Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR NEWS

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

GIPEX 2019 Thursday Edition underway November 21, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 47

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

- local private sector

largely unrepresented

Price $80

Online readership yesterday 143,788

Energy Dept. urges oil companies to 'respect ...says business strategies must be aligned our laws' Army acquires 5 high-tech drones for $180M with Guyana's development agenda

p.

19

The capability of the drones was demonstrated yesterday.

At least one smuggler believed shot in Mahaica operation

Guyanese woman Walter Rodney's CGX advertises to build brother to mount wanted in Suriname vigil today deep-water port, but still for attempted murder to apply for go-ahead …cites delay of date for appeal to 1982 conviction

Exxon doubles down on Payara

project despite no approval ...as Senior VP confirms more drillships for deeper waters in 2020

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 21, 2019

Thursday November 21, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Energy Dept. urges oil companies to ...says business strategies must be aligned 'respect our laws' with Guyana's development agenda O

By Gary Eleazar

il and Gas I n d u s t r y captains were presented with an unambiguous message yesterday by Guyana's Director of the Department of Energy (DoE), Dr Mark Bynoe, at the opening ceremony of the 2019 Guyana International Petroleum Exhibition (GIPEX 2019) at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston.

Addressing the hundreds of delegates and other

participants, Dr Bynoe emphasised that while the DoE remains committed to promoting business and investments in the sector, the strategies and policies of these businesses must be aligned with the country's national development and respect its laws.

According to Dr Bynoe, "our peoples remain our most treasured resource. It is within this context therefore, that the Department remains committed to promoting businesses that are aligned with our national

development strategy and aspirations, are of a strategic nature, and respect our laws."

“Our goal is for 'no regrets' investments. As a Department, we seek to encourage increased local content and job opportunities that will allow our people to participate fully and access good quality jobs.

We seek for partnerships and not just associations of convenience. We seek for development in consonance with our rich biodiversity

Stakeholders networking during the opening of GIPEX 2019

CGX advertises to build deep-water port, but still to apply for go-ahead

C

GX Energy Inc. is looking for contractors to begin building a deep water harbour near Crab Island in Berbice, but the company has no such permission or authorization.

In fact, the company does not even have an application being processed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the construction of such a facility.

Checks with EPA officials confirmed this, and Kaieteur News has since learnt that permission was only granted for the construction of a wharf for logistics purposes on the eastern shore of the Berbice River and not Crab Island.

Permission for that facility was granted since 2016, but recent advertisements from CGX Energy indicate that the company is in fact advertising for proposals for the provision of infrastructure services as part of the construction of a deep-water port facility at Crab Island in the Berbice River..

The request is being

sought by CGX Energy's wholly-owned subsidiary Grand Canal Industrial Estates Inc. (GCIEI).

According to the public requests, GCIEI is inviting sealed bids from eligible bidders for the construction of a wharf platform and approach trestle, resurfacing of road and access way to the port site and the construction of two bridges.

According to report, the facility when completed is expected to support the offshore exploration work of CGX and its partners in the Corentyne Block offshore Guyana. The deadline for submission of proposals has been set at November 27, 2019.

According to a CGX Project Document touting the Deep Water Harbour, the objective is to build a deep sea port to service both the highly active offshore oil and gas exploration industry in the Guyana ‐ Suriname Basin as well as regional sugarcane and rice producers. It was envisaged that the project would be done in phases - the first being the logistics Yard, and Phase II being the construction of the

development of deep sea harbour and commercial container facility.

In August last, CGX CoChair, Professor Suresh Narine had reported that the Canadian-based company had entered into a joint venture partnership with Frontera Energy Guyana Corp., and were focused on maximizing their chances of exploration success while increasing efficiencies, ensuring safety and managing costs.

He said too that the company's work program establishes the right chronology of actions to allow these guiding principles to be realized.

“Furthermore, it allows CGX to maximize its local content engagement through the operationalization of its deep-water port at Crab Island at the mouth of the Berbice River.”

CGX Resources Inc is the operator of the Corentyne Block under a joint operating agreement with Frontera Energy Guyana Corp (FEGC).

CRI has a 66.667% participating interest in the block, with FEGC holding a 33.333% interest in the block.

and supporting pillars of our economy. In short, we are welcoming, but also determined in where we as a country want to go.”

Dr Bynoe was adamant that while the country is looking to extend a hand of friendship while simultaneously seeking like-

minded partners, it is cognizant that "for the first time, Guyana has an opportunity for true selfdetermination."

The DoE Director said "this self-determination is being driven by a clearly defined G r een S tate A g en d a. " Acknowledging 'excellence'

is a never-ending journey, the Director told delegates that government is working towards the implementation of a soon-to-be-completed, revised legislative framework governing the industry.

He drew reference too, to (continued on page 20)

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 21, 2019

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

Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Seeking refuge in flight “‘Flee as fast you can.’ A couple joins Venezuelan exodus.” That was a headline in the Wall Street Journal of October 2nd.

All they carried were two backpacks and a borrowed suitcase. The young couple, armed with Chilean visas, were bus bound for the Colombian border. They were the fortunate ones, since many fellow travelers had no such documents and gambled with the Fates.

From around 50, 40, 30, 20, 10 years from the present, and continuing today, our own Guyanese exodus continues.

Slower, but just as steadily in a continual stream of the fleeing and searching for another rung on the ladder of life.

That was us then; it is still us today, and now we have oil.

Now there are neighbours in shoes long worn and roads still trod in what can be hard and spirit-bending, despite their own oil oceans, estimated to be more than any other country on this inhuman planet.

The Journal paints a harrowing picture compelling movement from next door, “Amid political turmoil, violence, food shortage, and a disintegrating economy, more than four million Venezuelans have left their country. It is the largest migration crisis in modern Latin American history.”

That was over a month ago, more thousands are sure to have joined the desperate, headlong flight. This tale and tragedy of epic human drama is not occurring somewhere way out there, as in the Himalayas. It is right across there, by way of travel from the docks, or Ogle, to the now not-sodistant Northwest. It is within hearing distance, even touching distance also.

Guyanese know about those manmade troubles, don’t we? We even have some of that brewing pungently currently. That is why concern and compassion must be extended, and concern and caution also weighed with our own circumstances in mind. As the oil comes bubbling to the surface so, too, would the rush of incoming Venezuelans flood from across the border. Why not? What is there to hold them back? To keep them glued to their tattered, increasingly dangerous, homeland?

Many, “who leave have little money for food and housing. Finding work is difficult. Xenophobia generated by the mass migration has spawned bouts of vigilante justice in Brazil, Peru and elsewhere after locals accused Venezuelans of crimes or of taking local jobs.”

This should be a very familiar story, even for those Guyanese who never lived permanently or illegally or parttime abroad. Their relatives, who succeeded and are now settled, sometimes share the tales of hardship and despair.

But desperate migrants living in desolate times in devastated places do anything to get away from their living nightmares.

“My grandparents used to tell me, ‘Don’t go,’” said one Venezuelan. “Now they say, ‘Flee as fast as you can.’”

What is it we tell one another, here in Guyana, if not something approaching the same? Go north, start over, find footing, leave the tensions and conflicts behind. Don’t look back; oil or no oil. Find your own oil well. Become your own Exxon. Is that not what some say to others amidst our own national uncertainties and social frailties?

Here is some more from the Journal on the situation in Venezuela: “Polls…show that nearly two-thirds of Venezuelans want to leave…and 95% expect living conditions to deteriorate.” That just might be slightly more than the fraction of Guyanese who wish to live elsewhere. Certainly, near universally, the outlook of Guyanese from many walks of life anticipates political conflict, which means racial clashes, which means social degradation.

“We need to be reborn.” That was one Venezuelan getting ready to depart and face whatever was ahead. Truer words have never been said, be it about there, or over here.

Since Colombia is tighter and more watched, Venezuelans “are considering trying their luck in another South American country.” That must include Guyana, language barrier aside.

The Brookings Institution estimates the number of Venezuelan migrants could double to eight million in the next two years.” Many presently receptive countries will crack down. Inevitably, more than a few will end up in Guyana. Sad, that with so much oil, there is so much fear, so many tears. Both their fears and tears can add unbearably to our own brimming pools.

Govt discrimination against sugar workers continuing Dear Editor, The GAWU indeed was saddened to learn of the situation facing the employees of Troy Resources Guyana Inc. The loss of jobs for hundreds of families is most distressing especially considering the situation of our times. We have seen from media reports that the Government has said it was caught unawares and deemed the layoffs as “unconscionable”. The media did report that the Company was contemplating its future; it appears to us that the Government wasn’t properly reading the tea leaves and was caught on the proverbial back foot.

Certainly, we believe, in these times no measure, whatever the extremity, should be discounted. This appeared not to be the case in the Government’s camp.

The Government, we saw, in a statement on the matter which appeared in the November 20, Stabroek News pointed out that the Company’s decision comes “…as the world heads into the Christmas season…”.

Indeed it is a sad time to be without a job when we expect to have the niceties of life to celebrate with those near and dear to us.

According to Stabroek News report, the Government “…has appointed a subcommittee to further examine this matter and e n g a g e Tro y R e s o u rc e s with a view to reactivating

its mining operations expeditiously”. T h i s i s heartening news and we are hopeful that the Committee is most successful in its task to allow the workers to be reemployed within the shortest period.

But while the GAWU is pleased by the Government’s intervention on this matter, we note a complete 180 degree approach to the sugar industry and more so those affected by the Administration’s “unconscionable” decision to put 7,000 workers on the breadline.

We m u s t a s k w h a t happened to any committee, Cabinet or otherwise, set up by the Government to consider and examine the plight of these Guyanese. Aren’t they similarly deserving?

Shouldn’t they and their families too have a happy, jolly Christmas too?

We need not forget, for the workers of Skeldon, Rose Hall and East Demerara it is now their second Christmas season since they lost their jobs and for those of Wales it is their third. Though much time has elapsed, the situation has only gotten worse. The November 17, Guyana Times reported after interviewing several e x - Wa l e s w o r k e r s t h a t they feel neglected. The newspaper reported that “…the retrenched sugar workers said that they are still struggling to find jobs, awaiting the promise that

they would be granted the plantation lands as was a s s u r e d . ” A w o r k e r, Chotoo, “[i]f you close it down, you supposed to give the people some sort of benefit. They work for years in the sugar industry.

People deh all over the place looking for a job”.

We also saw that the report that the ex-workers shared “…that it was very difficult to send their children to school…”. One parent disclosed that her 14-year old son “…has been working in the afternoon to earn some extra money.” She shared that her husband who was previously working at Uitvlugt, was apparently let go after that estate indicated they hadn’t work for him. We also saw in the news report that “…young teenagers have resorted to selling ‘bird seeds’ and produce from their families’ kitchen gardens to offset educational expenses”.

It is laudable that the youngsters are seeking innovative and creative means to continue their schooling and seek to make something of their lives. But this shouldn’t be how our children in this 21st century must live.

O b v i o u s l y, t h e i r a f t e rschool work tasks will have affected their ability to diligently complete their school tasks. It would certainly take away their attention from their books as they have to focus on other things as well. It also robs them of their

childhood and harms their socialization process which it is recognized is so important to their all round development.

President David Granger who is known for his embrace of national songs should remind himself of the words of the Song of G u y a n a ’s Children. He and his colleagues would recall the song saying “Thus to the land which to us God has given, May our young lives bring a gift rich and rare, Thus, as we grow, may the worth of Guyana, Shine with a glory beyond all compare”. Those are sentiments that should not be treated lightly. It is the wish of all our nation’s children to go on to reach for the stars, attain their goals and live fulfilling and contented lives.

We s a w i n t h e November 17, Guyana Chronicle, AttorneyGeneral, Basil Williams in an address to a meeting in We s t B e r b i c e t h a t t h e Coalition Government does not discriminate. Mr. Williams is quoted to have told the meeting that “…[y]ou have bright children, make sure that they are educated…”.

Indeed, we have no doubt that those who the Attorney-General addressed have bright children and they deserve to be educated. But, in the same vein, they are many bright children in the sugar belt whose educational pursuits have been (Continued on page 5)

Granger not serious about fighting corruption Dear Editor, Just over one month ago, it was reported in the press that an official in a stateowned company allegedly made a demand for a bribe.

Since then, all that has happened is that the company issued a press statement denying the allegation. Corruption has

destroyed many countries, and this is, of course, a very serious allegation of corruption which requires a thorough investigation.

The agency which the government claims is charged with tackling corruption is the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

At the very least, SOCU

should have investigated the allegations an d t a k e n statements from the officer of the Company and sent the file for advice on prosecution.

With an investigation, this could either be proved or disproved with a record of the call log.

The fact that there has

been no investigation or charges says to the entire world that the Granger administration is not serious about fighting corruption but is encouraging it and using state machinery for political persecution.

Yours Truly Charles Ramson

A direct attack on press freedom by the government Dear Editor, I have refrained so far from commenting on the matter of government advertising in the Stabroek News, but there is nothing more that has disappointed me than our President’s position on the withdrawal of advertising from the Stabroek News.

Never mind the spurious and energetic defense from the Director of Public Information.

The fact is that

government advertising has been withdrawn from the Stabroek News as a means of response to Editorials in the newspaper critical of the government.

The President and the Department of Public Information have made things worse by accusing the newspaper of being “politically partisan and antigovernment” as a justification for the withdrawal of advertising.

The government’s

position is, in fact, an admission that government advertising is being used both as a means of silencing media criticism and purchasing media praise. That is a direct attack on press freedom by the government.

The point has already been made that “the granting or withdrawal of government advertising may not be used to award or punish the media or individual journalists” as declared by the Declaration of Chapultepec (Mexico, March

11th 1994) signed on to by our government.

Our government is doing exactly that. The Guyana Chronicle is rewarded and the Stabroek News is punished.

The country is on the eve of General and Regional Elections. I, therefore, find it particularly foolish that the APNU/AFC Coalition should believe that an attack on press freedom at this time will serve to win them votes.

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

Thursday November 21, 2019

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In Mr. Gaskin’s case, a constitutional challenge seems warranted Dear Editor, Ramon Gaskin reminds me, somewhat, of the Englishman Raymond Blackburn. Mr. Blackburn had a reputation for challenging (in person) public bodies, even the British government, so much so that Lord Denning M.R. described his litigatious dispensation as “showing eternal vigilance with the l a w ” . I n o t i c e t h a t M r.

Gaskin has, now, albeit belatedly, raised, publicly, some concerns about the delay in his court constitutional challenge to the State Assets Recovery A c t , 2 0 1 7 [ ‘ Tw o y e a r s later……….Ruling on constitutionality of SARA, Act still on hold” KN, Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at page 8] Below, I argue for a challenge to the unconstitutionality of that delay itself.

First of all, a ground for such a challenge would be the serious public injustice caused by this plainly excessive, inordinate and unreasonable d e l a y. (preoccupation with NCM litigations did not begin

until January 2019). In this matter the Director of SARA is the custodian of the public interest and justice. In October, I wrote a letter about this matter by which I had hoped to stir public activism, p a r t i c u l a r l y, b y t h e “Watchdog” Guyana Bar Association.

Nothing has happened.

(En passant, I mention the case of Meerabux (George) v. Attorney General (2005) 66 WIR 113 (PC) in which the Bar Association of Belize was complainant against a Judge for misbehavior). To be clear, my argument here is not, of course, for some discipline of the delaying judge; only delivery of that delayed decision.

I quote some extracts from my October letter viz “The APNU+AFC Government’s response to the mischief of the serious corruption in respect of divestment of state lands and other assets was the enactment of the State Assets Recovery Act, 2017………Court recovery proceedings against GBTI and QAII……..cannot

proceed because the Gaskin challenge is still undecided……. In an i n d i r e c t w a y G a s k i n ’s challenge touches and concerns BILLIONS of DOLLARS” (“Judges are concerned only with validity of legislation” GC 2019-10-17, “Silence on this matter is not an option for the Guyana Bar Association” KN 2019-1019, the last emphasis now added).My essential point is the public detriment and injustice suffered as a consequence of the delay in his challenge. Converted into dollars (and intangible political benefits of the public’s opprobriumfor the corrupt aside) the delay is worth billions of dollars of f o r e n s i c a l l y investigated,potentially, recoverable assets.

S e c o n d l y, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has spoken, poignantly, and decisively, on this question of judicial delay in the Guyanese case of Bridgelall v. Hariprashad (2017) 90 WIR 300. That case involved, inter alia, a delay of some six (6) years mostly in the Full Court

Is there oversight of these religious organizations interacting with our children?

Dear Editor, The reported demise of a US volunteer of the Seven Days organization at the Kimbia location in the Berbice River has once again stirred in me some nagging questions about the personnel attached to these organisations and the oversight exercised by the recipient governments/ organizations of their largesse, particularly as it relates to children.

Unfortunately, these organizations from the Catholic Church to the Boys Scouts. and others, have been exposed as having individuals in their midst who have taken advantage of the cover provided by these organisations, to satisfy to their hearts content their sexual appetites for children

while hiding in plain sight.

These organisations and others, were unfortunately unable to ferret out these deviants until they were able to visit untold harm on their young and impressionable clients.

These occurrences were all reportedly committed in the US with all of its systems in place to protect the vulnerable. Having worked in the Foster Care business for many years in NYC I am well aware of these systems.

Unfortunately, in way too many instances, they have failed to protect victimized children both male and female.

Back to Guyana and these Organizations, I wonder about the oversight in place, if any, or are our most vulnerable.

Not saying they are

hiding in plain sight in Guyana, but one does not wait to get a sore before buying a plaster.

One question that has plagued my thoughts since reading of the volunteer’s death at the teeth of the reptile is, “ Where was the parent(s) of that 10 year old while he was taking a swim with that adult and what would have been the response of the authorities had it been that child killed rather than the foreign adult? In relation to these organizations, I continue to scratch my head and wonder about our children under their care. It is my hope that the religious cover does not allow our Children Services to be rocked to sleep.

Respectfully, Claudeston G.Massiah

and Court of Appeal. It was about, inter alia, article 144(1) of the Constitution,which confers on a person charged with a criminal offence the fundamental right to a fair trial within a reasonable time.

But there can be no doubt, or argument, w h a t s o e v e r, t h a t t h e principle of that Bridgelall case is equally applicable to the present Gaskin delayed-decision case which involves a consideration of the fundamental right under article 144 (8) to, in a civil matter, (which the Gaskin litigation is) be “……given a fair hearing WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME”. The CCJ said, relevantly, in its ruling viz “The simple truth is that ……….excessive delays are tolerated because there is now a culture of complacency within the system towards delay….when apex courts evince a firm position of intolerance towards this culture the necessary measures are invariably introduced to enable and facilitate the reduction, if not elimination of unnecessary delay. In all the circumstances we find here and declare that the STATE HAS BREACHED Bridgelall’s constitutional right to a fair hearing

WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME. ………..,” (see (2017) 90 WIR 300 at page 336 para [40]-[41] all emphasis supplied by me].

In my considered view, the circumstances of the Gaskin case, provides ample and sufficient grounds for a challenge, and ruling, as happened in Bridgelall.

Has the learned court, unintionally, forgotten this case amidst the burden of the workload of that court?

In the circumstances of this matter and avoiding austerity of tabulated legalism, the Director as an interested party, is entitled to assert, that the breach or contravention of article 144(8) caused by the delay has been, is being, and is likely to continue in relation to him, as with Mr. Gaskin, and accordingly is also entitled to the beneficial enjoyment of the fundamental right under article 144(8).

Third, and finally, I mention briefly Parliament’s intolerance and opprobrium for unnecessary delay as is evidenced by the Time Limit for Judicial Decision, Act, Cap. 3:13 (TLJDA). I had made passing reference to the TLJDA in my letter of October 17/19 ibid. On one possible view, the TLJDA by specifically

stringently providing for a time limit for decisions in civil cases of “not later than one hundred and twenty days from the date of conclusion of the hearing” has given specificity to the generality of the wording of article 144 (8). What the framers of the Constitution said in general terms, Parliament has said, with specific, particular language. The Judiciary must be guided accordingly.

I end with this: delay in this matter benefits the few who has been unjustly enriched with recoverable assets; it burdens and aggrieves the many. If when decision is delivered, Gaskin succeeds then, surely, I anticipate there must be appeals(s).

This involves further time (perhaps years). The l o n g e r t h e D i r e c t o r ’s applications for civil recovery orders languishes in the courts, injustice (including but not limited to the Director) looms larger. If Mr. Gaskin (for whom I hold no brief) as a vigilantor, is really vexed and aggrieved by the two years plus delay, a constitutional challenge, seems warranted, advisable, and certainly supportable by CCJ case law.

Regards, Maxwell .E. Edwards

Govt discrimination against...

From page 4 hamstrung, and in some cases truncated. Certainly, a s M r Wi l l i a m s p u t i t “…they deserve to be educated” as well.

The Guyanese who exist in the displaced sugar communities are also in need of the Government’s support

and assistance. They seek, like everyone else, to be happy and to enjoy the basic necessities of life. They seek that their children be educated, are fed and be good people. They seek that they and their families can live in peace and without undue pressure and hardship.

Certainly, the Government, we reiterate, has a role and the continued ignorance of these Guyanese cannot be seen as anything less than discriminatory.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

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Thursday November 21, 2019

Response to Tacuma Ogunseye and Eusi Kwayana Dear Editor, Allow me Editor to express my solidarity with SN and Guyana Times in your fight to regain taxpayer funded ads for your publication. In a democracy, Freedom of the Press is sacrosanct and must not be trifled with. I hope this issue

is resolved soon.

Editor, Both Mr. Tacuma Ogunseye (SN .11-14-2019) and Mr. Eusi Kwayana ( SN..11-15-19.) have sought to turn the spotlight on the PPP and what the two gentlemen believe are wrongs it may have committed in relation to Dr. Walter Rodney. This

clever attempt is a reaction to Ms. Gail Teixeira ‘s (SN 1110-19) accusations that the WPA and its leaders have betrayed Dr. Rodney’s legacy by coalescing with the PNC. What has been obvious to those who observe Guyanese politics is the WPA’s lying in bed with the PNC. And there is nothing that can change the truth that the PNC is the WPA’s nowadays best friend.

One point the Rodney Inquiry laid bare is that Mr. Kwayana was not privy to certain information.

In fact, there were three members of the WPA’s Defence Committee. Apart from Dr. Rodney the other two were Dr. Rupert Roopnarine and Mr. Ogunseye.. Dr. Rodney being dead and Dr. Roopnarine having revealed that the WPA was accumulating arms why has Mr.

Ogunseye remained silent up to this day?

Should Mr. Kwayana admit that the WPA was in arms build up mode he would have to explain why he was supporting the shooting of African Guyanese in the armed forces. Denial is a manufactured way out.

Admitting he was not always privy to sensitive information is his best way

out but it would tarnish his stature in the WPA. It must not be forgotten that the arms build up was to fight the PNC government of the day. Moreover Dr. Roopnarine has never retracted his charges of a WPA arms build-up, even as he sits in the coalition cabinet.

Yours faithfully Sultan Mohamed.

The 200th anniversary of the birth of The Bab Dear editor Nearly 60 Member State delegates, United Nations staff, and civil society actors gathered at the Baha’i International Community’s United Nations Office in New York, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of The Bab, the Prophet Herald of the Baha’i Faith.

“The conviction that we belong to one human family is at the heart of the Baha’i teachings”, shared Bani Dugal, Principal Representative of the Baha’i International Community. She noted that acceptance of this principle “demands that all forms of prejudice—whether

racial, religious, or genderrelated—must be totally eliminated.”

Teachings such as these have a particular resonance at the United Nations, and should be borne in mind as its 75th anniversary approaches next year. “ We must move beyond identifying the defects of the current world order.

Instead, we must proactively seek ways to reorder society in a manner that reflects the oneness of humanity at every level of social organization.

This principle must guide decision-making at all

levels—especially at the United Nations,” said Ms. Dugal.

The gathering served as an opportunity to reflect on the current state of world affairs, as well as the impact that the teachings of the Baha’i Faith are having on diverse populations.

Participants watched excerpts from a film entitled “Dawn of the Light” produced for the occasion which demonstrates how communities around the globe are applying these principles in their daily lives.

Remarking on the film, one participant noted, “My heart was touched by the

message of love.

This message is really what gives meaning to all of our lives, and is applicable to all of us, no matter our background.”

Another said she was moved to consider that while the scale of the problems humanity faces are large and complex, “some of the solutions are simple, and within reach”.

In Guyana on the East Coast of Demerara the local friends observed this anniversary this coming Sunday at Triumph village on the East Coast of Demerara.

Yours Respectfully Rooplall Dudhnath

Thursday November 21, 2019

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EPA Head commits to ensuring Guyana takes best approach to decommissioning - Says agency will learn from mistakes made by other nations But Head of the Environ mental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams says that this will not be Guyanas destiny. He assured during an interview on Kaieteur Radio that the EPA will learn from the lessons of other nations and ensure that

ing environmental performance standards within the offshore petroleum exploration and production industry.

As far as he is aware, Dr. Adams said that the costs for decommissioning will be handled by Exxon Mobil and all the other oil companies,

funds which the oil company or operator makes payments to, so that when the time for decommissioning or abandonment comes, the countries use that Fund to handle the associated expenses.

In the case of Liberia, the country ensured that

states that when each oil field has reached 50% of its productive capacity, which, for the sake of clarity means that 50% of the estimated recoverable Petroleum has been produced from such Field, the Contractor shall submit a revised Abandonment or Decommissioning Plan along with a budget for same to be approved by the government.

“Decommissioning refers to returning the environment to its original state or doing as much as you can to get it back to that state...In some cases, that is not always possible. Sometimes you can do more damage when you remove it. But we would have to be satisfied that this is so.”

EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams

By Kiana Wilburg When the life of an oil project nears its end, the operator engages in a process called decommissioning. This calls for the removal of equipment and other special materials that would have been attached to the sea floor for the extraction of the oil. The cost of this activity can run into billions of dollars for the operator. Through various tricks, many operators have been able to leave countries saddled with this expense.

the country is protected. He said it is for this reason that the conversation of decommissioning is already taking place in conjunction with the Department of Energy.

Dr. Adams said, “Decommissioning refers to returning the environment to its original state or doing as much as you can to get it back to that state...In some cases, that is not always possible. Sometimes you can do more damage when you remove it. But we would have to be satisfied that this is so.” The EPA Head said, too, that Guyanas recent membership with the International Offshore Petroleum Environment Regulators (IOPER) will also provide assistance on this front. The IOPER is a collaborative group of national regulators whose members are dedicated to rais-

while noting that broad terms to this effect are included in their permits. He noted, however, that more specifics have to be built in to those documents going forward.

Overall, the EPA boss said he wants what is best for Guyana, while drawing on the lessons learnt by other nations. He noted that some countries have established decommissioning funds which the oil companies make a contribution to. Dr. Adams said he is supportive of such an option for Guyana.

DECOMMISSIONING FUND Since decommissioning is considered one of the most crucial aspects of an oil project, several oil-producing nations have moved in the direction of establishing

ExxonMobil signed onto such an agreement.

In fact, a 2013 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) it has with Exxon expressly

Within 90 days of said approval, an Abandonment Fund would be established.

It is held in an interest-bearing escrow account with an

escrow agent approved by Liberias Ministry of Finance.

The PSA states too that the account shall be established at an international bank of good financial standing.

The same Abandonment Fund, the PSA notes, shall receive the funds for all Fields.

Importantly, the PSA states that any portion of the Abandonment Fund not required for or used, the Plan shall be transferred to benefit the State. If Liberia finds that the Abandonment Fund is insufficient to complete the approved Abandonment Plan, Exxon is also required to pay all additional costs needed.

In Guyanas case, however, the PSA signed with Exxon for the Stabroek Block makes no provision for such a Fund, much less the foregoing provisions.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 21, 2019

GIPEX 2019 underway - local private sector largely unrepresented Guyana yesterday played host to the second annual International Petroleum Business Summit and Exhibition (GIPEX 2019) at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, which saw in attendance executives from key oil companies operating in the country, along with potential new investors.

Conspicuously unrepresented, however, were the local private sector and other native businesses looking to participate in Guyana’s emerging oil and gas industry.

Billed with the theme ‘Gateway to a Golden Future’ with some 600 delegates and 200 companies represented, GIPEX 2019 instead boasted an overwhelming array of foreign-based oil and gas companies, interest groups and service businesses.

While some local standouts such as, Komal Samaroo, head of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL)— which has partnered with a Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) firm to build a shore base— were among the attendees,

even the private sector representatives billed to speak were not in attendance.

The opening ceremony did see participation from Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and former Vice President Carl Greenidge, who were among the senior government officials, along with members of the Diplomatic Corps and largely overseas delegates.

President David Granger, who was also listed to give remarks, did so via a video presentation. He was at the time of the opening, at the Ministry of the Presidency, where Kenya’s High Commissioner to Guyana was being accredited.

President of the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Nicholas DeygooBoyer, was listed and even slated to deliver introductory remarks to the opening ceremony. He too was a no show.

When contacted by this publication, Deygoo-Boyer related that he was never informed that he was to speak

A section of the audience at the opening of the second annual International Petroleum Business Summit and Exhibition (GIPEX 2019) at the Marriott Hotel at the event.

According to DeygooBoyer, it was only after he was introduced and did not show up at the podium that he began receiving telephone

calls enquiring.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) was also allocated a slot to speak at the opening ceremony, but Chairman, Captain Gerald

Gouveia, was also not present. Kaieteur News later learnt that the PSC chairman was not even in the jurisdiction.

An impromptu joint

statement subsequently issued, said “representatives of the lead private sector groups were unable to deliver remarks at the opening of GIPEX due to a miscommunication on the part of the event’s organizing committee.”

Attributing remarks to Deygoo-Boyer, the statement said, “despite the earlier miscommunication, we look forward to a successful event and are supportive of international exhibitions like this.”

It also quoted remarks attributed to Gouveia which said, he would have been honoured to speak at the signature oil and gas conference, and, “we look forward to continue playing an active role in the development of our emerging oil and gas sector.”

An absence of a domestic private sector was on display at the exhibition also, which did not number 200 companies, as advertised.

ExxonMobil held the prominent position at the entrance of the exhibition where participants were eager to try out their ‘virtual reality’ gear, promoting the (Continued on page 23)

Thursday November 21, 2019

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Kaieteur News

If the elections are rigged…

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has advertised for monitors for General and Regional Elections. Persons interested are required to have a mere three CXC subjects. This suggests that this is really a nontechnical form of monitoring.

But just what is the ERC monitoring?

Election monitoring and observing are two different functions. Monitoring mainly relates to non-Election Day activities, such as the role of the media, and to the conduct of the political campaign. Observers, on the other hand, place greater emphasis on Election Day and post-Election Day activities. They make assessments of the freeness and fairness of this process.

The 2020 elections promise to be the most critical ever.

And it has to do with oil, but not in the way most people presume. The PNCR and the PPPC and their supporters view these elections as a referendum on who will control Guyana’s oil wealth.

However, the critical nature of the elections is not about who will be in control

of Guyana’s oil wealth, as much as it is about what will happen to this wealth. The elections will determine what type of regime the oil companies have to deal with – a dictatorship of a democraticallyelected government.

Certain oil companies thrive in dealing with the former. They prefer to deal with illegitimate regimes because they know they can easily get the better of them Guyana has been taken advantage of by the oil companies. The government entered into an arrangement with Exxon Mobil and its partners, and later with Tullow, which represent the most scandalous investment agreements ever in the history of oil deals.

But if you think those were terrible deals, wait and see what is likely to happen if, as many people suspect, the elections are rigged. Once this happens, the oil companies are going to take further advantage, because they would know that they are dealing with an undemocratic regime which lacks legitimacy.

Some multinationals prefer such regimes. And some

of them love to bribe unelected despots and their cronies. The worst fate which can befall Guyana is not so much which regime will manage Guyana’s oil wealth, as it is about having to deal with oil companies under a dictatorship.

If next year’s elections are rigged – as is being predicted – the oil companies will have their way again with the government. Corruption will intensify, as it has done under dictatorships, and oil wealth will not filter down to the people, as has happened in Equatorial Guinea, Venezuela and in Nigeria.

The President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang, has been in power for forty years, and has been consistently reelected by overwhelming majorities. In fact, the majorities are so large that he is considered a dictator. In the 2002 elections, he polled 103% of the votes in one area.

Oil companies have taken full advantage of his grip on power. They have exploited that country to the hilt. Equatorial Guinea is an oil-rich country which produces more

Cops say suspect in Lethem beheading also wanted in Brazil The 17-year-old Brazilian suspected of beheading his 22-year-old cousin at Lethem last Sunday is also wanted in his homeland.

Acting Crime Chief Michael Kingston made this disclosure yesterday, while also stating that the Guyana Police Force and Brazilian authorities are collaborating in efforts to apprehend the sus-

pect. He is believed to have returned to Brazil after killing Dico Davi Roberto Moriera, who is from Boa Vista, Brazil.

While initial reports indicate that the killing stemmed from an argument over a stolen bicycle, a police official said investigators were also informed that the fugitive belonged to a Brazilian gang.

Moriera’s headless body

was found near the Takutu Bridge at around 09:00 hrs last Sunday. The victim was wearing a black shirt and a pair of black jeans. Police are still to locate the severed head.

It is alleged that over the past three months, the suspect had threatened to kill Moriera, whom he suspect accused of stealing his bike.

than 400,000 barrels of oil per day, and which has one of the highest per-capita incomes in the world. Yet, more than half of its people live in poverty.

Why? Because the oil companies, in collusion with an undemocratic government, are raping the resources of that country.

Nigeria has also been a victim of exploitation by oil companies. Oil companies have had a hand in that country’s ‘dirty’ politics. In 1995, environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa was assassinated because of his struggle to stop the environmental destruction which was taking place in regions occupied by the minority Ogoni people.

Foreign oil companies entrenched themselves in Venezuela during the period of military dictatorship. Oil interests, backed by the United States of America, are behind the numerous attempts which are being made to undermine and topple the Maduro government.

The 2020 elections in Guyana are therefore more important in terms of ensuring that foreign vultures, not local hawks, are kept at bay.

Free and fair elections are needed to save Guyana from these foreign predators who obtain favourable deals from dictatorship.

More important than who wins the election is the need for there to be a democratic government, because without such a government the oil companies will mercilessly rape Guyana.

Unless the forthcoming elections are free and fair, Guyanese will not benefit from oil and gas.

The monies will be siphoned off by the political elite, since they would have succeeded in ensuring that they are not politically accountable to the people. The oil companies will take the biggest slice of the cake, because they will exploit their dealings with an illegitimate government. It has happened before in Guyana where the

undemocratic PNC government signed sweetheart deals with investors.

There is therefore an urgency to ensure a strong observer presence a t n e x t year’s elections, but especially for there to b e a n observer in every polling station so as to prevent fraud and ensure the integrity of the ballot.

This can only happen if local organizations committed to free and fair elections pool their resources and combine to have a massive local observer presence in every polling station.

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

PAGE 10

Thursday November 21, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

The AFC lied to its members and the Guyanese people One of the intriguing dimensions in the dialogue to renew the Cummingsburg Accord, is that both entities have declined to say if the most vexatious issue between the PNC and AFC has been solved – the Ramjattan PM slot. Let us trace the sequence of events from October 24 to this date.

On October 24, AFC called a single-issue press conference. The adumbration was done with trenchancy and non-diplomatic semantics.

The AFC demanded that the PNC stop delaying the de-

cision of Ramjattan for the PM slot, and that it will not continue with negotiations unless Ramjattan is accepted.

As a reaction to this ultimatum, Ramjattan and David Patterson met with the President and Volda Lawrence on Thursday, October 31. That meeting flowed from the demand and ultimatum of the AFC of October 24.

Strangely enough, both the PNC and AFC refused to answer a simple question – has Ramjattan been chosen as the PM candidate. That was the reason for the meet-

ing. How could they not tell the nation what they decided (see my column of Monday, November 4, 2019; “Are these the people that will negotiate for Guyana?”).

On Saturday, November 2, the AFC held its statutory meeting of its 35-member executive committee (more than 35 attended, including its official campaign advisor, Alston Stewart). Here is what is bizarre. Here is where the AFC may be the most depraved political party in the history of this country.

The AFC top leaders addressed the meeting and refused to reveal if the October 31 meeting between the President and Ramjattan had solved the Ramjattan issue. In fact, when it was his turn to speak, all that Ramjattan told his party executives was that Mr. Granger indicated to him that he wants to see an independent AFC (see my column of Wednesday, November 6, 2019, “ Is the PPP more democratic that its rival organizations?”

The very Saturday, the AFC celebrated its 15th year of existence with a swashbuckling party at its head of-

fice.

People were dancing and shouting that the AFC won; that the PNC had to accept Ramjattan. In fact, everyone at the party was congratulating Ramjattan. But the AFC’s gang of six lied to the executive body, its members and the Guyanese people. Granger and the PNC at that October 31 conference with Ramjattan and Patterson did not agree on the PM slot for Ramjattan.

Here now is the proof that the AFC deceived the nation and should be rejected by every citizen of this country.

The AFC held a press conference last Friday and Dominic Gaskin told the people of Guyana that there was only one outstanding issue left to be resolved – the percentage division for parliamentary seats and Cabinet.

Then one of the reporters asked Gaskin if the PNC had accepted Ramjattan as the PM candidate. Gaskin declined to answer.

Something is eerie, bizarre and inscrutable here. If two countries threaten to go to war over three issues – one – no dumping of toxic waste in the ocean; two – no hunting of whales; three - no limit to carbon emissions. If the lead-

ers of the two countries spoke to the world at the UN in New York and declared that the only vexation to be overcome is carbon emissions, then how can one of the leaders refuse to answer if there is agreement on issues one and two?

It is logical to assume there is agreement on issues one and two, since both leaders said the only divisive grievance left is carbon emissions.

What interpretation then should the analyst put on Gaskin’s silence?

Here is what I know. In that October 31 confabulation between Granger and Lawrence from the PNC and Ramjattan and Patterson from the AFC, the PNC agreed that the president’s running mate would come from the AFC. There was no specific name mentioned. The gang of six in the AFC knew, but did not tell the executive committee this. Yet the gang of six had AFC aficionados dancing at the 15-year anniversary party, shouting that Ramjattan won.

The AFC has been exposed. They have also been so badly bruised that the PNC knows that they are trying

Frederick Kissoon things to scare the PNC. But the PNC has made up its mind.

Here are my beliefs.

Ramjattan will not be chosen to run alongside Granger as PM. I have written about six columns on that issue, bringing out confidential stuff from solid sources.

The PNC will not agree to any formula that will see the AFC getting 35 percent of Cabinet positions and parliamentary seats. The PNC will not allow the AFC to scare it with talk of the AFC going on its own in 2020.

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

Thursday November 21, 2019

Walter Rodney’s brother to mount vigil today …cites delay of date for appeal to 1982 conviction Donald Rodney, brother of the late Dr. Walter Rodney, says he will be protesting in front of the Court of Appeal, Kingston, today.

This vigil would follow what Rodney said is delays in setting a date for an appeal for a case.

In a statement, he said that the vigil is calling for action for a date to be set for his appeal in the Court of Appeal to proceed.

He is also calling for a thorough investigation into “the previous, unlawful High Court hearing purporting to dismiss my appeal.

The vigil will be held one day per week in the first instance.

“In connection with the above, I am also launching a ‘I am Walter Rodney” petition to be signed and submitted to the Court of Appeal Registry and the Chancellor.”

It was explained that on May 23, 2019, the Court of Appeal ordered an appeal against a 1982 conviction.

He was accused then of the possession of explosives.

Since May, despite the order of the Court of Appeal, a date has not been set for this.

“The latest position of the Court Registry, upon my enquiry, is that it is “not satisfied” with trial records in its possession,” Rodney explained in his statement yesterday. “On October 14, 2019 I was promised that the Registry would “contact” me that day, or the following. To date, over a month later, there has been no such contact despite a letter to the senior registry officer pointing this out, and requesting a date to be set. This was the second letter to the Registry, as follow-up to previous visits, asking for a hearing date.”

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Kaieteur News

A vigil today: Donald Rodney Meanwhile, the statement also said that on May 23, 2019 the court also ordered that the High Court appeal hearing, purporting to dismiss Rodney’s appeal against the 1982 conviction, was unlawful for lack of jurisdiction.

“This is serious, since in addition to that unlawfulness, neither I nor a representing attorney-at-law were notified beforehand or present at the hearing.

Yet two senior judges, in the presence of the prosecution, staged, effectively, a secret hearing and dismissal of my appeal.”

Rodney said that last year he wrote the Supreme Court Registrar, Sueanna Lovell, requesting the name(s) of those purporting to file his appeal, but without response.

“Thus no explanation has ever been offered by the court or the office of the DPP for this unlawful episode. This exposes a grave flaw in the judicial system of Guyana. It is against this background that I am mounting the vigil. I also attach a narrative written by me and circulated to “friends and supporters” of the Walter Rodney legacy.”

Guyanese woman wanted in Suriname for attempted murder Suriname police are looking for a 29-year-old Guyanese woman, in connection with an alleged crime.

According to the Waterkant newspaper of Suriname, the police there yesterday issued a wanted bulletin which said that they are looking for the woman.

The name of the wanted woman has been given as Angel Lesha Lam aka ‘Angel’ or ‘Ashantie’. Her date of birth was listed as February 23, 1990.

Police said she is accused of attempted murder, complicity in attempted manslaughter, and assault.

Wanted in Suriname: Angel Lesha Lam aka ‘Angel’ or ‘Ashantie’

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Thursday November 21, 2019

Kaieteur News

US$31M Sheriff St./Mandela Ave. expansion…

State of uncertainty exists over continuing works Chinese contractor Sinohydro Limited seems to be in a state of uncertainty over continuing works on the US$31M Sheriff Street/ Mandela Avenue road expansion.

When Kaieteur News visited the worksite yesterday, works were halted and some workers were seen packing up construction equipment.

One worker said that he has no knowledge of any decision taken by the company or the government to stop works. However, he said, he was told by his superiors to “pack up” and remove some of the equipment.

Two days ago, it was revealed that Inter-American Development Bank had suspended payments to the Chinese contractor for several breaches in the project. As a result, a number of workers had reported that they had since been laid-off by the company.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI), these significant breaches are said to be associated with Section 4:08 of the loan agreement. This section covers the environmental and social management

An excavator being used to load one of the electrical generators into a truck to be taken away

of the project.

According to the Ministry, numerous warnings have been issued to the contractor

about their social and environmental non-compliances along with traffic safety and control infractions.

But as observed by the MPI, no efforts whatsoever, were made to adhere to these warnings.

With this being this being established, Government is now in the process of moving forward with re-

medial works, and deducting the money from the contractors (Continued on page 22)

Thursday November 21, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Six Haitians appear in court on immigration charges S

ix Haitian nationals were y e s t e r d a y arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts to answer to individual charges

of illegal entry and overstaying in Guyana.

Charged for illegal entry are Ronald Saint Cyr, 27, a teacher; Jesudonne Clerveau, 29, a teacher; Bladimyr Pierre, 25, a student; Soliny Dossous,

Jesudonne Clerveau Bladimyr Pierre

Jean Tonion Louis

Peterson Dorsainvil

Ronald Saint Cyr

Soliny Dossous

35, a student and Jean Tonion Louis, 23, a mason, while Peterson Dorsainvil, 27, a mason, is charged for overstaying.

The six men were not jointly charged, since the charge was read to each of them individually by the Magistrate.

Saint Cyr, Clerveau, Pierre, Dossous and Louis pleaded guilty to the illegal entry charge that was read to them individually, which

stated that on November 18, 2019, at Springlands, East Berbice, Corentyne, they entered Guyana by sea and disembarked without the consent of an immigration officer.

Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield stated that on the day in question the defendants arrived at Springlands from Suriname and they were using Guyana to reach their destination, Brazil.

The court heard that the police, acting on information received, intercepted the defendants, they then asked to conduct a search, and it was discovered that the five men entered Guyana illegally and did not present themselves to an immigration officer.

The men were then told of the allegation, arrested, taken into custody, and later charged.

Moreover, Dorsainvil, who was charged for overstaying in Guyana, pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that between

August 7, 2018, and November 18, 2019, at Georgetown, he failed to comply with conditions, having been permitted to stay in Guyana from August 1, 2018, to September 6, 2018, he overstayed the period granted.

After listening to the facts of the charge, Chief Magistrate McLennan ordered all six defendants to pay $40,000 fine or, in default, serve three weeks' imprisonment. After paying the fine or spending the time, the defendants will be deported to Haiti.

Kaieteur News

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Thursday November 21, 2019

At least one smuggler believed shot in …820 cases of chicken, 390 cases of Mahaica operation Corona, assorted liquor and boat seized

Some of the seized items being removed at the sluice doors at Hope, East Coast Demerara.

A

uthorities believe that they know exactly who the smugglers are in

Monday's shooting which left an officer of the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) nursing a bullet wound.

On Tuesday, the officer was operated on and the bullet removed, CANU's head, Leslie Ramlall, disclosed Monday.

While there has been no official statement from authorities, yesterday, Crime Chief (ag), Michael Kingston, did confirm that an “operation” is ongoing.

He did not disclose details.

CANU, officials of the Guyana Revenue Authority enforcement arm and a police team, were part of a joint operation Monday night at Bee Hive, Mahaica.

There, they were able to stop of boat filled with smuggled liquor and beer, and chicken from entering.

It is believed that the items came from Suriname.

The party of law officials

reportedly challenged the smugglers to halt but came under fire.

The CANU officer was hit in the shoulder.

It is believed that in the ensuing return of fire from lawmen, someone was hit as suddenly, all went quiet.

While no one was reportedly arrested, the law officials have a strong idea that the person is a known smuggler from Mahaica. He was reportedly let out of prison for the same offence about a year ago.

O n Tu e s d a y, G R A confirmed that 65 cases assorted liquor, 390 cases of Corona beers, 820 cases of

chicken and 10 cases of Milo were among the items seized.

The haul also included several cases of condensed milk.

The authorities have also seized one wooden vessel, about 60-65 feet that was powered with four 75hp Yamaha outboard motors.

The Mahaica foreshore area is a preferred area for smugglers because of its remoteness.

The vessel which was reportedly seized Monday night was stuck in the mud but taken to the Hope sluice area yesterday where the items were offloaded.

APNU, AFC meet again today on accord

A

s discussions c o n t i n u e between A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) in relation to a new Cummingsburg Accord, President David Granger explained that another “high level” meeting between the entities is set for today.

Responding to questions at the sidelines of an accreditation yesterday at the

Ministry of the Presidency, the Head of State said the negotiations are determined by agreements, not by deadlines.

“The question of a deadline will not necessarily bring about the best outcome.”

He said that the negotiations with the AFC are based on agreed-to principles.

“I am confident that if we were to sit without noise, soberly and quietly, we would arrive at an outcome which is best for Guyana. We should not allow the preoccupation of personalities to derail the importance of seeking an agreement based on principles. We have agreed

on core principles, and APNU has determined that those principles are binding.

We will not enter into any accord which violates those principles. The most important principle is that any agreement should be in accordance with the constitution of Guyana.”

The president added that upon his return to office, he will ensure that citizens, “get a National Assembly, on the government's side, which is honest and which is efficient.

That is the aim of negotiations… We are seeking the best outcome for the people of Guyana.”

The two main Coalition partners are seeking consensus on ministerial positions as they prepare for upcoming general and regional elections on March 2, 2020.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 21, 2019

Thursday November 21, 2019

Kaieteur News

Exxon doubles down on Payara project despite no approval ...as Senior VP confirms more drillships for deeper waters in 2020 ExxonMobil representatives engage stakeholders at their GIPEX 2019 booth at the Marriott Hotel

By Gary Eleazar

T

he Guyana Government has placed on hold the Field Development Plan (FDP) submitted by ExxonMobil Guyana, to begin developing a third oil field in the Stabroek Block, but the company remains steadfast in its 2023 commitment for that field.

Confirmation of this was established yesterday, at the opening ceremony for the 2019 Guyana International Petroleum Exhibition (GIPEX), currently underway at the Marriott Hotel, during the keynote address by ExxonMobil's Senior Vice President, Upstream Oil and Gas Deep Water, Hunter Farris.

Without acknowledging that the FDP, and inherently, the formal investment decision for the plan has been held up by the Department of Energy (DoE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Farris told participants "we remain committed to bringing 'Prosperity' online as early as 2023. In fact, the company, in addition to adding another drillship to its operations offshore Guyana, will be

ramping up exploration and production activities into deeper waters, bringing on board even more vessels.

According to Farris, once the Liza Field had been discovered, ExxonMobil deployed its project machine to work, leveraging partners and relationships around the world, to develop the Liza-1 discovery. He said that the Floating, Production, Offloading and Storage (FPSO) vessel, Liza Destiny, is currently moored in the Stabroek Block, where it is being hooked up and commissioned.

First oil from that development, he said, "is targeted for the near future."

Speaking to the second vessel, Liza Unity, the ExxonMobil Senior VP said this is currently under construction. “We worked together with government ministries and agencies to secure authorization for the Liza-2 project, targeted for first oil in early 2022.”

Right now, he said “we are building, together with our contractors, its FPSO, which we are calling Unity.”

As it relates to the third proposed field development at Payara in the Stabroek

Block, Farris told GIPEX participants that the FDP and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) had been submitted. He did not divulge, however, that these have been placed on hold by the Department of Energy so that they can be properly vetted before any approvals are granted. What he instead told participants is, "we are committed to working with the Government of Guyana to achieve a timely approval of the project and together with our co-venturers and contractors, we remain committed to bringing 'Prosperity' online as early as 2023."

Speaking to the additional activities in the coming year, Farris informed the industry stakeholders, that in addition to a fourth drillship, which was added to the fleet this past month, "we have plans for a fifth drillship next year." According to the ExxonMobil Senior VP, "in 2020 we plan to expand our drilling to the first wells in the Canje and Kaieteur Blocks in even deeper waters of Guyana."

It was pointed out that "taken together, this is an astonishing level of exploration success..."

CCJ hails late Justice Chang as...

From page 15 Anil Nandlall said that Justice Chang was truly dedicated to the law.

In a lengthy Facebook post Nandlall expressed, “Personally, I know of none who worshipped more dedicatedly at the altar of the law than him; neither do I know a more voracious

reader of the law than him.”

Nandlall also said that although Chang rose to the pinnacle in his profession, he remained unusually humble and exceptionally accessible. “He was special.

His pedigree does not come frequently. The void that he has left will perhaps not be filled in my lifetime,” the

former Attorney General stated. Justice Chang served as one of the nation's Chief Justices from 2006 until his retirement in 2016, when he went into private practice.

He also served as a Judge of the Court of Appeal and with distinction in the Chambers of the DPP for over two decades.

PAGE 17

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Thursday November 21, 2019

Thursday November 21, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Army acquires 5 high-tech drones for $180M T

he Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is set to benefit from five high-tech, long endurance drones to the tune of $180M, which will significantly enhance the security of the country's borders, maritime space and coastland.

Minister of State, Mrs. Dawn Hastings-Williams, yesterday afternoon, attended a demonstration exercise of one of the drones, at the GDF's Base Camp Ayanganna Headquarters, to get a first-hand look at it, and to learn about its capabilities.

The Minister was accompanied by Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, according to the Ministry of the Presidency.

The drones were catered for in the 2019 National Budget and would be funded through the $14 billion allocation to the GDF. In January 2019, President Granger had indicated that some of the money allocated to the Force would be used to purchase drones for border and other types of surveillance.

In an invited comment, Minister Hastings-Williams said the procurement proposal was taken to the Defence Board and then to Cabinet for perusal.

Cabinet had mandated that a demonstration of the drones be done before they are purchased. Since the demonstration was

A camera shot from the drone

completed today, this will now pave the way for the purchase of the drones.

“Today we were exposed to what the drone can actually do [and the functions it can perform] and we are impressed. We believe that it can enhance the operations of the Army and I am happy that the Force will now be more equipped to perform its functions. We will purchase the drones to the cost of about $180M. The Commander in Chief would have spoken in the past about ensuring [that] both the Defence and Police Forces are equipped and provided with the necessary resources, and so today is a demonstration of the President's commitment to improving the security forces,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Patrick West said the acquisition of the drones will significantly enable the Force to fulfill its functions and mandate, particularly as it works towards effective transformation for total national defence.

“Based on that programme, we have the acquisition of technology to enhance communication and to ensure that we can improve security as well. We are happy that the Defence Board did approve of this acquisition and that the demonstration was successful. It will be used not only to patrol our porous borders, but we will also be able to monitor close shore and we

Officials observing the images being transmitted

would be able to do some amount of anti-piracy patrols as well.

Further, we will be able to do some patrols in the Georgetown Harbour, the Essequibo and Berbice river mouths. We will also be able to do Coastal patrols as well and some degree of urban patrols in some towns, Linden, Mahdia and in the interior locations,” he said.

Brigadier West also said the drones will assist the Force in monitoring activities in Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo (Region Nine) where numerous illegal airstrips and abandoned planes were discovered in recent years.

“It will also support the whole SmartCity Solutions as well, because wherever there are blind spots in the system, the drones will be able to pick up there,” he said.

Additionally, Commander of Signal Corps of the GDF, Lieutenant

Colonel Roger Nurse, said the purchase also caters for training, capacity building and knowledge transfer.

“As part of the acquisition, training is part of the package. As a policy in the GDF, as part of the acquisition of specialised

equipment we generally want to have three crews trained in its operation.

There is no exception in this case. So we are looking to have three crews or about 12 persons to operate the equipment as well as provide transfer of knowledge and

sister agencies as well,” he said.

Commander Nurse further noted that the drones are long endurance and can last for as long as five hours, while the cameras attached to the drones can be used in (continued on page 20)

Kaieteur News

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Thursday November 21, 2019

GT&T warns Montrose 'granny' killer against scammers appeals 100-year jail sentence

C

ollinAllen who was sentenced to 100 years in prison for the August 1, 2015 murder of 77-year-old Montrose, East Coast Demerara pensioner, Danrasie 'Carmen' Ganesh, is appealing his conviction and sentence. In documents filed at the Court of Appeal, Allen is arguing that not only was he subjected to an unfair trial before Justice Navindra Singh, but his sentence is excessive.

In the legal documents, Allen said that prior to his incarceration he worked as a welder. He said that he has means of obtaining legal aid for himself and is not desirous of calling any witnesses at the hearing of his appeal. On February 26, Allen was handed the prison term after being found guilty by a jury for murder.

Justice Singh in imposing the sentence told Allen, also known as 'Bonus', “I don't think a man like you should ever see daylight again.” But although the jury had delivered its verdict, Allen maintained his innocence.

When asked by Justice Singh if he had anything to say,

Murdered: Danrasie 'Carmen' Ganesh Allen said, “Me ain't know about nothing. I was never there. Me ain't kill nobody.”

“They say a picture is worth a 1000 words,” Justice Singh told Allen, as he made reference to CCTV footage retrieved from Ganesh's home, which shows Allen attacking the elderly woman.

State Prosecutors Tuanna Hardy,Abigail Gibbs and Teriq Mohammed submitted that Ganesh lived alone, and that on the day in question, she was visited at her Lot 121 Montrose, East Coast Demerara, where she lived alone, by an unwanted guest,

Murder convict: Collin Allen Allen, who was unknown to her, entered her house as though he knew her, and murdered her. In arriving at a sentence for Allen, Justice Singh commenced at a base of 60 years. In addition, to that, he added 10 years for premeditation; another 10 years. for excessive brutality in that Allen repeatedly stomped and kicked at the old woman who could not have posed a threat to him; a further 10 years was added since, according to Justice Singh, it was a murder for pay and another 10 years, given the woman's age and

the fact that she could have barely walked properly.

In the footage, which was tendered in court, Allen was seen hitting Ganesh repeatedly on the head with a tyre wrench, and kicking and stomping her. Then there was also a 14-page caution statement, which Allen gave to Police Sergeant Detective Rodwell Sarrabo, in which he admitted to being paid $700,000 to kill the woman, and that he gave all the monies to his mother who then left for Suriname.

Detectives testifying in the trial not only said that Allen made the statement freely and voluntarily, but also identified himself several times in the footage taken from CCTV cameras in and around the elderly woman's residence.

T

he Guyana Telephone and Te l e g r a p h Company (GT&T) says it has received a number of fraud reports over the past week, and that the scammers have, and may be devising ways to swindle cash from their customers as the festive season approaches.

Public Relations Manager, Ms. Jasmin Harris explained that with the numerous fraud reports made, the company has taken a stance to address the issue. A promotional page was created by the company for customers to be updated on all GT&T promotions. This is to help prevent the prevalence of customers being scammed.

For future references, Ms. Harris and the rest of GT&T's team are encouraging customers to visit the promotional page to

verify any ongoing campaign the company will host, with the hope that this strategy will notify customers about any current promotions and avoid being fraud by predators.

“The security department of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company is working diligently to locate these scammers and to have the relevant authorities to deal with them,” Ms. Harris stated.

“As of now there is a promotion, the GT&T plus size promotion has been launched, credit your account and reply with a code to win a Samsung phone.”

As a reminder, the Public Relations Manager stated alternative ways in which customers can query current promotions at GT&T which include GT&T Live Chat, Customer Service and in-store retail representatives.

Energy Dept. tells oil companies...

From page 3 a "contextually relevant" local content policy in addition to a new production sharing agreement template, in addition to the completion of 2D and 3D seismic surveys for better decisionmaking with regards to, "the remaining blocks and unallocated areas offshore."

Also addressing the opening was Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Guyana's Office for Investment (GO-Invest), Owen Verwey, who also touted the country as open for business.

Recalling the inaugural event in 2018, Verwey noted that there were a number of business relationships that had emerged from that activity and expressed optimism that the same would be repeated at this year's event.

He said GO-Invest, as an organizing partner, is also keen on promoting new businesses and investments

in the industry and reminded that the entity, "encourages the new ventures to consider local content and local benefit in your business development process."

This, he said, would ensure that locals benefit from some of the economic successes that are to be derived from the emerging oil and gas industry.

The GO-Invest CEO posited, "this in turn helps to ensure the sustainable development of your businesses and the Guyanese economy, something we will all be proud of in the future."

"Guyana is open for business and GO-Invest is here to support you," Verwey asserted, as he announced that the agency is in fact in the process of restructuring its operations in order to not only cater for the traditional industries, but to more adequately service the Oil and Gas Sector. Verwey told stakeholders, "as Guyana

prepares to fully enter the world of oil and gas, this agency (GO-Invest) has been continuously improving its capability in recent years.

However, we do recognize the challenges and are currently in the process of reviewing our operational structure, our roles, our resource capabilities and most importantly, our strategies."

According to Verwey, "this is to ensure the agency can adequately support businesses in this new era."

Welcome remarks were also delivered by President David Granger, by way of a video. Participants at GIPEX 2019 were then invited to take part in a formal ribboncutting ceremony marking the formal opening of the exhibition which runs until Friday.

The keynote address was given by ExxonMobil's Senior Vice President, Upstream Oil and Gas Deep Water, Hunter Farris.

Army acquires 5 high-tech...

From page 19 daytime and night time situations as well as search and rescue operations.

“One of the major considerations we have been looking at is its endurance and the time it can fly for.

This is a world leading drone and can fly for about 5 hours without payload.

With payload, it can fly between 2 to 4 hours. In addition to that, it has the ability to manoeuvre small spaces, ability to hover, track targets, and so these were some of the considerations we looked at. Then there is

also the technology on the drones like collision avoidance.

The cameras are also high quality, so we will be able to pick up targets from long distances and we would be able to pick up targets using infrared technology so we can use it in the nights as well. For search and rescue, we can pick up persons in the water and that's just some of the capabilities of the cameras,” Commander Nurse explained.

Colonel Godfrey Bess, Quarter Master General of the Force, who was

integrally involved in the procurement of the drones, said Guyanese can be assured that the drones are top quality, since extensive research was conducted before the proposal was put forward.

He also noted that the Force will be engaging in a contractual agreement with the company, Skyfront, which will see it addressing any faults with the drones in a timely manner.

“Having done our research, we are confident that it is value for money,” he noted.

Thursday November 21, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Thursday November 21, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Berbice home.

Attorney at Law Seeta Bishundial is presenting the state’s case.

The accused, a former driver, is being represented by state-appointed attorney Siand Dhurjon.

Detective Inspector Cort told the court that following reports, he visited the premises on 18th September.

There were two cars in the yard PFF 3024 and PEE 6921.

Among the things he noticed in the yard was a bloodstained pillow case on one of the cars. A bloodstained pillow was also found.

He returned on the 20th and was shown a piece of wood with what appeared to be blood on it. The house was checked again and what appeared to be blood was seen inside.

Testifying earlier were the couple’s daughter, Jennifer Khan, and Police Constable Lorna Grant who is stationed at the Alberttown Police Station and attached to the Georgetown Hospital Outpost. Constable Grant arrested the accused at the Accident and Emergency Department of the Georgetown Hospital.

Police Detective Corporals Roland Beharry and Lance Corporal Emanuel Davidson, also earlier witnesses, detailed receiving certain information and after visiting the scene and conducting an investigation, (Continued on page 23)

State of...

From page 12 payments. Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma, said that his government is considering carrying on the various repairs, general road patching and maintenance by in-house contractors.

It was also added that the Ministry has a special project unit that will conduct such works if necessary.

Yesterday, a number of persons who do business along the Sheriff Street/ Mandela Avenue thoroughfare were concerned about the completion of the road works.

One man who owns a wash bay at the intersection of Sheriff and Dennis Streets, said that he is “still” greatly affected by the sand and dust created by the now halted works.

He added that even though no works were done yesterday; the passing motor vehicles and strong wind still caused the sand to be blown into his business place.

Thursday November 21, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Exploratory drilling in Canje block to commence by mid-2020 - JHI Head The first exploratory well is likely to be drilled in the Canje oil block in mid-2020.

This is according to Executive Vice President and CoFounder of JHI Associates, Inc. Richard Boyce.

Boyce made the announcement on Tuesday during a public lecture at Roriama Duke Lodge.

The event was co-hosted

by AmCham Guyana.

During the lecture, Boyce made presentations on oil exploration from the perspective of JHI, a company which

has a stake in the deepwater Canje oil block. Boyce spoke of his experience as an exploration geologist and geophysicist working for companies large and small for over 40 years.

He also shared on the basics of oil and gas formation, how to make and read topographical maps from subsea seismic data, and how to identify potential oil fields on that seismic data. He explained that blanketed by and in direct contact with multiple source rocks, Canje’s geology

is uniquely composed of confined “Liza-like” channel complex prospects and potentially larger basin floor fans.

The Canje is located some 180km offshore Guyana and adjacent to the productive Stabroek block.

Other presenters from JHI explained their roles within the organization, including legal, finance, and investor relations, demonstrating the need for a variety of disciplines within the oil industry.

During his presentation, Boyce made the announce-

GIPEX 2019 underway - local ...

From page 8 company.

Hess Corporation and CNOOC also held some of the larger booths while Teir 1 Contractor, SBM Offshore, Saipem, TechnicFMP and others also commanded the attention of those in attendance.

Hardware Depot was among the few noteworthy local entities.

This publication observed that there were several companies which had already set up infrastructure in Guyana advertising a local address but were in fact from other countries such as

neighbouring T&T. GIPEX is organized by Valiant Business Media with key support from Ministry of the Presidency, through the Department of Energy and the Guyana Office for Investment.

The opening ceremony did see presentations from ExxonMobil’s Senior Vice President Upstream Oil and Gas Deep Water, Hunter Farris, who impressed upon the gathering that “the people of Guyana and ExxonMobil have a long future together, and we are determining what that future looks like every day by what

we do and who we are.”

Others to address the opening included Director of the Department of Energy, Dr Mark Bynoe and the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest)’s Chief Executive Officer, Owen Verwey, after which stakeholders were engaged in a number of technical presentations on the industry, Guyana, and the opportunities that exist.

GIPEX continues today at the Marriot Hotel and concludes on Friday, at which time the exhibition is expected to be open to the public at no cost.

Trial resumes in Berbice for...

From page 22 arresting Tahal as a suspect. Also testifying was a neighbour, Colin Wilson, who was with the couple during the day. They were said to be drinking.

State Prosecutor Bishundial told the court that the accused had reported that on 17th September 2017, he returned home and upon opening the front door to his house he found his wife lying naked in their home in a pool of blood with a wound to her head.

She was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital, before she was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she subsequently died.

The matter is continuing.

ment that the company is hoping to start drilling their first well in the Canje block in mid2020.

“We have selected a drill side location and I’m happy to announce to you today that the first well that will be drilled in the Canje block will likely be drilled in the second quarter of 2020; that’s maybe six months from now.” Added to that, the JHI head expressed assurance that its operator ExxonMobil has systems in place in the event of any type of oil spill.

According to Boyce, there will be an immediate response by Exxon, who has put in place a comprehensive reaction programme. “So they

would do their very best to prevent those kinds of accidents from happening. That’s why we’re proud to have them as our operator, because of their safety and responsibility to the world.”

Boyce said further that the company was able to observe Exxon undertaking an oil spill drill first hand at its offices in Houston, Texas. The drill, he explained, centred on mobilising its staff to respond to such a disaster.

“Exxon takes it very seriously and we hope we never have to face that problem, but if we do, the industry is ready to take care of it,” Boyce explained.

Co-Founder of JHI Associates, Inc. Richard Boyce

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 21, 2019

Hong Kong students’ sewer escape thwarted HONG KONG (Reuters) Some anti-government protesters trapped inside a Hong Kong university on Wednesday tried to flee through the sewers, where one student said she saw snakes, but firemen prevented further escape bids by blocking a manhole into the system.

Reuters witnesses said fewer than 100 protesters remained inside the P o l y t e c h nic University, ring-fenced 24 hours a day by riot police, after more than 1,000 were arrested from late on Monday.

Some surrendered while others were held during escape attempts that included trying to clamber down ropes to waiting motorbikes on Monday night, with protesters throwing petrol bombs and police responding with tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannon.

The streets were quiet on Tuesday and yesterday.

Protesters, wearing wa-

terproof boots and carrying torches, resurfaced inside the campus after unsuccessfully probing the sewers - where fast-rising water levels are also a hazard - for a way out during the night.

Police said six people were arrested yesterday four while removing a manhole cover outside the campus and two climbing out.

Firefighters, whom the students let on to the campus, were in place to stop any further attempts, blocking the only feasible entrance into the sewer system in an underground car park on campus.

“The sewer was very smelly, with many cockroaches, many snakes. Every step was very, very painful,” said Bowie, 21, a student at Hong Kong University who was forced to turn back.

“Id never thought that one day I would need to

hide in a sewer or escape through sewers to survive.”

The university on the Kowloon peninsula is the last of five that protesters had occupied to use as bases from which to disrupt the city over the past 10 days, blocking the central Cross-Harbour Tunnel and other arteries.

“This mission is a loss,” said Brutus, 21, who became a protest frontliner in August.

He and his girlfriend were taking a break to eat an orange, a Snickers bar and hard boiled eggs in one of the classrooms.

“After all of the things that happened, I dont think protesters taking control of the universities was a good option. We dont have gear like the police. We are not wellorganized like the police.”

Brutus said he also felt bad about damage to the university. Breaking the CCTV

Police investigating murder of Malta journalist arrest local businessman VALLETTA (Reuters) Malta police arrested one of the countrys most prominent businessmen yesterday as part of an investigation into the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Yorgen Fenech was detained by armed forces as he tried to leave the Mediterranean island before dawn aboard his luxury yacht.

The arrest came a day after Prime Minister Joseph Muscat offered to pardon to a suspected middleman in the murder of Caruana Galizia if he provided legally binding evidence of

who was behind the killing.

Muscat told reporters he had ordered additional police surveillance after news of the alleged go-between emerged.

“Had I not done that, today we might be talking of a person or persons of interest having potentially escaped,” he said. Muscat gave no further details on the grounds for Fenechs arrest.

Fenechs lawyer was contacted for comment but has so far issued no statement. Under Maltese law, the police have 48 hours to interrogate and charge him or release him.

Caruana Galizia, an eminent anti-corruption journalist, was killed by a car bomb near the Maltese capital Valletta in October 2017 - a murder that shocked Europe and raised questions about the rule of law on the small island.

Eight months before her death, she wrote about a mysterious company in Dubai called 17 Black Limited, alleging it was connected to Maltese politicians, but offered no evidence.

A Reuters investigation tinyurl.com/y8coeu3x last year revealed that Fenech was the owner of the firm

cameras was fine, he said, because that was about protecting people. But other damage was wrong especially to the library.

“We are here to learn.

Now we cant pass those books to the students coming in next year. That is a great loss.”

He and his girlfriend left to look for a way to escape.

ROTTEN FOOD Police said nearly 800 people had left the campus peacefully by late on Tuesday and they would be investigated, including nearly 300 under the age of 18. At least 24 were seen walking out on Wednesday.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has called for a humane end to a siege that saw the most intense clashes since the protests escalated more than five months ago.

Police said they had no plans to storm the campus, now wrecked and daubed with graffiti, parts of it stinking of petrol used to make Molotov cocktails and rotten food, with broken glass everywhere.

“Ideas are bulletproof,” was spray-painted in a few

places.

Demonstrators are angry at what they see as Chinese meddling in freedoms promised to Hong Kong when the then British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. They say they are responding to excessive use of force by police.

The unrest marks the most serious popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

Police have made more than 5,000 arrests in connection with the protests since June.

Chinese leaders say they are committed to Hong Kong s “one country, two systems” formula for autonomy and have accused foreign countries, including Britain and the United States, of stirring up trouble.

Ties between China and those two countries came under strain over Hong Kong on Wednesday.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab condemned Chinas treatment of Simon Cheng, a former employee of Britains Hong Kong consu-

late, who said secret police beat him seeking information about the protest movement.

“We were shocked and appalled by the mistreatment he suffered while in Chinese detention, which amounts to torture,” Raab said.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said Cheng had been detained for 15 days and had admitted his offences. All of his legal rights were safeguarded, the spokesman said.

A U.S. bill that aims to protect human rights in Hong Kong was expected to go the House of Representatives on Wednesday, a day after the Senate passed unanimously.

China condemned the proposed legislation, which would require the U.S. secretary of state to certify at least once a year that Hong Kong retains enough autonomy to qualify for special U.S. trading consideration and would impose sanctions against officials responsible for rights violations.

Beijing vowed to take counter-measures to safeguard its sovereignty and security. (HONG KONG PROTESTS)

Britain’s Prince Andrew halts public duties over sex scandal LONDON (Reuters) Britains Prince Andrew stepped down from public duties yesterday, saying the controversy surrounding his “ill-judged” association with late U.S. financier Jeffrey Epstein had caused major disruption to the royal familys work. Andrew, Queen Elizabeths second son, denies an allegation that he had sex with a 17-year-old girl procured for him by his friend Epstein, who killed himself in a U.S. prison in August while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

The scandal has escalated since Andrews rambling explanations in a disastrous BBC TV interview aired on Saturday left many viewers incredulous, and his apparent lack of compassion for Epsteins victims drew widespread condemnation.

As the story dominated news headlines for a fourth day and a slew of businesses distanced themselves from organizations and charities associated with the prince, he said he would step down from public life for the time being and speak to police about Epstein.

“It has become clear to

Prince Andrew, Duke of York me over the last few days that the circumstances relating to my former association with Jeffrey Epstein has become a major disruption to my familys work,” he said in a statement issued by Buckingham Palace.

“Therefore, I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission,” said Andrew, 59, whose official title is the Duke of York.

“Of course, I am willing to help any appropriate law

enforcement agency with their investigations, if required.”

Andrews conduct has overshadowed much of the political campaigning for Britains parliamentary election on Dec. 12.

In a televised debate on Tuesday night, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the monarchy was “beyond reproach” while opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said the institution “needs a bit of improvement” and that there were questions to be answered.

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Jamaica says China eyeing investments in Caymanas Economic Zone KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – The Jamaica government says China is showing an interest in establishing major investments in the Caymanas Economic Zone as it insisted it has not abandoned the economic zone.

“I want bring into the consciousness of the Jamaican people that we have not abandoned the Caymanas Special Economic Zone. There is significant interest from China to invest in it. We now have to work out the modality as to how that will be accommodated,” Prime Minister Andrew Holness told Parliament on Tuesday night.

He said that his recent working visit to Beijing had been an “eye-opening” experience and that his administration is still examining how it intends to deal with the ap-

Thursday November 21, 2019

Kaieteur News

proach by the Chinese government. 1“There are issues obviously because we have to figure out how we are going approach this.Are we going to treat it on a sole source or do we treat it as a strategic investment, or do we put out open tender? … Decisions [are] to be made,” Holness said.

He told legislators they would not be kept in the dark as his administration moves ahead with its development plan for the Caymanas Special Economic Zone, in St. Catherine south east of here, adding that a Chinese delegation is due to visit the island later this year to sign a memorandum of understanding on matters relating to education.

He told legislators that the relationship would be the start of a project to build more schools across the island.

“The new strategic partnership reflects an enhanced

level of engagement between the two countries within the context of Jamaica’s participation in the Belt and Road Initiative,” Beijing’s global development strategy involving infrastructure development and investments in 152 countries and international organizations in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas including the Caribbean.

“The strategic partnership positions Jamaica to pursue development cooperation with China in keeping with our own clearly defined national development strategic priorities on the basis of mutual respect and shared benefits,” Holness said, reiterating that Kingston will not negotiate any new loan programmes with China as it seeks to reduce the country’s debt.

PM urges Opposition to come clean on Cambridge Analytica PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has called on the main opposition United National Congress (UNC) to outline the role it played in helping the British based political consulting firm, Cambridge Analytica (CA) engage in data mining in Trinidad and Tobago a few years ago.

Rowley made the call less than 24 hours after Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar sought to distance her party from the British company after the government formally asked the police to launch a criminal investigation into the services it provided to the People’s Partnership administration which she headed.

“I have already said, and I say it again – the UNC has nothing to do and has had nothing to do with that company they keep talking about Cambridge Analytica and this is just another EmailGate lie,” Persad Bissessar told a UNC public meeting in Marabella, south of here on Monday night.

She told supporters that “this is another attempt by the desperate and cornered regime because they know the people are fed up of them, and they have had enough of their incompetence and lies”.

But as he addressed a public meeting of the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) in Chaguanas in Central Trinidad on Tuesday night, Rowley said the UNC must inform the nation about its role in the matter, dismissing the opposition party’s denial in the past.

“On behalf of every citizen in Trinidad and Tobago, I demand that the UNC tell us

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley what they have done to this country. It is only when we know what they have done that we will be in a position to respond to it properly and to protect yourself from the damage that they have done which can damage us for generations to come”.

Rowley said that the UNC had engaged the British company “all because they wanted to win an election.

“What these people have discovered is that you use technology to create a tool to look for weaknesses in the societies, cultural weaknesses in societies and then you exploit those weaknesses,” Rowley told supporters as the party campaigned for the December 2, Local Government election.

He said CA brought here by the last government “to find those fractures and to exploit them” and that

Trinidad and Tobago was used as a ‘template” by CA. “You look at America right now it is exactly what is going on there. It is exactly what happened in England. Cambridge Analytica that played a role in the British election that is threatening to break up England and America that can’t understand what is happening to that great country, it all started here in Trinidad and Tobago,” Rowley said.

“They created the template here and when they saw what the template could have done they carried it to America and to England and they sold the tool to foreigners and Kamla Persad Bissessar thinks we must simply say we don’t care. Well we care and we want to know and this will continue to be the subject of criminal investigation with international assistance,” Rowley added.

Jamaica looking to develop lime sector KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – The Jamaica government is holding talks with the private sector aimed at developing a limestone production facility to boost export, and to provide services to refineries.

Transport and Mining Min-

ister, Robert Montague, said the development is to “ensure the viability” of the sector.

“Lime is one of the critical components in the refining process; a little is produced locally, and most of that is exported,” Montague told a forum organised by the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO).

He said Jamaica has “an abundance” of limestone, and the deliberations with the private sector should result in a fortified minerals industry.

Montague told the forum that Jamaica is a “world leader” in the industry, with the country producing material valued over J$5.6 billion (One Jamaica dollar=US$0.008 cents) in 2018, and export earnings of five mil-

lion US dollars. “Jamaica’s minerals industry has several strengths, which afford it the ability to attract investments, provide employment and create wealth. In addition, the sector represents a critical component in the country’s development, and Jamaica is an island that is gifted with excellent mineral resources,” he said.

Montague said that the mining and quarrying sector is a major contributor to the economic growth and development of Jamaica, particularly in the area of foreign exchange earnings and lauded JAMPRO and other stakeholders for promoting and emphasising the “viability and importance of this industry”.

Thursday November 21, 2019

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

Four Australia under-23 players banned for ‘unprofessional conduct’ MELBOURNE (Reuters) Football Federation Australia has handed lengthy bans to four members of the country’s Olympic squad for “unprofessional conduct” at the end of an under-23 tournament in Cambodia in March following a complaint from a woman.

Nathaniel Atkinson, Lachlan Wales and Brandon Wilson were banned until Aug. 10 2020, meaning they will miss the Tokyo Olympics.

Captain Riley McGree was banned until April 1 next year.

All four would participate in “education courses and counselling” as directed by the governing body, the FFA said in a statement on Tuesday.

The four were found to have breached the FFA’s code of conduct during a night out at the end of the Asian Football Confederation U-23 championship qualifying tournament.

“Specifically, the FFA Board found that the players engaged in unprofessional conduct,” the FFA said.

“The matter came to the attention of FFA in April, 2019 following a complaint by a woman.”

It was unclear what the nature of the complaint was.

State broadcaster ABC reported the complaint had been made earlier in the year to government funding agency Sport Australia.

The FFA said it had

launched an investigation shortly after receiving the complaint but that it had taken months to complete due to its “complexity”.

The players were due to travel to China on Nov. 9 to prepare for the AFC U-23 championship in January but were held back pending the sanction. They have recourse to appeal the decision to an independent committee, the FFA said.

“These sanctions are commensurate to the nature of the breaches,” FFA Chairman Chris Nikou said.

“Upholding our commitment to respect and responsibility cannot be compromised.

“The players have

Thursday November 07, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Be careful about declaring your love for someone when you haven't spent enough time with him or her to make that call. You may base this impulse on superficial encounters and brief conversations.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Certain areas of your life are expanding rapidly, causing you to lose touch with the more romantic aspects. The more you reach out in one direction, the more deprived you feel in the opposite direction.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Issues of love and romance may be climactic now. You may be in a relationship phase approaching a major turn in the road.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) The time has come for you to take charge in matters of love and romance. This isn't often the case for you who normally like to let others take the lead in this department.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You may be drawn to someone because of the things you share in common. You both appreciate art, music, and romantic dinners.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Love and romance are in your favor even though roadblocks may keep you from taking full advantage of the situation. You're being much too picky about the type of person you seek.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) If things begin to stir, change, or fluctuate in love and romance, your first impulse is to overreact. This is probably the opposite of what you should do.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) When it comes to topics of love and romance, your feelings continue to be intercepted by words and opinions from others.

What you want to keep private is suddenly made more public by mouths that just don't stop talking.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You may be taking a backseat approach when it comes to love and romance. This isn't necessarily a bad thing.

In fact, this kind of attitude works to your advantage.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Love may become more sensual. You should consider new ways in which to pamper your special someone.

There may be gossip associated with your relationship that turns you off at first.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Your mind may be in an expansive mode now. Many things should be working for you. Your flexibility and ability to juggle many things at once should make tasks that require these talents a breeze.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Don't give up on finding the romantic partner of your dreams, because now is your chance. Talk is spurring you to take action.

understood the gravity of their actions and have positively commenced respectful relationship programs that will ensure they appreciate these values in the future.”

Tuschen, Corneila...

From page 28 once again found themselves in some early trouble with the small total but eventually won the match with the last pair at the crease. Opener Avinash Dhaniram made 18 runs (1x6, 1x4) and Ralph Yusuf 19 (1x6, 1x4).

Fourth Game between Leonora Masjid and Diamond New Scheme Diamond New Scheme Masjid won the toss and decided to take first strike and could only manage 56-4 wickets when their overs expired. Kareem Kayume was the only batsman to reach double figures hitting 23 with one six. Imran Hack and S. Rahim picked up two wickets each.

Leonora Masjid in their turn at the crease knocked off the required runs for the loss of five wickets in five overs.

The competition continues on Sunday at the MYO Ground, Woolford Avenue, Thomas Lands with four matches.

9 am- LBI A vs Hague Masjid 11 am - Tuschen Train Station vs Hague Masjid 1 pm- Leonora Masjid vs Tushen Masjid 3 pm- LBI B Masjid vs Corneila Ida Masjid

PAGE 30

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 21, 2019

Japan grapples with serving Fukushima food at Olympics AFP - For years, Japan’s government has sought to convince consumers that food from Fukushima is safe despite the nuclear disaster.

But will it serve the region’s produce at the Tokyo Olympics?

It’s a thorny subject for the authorities. They pitched the Games in part as a chance to showcase the recovery of areas affected by the 2011 tsunami and nuclear disaster.

Government officials tout strict checks on food from the region as evidence that the produce is completely safe, but it remains unclear whether athletes and sports teams from around the world will be convinced.

In the Fukushima region, producers are keen to see their products served at the Olympic village and have submitted a bid to the

For years, Japan’s government has sought to convince consumers that food from Fukushima is safe despite the nuclear disaster, but will it serve the region’s produce at the Tokyo Olympics? (AFP/Karyn Nishimura) organisers.

“The Fukushima region has put forward food from 187 producers and is second

only to Hokkaido when it comes to meeting the specified criteria in terms of range of products,” said

Emerging Players stumble with USA defeat TAROUBA, Trinidad, CMC – West Indies Emerging Players stumbled in their bid for a semi-final spot in the Super50 Cup when they went down by 43 runs to unfancied United States here Tuesday.

Asked to chase a seemingly straightforward 217 at the Brian Lara Stadium, Emerging Players suffered a batting meltdown and were bundled out for 173 in the 45th over.

Kevin Sinclair top-scored with a breezy 44 off 46 deliveries batting at number seven while the in-form Joshua DaSilva struck 31 off 46 but his side never really recovered from a position of 94 for six in the 27th over.

Left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige finished with three for 34 but it was the fast bowling pair of Cameron Stevenson (2-27) and Elmore Hutchinson (2-28) who made the early inroads into the innings.

Opting to bat earlier, USA battled their way to 216 for nine off 50 overs, with Timil Patel getting 35, Stevenson hitting a swift 33 off 23 balls and Monank Patel chipping in with 27.

USA struggled to get partnerships going and slipped from 63 for one after Sagar Patel and Steven Taylor both scored 22 in a 39-run, second stand, to find themselves stumbling on 82 for four in the 22nd over.

Nisarg Patel (17) and Monank pushed the score past 100 in a 36-run fifth wicket stand before a second clatter of wickets, and USA

Shigeyuki Honma, assistant director general of the local government’s agriculture and forestry planning division.

“Fukushima wants to serve athletes its rice, its fruits, beef and vegetables.

But the committee still has to decide.”

In the years since the nuclear disaster, when tsunami waves overwhelmed the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, strict measures have been in place to screen all manner of local products.

And officials say the figures speak for themselves.

Japan allows a maximum of 100 becquerels of caesium radioactivity per kilogramme (Bq/kg). The European Union, by comparison, sets that level at 1,250 Bq/kg and the US at 1,200.

From April 2018 to M a r c h t h i s y e a r, 9 . 2 1 million bags of rice were examined, with not a single one exceeding the Japanese limit.

The same for 2,455 samples of fruit and vegetables, 4,336 pieces of meat and 6,187 ocean fish.

“Only river fish and wild mushrooms have on just six occasions been found to exceed the limits,” said Kenji Kusano, director of the Fukushima Agricultural Technology Centre, in Koriyama, the government’s main screening site.

- ‘Objective data’ But the figures have only gone some way to reassuring foreign officials: numerous countries including China, South Korea, and the United States maintain

restrictions on the import of some or all produce from Fukushima.

South Korea, which is currently locked in a dispute with Japan over wartime issues, has been vocal about its concerns ahead of the Olympics, even raising the possibility of bringing in its own kitchen and food. “ We h a v e r e q u e s t e d the Olympic organisers to provide objective data verified by an independent t h i r d b o d y, ” t h e S o u t h Korean Sports and Olympic Committee said in a statement earlier this year.

“Since Japan repeatedly said its food from Fukushima is safe, we have demanded they provide statistics and data to back up their claims,” an official with the committee told AFP. The position underlines a long-running problem for Japan: while it points to its extensive, government-mandated checks as proof of safety, many abroad feel the government is not an objective arbiter.

“Generally, Japanese citizens have faith in the government, and we haven’t felt the need to have checks carried out by independent parties,” said Kusano.

But lingering questions have left some officials feeling “perhaps (thirdparty checks) may be important from the point of view of foreigners,” he added.

- ‘Completely safe’ The International Olympic

Committee said it was still weighing how to handle the matter.

“Food menus and catering companies for the Olympic Village are under discussion and have yet to be defined,” a spokesman told AFP. The Tokyo 2020 organisers said promoting areas affected by the 2011 disaster remains a key goal.

“Supporting the area’s reconstruction efforts through the sourcing of its food and beverage products is one of our basic strategies; we are therefore seriously considering doing this,” 2020 spokesman Masa Takaya told AFP. He said rules on what food and drink could be brought in independently by teams were still being reviewed.

And, pointing to the strict standards of Japanese checks, he said the organisers “are confident the food we will serve to athletes will be completely safe.”

In Fukushima, producers can only wait and hope for the best.

Tomio Kusano, a pear farmer in Iwaki on the Fukushima coast, struggled enormously after the disaster.

“My world really collapsed, but I never thought for a second of quitting,” he said.

And his perseverance is finally paying off, he said.

“I don’t get subsidies any more. My pears are inspected and there are no problems.

They are selling well again in Japan, and Vietnam has started to import them.”

Ex-England coach charged by FA over alleged racist comment Left-arm spinner Nosthusha Kenjige. needed Stevenson’s enterprise at the end to get beyond the 200-run mark.

Leg-spinner Yannic Cariah (2-35) and left-arm spinner Camarie Boyce (2-40) both finished with two wickets apiece.

Emerging Players started badly in reply when Gidron Pope fell to the first ball of the second over without a run on the board, and even though there was a recovery courtesy of a 34-run second wicket stand between DaSilva and Kimani Melius (19), the innings faltered again at 59 for five in the 17th over.

Sinclair, who struck two fours and three sixes, then added 35 for the sixth wicket with Roland Cato (17) and a

further 38 for the seventh with Dominic Drakes (28 not out) but the innings eventually collapsed with the last four wickets tumbling for 41 runs.

Emerging players remain on top of Group B but tied on 16 points with second placed Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and Guyana Jaguars.

At Brian Lara Stadium (TAROUBA): USA beat Emerging Players by 43 runs.

USA 216 for nine off 50 overs (Timil Patel 35, Cameron Stevenson 33, Monank Patel 27; Yannic Cariah 2-35).

WI EMERGING PLAYERS 173 off 44.2 overs (Kevin Sinclair 44, Joshua DaSilva 31; Nosthush Kenjige 3-34).

AFP Stevenage caretaker manager and former England Women head coach Mark Sampson was yesterday charged by the Football Association over using allegedly racist language.

Sampson, who took interim charge of the club, who play in English football’s fourth tier, in September, is accused of making the remark about a player during a conversation about transfer targets. The FA said he had been charged with an “aggravated” breach of Rule E3 and has until December 6 to respond.

Stevenage said in September that an internal investigation into the matter had found there was no case for Sampson to answer.

The club said at the time

Former England Women’s head coach Mark Sampson. (AFP/ File/Daniel Mihailescu) that the allegation was reported to the FA by phone “by a former coach the day after he was told by Sampson that he no longer required his services at the club”.

Sampson, 37, was sacked as England Women head coach by the FA in September 2017 following allegations of “inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour” in his previous role as manager at Bristol Academy.

He had also been the focus of bullying and racism claims, first made by Eni Aluko and then Drew Spence. The FA said the allegations were investigated and Sampson was cleared of any wrongdoing.

But Sampson, who reached a financial settlement with the FA over his dismissal, conceded he should have handled the claims differently, saying it would always be a “big regret” and apologising unreservedly to the two players.

Thursday November 21, 2019

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

2019 National Schools’ Championships Softball Cricket Competition District 10 leads with two & Chutney Show set for Zeeburg on Nov. 30 days to go

The Zeeburg Community Centre Ground will come alive on November 30th when Country Boy Promotions stage the first ever Super Sevens Softball Cricket Competition and Chutney Show.

Softball cricket is a huge part of Guyana’s cricketing culture and this event will see the sixteen best Softball cricket teams in Guyana in action.

Teams will vie for one hundred and fifty thousand first prize and the Amrit “Rocky” Rai Trophy. Second Place team will get Fifty Thousand dollars and a trophy. The MVP will also be honoured.

The Glory of softball cricket can go back to the days of 10/10 when GTT solely sponsored the game.

One can also flash back to 2012 when ‘Chow Pow’ staged the 10/10 challenge series at Wales and Uitvlugt Center Grounds. The teams will compete in a special seven over knockout format.

Four days have elapsed in the 59th National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track & Field Championships and with action remaining today and tomorrow in the athletics arm of the annual event, the defending champions, District 10 (Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani) are leading the points standing with an impressive 269 points.

District 10 also are ahead in the Teachers’ championships with a superior 79 points with New Amsterdam (District 15) second with 59 points.

At the National Track & Field Center (NTFC), Leonora, yesterday, Linden Technical Institute’s Jennis Benjamin was one of the standout student-athletes of the day and his record breaking efforts surely helped the defending champions secure their dominant position at the end of the day.

Benjamin shattered the record books with an outstanding 1.95m leap in the boys’ under-

20 High Jump, resetting Corentyne’s Okemi Porter’s previous mark of 1.78m that was set last year. After besting Porter’s mark, Benjamin was urged on by the fans in the stands who clapped him on before he cleared the 1.80m, 1.85m, 1.90m and 1.95m marks. However, on the 1.97m bar, he cleared it thrice but his heel clipped the bar on each attempt.

Benjamin would win the under-20 boys’ 100m final later in the day with a respectable time of 10.97s, edging Enkosie Leitch of Corentyne who was second in 10.98s while Osmond Gilead of New Amsterdam/Canje finished some distance behind for third in 11.14s.

Among the record breakers yesterday was Deshana Skeete of District 10 who lowered her own record in the girls’ under-100m to 12.12 seconds, while Timothy Springer of East Georgetown set a new record of 3.47m in the boys’ under-8 long jump and Eron Leitch bettered Melon Lowefield’s U-16 boys’ Long jump record of 6.47m after jumping 7.10m.

Today’s action will be highlighted with the 1500m and 200m finals at the NTFC, Leonora.

Jameel Haley of Super Bet presents the cheque to Nigel Belle of Country Boy promotions.

Brathwaite, Hetmyer get starts but Windies struggle LUCKNOW, India, CMC – There were ominous signs for West Indies ahead of next week’s inaugural one-off Test against Afghanistan after they suffered a batting failure on the opening day of their solitary tour match against an Afghanistan Cricket Board XI here yesterday.

Choosing to bat first, West Indies slumped to 168 all out in their first innings on a tough day at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Stadium on a pitch already offering generous turn.

Experienced opener Kraigg Brathwaite played with his usual dogged determination to top score with 46 while left-hander Shimron Hetmyer showed fluency in an attractive 38 but other than Shai Hope’s 26 and wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich’s 23, no other batsman passed 10.

West Indies bowlers had hit back by the close, however, reducing the hosts to 49 for three with offspinner Rahkeem Cornwall finishing with two for 27.

Hoping for a productive warm-up in the four-day fixture following a mixed limited overs series, West Indies lost left-hander John

Campbell cheaply for four with the score on 24 in the day’s eighth over.

However, Brathwaite and Hope combined in a 27-run second wicket stand which kept the Board XI attack at bay for the remainder of the first hour.

Hope’s dismissal – caught at slip off left-arm spinner Hamza Hotak – sparked a mini collapse for the Windies as they lost three wickets for nine runs to slip to 61 for four.

The right-hander struck three sparkling fours – a drive, a cut and a hook – in an over off lively seamer Yamin Ahmadzai (3-33) West Indies then enjoyed their best period of the game as Hetmyer joined Brathwaite to put on a valuable 57 for the fifth wicket.

Brathwaite faced 135 balls and spent close to three hours at the crease, stroking seven fours while Hetmyer counted six silky boundaries on both sides of the wicket, in an innings requiring only 43 balls in just under an hour.

On 88 for four at lunch, West Indies suffered a major collapse following the break, losing their last six wickets for 50 runs to be all out at the tea interval.

The slide started when Hetmyer was adjudged legbefore-wicket to veteran fast bowler Dawlat Zadran and Brathwaite followed with six runs added, bowled by leftarm spinner Hamza Hotak, the leading wicket-taker with four for 34 off 23.3 consecutive overs from the northern end.

Cornwall then extracted generous turn and bounce and look menacing on a surface already offering help to the slow bowlers, as the Board XI lost wickets frequently.

He trapped Ihsanullah plumb in front for a “duck” at 22 for two and in the day’s final over, had Rahmat Shah (14) well caught low down

by Shamarh Brooks close in at leg slip.

Javed Ahmadi was unbeaten on a patient 21.

The match continues today.

Scores: WEST INDIES 168 (Kraigg Brathwaite 48, Shimron Hetmyer 38, Shai Hope 26, Shane Dowrich 23; Hamza Hotak 4-34).

AFGHANISTAN CRICKET BOARD XI 49 for three (Javed Ahmadi 21 not out; Rahkeem Cornwall 2-17).

District 10’s Jennis Benjamin recorded an impressive 1.95m record to win the boys’ under-20 high jump.

Zeeburg overcome Cornelia Ida Zeeburg defeated Cornelia Ida when action in the West Demerara Cricket Association Beacon Café 50-over competition continued on Sunday last.

Host Zeeburg batted first and managed 131 all out in 25 overs. Balbinder Shivpersaud made 40, Ushardeva

Balgobin 32 and Malcolm Hubbard 29; Arshad Azim bagged 6-22. Cornelia Ida replied with 130 all out in 32.1 overs.

Naveed Ali scored 33; Jamal Gomes 4-11 and M .Hubbard 3-30.

Play was abandoned in the other matches due to rain.

Krishnamurty, Rodrigues half centuries...

From page 30 Campbell, who pulled Vastrakar to the mid-wicket boundary, added 22 for the fifth-wicket before Knight was removed by Harleen Deol for 22 after facing 39 balls and hit two fours.

Sheneta Grimmond was stumped off Yadav for five as the home team lost their sixth wicket in the 17th over with the score on

63, while Gajnabi (03) was run out after she failed to beat a direct hit from Yadav, fielding to her own bowling.

Campbell looked the best of the West Indies Wo m e n b a t t e r s a s s h e rotated the strike well; she finished on 19 not out off 23 balls, while Alleyne made one not out as West Indies Women finished on

73-7, in another disappointing batting display, which could have been better had they placed more emphasis in rotating the strike in the early stages of the innings. Patil was the pick of the bowlers with 2-3 from three overs.

Krishnamurty was named player-of-the-match, while Shafali Verma was voted player-of-the-series.

PAGE 32

Thursday November 21, 2019

Kaieteur News

Seafield Sports Ground on the Good Will Boy takes feature West Coast Berbice set for upgrade at Ryan Crawford Banks

Once one of the top sports ground on the West Coast Berbice and being left to go waste over the years due to neglect of the previous administration, residents of Seafield, West Coast of Berbice are determined to reorganize themselves and bring the ground back to what it was before.

The residents have mobilized themselves and formed a Fund-Raising Committee to enable the upgrade of the playground in the area.

The state of the ground and other matters were raised with Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Valerie Garrido-Lowe when she visited the area during a community visit.

Residents registered their concern for youths in the community who they say are not getting the benefits of

participating in sporting and other recreational activities because of the state of the community playground.

They stated that, “The Inter-house school sports had to be cancelled because of the state of the ground.

Presently there is not much place for youth to utilize for recreational activities.”

They said that presently the NDC is trying to fix the field but a lot more has to be done.

Another complaint was that footballers cannot utilize the ground at night because lights need to be installed.

However, this will be a thing of the past in the not too distant future since lights for the ground have already been secured.

In speaking to the residents, Minister GarridoLowe suggested that the community apply to the

Ministry of Public Infrastructure for funds to subsidize the lights. She also recommended that the residents establish a fundraising community to support small community projects that would benefit all. This proposal was welcomed by the community.

She also told the residents, not to lose focus and apart from sports, they must take in their education.

She said education is the key.

“You can be a good sportsman, but without education you may falter, especially the youths, because you want competent forward-thinking people to run this country to ensure it progresses so that our citizens will be safe, will be comfortable and will be happy.”

She promised to move aggressively to have their concerns addressed.

DIH Limited horserace meet

Awesome Banner of the Nand Persaud Stable on the rails powering through the rain to win from Ebony Prince in the J3 event.

Goodwill Boy won the feature event when the Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club and Sports Facilities held a grand one day horserace meet at the club facilities at Alness, Corentyne Berbice.

The animal of the Jagdeo Stable, with Jockey Ronaldo Appadu on its back, defied the wet and muddy conditions to defeat Gold Again and Miss Olympic in the feature Alness Classic sixfurlong event. The race was held especially in memory of the late founder

and owner of the track attorney at law and horserace magnate Marcel Crawford and his wife Lillian Crawford.

Heavy rain which left the venue in a soggy condition did not stop Goodwill Boy from triumphing in the challenging conditions to take the $500,000 winners money and the Banks DIH trophy.

Awesome Banner of the Nand Persaud Karibee Rice stable silenced a top field as it put in an awesome performance in the rains to

win the J3 class 1200M event.

Ebony Prince, Up top Boss and Sunday Silencer were all silenced into submission.

The L1 and lower 1200 metre race saw jockey Kellman riding in first abode First Prince ahead of Bount to be True, Temptation and Rosy.

Ricky piloted by Krishna sprinted away from the field to take early command of the L3 race from Trench Town Rock, Nickals and Flash.

The day’s event had Banks DIH Limited as one of the main sponsor.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Valerie Garrido-Lowe speaking with residents.

Tuschen, Corneila Ida, Leonora Masjid victorious The Muslim Youth Organization of Guyana/ Trophy Stall Inter- Jamaat 10 overs Softball Cricket Competition continued last Sunday at the Queens College ground, Thomas Lands.

Its glorious sunshine, LBI B Masjid were sent in and managed 64 for the loss of eight wickets. Shawn Gaskin and Carl Spencer were the only two batsmen to reached double figures scoring 12 runs each. Bowling for the Tuschen Train Station Masjid Anthony Arjune picked up four wickets.

Tuschen Train Station Masjid in their turn at the crease made 65-1 in 4 overs.

Imtiaz Hack scored 26 not out (3x6, 1x4), NazimAzeez 24 (3x6, 1x4). Asif Mohamed took the lone wicket to fall.

Second Game between LBI A Masjid and Cornelia Ida Masjid LBI A Masjid won the toss and elected to bat posting a challenging total of 103 for the loss of four wickets in their 10 overs.

Javed Campbell made 37 (3x6).

Zahir Khan was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 25 and Naieem Khalil had 1 for 12.

The total proved to be very challenging for the boys from the West Side as wickets kept tumbling. It all came down to six runs needed from the last ball and Corneila Ida

were able to breathe a sigh of relief as Michael Ally knocked the ball out of the park to secure the win. The in-form Budram scored 42 runs (5x6) and Feroze Rahaman made 23 (1x6, 1x4).

Third Game between Leonora Masjid and Corneila Ida Masjid Leonora Masjid won the toss and batted first and were all out in 9.5 overs for 66 runs.

Imran Hack made 13 runs (1x4) and Rafman Mohamed 17 runs (1x6, x1x4). At one stage Leonora Masjid were 32 for 7 in five overs. Mark Ally bagged four wickets for eight runs and supported by Naieem Khalil with 2-8. Corneil Ida Masjid (Continued on page 25)

Mr and Mrs Mohendra Persaud and other connection of the Karibee Rice stable pose with Awesome Banner and the winning trophy after its victory.

Thursday November 21, 2019

PAGE 33

Kaieteur News

Trophy Stall supports Rio Indoor Prizes, trophies for annual Balram Shane Cricket, Volleyball competitions presented Street-ball championship Known for its unwavering support of sporting disciplines, Trophy Stall of Bourda Market became the latest entity to throw its backing behind the inaugural Rio Indoor Street-ball championship, donating the playing vests which will be utilised by the competing teams during the tournament.

The presentation occurred at the entity’s Bourda location. Speaking on behalf of the tournament coordinator Three Peat Promotions, Wayne Griffith stated, “We are elated for the timely support which will aid in making the tournament a success. Trophy Stall is an entity that is synonymous with sport development at all levels especially the community and grassroot levels through their esteemed proprietor Ramesh Sunich.

We are thankful for the contribution and will work to ensure that the sponsorship is utilised in manner which reflects overall professionalism and commitment of the company towards sports. We also look forward to maintaining this wonderful relationship for Point Standings Group-A Team P Rio All-Stars 1 Spot-7 1 Back Circle 1 Group-B Team P Leopold St 1 Broad St 2 Tiger Bay 1 Ol Skool Group-C Team P Sparta 2 Alex Village 2 Kingston 2 Melanie 2 Group-D Team P BV 1 Bent St Avocado LA Ballers 1 Group-E Team P Showstoppers 1 Future 1 Stabroek 1 Albouystown 1 Group-F Team P Gold-is-Money 1 Sophia 1 Island 1 Gaza Squad 1

years to come.”

On the other hand, the competition resumes today at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue with another round of matches. In the opening match, Kingston will oppose Melanie from 19:00hrs, while Tiger Bay battles Ol Skool Ballers from 19:30hrs and Spot-7 engages Back Circle at 20:00hrs.

In the fourth match, Gold is Money will match skills with Island All-Stars from 20:30hrs, while Future Stars take aim at Showstoppers from 21:00hrs and Sophia lock horns with Gaza Squad at 21:30hrs. In the final match, Bent Street will battle Avocado Ballers from 22:00hrs.

The competition will also continue on Saturday at the same venue. Island All-Stars will face-off with Gaza Squad from 19:00hrs, while Rio AllStars oppose Spot-7 at 19:30hrs and Stabroek Ballers battle Albouystown at 20:00hrs.

In the fourth match, Avocado Ballers will oppose LA Ballers from 20:30hrs while BV tackle Bent Street at 21:00hrs and Gold is Money

lock horns with Sophia. In the final match, Sparta Boss faceoff with Alexander Village from 22:00hrs.

Fixtures Day-3-Thursday November 21st Melanie vs Kingston19:00hrs Tiger Bay vs Ol Skool19:30hrs.

Spot-7 vs Back Circle20:00hrs Gold is Money vs Island All-Stars-20:30hrs.

Future Stars vs Showstoppers-21:00hrs Sophia vs Gaza Squad21:30hrs Bent Street vs Avocado Ballers-22:00hrs Day-4-Saturday November 23rd Island All-Stars vs Gaza Squad-19:00hrs Rio All-Stars vs Spot-719:30hrs Stabroek Ballers vs Albouystown-A-20:00hrs Avocado vs LA Ballers20:30hrs BV vs Bent Street21:00hrs Gold is Money vs Sophia21:30hrs Sparta vs Alexander22:00hrs

W 1 1 0

L 0 0 1

D 0 0 0

GF 3 2 0

GA 0 0 3

GD +3 +2 -3

Pts. 3 3 0

W 1 1 0

L 0 1 1

D 0 0 0

GF 3 3 1

GA 1 4 2

GD +2 -1 -2

Pts. 3 3 0

W 2 1 0 0

L 0 0 1 2

D 0 1 1 0

GF 10 2 1 0

GA 0 1 6 6

GD +10 +1 -5 -6

Pts. 6 4 1 0

W 1

L 0

D 0

GF 4

GA 1

GD +3

Pts. 3

0

1

0

1

4

-3

0

W 1 1 0 0

L 0 0 1 1

D 0 0 0 0

GF 6 5 2 2

GA 2 2 5 6

GD +4 +3 -3 -4

Pts. 3 3 0 0

W 1 1 0 0

L 0 0 1 1

D 0 0 0 0

GF 5 3 1 0

GA 0 1 3 5

GD +5 +2 -2 -5

Pts. 3 3 0 0

Preparations have been completed for the annual Balram Shane challenge 50over cricket match and volleyball competitions, which are being sponsored by businessman Deonarine Balram of The Balram Shane General store, Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Berbice.

The activities are set for Sunday at the Albion Sports Complex.

The cricket match, which is in its 20 year, will be played between longtime rivals and two of the top teams in the Country - Albion Community Center and Port Mourant Community Center at the Albion Community Center.

The winning team will receive the Balram Shane Memorial trophy and over $100,000 and other incentives, while the losing team will be also adequately rewarded. A number of individual awards will be up for grabs including the man of the match, best bowler and best batsman.

Albion is the defending champion. Meanwhile, the seventh edition of the volleyball competition, which is being organised by the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) and will be played simultaneously on the

Sponsor Deonarine Balram of the Balram Shane Store displays some of the trophies to be competed for during the cricket and volleyball competitions. hard court, will see the best volleyball teams in the county battling for supremacy. Port Mourant Training Center (PMTC) is the defending champion.

The top teams and outstanding individual players will be presented with trophies and cash incentives by the sponsor and his family, who will be on hand to bowl the first ball and do the first serve in the volleyball competition.

The day’s competitions are being played in memory of Deonarine Balram’s father, Balram Shane who was a former cricketer, community activists and sports enthusiast. According to him, it is something his father would have loved and one of the many ways in which the family is giving back in a tangible way to the community from which they garner their support. Starting time is 09:30 hrs.

PAGE 34

Thursday November 21, 2019

Kaieteur News

Krishnamurty, Rodrigues half centuries, bowlers sink WI Women to series whitewash

By Zaheer Mohamed Half centuries by Veda Krishnamurty and Jemimah Rodrigues along with some steady bowling handed I n d i a Wo m e n a 6 1 - r u n victory against the West Indies Women in the final T20 International last night at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. The win gave the visitors a clean sweep of the fivematch series.

India Women opted to take first strike and Shafali Ve r m a s t r u c k A n i s a Mohammed for a maximum before she was caught and bowled by Hayley Matthews for nine, while

Player of the match Veda Krishnamurty accepts her cheque from Selena Bacchus of the GCB. Mohammed had Smriti Mandhana caught by Matthews for seven after

Player of the series Shafali Verma collects her cheque from Lashanna Toussaint.

the opener struck her for four in the said over as I n d i a Wo m e n l o s t b o t h openers with the score on 17.

Jemimah Rodrigues and Ve d a Krishnamurthy steadied the innings nicely with sensible batting. The Right-handed Rodrigues pulled Afy Fletcher to the mid-wicket boundary and drove her down the ground for a couple before picking up another boundary at fine leg with an inside edge, while Krishnamurty pulled Fletcher to mid-wicket for another boundary as the pair continued to gather runs on both sides of the pitch.

Despite Krishnamurty being put

The victorious India Women team. down when on 36, the duo continued to time the ball well and brought up their team’s hundred in 16.4 overs.

Rodrigues struck Shabika Gajnabi to mid-off for four before Krishnamurty brought up her fifty with a boundary to long leg in the said over; her half century contained four fours and came off 43 balls.

Rodrigues soon reached her fifty with a single to fine leg, but just after reaching the milestone she played across a full-length delivery and was bowled

by Aaliyah Alleyne off the penultimate ball of the innings without adding to her score. She faced 56 balls and hit three fours.

Krishnamurty, whose thirdwicket stand with Rodrigues worth 117, remained unbeaten on 57 which came off 47 balls and included four fours as India Women finished on 134-3. Matthews had 1-23, Alleyne 1-23 and Mohammed 1-26.

Opener Natasha McLean dispatched Mansi Joshi ferociously over midwicket for six before she was removed by Anusha

Patil for nine, while Chedean Nation was lbw to Patil without scoring as West Indies Women were reduced to 13-2 in four overs. Kyshona Knight and Chinelle Henry struggled to get the ball off the square as they could only manage 15 in 5.1 overs before Henry was caught at the wicket off P o o n a m Ya d a v f o r s i x , shortly after Matthews was bowled by Pooja Vastrakar for two, leaving the score on 31-4 in the 11th over.

Knight and Shemaine (Continued on page 27)

Quarterfinals action this week in E.C.C.C.C/Banks Beer 100 Ball Bash - Wins for Ogle, Lusignan and Fairfield in Rubis U-15

The Enmore CCCC/Banks Beer 100 ball cricket tournament continued last Sunday with matches at Lusignan and Enmore. Ogle CC Blasters, Lusignan SC (A), Industry Stars and Lusignan East Strikers will join ECCCC Dynamos and Strathavon Super-stars in the quarterfinals this Sunday at Lusignan and Enmore grounds by virtue of wins last Sunday.

The summarized scores from last Sunday are as follows: At Lusignan,

Lusignan SC (A) defeated Lusignan East Strikers by six wickets. Lusignan East strikers scored 137 for 6 with Hardeo Jailall scoring 78 and R. Jailall 20. R. Basdeo and K. Bishundyal grabbed two wickets apiece. Lusignan SC (A) reached thier target in 15 overs whilst losing four wickets in the process. S. Ali made 42; Somnauth Bharrat 39 and Kumar Bishundyal 31 not out were the principal scorers.

At Enmore, Industry stars defeated Lusignan SC (B) by

six wkts. Batting first, Lusignan SC (B) were bundled out for 57 in 10 overs, with A. Persaud grabbing 4 for 11 from 2 overs, M. Jeenarine and S. Boodhu two wickets.

Industry Stars reached their target in nine overs with Irfan Ali unbeaten on 23.

In game two, Ogle CC Blasters got the better of Fairfield SC by 19 runs. Ogle Blasters were restricted to 116 all out. Orlando Persaud scored 36 and Andrew Samaroo 26. Richard Chaturia took 3 for 14 for Fairfield SC

Diamond Mineral Water road race set for Sunday The Demerara Distillers Limitedsponsored D i a m ond Mineral Water 46-mile road race will be held on Sunday in Region Three (EssequiboIslands West Demerara).

The event will commence at 08.30 hours at

Schoonard and proceed along the West Bank of Demerara to Parkia, East Bank Essequibo and return to the point of origin.

Among those expect to participate are defending champions Junior Niles, Warren McKay, Alexis

Mendes, Ozia McAully, Jamal Chappel and Briton John.

Organiser Hassan Mohamed expressed gratitude to the company for their longstanding commitment to the development of cycling.

who were then limited to 97 for 9 from their allotment of overs. K.George made 37 whilst Dion Thomas bagged 3 for 17.

In quarterfinals this Sunday at Enmore, Strathavon Super-stars will be up against Cane Grove Renegades at 10:00 hrs whilst Enmore CCCC Dynamos will host Industry Stars at 14:00hrs.

At Lusignan, Lusignan East Strikers will match up against ogle CC Blasters at 10am, whilst host Lusignan SC (A) will face LBI SC in game two at 14:00hrs.

The second edition of ECCC T/10 cricket competition is also slated to commence this Sunday at Strathavon ground with four matches. ECCCC (B) vs Golden Achievers SC at 10:00h, Mahaica SC vs Fairfield SC at 11:45h, Lusignan B vs Young Rivals at 13:20h and Mahaica Cavaliers vs Cane Grove Renegades at 15:15 h.

The Rubis Bel Air sponsored U15 competition continued last Saturday with three matches. Ogle CC defeated Strathavon SC by 109 runs at Ogle ground.

Josh Alves and Joshua Alves Ogle CC made 155 for 6 from 30 overs, with James Persaud and Josh Alves making 25 apiece. Strathavon SC responded with 46 all out in 14 overs. Joshau Alves bagged 4 for 12 whilst Josh Alves and Tyriq Walyers took 2 for 12 and 2 for 4 respectively.

At Enmore, the host went down to Fairfield SC 62 runs.

Fairfield SC batted first and made 127 for 9. ECCCC were

then bowled out for 64 in 19 overs.

At Lusignan, Lusignan SC defetaed President’s College by four runs.

Lusignan SC scored 132 for 5 from 30 overs, with Nicholas Shiopersaud scoring 32 and A. Daterdeen 24. President’s College competed well to reach 128 for 9 before the overs expired. O.Whinfied made 24 whilst N. Shiopersaud took 2 for 19.

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 21, 2019

Beaton sent home due suspect action, Renaldo Ail-Mohammed to replace him

By Sean Devers in Trinidad Essequibo, Guyana and West Indies pacer Ronsford Beaton departed Trinidad last Evening on Liat flight after he was sent home due to an illegal bowling action.

He will be replaced by former West Indies U-19 allrounder 21-year-old Renaldo Ali-Mohammed for the Jaguars two remaining matches in the preliminary rounds of the ongoing Regional Super50 cricket tournament.

Ali Mohamed, who plays for GCC in local cricket, along with Chris Barnwell, was a replacement player in last year’s Super50 but did to not play any match and will be hoping to make his National Senior debut this year.

Beaton, who has played two ODI’s, has had problems with his bowling action during his career and was again reported during the game against United States last Monday but was allowed to play the next three games.

Beaton was suspended from bowling after being reported during an ODI against New Zealand in December 2017.

He was cleared to return to playing international cricket in August 2018, after his remodelled bowling action was assessed at Loughborough University in England on August 13, 2018,

Renaldo Ali-Mohammed scored heavily and was also among the wickets at the local level.

where it was revealed that the amount of elbow extension for all his deliveries was within the 15degree level of tolerance permitted under the ICC Illegal Bowling Regulations.

The Jaguars are third on 16 points from six matches behind Red Force and West Indies Emerging players who are also both on 16 but have a superior net run rate.

The Jaguars play Red Force on Saturday and USA on Monday and the top two teams from Zone B will join the two teams from the St Kitts Zone.

If Jaguars qualify for the

Ronsford Beaton took 5-15 for E’bo against GT last year after being cleared to bowl again.

semis and finals, they will then play four games.

The 27-year-old Beaton will undergo an evaluation of his action which CWI has arranged for an independent assessment of the bowling action to be done.

“Video footage from the game was sent to Loughborough University in the United Kingdom for an opinion report in accordance with the CWI Regulations for Dealing with Suspected Illegal Bowling Actions.”

Beaton, who was born in the Volcano hit Island of Montserrat, has played 33 First-Class, 38 List A and 48 T20 matches.

PAGE 35

2019 National Schools’ Championships

Action in the female teachers’ under-21 100m.

District 10 leads with two days to go

rt Spo

Jennis Benjamin won the Boys under-20 100m final and the high jump.

Good Will Boy takes feature at Ryan Crawford Banks DIH Limited horserace meet

Trophy Stall owner Ramesh Sunich [right] and Wayne Griffith display the playing vests that will be used in the inaugural Rio Indoor Street-ball championship at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.

Despite the condition it was all Goodwill Boy in the feature event.

Trophy Stall supports Rio Indoor Street-ball C/Ship

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