, there was never any discussion with the residents before, during or after the road construction.

Now taxi and mini-bus drivers are refusing to use the road leaving the residents no

choice but to walk in with their bags or walk out to get transportation. This is done with mud and water on the roads.

These roads are more than forty years old and have never been in this deplorable state. Citizens were in constant contact with the Contractor during and after (Continued on page 5)

Tuesday May 31, 2022

Anatomy of a Coup DEAR EDITOR, The January 6 Select Committee of the US House of Representatives, after nine months of investigations, is expected to hold public hearings shortly and to present compelling evidence regarding the planning and execution of a conspiracy to overturn the November 2020 election of President Joe Biden.

The entire world witnessed, on television, the violent insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 and has since learnt, through Congressional investigations, investigative reporting, media interviews and the publication of books, that this was only part of a much wider conspiracy, very likely directed by former President Trump, aimed at undermining the

democratic process, overturning a valid election result and retaining the incumbent President in office. Many respected persons, including former Republican Congressman David Jolie, has characterised the plot as a “failed authoritarian coup”, and Michael Cohen (Donald Trump’s former layer) has said that “anybody who doesn’t think it’s a coup is a kook”. In addition to the work of various congressional committees, the US Justice Department has arrested and charged over 750 persons with crimes associated with the insurrection at the Capitol in what has been described as “the largest criminal prosecution in the history of the USA” and has broadened its investigation to in-

No proper roads, street...

From page 4 the works. The Contractor promised that the roads will be repaired. To date, this promise has not been fulfilled and the roads are getting worst.

We are, therefore, bringing this issue to the attention of the public and the relevant authorities.

We hope it will be addressed urgently. Secondly, there is the issue of street lights at the corners of David Rose Street and Caneview Avenue and Newton Profitt Square.

These lights have not been

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Kaieteur News

working for more than three months, the area is very dark and extremely dangerous for persons walking there at nights. One citizen has even reported to GPL on numerous occasions and bought bulbs to be installed, at a price.

An invitation is extended to your reporters to visit the area see the condition of the roads and, if possible, speak with the citizens. Grateful for the relevant authority to take urgent action to remedy this issue as well.

Regards, Gail Haynes

clude the wider conspiracy.

The Jan 6 Select Committee has also made criminal referrals against several high-ranking Trump allies, including his Chief-of-Staff and members of Congress. Also, some persons, including former President Trump, are under investigation in various states for election-related criminality and others face billion dollar lawsuits in civil court for their roles in this affair. As, the almost daily disclosures are publicised in the US media, it has become quite clear to me that most of the elements of the US coup share similar characteristics with many of the events surrounding Guyana’s March 2, 2020 elections, and that even a casual comparison of the two elections, seven months apart, would reveal an anatomy of a coup with several similarities in method, the only differences being in objective (one to overthrow a President, (Continued on page 6)

Stop the hypocrisy

DEAR EDITOR, The PNC leadership once again asks to bring about racial harmony and a harmonious community based on democratic values. This is the same PNC that placed a blatant opponent to democratic values in parliament after she clearly disregarded the elections process. This is the same PNC that has never acknowledged their role in the

massacre and the attempted genocide of Indians in what is now known as Linden. This is the same PNC that uses every opportunity to start riots where the raping of Indian women and the killing of innocent Indians take place.

They have invited violence against the Indian community every time they have lost power. This is the same PNC that added insult to injury by

It’s not about colonial mentality Freddie DEAR EDITOR, In response to Freddie Kissoon article about “The incredible return of colonial mentality in Guyana” (Sunday May 29 KN) Mr. Kissoon should not be so quick to judge the mentality of Guyanese but should have further searched why are Guyanese buying imported jams/jellies instead of supporting our own locally made

ones. Freddie would be surprised, as I was, that the imported 450 grams = 15.8733 oz. of strawberry or mixed fruit jelly is cheaper than the locally made 12 oz. jar of guava or pine jam/jelly. This has nothing to do with colonial mentality, but everything to do with being shrewdly economical.

Regards, Gloria Holder

making the period of the Massacre a time when the country’s independence is celebrated. Stop the hypocrisy! You want tangible steps, then first acknowledge those evil acts and the attempted genocide of Indians in what is now known as Linden. Facing those crimes against humanity is the first tangible step required. Provide the names of all those involved and allow the courts to play its required role. Ensure our history correctly reflects what occurred and agree to change the date when our Independence is celebrated. These are all tangible steps that should be taken. Actions speak louder than words. If you are serious, then ensure these tangible steps occur. Until then, the PNC will always be viewed as hypocrites.

Sincerely, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana

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Tuesday May 31, 2022

Kaieteur News

D’Urban Street man found dead DR. Ramsundar Doobay was gifted with an intellect that was the envy of many in city trench The lifeless body of 68year-old Clive Lawrence Primus was found on Monday in a trench along Mandela Avenue in the capital city.

Primus of Lot 46 DUrban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, was discovered around 7:30hrs in the vicinity of a building that houses Cevons Waste Management.

The body, which was clad in a black and red pants and brown and green striped jersey, was seen in the trench with its face downward. A grey colour bicycle was also seen in the trench, according to police.

Primus reportedly left home on Sunday around 17:00hrs on his bicycle for an unknown location and was

never seen or heard from until his body was found.

The mans wife related to police that she and Primus had separated and he was living with his brother at DUrban Street. The woman reported that she would communicate with Primus sometimes and that she last saw him on Friday. She also indicated to the police that Primus suffered from seizures and high blood pressure.

Police said upon examination of the body, no marks of violence was seen. The body was taken to the Memorial Gardens Mortuary where it awaits a post mortem examination.

An investigation has since been launched.

Former journalist caught...

From page 3 police, on the day in question, Williams was an outgoing passenger at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport destined for the United States. However, the woman was nabbed with a quantity of cocaine in the false sides of her laptop bag. She was then arrested and escorted to CANU’s Headquarters with the narcotics.

A further search of the suspect, which was con-

ducted at the CANU headquarters, revealed a quantity of cocaine strapped to her body.

The substance was then tested and came back positive as cocaine, with a total weight of 9.6 kg. The narcotics had a total street value of G$60 million which is equivalent to US$300,000.

Further investigations led to the arrests of the former CANU officer and the GRA officer.

DEAR EDITOR, One of the indelible images in many persons’ memories of GPHC is walking into the medicine wards and seeing a simple, unassuming man finding a corner of a patient’s bed to tuck himself in, sitting, talking to the patient, assuring the patient and teaching doctors. Dr. Ramsundar Doobay was a fixture at the GPHC for more than fifty years. After today, that image will always only be our memory. GPHC will never be the same with Dr. Doobay no longer among us. The Minister of Health and the Ministry of Health [Sunday] received the devastating news that Guyana has lost one of its finest and most dedicated medical professionals. The news that Dr. Ramsundar Doobay, MBBS, MRCP, passed has been received with absolute shock and sadness. Although the Ministry has known about his battle with illness for several months now, we were still unprepared and still shocked by the news of his death. We express our profound condolences to his family and friends and stand ready to support them in their loss.

The truth is that the loss of Dr. Ramsundar Doobay is a loss for Guyana and all Guyanese. As we grieve and mourn his death, we feel a sense of absolute loss. Martin Carter once wrote asking the probing rhetorical question – WHERE ARE OUR HEROES? Our heroes are not only the persons who live everyday in the prominence of the news.

There are heroes and heroines who toil in the total absence of public attention, but are no less our heroes and heroines. Dr. Ramsundar Doobay is one of those ordinary Guyanese whose contributions make him one of those heroes that Martin Carter spoke of. The Ministry of Health believe we have lost one of the most consummate professionals that have ever

served the field of medicine.

Very few persons have served the health sector with the same dedication and the same value and worth, the same distinction as Dr. Ramsundar Doobay. It is no understatement to say that few have served the GPHC and medicine in Guyana as much as and with the contributions Dr. Doobay made. Dr. Ramsunadr Doobay was gifted with an intellect that was the envy of many. He was brilliant. But he remained at all times a simple, humble gentleman. His sense of humor was unique. Most of his students and many patients saw a stern, serious person.

But he was gentle, caring and funny. Few could tell a joke without changing their demeanor.

His expressions never changed whether he was making a serious statement or making a joke. For a man who was so funny, he was also a man of few words, always cool and collective, rarely ruffled.

In his early years with poor infrastructure in the health sector, with access to little or no technology, with access to few journals, Dr. Doobay awed his local colleagues and visiting colleagues with the depth of his knowledge of medicine.

He was always up to date with developments in medicine, with new medications and new scientific findings.

In fact, his main activity outside of the hospital was his incessant reading of journals and documents relating to medicines. As journals began to appear online, Doobs would spend most of his spare time lost in the pages of these journals. Doobs, as his colleagues and friends often referred to him, started his career in Guyana in the late 1960s where he joined other illustrious medicine professionals. He started his career under the illustrious Dr. Enid Denbow in November 1968 at the age of 26 and

quickly began to make his mark on the medicine profession and service in Guyana.

Among his early colleagues would have been Dr. Roger Luncheon with whom Doobs shared a personal and strong friendship and bond. By the 1970s, he had become the Head of Department in Internal Medicine, a position he served in until he was requested to relinquish it in 2016. At various times he served as Medical Superintendent of the Public Hospital Georgetown (PHG) and acted as Director of Medical and Professional Services at the GPHC, when the PHG became a public corporation.

Dr. Doobay is one of the few medical professionals who served the public sector throughout his career, a period that spanned more than fifty years. While he did serve in the private sector at institutions such as the Balwant Singh Hospital, he never sacrificed his duty in the public sector for private practice. He did not allow his departure from GPHC to stop him in 2016. He continued serving people at the Doobay Hospital in Annandale, East Coast Demerara, a hospital founded

by his cousin. Outside his service to thousands of citizens that he personally diagnosed and treated, he served our people and our country by teaching and mentoring hundreds of young doctors.

He served as a professor in the School of Medicine of the University of Guyana for more than three decades. He also mentored hundreds of interns at GPHC and, when Guyana introduced post-graduate training, he was one of the pillars of the post-graduate training program. Indeed, both the internship and postgraduate internal medicine programs benefitted from indispensable contributions from Dr. Doobay. Truly, Dr. Doobay molded the career of many young and experienced doctors who today serve and who served in the past in medicine in Guyana and in many countries around the world.

Dr. Ramsundar Doobay played a major role in the early introduction of treatment guidelines for diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart diseases, asthma, liver diseases, cancer, kidney diseases, lung diseases, (Continued on page 17)

Anatomy of a Coup...

From page 5 the other to keep him in power) and the degree of foreign involvement in both. The two main elements of a coup d’etat are typically the illegal seizure (or attempted seizure) of power and the employment, or threat, of violence, both of which are present in the US and Guyana 2020 elections with the latter possibly serving as a dry-run for the former. Some of the similarities in method include the following: - claim, prior to the election, that your opponent is planning to steal the election, and that if you lost that was proof of their fraud; - threaten demonstrations and violence if results are unfavourable; - after the election, and before results are certified, spread misinformation, demand investigations and institute legal proceedings to create the perception of fraud, to delay an official declaration and to gain the time to exert maximum pressure; - urge supporters to stop the steal, fight like hell to protect democracy and take back your government and country; - pressure the incumbent to concede the election before an official declaration is made through threats of sanctions and other forms of violence, or conversely, refuse to con-

cede if you are the incumbent, even after an official declaration; and - pressure authorities not to certify valid results and to change the system for determining election results and to substitute desired results.

It is generally true that successful coups are never investigated and, unlike the USA where the Congress, state and federal authorities have launched investigations to determine whether laws were broken, Guyanese are still waiting, almost two years after the elections were concluded to learn if our Elections Court will look into claims of electoral malpractice here.

The fact that the Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GECOM, as well as the Returning Officer of Region 4 were all criminally charged, and subse q u e n t l y d i s missed, is not evidence of criminality on their part.

The election petition must be heard even though you can expect supporters of the coup will do everything in their power to prevent this.

Just as Americans deserve to know what happened in their country, Guyanese deserve to know what happened here also.

Sincerely, Oscar Dolphin

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L U L LUNT. B .

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We Must All Stand Up and Fight!

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T B BLU T...BLUN BLUNT... UNT...B . .

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Tuesday May 10, 2022

Kaieteur News

While the world seems to be concerned about the future of Guyana and its people, the exact opposite could be said of the country’s leaders.

It is evident that they are not mature enough to face the truth as they shield themselves from scolding by playing a game of reverse psychology.

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo for example has criticised ‘celebrities’ who are calling on ExxonMobil to stop robbing Guyana of its resources, while endangering the country and the world at large.

Instead of dealing with the issue at hand, the VP responds by saying that they do not have a voice to stop large-scale oil operations in their own country.

He should be ashamed to make reference to such a scenario, especially since he is daily failing to address the issue of large-scale thievery in this land.

Guyanese must therefore be bold enough to stand up for themselves and their children.

The abuse must stop and it is we, the people of this land, who must carry the fight.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Tuesday May 31, 2022

Attorney seeks CARICOM intervention over Exxon’s failures in environmental assessment Gas-to-Energy project…

By Davina Bagot A t t o r n e y - a t - L a w, Elizabeth Hughes has asked the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to intervene in the Gas-to-Energy project, which is being pursued in part by oil giant, ExxonMobil.

In a letter dated May 28, 2022, to the CARICOM Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnette, the attorney requested, among other things, that the Caribbean stand together to stop Guyana from falling into a Rule of Law conflict, which she said may lead to other issues, including a constitutional crisis.

She explained, “There is

an off-shore part where the pipeline runs on the seabed and there is an on-shore aspect which runs from Crane through Canal Number One and Two, then into Wales somewhere, they (Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited [EEPGL] and its independent consultants Environmental Resources Management) were not clear where their responsibility would end on terra firma, when I asked at a public consultation meeting on 11 May 2022. The terra firma aspect has serious issues with compliance to the Rule of Law in Guyana.”

Hughes went on to inform the CARICOM SG

Attorney-at-Law, Elizabeth Hughes

that the residents in the area, described as ‘primary

stakeholders’ were not consulted prior to the submission of the Environmental Impact Assessment, which is in breach of Section 11 of the Environmental Protection Act and the gunning principles of consultations.

Further, she said that the developer, EEPGL, has not complied with the requirements of the law, as it relates to the provision of “proof that the applicant either owns the facility or has a lease or other agreement with the landowner or occupier to enable the applicant to conduct the activity on the facility or has the legal right or ability to

conduct the activity without the consent of the landowner or occupier.” Hughes also pointed out in her letter that, “The developer EEPLG has not shown proof of having conducted a feasibility study as per S12.1 of 1794/2016 Petroleum Agreement.”

The lawyer explained that if the EIA or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is allowed to stand, Guyana will be in a Rule of Law conflict. It is on this premise that she sought the intervention of CARICOM. Recently, more than a dozen residents of Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara attached their signatures in a letter addressed to the EPA, citing a breach to their right of prior consultation for the proposed Gas-to-Energy pipeline, to be constructed

by ExxonMobil in partnership with the Guyana Government.

In the letter dated May 26, 2022 to the Executive Director of the regulatory a g e n c y, M r . K e m r a j Parsram, the citizens said they were never consulted, and called for the suspension of the 60-day period, which was opened to allow persons with concerns to register same with the EPA. “We the residents of

Canal Number One, an area through which the proposed pipeline runs, were not consulted at any time before the submissions of the EIA and EIS for the Gas-toEnergy project. This is a fundamental breach of our rights and those under (the) Environmental Protections Act s.11 (9) along with a breach of the principles of internationally recognised consultation practices,” the letter detailed.

About 18 signatures were attached to the correspondence. The law states at Section 11(9): “During the course of the environmental impact assessment, the developer and the person carrying out the environmental impact assessment shall (a) consult members of the public, interested bodies and organisations; (b) provide to members of the public on request, and at no more than the reasonable cost of photocopying, copies of information obtained for the p u r p o s e o f t h e environmental impact assessment”.

The EIA submitted by the Environmental Resources Management (ERM) for the Wales Gas-toEnergy project, has signalled that some land owners in (Continued on page 9)

Tuesday May 31, 2022

Kaieteur News

By hook or crook!

No election is ever going to satisfy the riggers and their sidekicks, including those who shamelessly support their discredited narratives. In the eyes of the PNC/R, no election, other than that which hands it victory is ever going to be credible.

It does not matter what systems are employed. You can have the most flawless of procedures and an incidentfree elections, but so long as the PNC/R does not win it will claim there was fraud.

No system will ever be good enough for the PNC/R so long as it does not win the election. No system will ever be fool-proof enough to avoid being put under the microscope by the PNC/R. The PNC/R has a plaster for every electoral sore, real or imagined. It is therefore an exercise in futility to attempt to implement further electoral safeguards.

When it lost the 1992 elections, some of its talk show hosts claimed that the computers at GECOMs headquarters were connected to computers at Freedom House and there was

contamination of the data. It did not dawn on them that the results were being manually tabulated.

In 1997, the PNC agreed to the use of a voter identification card to guard against fraud. Each voter was required to present this voter identification when voting and to surrender it upon completion.

After the PNC lost comprehensively, it went to court to challenge the constitutionality of the very Voter ID Card which it had agreed to. Indeed, the court vitiated the elections on the grounds that the use of the CARD was unconstitutional.

The PNC/R will not accept any result other than a victory for itself. That has been the track-record of the PNC/R. When the idea of voting machines was touted by the Canadians, both the PNC/R and the PPP/C rejected it, even for local government elections where the stakes are not as high as in general elections.

A former Chairman of the Guyana Elections

Commission had even suggested electronic voting and electronic registration.

But this did not find favour with the Commission.

Now there is the proposal to introduce biometrics into the voting process. For those who are not aware, there is a system of biometrics already in place. At each polling station there is a folio containing biometric details, including photographs, of every voter who is eligible to vote at that location.

A biometric system verification system is already in place. And the PNC/R had agreed to that system.

But no system is ever going to satisfy the PNC/R. Ever since the 1992 polls, the PNC/R has only twice accepted the democratic will of the people: the first was in 2006 when it was defeated comprehensively; and the second was in 2015 when it was part of a Coalition that won the elections.

In 2015, one leading light of the PNC/R bragged that the APNU+AFC coalition was able to stop the PPP/C from rigging the elections because

Dem boys seh...

Press conference like marathon race dese days A press conference shouldnt last fuh more dan one hour. But every time de Vee Pee hold a press conference is marathon session. De man does go on and on like wan energiser battery.

After a while dem boys couldnt tek it no more and had fuh turn off. Yuh dont need a press conference fuh respond to things which yuh claim de opposition talk bout.

Let de various Ministers address de various matters.

Yuh dont call press conference because de Opposition

went to Linden and talk something. Let de Critic deal with dat. He like dat. And yuh gat reporters sitting down while you blabbing way. Dem boys wan tell dem reporters dat de next time de Vee Pee gat a presser, dat dem should walk with blanket and pillow because de man does talk and talk fuh hours. Is enough fuh put yuh to sleep. It does also mek some people get vex.

Dem boys know some people miss dem soap opera.

But dem get a dramatic display by de Vee Pee. Was en-

tertainment and education.

De man talking like he giving a lecture to school children.

Wah mek dem boys eye turn up though is when he deal with matters outside he portfolio. De man is de oil Minister. But he dealing with odder matters which de Minister of Information or dem Press Officers, wah deh plenty in de guvament and drawing down fat salary when de month done, should deal with.

Talk half and leff half fuh dem odder Ministers.

Attorney seeks CARICOM...

From page 8 Crane, Canal Number One and Canal Number Two, in Region Three may not be allowed to grow crops or develop new structures that may interfere with the pipeline to be laid by Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL).

The Gas-to-Energy project is being pursued by Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), on behalf of itself and its coventurers (Hess Guyana Exploration Limited and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited). It

proposes to bring the associated natural gas, produced from the Liza field in the Stabroek Block, to shore for use. The Government of Guyana is pursuing a separate project to construct a power plant that would use a portion of this associated natural gas as a fuel source.

Accordingly, EEPGL, at the request of the Government, is proposing that the project provide fuel for the power plant.

The project will involve capturing associated gas produced from crude oil produc-

tion 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 (MMscfd; 1.4 million standard cubic metres per day [MMsm3/d]) of rich gas via a subsea pipeline and then an on-shore pipeline to a NGL processing plant, treating the gas to remove NGLs for sale to third parties, and ultimately delivering dry gas meeting government specifications for use at the power plant.

it deployed polling agents at every polling station to guard against fraud. In 2020, it also employed polling agents at every polling station. Yet it wants to claim that massive irregularities were committed in the presence of these polling agents.

Nothing other than a PNC/R victory will ever be good enough. The PNC/R is not interested in free and fair elections; it wants a system that would rubberstamp its victory.

It now wants additional biometrics, including the use of fingerprints for voting.

This is a recipe for electoral riots.

What happens when a registered voter turns up to vote and the fingerprint recognition machine does not recognise his or her fingerprint? This could create mass disenfranchisement.

At present a number of

local companies have fingerprint recognition machines which are used to record their staffs attendance at work. But on a daily basis, some employees have to make one, two, or three attempts before the machines recognise their fingerprints. In some instances, the machines refuse to identify a staff member who then has to resort to clearance from higher authorities.

Is this the sort of system which the PNC/R wishes to impose on Guyana a system which will lead to disruptions and cast further suspicions on the electoral system? Or is this yet another excuse which the PNC/R has concocted to further its discredited narrative about gross irregularities at the polls?

The PNC/R finds itself having to invent proposals

PAGE 9

to justify its narrative. It has climbed on platforms to peddle the narrative that the 2020 polls were marred by massive irregularities. Unable to prove these irregularities, the PNC/R can only sustain the narrative by throwing shade at the existing electoral process.

Nothing will please the PNC/R. Free and fair elections are an anathema to the authoritarian instincts of the party.

The PNC/R will only be satisfied by a system which grants it victory. By hook or by crook!

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Tuesday May 31, 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Terror and evil: The autobiography of Seelall Persaud

F

riday coming, F o r m e r Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud (SP) will officially launch his autobiography, “Stepping out of the herd: My life in the Guyana Police Force,” at the Conference Centre. If you are the fainthearted kind, do not read this book.

It describes a period when the descent into evil took place in this country. It makes for chilling reading. I was not affected by the pen of SP because media people risked their lives to tell Guyanese what was happening in Buxton, 20022006. So we know.

If I were to write my memoir, I will fill in the gaps

in the Buxton conspiracy 2002- 2006 that SP left out.

SP’s autobiography shows the essential difference between a high security official and a journalist.

The former are always cautious when they write their memoir because for their entire lives, they have been cautious people.

Investigative journalists on the other operate more daring.

The other thing to note about SP’s book is that despite their extremely strategic placements in society, security officials do not get the same information journalists get. It has to do with human nature.

Journalists are more known in the society than security

officers so people come to know them and trust them.

I would say that from reading his book, there are things that SP did not know about Buxton even though he was a top ranking security officer at the time. In Werken-Rust, just up the road from my mother-in-law’s supermarket, there lived this youth in the same yard with former police commissioner, Henry Greene. Obviously, I got to know him well.

He joined the army of Buxton youths during the murder spree. One midday I was at the Banks DIH restaurant at Barr and Alexander Streets in Kitty. I met him and old memories of him in Werk-en-Rust were discussed. He gave me

fascinating details about what was going on in Buxton.

He had become disenchanted with senseless killings. I think it in this kind of area that journalists have a jump on security officers.

Sp’s book is excellent on the crime mayhem in Buxton. He has certainly made depressing allegations against former Police Commissioner and APNU Minister Winston Felix.

After what SP wrote, is it possible to have an investigation into Felix’s role? It doesn’t mean SP is right but there should be an investigation.

I once met Mr. Felix while jogging on the seawall off Subryanville. What he told me about his deportment at the time when Guyana was facing violent actions from rampaging gunmen does not square with what is in Seelall’s book. Which one is telling the truth?

At the beginning of this article, I noted that the book is not for the faint-hearted.

Here right in front of the eyes of a nation, one of Guyana’s leading police officers describes the role of the police, army and opposition party in creating an ambience of violence to destabilise the Guyana Government.

Here is a poignant

extract: “A human resource with whom I developed a good relation “Kofy”, while I served at OC narcotics, was connected at high Frederick Kissoon levels of the PNC. Unfortunately, on restrict himself several occasions when he unnecessarily when naming provided information to me names. He chose to subtly about the Buxton gang in refer to a former GDF officer 2002, I reported to my in the deadly Rose Hall bank functional superior but robbery. That was planned there were no indications by Oliver Hinckson. that he acted on it.” From There is just a mere reading this, one can m e n t i o n o f R o n a l d anticipate that after Friday’s Waddell’s role in Buxton. launching, Felix will have to SP’s guess as to why provide explanations.

Waddell was killed by the Sp’s book is definitely a Phantom Squad is a bit off contribution to Guyana’s target. historiography. The book is Waddell did have an riveting in its depiction of the argument with one of the terror and evil that existed in gunmen and was shot over a Guyana and the role of state disagreement but he as the security in abetting that planner of the future descent into uncivilised activities of the gunmen was violence. based on racist ideology.

An interesting part of the Waddell was killed based on book (page 164) has not put what he was planning to do former army officer, Wycliff and it was frightening.

McAllister in good light Finally, there are no names when SP dealt with the way of the WPA, PNC and ACDA notorious criminal “Blackie” bigwigs, the reason being, London met his death.

SP must have thought of The only unfortunate libel. lacuna in what is otherwise a (The views expressed in f i n e m e m o i r , i s t h e this article are those of the willingness of SP to be brief a u t h o r a n d d o n o t in his treatment of the necessarily reflect the Buxton conspiracy and to opinions of this newspaper.)

Tuesday May 31, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Tuesday May 31, 2022

Guyana’s oil critical for Exxon’s increased - Darren global production Woods

By Gary Eleazar US based oil giant, ExxonMobil, has in recent years positioned itself as one of the largest international oil companies in the world and with its recent dumping of assets across the world, the company is eyeing critical operations in order to meet its projected targets while earning a decent profit for shareholders.

This is according to its Chief Executive Officer, Darren Woods who during the company’s annual meeting of shareholders this past week, reiterated that in the near term, ExxonMobil is increasing production of the e n e rg y r e s o u r c e s a n d

products the world needs.

He cited as example, “in Guyana, the company has two oil fields in production and two more in development, and made new discoveries that increased the estimated recoverable resource to nearly 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent.”

During that meeting it was noted that future plans include structural cost savings of US$9B per year by 2023, compared to 2019, and more than US$15B of investments through 2027 on initiatives to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

They include, according to Woods, investments to reduce emissions from company operations and to

Autopsy shows Crane teacher died from head injuries A post mortem examination conducted on the remains of Omega Ault, the teacher whose decomposing body was found in her Crane, West Coast Demerara home last week, revealed that she died as a result of brain haemorrhage and multiple traumas to the head.

The autopsy was conducted on Monday by State Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh at the Ezekiel Funeral Parlour.

The decomposing body of the 41-year-old woman was found on Friday around 17:00hrs by her brother.

According to police, he reportedly did not hear from her for some time and stated that she was not responding to phone calls. Worried about her safety, he decided to pay a visit to her home where he made the gruesome discovery.

Dead: Omega Ault Police noted that Ault was living with her husband, Clarence Farley and their three-year-old son and that the couple was encountering problems in their marriage.

It was reported to the police that earlier that week, Farley had taken their son to (Continued on page 14)

Clarence Farley’s motor vehicle which was recovered at a lumber yard on Saturday

advance critical technologies like carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and bio-fuels, which together are expected to develop into multitrillion-dollar markets in the decades ahead.

Long-term, he said, “…we have the portfolio flexibility necessary to pace our investments consistent with advancements in technology, markets and supportive policy.”

Woods told shareholders, “…as we move forward, we’ll remain focused on executing our strategy, sustainably growing value across a broad range of scenarios and time horizons, and importantly, leading the industry, now and through the energy transition.”

Woods in his report to shareholders noted that the company is presently focused on five key strategic priorities to sustainably grow shareholder value.

He noted that these include leading the industry in financial, operational and environmental performance, including across key metrics o f s a f e t y, r e l i a b i l i t y, greenhouse gas emissions intensity reductions, earnings and cash flow growth.

According to Woods, the company is also looking towards “upgrading the company’s advantaged portfolio to ensure it leads

competition and delivers value across a range of external environments and through volatile and evolving markets,” among other objectives.

ExxonMobil currently has an installed production capacity of 360,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) in Guyana’s Stabroek Block.

Production in Guyana began with the Liza I Field in the Stabroek Block using the Liza Destiny, Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel with an installed capacity of some 120,000 bpd.

That vessel commenced production in December 2021 with a second FPSO, which came on stream earlier this year, with an installed production capacity of 240,000 bpd.

It was noted that two other large projects are currently in various stages of development including the Payara and the Yellowtail project.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e ExxonMobil subsidiary in Guyana Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited—the Stabroek Block Operator—has already submitted an application for environmental permission in pursuing another project Urau.

This publication had recently reported that while ExxonMobil in recent years

ExxonMobil CEO, Darren Woods had maintained that its projected estimated oil production from the Stabroek Block would be just about 750,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 2026, this has since been revised upwards.

As such, it would mean that the US oil major has brought forward its production levels schedule in Guyana, with an aim to now be producing more oil, faster than initially planned.

With the coming on stream of the Payara development, using the P r o s p e r i t y, F l o a t i n g Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, production in country would be boosted by another 220,000 bpd.

This would bring the c o u n t r y ’s c a p a c i t y t o 550,000 bpd when that comes online in 2024.

With the Yellowtail development now disclosed at a capacity of 250,000 bpd and first oil set for the end of 2025, it would bring the country’s daily production capacity to 800,000 bpd.

T h e L i z a Destiny—pending reinstallation of its repaired flash gas compressor—will be running at above nameplate capacity at 130,000 bpd or 10,000 bpd more, which collectively would account for likely 810,000 bpd being produced at the end of 2025, by the ExxonMobil-led consortium.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 31, 2022

PAGE 13

‘Big Oil’ loses bid to have climate change lawsuit tried in federal court A

nother attempt by ‘Big Oil’ to have a climate change lawsuit brought against them to be tried in a federal court as opposed to a state court – which is considered more plaintiff-friendly – has been denied.

Last Monday, a federal appeals court delivered another blow to the efforts by Big Oil – Chevron Corp, ExxonMobil Corp and other oil companies – to force state and local governments to pursue lawsuits claiming they fuelled climate change in federal rather than state court.

Rhode Island’s lawsuit alleged that various oil companies had created a public nuisance in the state and failed to adequately warn customers, consumers and regulators about the risks posed by their fossil fuel products. The lawsuit seeks to force the companies to pay for damage associated with climate change, citing the costs taxpayers were incurring to repair roads and bridges and rebuild coastal structures.

After rejecting the oil companies’ arguments that the lawsuit that the state of Rhode Island filed in 2018 against them was governed by or preempted by federal law, the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, remanded the lawsuit to state court.

According to a Reuters report, U.S. Circuit Judge O. Rogeriee Thompson called the issues “mindnumbing” and said the court was “leaning hard on our sibling circuits’ analyses in comparable climate-change cases,” after three other appellate courts remanded similar lawsuits.

Reuters reported that while Exxon said it was reviewing the decision and evaluating its next steps, the other companies had no immediate comment.

In 2020, the 1st Circuit had ordered the case be remanded, but the U.S. Supreme Court in 2021, directed it to take a second look after the high court gave the companies another shot to argue for removal in a similar case by the city of Baltimore, Maryland.

Notably, since the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling last year, similar lawsuits have been sent back to state courts by the 4th, 9th and 10th U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals.

MASSACHUSETTS On May 24, the Massachusetts High Court unanimously rejected Exxon’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

[Photo Credit: iberdrola.com]

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.

The 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.

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

BALTIMORE Last month, Exxon, BP PLC and Chevron lost their second federal appeal against a lawsuit by the city of Baltimore seeking to hold them responsible for climate change.

It was on Thursday, April 7, 2022, when the Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously ruled and sent back the lawsuit once again to the State court, as opposed to the matter being heard in the federal court – like the oil giants desired.

With the court’s ruling, the city of Baltimore has once again, won the legal battle to have its climate change lawsuit against more than 20 energy firms returned to state court, where it believes it has a better chance of obtaining damages for the harm it maintains the fossil fuel firms knowingly inflicted on the city and its residents over decades.

According to Reuters, the Fourth Circuit “resoundingly” rejected the companies’ arguments that Baltimore’s state-law claims were inherently federal because it sought to hold them liable based on the production and sale of oil and gas abroad.

The oil giants argued that the Clean Air Act is the exclusive vehicle to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and that Baltimore’s state-law claims conflicted with federal interests.

Nevertheless, a three-judge panel of the Fourth Circuit ruled that Baltimore’s case is built on state, not federal law and should be heard in state, not the federal court.

Baltimore’s 2018 complaint claims the companies deceived the public about the dangers associated with their fossil-fuel products, which contributed to greenhouse-gas pollution and climate change.

The lawsuit alleges that the energy giants created a public nuisance and should be forced to cover the climate-change costs the city faces, including increased infrastructure spending.

CALIFORNIA On April 19, a federal appeals court sent lawsuits by six California cities and counties accusing Exxon, Chevron and other energy giants of fuelling climate change back to state court.

The ruling was made by the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Reuters reported too that U.S. Circuit Judge Sandra Ikuta rejected the companies’ arguments that the cases raised substantial federal issues that belonged in federal court, adding that the statute that

governs removing cases from state to federal courts must be interpreted narrowly.

“Our adherence to this doctrine does not change merely because plaintiffs raise novel and sweeping causes of action,” she wrote for the three-judge panel.

California local governments including San Mateo, Marin and Santa Cruz counties had sued more than 30 energy companies beginning in 2017, alleging their production and marketing of fossil fuels contributed to global warming.

The lawsuits claimed the companies, which also include BP and Shell, created a public nuisance, failed to warn about the risks of climate change and should be forced to cover the climatechange costs the local government face, such as infrastructure repair due to rising sea levels.

Notably, in all of the cases that were filed in state courts, which are perceived as advantageous for plaintiffs – state courts are established by the laws of each state and have broad jurisdiction, in contrast, federal courts are established under the U.S. Constitution and have a much narrower jurisdiction – resulting in oil companies preferring lawsuits against them to be tried in federal courts.

GUYANA Meanwhile, on the 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 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.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

2 arrested for questioning in relation to murder of Health Ministry’s driver Following the death of Collin McPherson, the Ministry of Health’s driver who was shot dead at his Sophia home on Independence Day, police have since arrested two persons for questioning.

This publication was informed that the two men, who are brothers, were arrested on Friday at a house located along Chesterfield Street, B-Field Sophia, Georgetown.

Commander of Regional Division 4 ‘A’, Simon McBean confirmed with this publication on Monday that during the investigation two persons were arrested. He revealed that the persons are still in custody and that investigators are currently seeking advice in the matter.

But the brothers, Kaieteur News understands, are claiming they are innocent.

Forty-three-year-old McPherson, a father of four was gunned down around 21:40hrs on May 26, last at his Lot 460 ‘D’ Field, Sophia home. McPherson, according to reports, was at the time sitting in front of his home fraternising with some friends when a blue masked gunman ran up and shot him.

An eyewitness reported to the police that he was in the house when he heard a loud explosion, after which he saw McPherson run inside and started to shout “close the door”.

According to police, the eyewitness related that the gunman was dressed in a blue shirt, dark-colour pants and is fair in complexion.

Upon seeing the gunman, the eyewitness stated, he ran into a bedroom leaving McPherson in the living room. Two more loud explosions were heard and then there was silence, he recounted. The eyewitness reported too that when he emerged from the

1 dead, 1 injured in Corentyne accident The utility pole that the car slammed into

The car after it came to a halt

Dead: Collin McPherson bedroom he saw the now deceased lying motionless on the floor.

Two of McPherson’s children were also at home when he was brutally murdered. Police showed up at the scene a few minutes later to assess the scene.

Crime scene experts observed that McPherson’s body bore four gunshot wounds – one to his shoulder, another to his groin, a third to his leg and the fourth to his arm.

Investigators recovered two .9MM spent shells from the scene and are currently reviewing footage from security cameras mounted on nearby buildings to see if they can identify McPherson’s killer.

An investigation into the man’s death is still ongoing.

Autopsy shows Crane teacher...

From page 12 Ault’s sister in Diamond, on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and informed her that he was going into the backdam. Farley has not been seen since.

Police have issued a wanted bulletin for him.

Tuesday May 31, 2022

On Monday police reported that his car was spotted at a lumber yard at Coverden, EBD. Acting on information, ranks visited the lumber yard on Saturday around 10:30hrs where the vehicle was recovered. It is

presently lodged at the Timehri Police Station.

Kaieteur News understands that Farley had parked his car at the lumber yard because of mechanical problems but never returned for it. An investigation into Ault’s death is still ongoing.

Dead: Kevin Alert

A

n accident on the No. 63 Village Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice has left one person dead and another injured.

Dead is 26-year-old Kevin Alert of Eversham Village, Corentyne, Berbice, while the injured person is Alert’s 21-year-old cousin, Nicklous Johnson, of Lot 19 No. 51 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

It was revealed that at around 22:50hrs on Sunday, May 29, 2022, Alert, while driving motor car PAC 1403 in a southerly direction, reportedly at a fast rate, he

crashed into a concrete culvert as he attempted to navigate a turn.

The impact, it was revealed, caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle which then slammed into a utility pole, breaking it in the process, before coming to a halt beside the public road.

Johnson, who was in the front passenger seat, and Alert were removed from the badly damaged car by public spirited persons who took them to the Skeldon Hospital. They were shortly after transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital where Alert was pronounced dead on arrival while Johnson was

admitted.

Meanwhile, sister of the dead man, Afia Alert, told reporters that she was at work when she received a call informing her that her brother and cousin were involved in an accident.

“I rushed to the scene but when I went there, he was already taken to the hospital but I understand that at the time of the accident they were heading to Skeldon,” the grieving sister said.

She described her brother as being kind-hearted, quiet and easy-going when he was alive and that the last time she saw him was Saturday night.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 31, 2022

PAGE 15

VP Jagdeo admits that citizens forced Govts. in US, UK and Canada to get more benefits from oil companies - says doing same in Guyana would breach contract with Exxon

By Gary Eleazar

V

ice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Monday conceded that it was the agitation of citizens of countries such as the United States and Canada that forced those governments to increase their royalties charged to oil operators and the one-off tax slapped on those companies in the UK. This publication has in recent days reported on the changes in the fiscal regime for oil operators in those countries. It was reported that Canada recently moved to increase its royalty

charged to between five and 40 percent, the US in December last raised its royalty rate higher than the 18.75 it had been receiving while the UK slapped a oneoff 25 percent tax on the oil companies there.

Speaking at a press engagement at Office of the President on Monday, the Vice President told members of the local media corps that the windfall tax that some countries are exploring only came after intense pressure from their populations.

He quipped that in some cases this was not being done willingly but was the government bowing to the

demands of its citizenry.

The Vice President went on to explain, however, why this could not be replicated in Guyana since, “we are bound by a PSA (Production Sharing Agreement) with very specific terms on the taxation side.” To this end, he suggested “if you change the taxation here, it’s considered a breach of the contract.”

Seeking to draw a distinction between Guyana and the ABC countries, Jagdeo suggested that those companies would have been operating for decades in those jurisdictions and as such would have come under

the standard tax regime for the respective countries within which they operate.

According to the Vice President, under such a situation the parliaments of those countries could by way of legislation easily make the

changes to institute for example a windfall tax.

He was adamant, this is the key reason the same cannot be done in Guyana if the administration did in fact go ahead and make the legislative changes; it would

be considered a breach of the contract, “we would run afoul of the agreement.”

Under the present PSA, with the only operator currently producing from Offshore Guyana, Esso (Continued on page 16)

PAGE 16

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Ramsammy warns against use, sale of unregulated hookah, e-cigerattes and tobacco products

Guyana continues to see a weak implementation of its Tobacco Control Act 2017, some five years after it was enacted.

This is according to advisor to the Minister of Health and Chair of the Presidential Commission on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD), Dr. PENPAL Leslie Ramsammy.

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Ramsammy noted, never-

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theless, that the Commission during its third and fourth meetings in March and May 2022, committed to intensify its effort to lead the fight against tobacco and tobacco products use in Guyana.

“We note that BIG TOBACCO, the consortium of tobacco companies around the world, have come together to find new ways to introduce tobacco and tobacco products to a new generation of people. One of their strategies is to add new tobacco products, such as ecigarettes and hookah products, to bypass regulations that try to restrict use of traditional cigarettes and cigars,” he said.

As such, the Presidential Commission on the Prevention and Control of NCDs Chair underscored the need for urgent regulations of these products in Guyana.

He stressed that “the Presidential Commission on the Prevention and Control of the NCDs wishes to alert Guyanese to the dangers of e-cigarette and hookah use.

The use of both e-cigarettes and hookahs in Guyana started before the introduction of the Tobacco Control Act 2017 and has gained even more popularity since the passage of the Tobacco

Advisor to the Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy Control Act.” “The use of either the ecigarette or hookah is not a healthier alternative to traditional tobacco products….Therefore, the regulations in the Tobacco Control Act 2017 equally applies to these products,” Dr. Ramsammy added in the statement.

Further, Dr. Ramsammy said that the Commission is concerned that both e-cigarettes and hookah products are imported, distributed and sold in shops, stores and at street-side vendor stalls.

He explained that this is in contravention of the Packaging and Labelling Regula-

tions (2018) which were passed under the Tobacco Control Act 2017.

“Hookah has become an integral part of bars and restaurants around the country and hookah bars are now popping-up across the country at alarming rate. While the Commission recognises the use of e-cigarettes in tobacco-cessation programmes, the marketing of e-cigarettes by BIG TOBACCO as a healthy alternative to traditional tobacco is dangerous and misleading,” Ramsammy said in the release.

He continued, “We would like to highlight to the authorities and to those who import, distribute and make such products available to the public, that laws of the country must be upheld. In particular, we remind the National Tobacco Control Council that Clauses 25 (2), 29, 30 and 33 requires that e-cigarette and hookah products must be properly packaged and labelled before they are permitted to enter Guyana and before they are allowed to be distributed and sold in the country.”

Additionally, Advisor to the Health Minister said that the Commission is of the view that none of the e-cigarette and hookah products being sold to the Guyanese (Continued on page 17)

VP Jagdeo admits that citizens...

From page 15 Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)— ExxonMobil, the country is paid a two percent royalty along with a 50/50 profit sharing split but not before 75 percent of earnings is deducted as cost oil.

This publication reported on Monday that the UK government announced that it will introduce a windfall tax on oil and gas operators which could raise US$6.3B in the first six months which will then be used to alleviate the cost-of-living crisis in the country.

A windfall tax is a one-off tax imposed by a government on a company, specifically targeting those that benefit from something they were not responsible for.

In this instance, the huge profits gained by oil and gas companies in the UK is due to a sharp increase in oil and gas prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The UK government said the purpose of this tax is to distribute excess profits made by oil companies for the greater social good.

The windfall tax comes as oil and gas giants, like Shell and BP, booked record profits in the first quarter of this

year, driven by a spike in oil and gas prices. BP had also revealed it would invest up to £18 billion in the UK’s energy system by the end of 2030 due to significant profits gained.

It was UK Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, who on Thursday last announced that the government is introducing a temporary, targeted Energy Profits Levy charged on profits of oil and gas companies at a rate of 25 percent.

Kaieteur News understands that this is the highest rate seen in 40 years in the UK. Stating that the oil and gas sector is making extraordinary profits not as the result of recent changes to risktaking, innovation or efficiency but as the result of surging global commodity prices driven in part by Russia’s war, the Chancellor said, “For that reason, I am sympathetic to the argument to tax those profits fairly.”

As it relates to Canada, at the time of the announcement, it was pointed out that British Columbia (B.C.), that country’s westernmost province, appears to be following in the footsteps of the United States of America (USA) as it has announced that it will be increasing royalty rates to raise additional money annu-

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo ally for its people.

That revelation was made

by Premier John Horgan. The official recently said that for too long, “a broken system of fossil-fuel subsidies” has failed to ensure citizens “fully benefit” from their resources.

Under the royalty system, Horgan explained that companies will have to pay top dollar to get access to British Columbia’s natural gas resource and share their revenue with the provincial owner.

Tuesday May 31, 2022

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

Ali, Norton engage in ‘tit for tat’ over meeting on constitutional appointments President Ifraan Ali has called out Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton for his “demonstration of immaturity,” after Norton failed to show up for a meeting with him to continue the discussion on the appointments for constitutional positions and commissions.

Kaieteur News understands that Norton was invited to the meeting by way of a letter delivered to his Congress Place, Sophia, Georgetown office on May 27, 2022, where he was asked to indicate whether he would be attending the meeting which was set for May 30, 2022. He did not respond nor did he show up for the meeting on Monday.

Ali said the Opposition Leader was asked to indicate in writing his additional contributions to the ongoing consultations towards the appointment of the Integrity Commission and three service commissions – Judicial, Police and Teaching Service.

A response was never sent to the President up to the time of Norton’s no-show at the meeting. In a live Facebook broadcast, President Ali said it is regrettable

President Ifraan Ali and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, during the live Facebook broadcast. that Norton didn’t have the dignity to respond or show up for the consultations which are mandated by the Constitution.

The President has since labelled this as not only regrettable and disappointing but also “a demonstration of immaturity.”

Norton on the hand had 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.

On May 13, 2022, Norton met President Ali at the Of-

Another COVID-19 fatality, 11 new cases recorded The Ministry of Health on Monday reported that a 59year-old man from Region Four, who contracted the COVID-19 disease, has died.

The fully vaccinated man died on Monday while receiving treatment at a medical facility. As a result of this, the countrys COVID-19 death toll has now moved to 1,234.

The Ministry via its latest dashboard revealed that within the last assessed 24-

hour period, health authorities recorded a total of 11 new cases across the country, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 64,628.

The dashboard shows that three patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 20 persons are in institutional isolation, 606 are in home isolation and three are in institutional quarantined.

To date, a total of 62,765 persons have recovered.

fice 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 last week, 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, it did not happened.

Norton explained, in re-

sponse to a question about the progress of consultation “… in my opinion, they are in breach of the very agreement they made as the 2nd meeting was cancelled.”

Meanwhile, in a statement on Monday, Norton acknowledged receipt of a letter from the President outlining his reason for cancelling the meeting.

Norton claimed nonetheless that Ali’s reason for cancelling the meeting was devoid of “credibility and disconcerting.”

Norton claimed too that even if he wanted to attend the meeting scheduled for

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton Monday, he would have been unable to do so, given his “other commitments and pressing schedule.”

Further in the letter, Norton noted that he is committed to agreeing on the appointments of Madame Yonette Cummings-Edwards as Chancellor of the Judiciary and Madame Roxane George

Wiltshire as Chief Justice.

The Opposition Leader said, therefore, that the letter which stated the President is not prepared to consult on matters of the important judicial appointments are clear indications he is non-responsive to the concerns of civil society and the people of Guyana.

Ramsammy warns...

DR. Ramsundar Doobay...

From page 6 neurological diseases and various infectious diseases, such as leptospirosis, and exposure to toxic chemicals in Guyana. The elaborate guidelines that are now available to both young and experienced doctors in various areas of medicine were initially developed with considerable contributions from Dr. Ramsundar Doobay. Beginning in the 1970s and particularly in the beginning of the 21st century, Dr. Doobay was instrumental in the reorganization of medical clinics, medical wards and the ICU at the PHG and then the GPHC. These models are being further improved today and are the models for hospitals across the country. Dialysis is today a routine service in Guyana, but long before dialysis was introduced in our country, Ramsundar Doobay introduced peritoneal dialysis

in the 1970s in medicine in Guyana. In fact, without access to peritoneal dialysis in 2005 at the GPHC dozens of people would have died from leptospirosis resulting from the BIG FLOOD of 2005. We will miss Dr. Doobay, his invaluable lessons, his unique humor, his brilliance and intellect that mesmerized his students, colleagues and his patients, his clinical acumen that saved lives every day for more than fifty years.

His contributions to health and medicine in Guyana is unsurpassed and will live on as a legend in this country. The Honorable Minister of Health, on behalf of the Ministry of Health and the entire health sector express our profound sympathies to Dr. Doobay’s family and friends.

May his soul rest in peace.

Sincerely, Ministry of Health, Guyana

From page 16 public adhere to the clear definition and provisions of the products are vapes, vaporisers, vape pens, hookah pens, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or e-cigs), ecigars, and e-pipes.

He explained that Hookah and e-cigarettes are among products defined as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). There are also electronic non-nicotine delivery systems known as ENNDS. According to Dr. Ramsammy, “The ENDS products use an “e-liquid” that usually contains nicotine derived from tobacco, as well as flavourings, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and other ingredients.

The liquid is heated to create an aerosol that the user inhales. Many ENDS products are manufactured to look like conventional combusted cigarettes, cigars, or

pipes.”

He continued, “Some resemble pens or USB flash drives. Larger devices, such as tank systems or mods, bear little or no resemblance to cigarettes.

These products may have reusable parts, or they may be disposable and only used once before they are thrown away.”

Dr. Ramsammy warned, therefore, that users and those exposed to the use of the tobacco products are most potent risk factors for NCDs, disabilities and death around the world.

He noted too that while Guyana has had a poor track record when it comes to enforcing the laws, the country is not unique in this regard.

“Most of the countries, particularly developing countries, have shown little to no willingness to effectively enforce the tobacco products regulations,” Dr. Ramsammy added.

PAGE 18

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Tuesday May 31, 2022

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Kaieteur News

Mané wants to leave Liverpool for new challenge as Bayern prepare offer (The Guardian) - Sadio Mané has resolved to leave Liverpool this summer, with Bayern Munich among the clubs hoping to sign the 30year-old forward. He has been at Anfield since 2016 and feels the time is right for a new experience. Mané has one year left on his contract and whereas Mohamed Salah, who is in the same situation, has declared that he will stay, the Senegal international intends to tell Liverpool he

wants a transfer. Jürgen Klopp consoles the Liverpool captain, Jordan Henderson, after the defeat against Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

Liverpool have been trying to persuade Mané to extend his deal and would be reluctant sellers, and the question is whether they receive an offer which convinces them to sanction his departure. It would take much more than £30m for them to consider sell-

ing, and they would want a replacement lined up first.

Divock Origi is leaving for Milan, Roberto Firmino’s form has been waning and although Luis Díaz has been an excellent addition in attack, Jürgen Klopp does not want to lose Mané this summer. Mané had hinted in the buildup to the Champions League final that he would stay, saying at Liverpool’s media day when questioned regarding his future: “Come

back to me on Saturday and I will give you the best answer you want to hear, for sure. It’s special.”

Bayern are strong contenders in the race to persuade Liverpool to sell but will face competition.

The German champions have insisted that Robert Lewandowski will remain for the final year of his contract but the striker wants a move to Barcelona, who have offered a three-year deal.

Pooran: ‘I want to talk the talk and walk the walk’ From page 23 and Amsterdam is a beautiful place. We’re looking forward to the opportunity to play some cricket and feed off each other.” Availability has

been a constant concern for West Indies in the era of franchise leagues and the management of freelance players could be a defining trait of Pooran’s reign.

On the eve of the series opener, Pooran confirmed that fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, fresh off a title-winning IPL stint with Gujarat Titans, would be in “contention for

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CANCER (June 21–July 22) Today time will stop and might even seem to go backward, Cancer. Use this pause to reflect on your motivations.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Overall, the climate is tense at work and at home, Leo. You'll sense a feeling of restlessness and a longing for change, but you'll also feel a reluctance to make any real moves in that direction.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Your stroll through the universe of possibilities that you so love has come to an end, Virgo. It's time for you to come back to Earth and join the rest of us.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Sometimes people might reproach you for being less than tactful in relationships, Libra. However, today's planetary energies are going to help you be more sensitive.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You have an unusual gift for making a situation seem less dramatic, Scorpio. Today, you'll witness crises of all kinds. You will be the one who reassures people. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Dare to express your ideas without fear of ridicule. This is what the planetary configuration has to say to you today, Sagittarius.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) If you've always felt the desire to write, now is the time to take the plunge, Capricorn. You certainly don't lack the imagination!

Your problem may be that you have difficulty taking your prose seriously.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You might have some strong hesitations during the day, Aquarius. You may have to cover up the truth or, on the contrary, say it out loud. If this is the case.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) There are moments when your powers of clear thinking reveal the tremendous amount of maturity that you have, Pisces. You aren't usually a dreamer.

selection” for Tuesday’s ODI. “Yes, Alzarri arrives today,” Pooran said. “He would be in contention for selection for tomorrow’s game. Hopefully, he’s ready to play and we can have him on the park.

Hopefully, he can bring in his IPL experience across as well for us.”

Pooran had earlier added that Sunil Narine’s availability for the T20 World Cup later this year was a matter for him to discuss directly with the selectors.

“What Sunil wants, I’m in no control of that,” he said.

“But that’s a conversation between him and the selectors - what his aspirations are when it comes to West Indies cricket. “The end goal is to win cricket games and to win tournaments. But obviously there is a process behind that.

It’s a new time for us. I believe that we have a lot of talented players with us here but we need to really work hard and come up with the goods.”

The match bowls off at 5:0am (GMT-4).

Sarwan resigns...

From page 22 through a competitive process, based on established criteria. The aim will be to complete this process in the shortest possible time so that a suitable candidate can complete the Selection Panel in carrying out its duties.

Robert Haynes, who is current Lead Selector of the Men’s Youth Selection Panel and former interim Chairman of Selectors, will act as replacement until a suitable fulltime candidate is appointed.

Robert will work on the Selection Panel alongside Senior Men’s Team Lead Selector the Most Honorable Dr Desmond Haynes and Head Coach Phil Simmons. The West Indies Men’s team are currently touring the Netherlands for the first ever ODI Series between the Netherlands and West Indies as part of the ICC ODI Super League.

French Open: Swiatek...

From page 20 seed Keys 1-6 6-3 6-1 to reach the last eight at a Grand Slam for the first time.

World number 20 Kasatkina recorded a straight-set win over Camila Giorgi. Kasatkina won 6-2 6-2 against Italy’s 28th seed to reach her first quarter-final at Roland Garros since 2018.

The 25-year-old has been in ruthless form at Roland Garros and is yet to lose a set after four matches.

Compatriot Kudermetova,

who beat injured third seed Paula Badosa in the previous round, recorded another fine victory in Paris as she battled back to overcome 2017 US Open finalist Keys on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Keys, an eight-time Grand Slam quarter-finalist, dominated the first set. But an early break of serve was enough for Kudermetova, 25, to level the contest before the Russian secured victory in style with four successive breaks in the third.

Chelsea’s £4.25bn sale...

From page 21 rights, a sports betting firm and restaurant chains. Other investors include US billionaire Mark Walter, a co-owner of the LA Dodgers with a stake in the Lakers like Boehly, and Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss.

End of an era…

Abramovich bought Chelsea for £140m in 2003.

Under his ownership, the club won every major trophy - two Champions Leagues, five Premier Leagues, five FA Cups, two Europa Leagues and three EFL Cups. In August 2021 they won the Uefa Super Cup and in February their first Club World Cup. Abramovich has appointed 13 managers and

the club has spent more than £2bn in the transfer market under his ownership. Chelsea’s women’s team, who became affiliated to Chelsea FC in 2004, have won five Women’s Super League titles and four FA Cups under Abramovich.

When an agreement for the sale was reached, he said: “As I hand over Chelsea to its new custodians, I would like to wish them the best of success, both on and off the pitch.

“It has been an honour of a lifetime to be a part of this club - I would like to thank all the club’s past and current players, staff, and of course fans for these incredible years.”

PAGE 22

Tuesday May 31, 2022

Kaieteur News

Manchester City: Further additions to squad to come according to chairman (BBC Sport) - Manchester City will make “a couple more” additions to Pep Guardiola’s squad this summer, according to chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

Despite winning a fourth Premier League title in five seasons, City have paid £51.2m to bring in 21-year-old Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.

In addition, they have spent £14.1m on Argentina forward Julian Alvarez, 22.

But Mubarak, speaking to City’s website, said: “We are looking to strengthen areas we need to strengthen.

“Every season some players leave and we have to refresh. We will be doing a couple more. We will try to go as fast as we can but it is not always entirely in our control.”

Following club captain Fernandinho’s departure, it is understood City are targeting Leeds’ England midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

However, any move for the 26-year-old will be harder now Leeds have retained their top-flight status.

Guardiola also has a longstanding desire to bring in another left-back, with Brighton’s Marc Cucurella, 23, thought to be high on that list.

City, for all their domestic success, are yet to win the Champions League and Mubarak has underlined the club’s desire to compete for major honours, rather than have a stated aim to win any individual competition.

“We approach every season to try to win every competition,” he added.

“That has been the case

City have won four Premier League titles in five seasons under Pep Guardiola (Getty Images) for the last 10 years. You cannot argue in the last six years under Pep, we show up every game with the full intention to try to win.”

Guardiola’s contract has

another season left to run and the 51-year-old has not given any guarantees about what happens beyond that point.

And, though he was asked about the issue in his interview, Mubarak did not provide a direct answer.

“Pep has never stayed as long at any club than he has at Manchester City,” he said.

“It is a partnership that

has done wonders. Next year will be another exciting chapter. The conversation will be at the right time and pace and within a framework that works for Pep.” Mubarak says the final-day 3-2 comeback victory over Aston Villa, which sealed the title by a point, was one of the more obvious standout moments from a season where, once again,

City have competed with Liverpool for all the major prizes. It is not a situation he sees changing any time soon.

“Liverpool are a team we give highest respect towards,” he said. “As with any rivalry, like the one we have had with Liverpool, we have made each other better.

“We are the benchmark for global football.”

French Open: Swiatek beats Qinwen and meets Pegula next (BBC Sport) - Top seed Iga Swiatek fought back from dropping her first set in 10 matches to beat China’s Zheng Qinwen and reach the French Open quarter-finals.

Swiatek, who turns 21 on Tuesday, celebrated by earning a 6-7 (5-7) 6-0 6-2 win over world number 74 Zheng.

Zheng fought off five set points to win an absorbing opener, then was hampered by a thigh injury from the second set.

Poland’s Swiatek extended her winning streak to 32 matches and now faces 11th seed Jessica Pegula.

Pegula also produced a comeback to beat Romania’s Irina-Camelia Begu 4-6 6-2 63 in her fourth-round match earlier on Monday.

The 28-year-old American is the highest seed left in the women’s singles behind Swiatek, who has only faced unseeded opponents so far.

After recently reaching a clay-court final in Madrid, Pegula has made the quarterfinals at Roland Garros for the first time.

Now she faces the toughest task in tennis at the moment - stopping hot favourite Swiatek at the place where the Pole won her maiden Grand Slam title in 2020.

While Swiatek has not dropped a set on the Paris clay, she has shown signs of

Iga Swiatek has won her past 32 matches (Getty Images) fallibility in her past two matches.

Swiatek struggled with her service games and her forehand continued to be errant as Zheng, a rising star making her French Open debut, brought out mistakes with her quality returning.

Zheng brilliantly fought back from 5-2 down in the first set, and from the same deficit in the tie-break, to threaten a stunning upset.

Not since 23 April had Swiatek dropped a set when she lost the opener against Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova in their Stuttgart semi-final.

Swiatek managed to turn that match around, going on to win her next 18 sets, and started the fight back against Zheng with two breaks in the second set.

At the changeover, Zheng asked for treatment on her right thigh and reappeared with a lot of strapping.

That led to a one-sided set

where Zheng struggled to move across the baseline and the Chinese player was broken again at the start of the decider.

Zheng’s physical condition appeared to marginally improve in the third and allowed her to once again put pressure on Swiatek’s serve.

Still lacking precision with her shots and gesturing her frustration after errors, the world number one needed to save two break points at 2-1 before winning the final three games to seal victory after almost three hours on court.

Who else is through?

Veronika Kudermetova came from behind to defeat Madison Keys and set up a French Open quarter-final against fellow Russian Daria Kasatkina.

Kudermetova, the 29th seed, beat American 22nd (Continued on page 21)

Tuesday May 31, 2022

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Chelsea’s £4.25bn sale NBA Play-offs: Tatum, to Todd Boehly-led Celtics hold off Heat consortium completed to win East title

(BBC Sport) - Chelsea’s £4.25bn sale to a consortium led by American investor Todd Boehly has been completed.

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

Chelsea had been operating under a special government licence which would have expired on 31 May. Boehly said in a statement that he was “honoured” and “wanted to make fans proud”.

His consortium fought off 11 serious rivals to become the new owners, in a sale process that started on 2 March and comprised more than 250 enquiries.

“We are honoured to become the new custodians of Chelsea Football Club,” he said.

“We’re all in - 100% - every minute of every match.

Our vision as owners is clear: we want to make the fans proud.

“Along with our commitment to developing the youth squad and acquiring the best talent, our plan of action is to invest in the club for the long term and build on Chelsea’s

Todd Boehly attended Chelsea’s Premier League game against Watford on 22 May (Getty Images) remarkable history of success.

“I personally want to thank ministers and officials in the British government, and the Premier League, for all their work in making this happen.” The UK government which said last Wednesday it could issue a licence for the sale of the club - does not want Abramovich to receive any of the proceeds from the sale, which will instead go into a frozen bank account to be donated to charities supporting victims of the war in Ukraine.

Who are Chelsea’s new owners?

Several parties expressed an interest, but Chelsea agreed to sell to the Boehlyled consortium earlier in May, with Californian private equity firm Clearlake Capital owning a majority of the shares as it makes its first foray into sport.

Boehly, 48, is also a partowner of seven-time baseball World Series champions the LA Dodgers, US women’s basketball team the Los Angeles Sparks and NBA franchise the Los Angeles Lakers.

He has also invested in Bruce Springsteen’s song (Continued on page 21)

Fans riot as Saint-Etienne relegated from Ligue 1

Saint-Etienne fans invaded the pitch and many threw flares (Getty Images) (BBC Sport) - SaintEtienne were relegated from Ligue 1 after losing a play-off against Auxerre in a penalty shoot-out.

The defeat sparked a pitch invasion by angry Etienne fans, with many hurling flares at the main stand and towards the players’ tunnel.

Police armed with shields and batons used tear gas to disperse supporters.

The loss ends an 18-year stay in the top flight for the 10-time French champions,

and a return for Auxerre after a 10-year absence.

After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Auxerre’s Hamza Sakhi opened the scoring before Saint-Etienne’s Mahdi Camara equalised.

That took the tie to penalties.

Auxerre goalkeeper Donovan Leon saved from Ryad Boudebou, giving Birama Toure the chance to make it 5-4 in the shoot-out and win it for the Ligue 2 side.

He made no mistake, and

as soon as the ball nestled in the goal, fans flooded onto the pitch.

Players fled to the safety of the dressing rooms as police tried to quell the trouble.

They were just the latest ugly scenes at Saint-Etienne’s Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.

The club have being sanctioned several times this season for crowd trouble and Sunday’s game was played with one stand closed following unrest at a game against Monaco last month.

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and teammates react after Tatum won the Larry Bird Eastern Conference Finals MVP (USA TODAY Sports) (Reuters) - The Boston Celtics have heard a lot about their pattern of falling short when an NBA Finals berth was on the line.

Even when a double-digit victory seemed probable in Sunday’s Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals, there were still nerve-wracking moments at the finish line.

But Boston held off the charge and series MVP Jayson Tatum registered 26 points, 10 rebounds and six assists as the Celtics notched a 100-96 victory over the host Miami Heat to win Sunday night’s series finale and reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010.

Boston led wire-to-wire in ending a streak of five straight losses in opportunities to clinch an NBA Finals berth. One of those setbacks came at home in Game 6 on Friday night.

Marcus Smart added 24 points and nine rebounds a nd Jaylen Brown also scored 24 points for the Celtics, who won in Miami for the third time in the series.

Jimmy Butler recorded 35 points and nine rebounds while playing all 48 minutes for the Heat, although he missed a 3-point attempt with 16.6 seconds left that would

have given Miami the lead.

“My thought process was go for the win,” Butler said. “My teammates like the shot that I took, so I’m living with it.”

Miami’s Bam Adebayo added 25 points and 11 rebounds and Kyle Lowry had 15 points and seven rebounds.

The Celtics will face the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.

Game 1 is Thursday night in San Francisco.

The Heat, who trailed by 17 early in the second quarter and by 14 in the middle of the third, pulled within 82-79 after Adebayo and Butler opened the fourth quarter with baskets.

But Boston countered with eight straight points, with Smart’s floater making it an 11-point cushion with 6:36 left.

Smart’s two free throws elevated the lead to 98-85 with 3:35 remaining. Miami suddenly came alive as Lowry, Max Strus and Victor Oladipo scored baskets to cut the deficit to seven.

Lowry’s layup with one minute left pulled the Heat within 98-93, and Strus followed with a 3-pointer to cut it two with 44.4 seconds left.

Miami had a chance to move ahead, but Butler’s illfated transition 3-pointer bounced off the rim, and Smart made two free throws with 11.4 seconds left to give Boston the game-ending four-point lead.

Celtics veteran Al Horford was the defender as Butler came down court.

He was unsure if Butler would drive for a hoop or pull up and shoot.

“When he pulled up for the 3, I was like ‘just let me contest in the best way that I can,’” Horford said.

“He got a good look at it, and it was nerve-racking.

Anything could have happened. He could have made the shot.”

Instead it was a rough season-ending game for the Heat, who made 42 percent of their shots and were a shaky 6 of 30 from behind the arc.

Butler topped 40 points twice in the series but said he didn’t perform at a high enough level.

“Not good enough. I didn’t do my job. Stats don’t mean anything,” Butler said.

“The Boston Celtics came out and did what they had to do in the series. I learned that I have to be better and I will be better.”

PAGE 24

Tuesday May 31, 2022

Kaieteur News

Independence TT Tournament features impressive performances Jonathan Van Lange received his prize from Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle.

Cameron leads Police to victory in WNDC Dominoes tourney The victorious Police team (Zaheer Mohamed photos)

Action in the MCYS/ NSC/GTTA Annual Independence Table Tennis Tournament concluded at the National Gymnasium with the likes of Colin Wong, Malachi Moore, Jasmine Billingy and Jonathan Van Lange winning in their respective categories.

Heading into the final day, all players were aiming to bring their best versions of the game to the tournament.

They had their game faces on, and only the best-of-the-best would emerge victorious.

In fact, the most anticipated matchup saw the Men Singles in battle, with names such as Jonathan Van Lange, Elishaba Johnson, Joel Alleyne, Miguel Wong, Orin Hickerson, NiranBissu, Levi Percival and Coli Wong participating. This category was an absolute thriller. In the

semifinal matches, Van Lange defeated Elishaba Johnson 11-8,7-11,9-11,11-5,14-12 (4-2), was a back-and-forth affair, with both players using every serve in the book to their advantage.

That was a boost of confidence as he booked his spot in the finale. Joel Alleyne on the other hand beat NiranBissu, and managed to win four games to zero and book his spot to the final The grand finale it was Van Lange who added another title to his name, as he copped the Men singles 4-1 (11-3, 4-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-9).

Despite the scores, Alleyne challenged Van Lange and made him work hard for his victory The Under 13 boys category Malachi Moore defeated Ebo McNeil 9-11,12-

10,13-11,11-6 (3-1).

The Under-15 girls’ tournament saw Jasmine Billingy defeated Akira Watson. The scores at the end of her 3-0 win were 11-8, 11-8 and 11-9.

The next encounter saw Colin Wong and Ebo McNeil fighting for the 15-years-andunder boy’s title., Colin Wong emerged the last man standing as he won all three of his games 3-0.

The Under 19 boys Van Lange defeated NiranBissu 30 (11-2, 11-5, and 11-7) and the under 19 women Jasmine Billingy defeated Akira Watson 11-4, 11-3, 11-7.

“B” Class Opens Van Lange, defeated Colin Wong at 8-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-8.

The championships started on Friday May 20 2022 and concluded on Sunday May 29th 2022.

Sarwan resigns as CWI Men’s and Youth Selector Ramnaresh Sarwan

Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirms the resignation of West Indies Senior Men’s and Youth Selector, Ramnaresh Sarwan, due to personal reasons.

Ramnaresh Sarwan was appointed to as a Selector for the West Indies Men’s Youth and Selection Panels on January 6, 2022, however he has informed CWI that he is no

longer able to continue in the role.

CWI Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams thanked Ramnaresh for his contributions during his appointment saying, “Given the depth of his experience in the game, we are disappointed that Ramnaresh is unable to continue in the role of Selector, but we fully

understand and accept his reasons. We are grateful for his contribution during the period he was involved and hope that he will be able to contribute to West Indies Cricket in some capacity in the future.”

CWI will initiate a recruitment process for the Selector role as soon as possible (Continued on page 21)

Andy Cameron receives the player of the match trophy from Wendy Beharry Andy Cameron made the maximum 18 games to lead Police to victory in the Wakenaam NDC Independence dominoes competition which was contested recently at Carlosh Sports Bar in Good Success, Wakenaam.

Police took an early lead, chalking 16 games in the opening sitting while Pensioners followed with 12 and Underdog on nine.

Police maintained their dominance in the second round with 18 games, taking their tally to 34 while Pensioners made nine to move to 21 and Underdog chalked 10, taking their total to 19.

Police moved to 40 games in the third sitting followed

by Underdog (36) and Pensioners (30).

Underdog showed that were no pushovers and took the lead in the fourth round

as they chalked 14 games to take their overall score to 52 while Police made 11 to increase their total to 51 and Pensioners scored 10 games to move their tally to 40.

The penultimate round saw Pensioners taking the lead as they leaped to 58 with the maximum 18 games. Underdog and Police managed four games each to be on 56 and 55 games, respectively.

The decisive sixth and final round saw Police making 13 games to win the duel with a total of 68 games while Underdog made 10 games to take the runner up spot on 66.

Pensioners scored six games, taking their overall score to 64 games, claiming third spot.

Cameron was voted man-ofthe-match and he was well supported by Dhipchand Bandan with 14 games and

Egbert Johnson 12. Johnson, Oyono Sampson and Sarwan Persaud were the love birds for Police.

Keval Persaud top scored for the Underdog with 16 games while Vickram Ramnarine made 15 and Vikraj Ramdhanie, 12. Amit Ramnarine and Krishendat Hansraj were their love birds.

Anil Ramrattan scored 16 games for Pensioners while Shafdar Ali made 12 and Ackbar Ali, 11.

The winning team collected a trophy and $15,000 while the runner up took home a trophy and $5000.

Cameron pocketed $5000 while Heera Sukhram donated $15,000 to the winners.

Councilor Khemraj Surujpaul congratulated the winners and thanked the teams for participating.

(Zaheer Mohamed)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday May 31, 2022

PAGE 25

Lam, Meusa upset defending champions to steal National Chess Titles C

andidate Master Wendell Meusa dominated the Gaico National Open Chess Championship to earn the National Chess Champion title for 2022.

He finished the tournament on 8 points after nine rounds, just half of a point ahead of former National Champion Candidate Master, Taffin Khan, who finished the tournament in second place.

Meusa’s only defeat came during the sixth round against Roberto Neto (5th place).

In third and fourth place, respectively, are Fide Master Anthony Drayton (6.5 points) who won the qualifying tournament and Frankie Farley (5 points).

Loris Nathoo, Ethan Lee and Rai Sharma came in sixth to eighth with 4.5, 4 and 3 points, respectively.

Women’s Championship…

In a close contest for the National Women’s title, Pooja Lam emerged victorious. It was still anyone’s game up until the very last day of the KFC Guyana sponsored championship.

Fourteen-year old Lam took the lead in Round 7 of the championship when she defeated Nellisha Johnson, who had been leading for the earlier part of the competition.

Lam managed to hold her position at the top of the ranking table to eventually win the tournament on 8 points after nine matches.

She suffered no losses throughout the tournament, only conceding two draws – one against former women’s champion Sasha Shariff and another against Jessica Callender, who won the qualifying tournament.

Shariff finished the tournament in second place with 7 points. Johnson and

Callender both finished on 6 points, but due to a direct encounter tie-break, Johnson finished third while Callender finished fourth. In fifth place was 12-year old Anaya Lall, who won four and drew one of her matches to finish on 4.5 points.

Maliha Rajkumar, Adia Alphonso finished with 4 and 3.5 points, respectively, while Waveney Johnson and Angel Rahim finished on 3 points each.

Players who were victorious in their respective tournaments will be rewarded at an official award ceremony hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF). Details for this will be released soon.

This event was the final qualifying event that served as part of the point-based system inclusive of results from the Grand Prix Tournaments to determine a ten-member team to represent Guyana at the 44th

Fide Chess Olympiad.

The team that will represent Guyana in Chennai, India will be announced in the coming week. The two 9-round Round Robin tournaments concluded on May 29, signaling the end of the back-to-back tournaments hosted by the GCF during the last three months.

The GCF wishes congratulate the winners and to thank all participants who played diligently as well as FIDE arbiters John Lee and Anand Raghunauth whose tireless work made these tournaments successful.

The GCF also wishes to thank the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the National Sports Commission and the management of the National Stadium. Special thanks to KFC Guyana and Gaico Construction for their sponsorships.

Wendell Meusa

Pooran: ‘I want to talk the Final round commences talk and walk the walk’ Wednesday - Windies, Netherlands series starts today West Indies Championship 2021/2022…

Wednesday, June 1, has been marked as the first day of the deciding round in the West Indies Championship 2021/2022 which takes places at three venues across Trinidad and Tobago.

The 4-day match tournament will see the defending champion and current leader, Barbados Pride, go head to head with the team in the cellar, Windward Islands Volcanoes, at the Diego Martin Sporting Complex, Diego Martin.

This fixture is quite fortunate for Pride which means their chances of retaining the title have sky rocketed.

Twin Islands’ team, Red Force, who are currently fourth in the point standings oppose the third place holder, Guyana Harpy Eagles, at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain.

In the other match, the current second place team, Leeward Islands Hurricanes will battle the Jamaica Scorpions, who occupy the fifth spot at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in

Veersasammy Permaul stands in second on the wicket takers list this season. (Photo credit: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868) Tarouba. All matches are scheduled to bowl off at 10:00 hrs daily.

As it stands, Pride leads the board with 67 points accumulated from three wins and a loss in four matches while Hurricanes trail closely with 65.4 points, also from three wins and a loss.

Harpy Eagles soar in third with 51.2 points from two

wins, a draw and a loss.

Red Force leads the second half of the table with 47.2 points from two wins and as many losses while Scorpions are fifth with 37.8 points after securing a win, a draw and two losses.

Volcanoes are dormant with 21 points from four consecutive losses.

(ESPN Cricinfo) Nicholas Pooran, West Indies’ new white-ball captain, has said he will be an “instinctive” leader ahead of his first assignment in the role on a permanent basis, a three-match ODI series against Netherlands in Amsterdam starting on Tuesday.

Pooran, 26, has previously captained West Indies in two ODIs and eight T20Is and Guyana Amazon Warriors in the CPL, and was confirmed as Kieron Pollard’s successor earlier this month after serving as his deputy in recent years.

“I’ll try my best to lead from the front,” Pooran said at a virtual press conference on Friday. “I want to talk the talk and walk the walk.

“I’m very instinctive. On the field, I like to make decisions on how I feel. My team-mates know I’m very instinctive when I’m batting as well. As a captain, I want to approach it in the same way. “[I want to] live in the present, try to be the best version of myself, try to be

Nicholas Pooran (left) has a chat with Akeal Hosein the best leader I can be. It’s as simple as that.”

West Indies have picked an inexperienced squad for this series and the upcoming tour of Pakistan, with Jason Holder (rested) the most high-profile absentee.

Pooran said that the tours would ensure younger players are given opportunities but downplayed the idea that playing the Netherlands who have only one of their county-contracted players available this week represented an ideal introduction to the full-time role.

“I wouldn’t say there’s a right time,” he said. “We want to win games, it doesn’t matter who the opposition is.

We’re not looking at it like that. The time is now and that’s all we need to focus on.

“Everyone deserves an opportunity at some point in their career and it’s really good that the younger players are getting an opportunity now. It’s a good opportunity for them to showcase their talent and try to grab a spot in the team.

“It has been good. I think a lot of guys are happy in terms of it being free here (Continued on page 21)

Jason Holder has been rested for the series

rts o p S West Indies Championship 2021/2022…

Final round commences Wednesday

Pooran: ‘I want to talk the talk and walk the walk’

Tagenarine Chanderpaul has faced 170.3 overs for the season - the most by any batsman.

(Photo credit: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868)

- Windies, Netherlands series starts today Former player and selector Ramnaresh Sarwan has a few light words with Shai Hope.

Pooja Lam

Lam, Meusa upset defending champions to steal National Chess Titles

Sarwan resigns as CWI Men’s and Youth Selector

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