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

Saturday Edition November 27, 2021 - Vol. 14 No.45 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 76,686

Guyana loses $$$millions annually on log exports while Chinese manufacturers gain ...as GFC misrepresents data to disguise overharvesting- Dr. Bulkan

Former EPA Head flays Exxon for attempting to abuse loopholes in Liza I Permit

1 dead, 3 injured in Soesdyke /Linden Highway car crash Appeal Court to rule on jurisdiction in election petition case

The protest to change all foreign contracts continues.

Current, former EPA Heads clash over safe

production levels for Liza 1 Guyanese must stand up to oil giants; they must refuse to have their rights trampled upon. @11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Kaieteur News

Saturday November 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

Saturday November 27, 2021

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Guyana loses $$$M annually on log exports while Chinese manufacturers gain ...as GFC misrepresents data to disguise overharvesting - Dr. Bulkan

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he Guyana F o r e s t r y Commission (GFC) is allegedly deliberately misrepresenting its data in order to present a glossy image of its management of Guyana's forests and the export of logs.

Additionally, the country is losing hundreds of millions through 'transfer pricing' involving Chinese operators locally.

This is according to British Colombia University's Associate Professor, Dr. Janette Bulkan who, in response to GFC's condemnation of civil society group, Article 13's call for an immediate ban on the export of logs, adumbrated that not only is there unsustainable forestry practices taking

place in Guyana, but that the regulatory body appears to be deliberately misrepresenting the figures.

Compounding the situation, the Guyanese born Professor of the University's Department of Forest Resources Management said that the cumulative misrepresentation of figures and disproportionate export of certain types of lumber have also led to local shortages.

Dr. Bulkan—in a recent public missive—explained the way Guyana loses millions annually in the manner logs are exported by Chinese companies, locally, through a practice commonly referred to loosely as 'transfer pricing.'

She elucidated that

during the period January to July 2020, the average declared FOB (Freight on Board) value of a cubic metre of log was US$172 or G$34,401 and that 31,435 m3 of 'logs' were exported with a declared value of US$5,407,066.

To this end, the Professor reconciled the export value placed on the item when it leaves Guyana with the cost on arrival in China.

According to Dr. Bulkan, the Cost Insurance Freight (CIF), “at a Chinese port is generally three or four times higher.” As such, “Chinese manufacturers gain, Guyana loses.”

The Professor has since also accused the GFC of using “the same grossed-up treatment of data in its

statements about the forest management.”

Growing Worse Regarding the export of logs, Professor Bulkan noted that while the GFC criticizes the call for an immediate ban on log exports as 'misinformed, emotional and nonfactual,' “local sawmills and lumber yards have had increasing difficulties in procuring logs of their preferred timbers.”

She cited as examples, Greenheart, Purpleheart and Kabukalli and questioned rhetorically, “if the GFC is managing the State Forests as sustainably as it claims; why is the shortage of preferred timbers becoming more obvious locally?”

Moreover, she expounded that while the

Appeal Court to rule on jurisdiction in election petition case

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n December 21, 2021, Guyana's Court of Appeal (CoA) is expected to rule as to whether or not the Full Court of the High Court has jurisdiction to hear the election petition case.

Yesterday the matter continued virtually and the judges that presided over the matter are Chancellor of the Judiciary (Ag), Yonette Cummings-Edwards, and Justices Dawn Gregory, and Rishi Persaud.

The issue regarding the Full Court's jurisdiction to preside over the election petition case was raised in a previous hearing.

This resulted in the matter being adjourned to facilitate the lawyers laying over submissions in relation to the aforementioned.

On October 26, last, Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, and Trinidadian Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes, had

Guyana's Court of Appeal.

suggested to the Appellate Court judges that they set a date for the ruling on the election petition mitigation.

During that hearing, Mendes indicated that he had no further submissions to be made in the matter, and the AG also disclosed that that hearing would be his last participation in the hearing of this matter.

The AG had also put on record that he disagrees that the Full Court has the jurisdiction to hear the

election mitigation and outlined reasons for his opinion.

According to reports, the first election petition #99 challenging the outcome of the March 2, 2020 elections was dismissed

by Chief Justice (Ag) Roxane GeorgeWiltshire, SC, on January 18, last, while the remaining election petition #88 was thrown out on April 26, 2021, by the same judge.

As such, both matters were appealed by Monica Thomas and Brenan Nurse, who on behalf of the A Partnership for Nation Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition are seeking to challenge the validity of the March 02, 2020, national elections.

Yesterday, in his address to the court, Mendes pointed out that Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) and attorney-at-law Roysdale Forde, argued in his submissions on the jurisdiction of the Appellate Court instead of the jurisdiction of the Full Court.

Mendes then stated that he has nothing further to submit to the court, before asking the court to disregard the submissions made by the Opposition MP. As such, December 21 was set for ruling on the issue of jurisdiction. It should be noted that the substantive appeal for the matter has not been heard, as yet.

British Colombia University, Associate Professor -Guyanese based- Dr. Janette Bulkan GFC claims that only 20 percent of logs are exported and 80 percent processed l o c a l l y, t h e “ o v e r a l l quantities would not prevent a high proportion of the Purpleheart, Kabukalli, Tatabu, Shibadan, Darina and Locust from being exported, and only species like Keriti that are not desired by log traders being easily available locally.”

She accused the Forestry Commission of allowing Barama, in the past, to move from a focus on plywood production, to being the main exporter of raw logs to China, concentrating on just a few species, “and so, heavily exceeding the sustainable rates for Purpleheart.”

We know this, she said, not because GFC released the information, but because Barama's parent company, SamLing Global Ltd., disclosed the information in its Initial Public Offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2007.

According to Professor Bulkan, “this selective overharvesting was continued by Bai Shan Lin, the company

partly owned by the Government of China, and contrary to the guidelines on forestry issued by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.”

She has since opined, that the consequence of this continued and unsustainable drain on the best timbers of Guyana is evident in the local shortages “which have been growing worse.”

Come Clean Dr. Bulkan has since publicly challenged the commission t o d e f e n d against her allegations saying, “if the GFC disagrees with this evidence and reasoning, it should disclose the timber-specific volume and price data for each s p e c i e s a n d logging/exporting company in its return for the Third Annual Report to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), with independent audit verification.”

She further said to the GFC that it should return to publishing data each month, (Continued on page 23)

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Kaieteur News

Saturday November 27, 2021

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

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

EDITORIAL

Why some things follow a certain pattern

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here is a settled rhythm to the path that some issues follow in this country. They are not the everyday, run-of-the-mill matters that come up a million times, and of which nobody gives a care. Rather, it is of those extraordinary, and unacceptable, developments that leave many Guyanese wondering what we really have here for law, and the people manning its obligations, and piloting it forward. One of these extraordinary matters was presented by us: “DPP returns file on PS in kickback scandal to police for second time” (KN November 8).

This retracing of steps certainly leaves a lot to be desired and many troubling questions unanswered. We struggle as to why it should be necessary for this second return of the file to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), relative to the scandal allegedly pointing to the PS. It could be simple human error, the pressure of circumstances, or much more.

We would hope that a way is not being looked for, so that agents of the state, from within whichever institution they operate, could back away. Or are being given opportunity again to make things right.

This is not without precedent. We recall where someone was charged with a felony that menaced a cop with a gun to his head, only for a couple of the officers in the GPF to embarrass themselves, because they had stepped out of turn, gone to places that they shouldn’t have. To be clear, it was not that they did anything wrong, but how the word came down, however it did, to get rid of the resulting mess.

Now a Permanent Secretary is the object of an investigation and circumstance that has done her record among official peers, and her standing in the wider community, very poorly.

The least that she deserves is to be cleared at the earliest of this stench that hangs over her head and which keeps swirling around there, without going anywhere. Of course, that is, if she is in the clear; as having done nothing wrong. On the other hand, if wrongdoing, as is alleged, did occur, then the people of this society are also deserving of the justice that is due to them. When wrongdoing is made to circle around unaddressed, like hovering aircraft held mid-air, due to circumstances on the ground, such a situation is not best for all concerned and should not continue for an extended period of time. In short, it is neither healthy nor what lends itself to confidence building.

The GPF itself and the Office of the DPP are both due a facelift, in terms of how long it takes for their officers to get their act together.

On issues involving great sensitivity, it is now almost part of the norm, for these unsatisfactory situations to linger, as they are passed from hand to hand. In Guyanese terms, which should ram the point home, the situation reminds of bouncing about from pillar to post, and of which nothing good could be the result. The wisdoms of the old have a great depth to them. They still have much meaning in the various contexts of life in Guyana.

We at this paper today speak on this matter of the scandal involving the PS, but not with just that alone in mind. It is to remind our fellow Guyanese that other matters which engage the attention on other areas in our law enforcement machinery, including its checks and balances, do not inspire the trust and credibility that should be automatic.

We present a few examples of matters that are hanging around, seemingly looking for some home, but not knowing which one, or who must make the call.

There is the investigation into the death of Peter Headley that has taken too long to close out. The killing of Orin Boston in Dartmouth that is now lost from public view.

And that of a connected Regional Officer, also shrouded in mystery, but involving what surely has to be the illegal discharge of a firearm, where someone was definitely injured. Private developments and settlements should neither lessen nor remove the burden of the state to seek justice.

Justice must not only be done, but give every indication of being done.

Don’t place unquestionable trust in the electoral machinery and those who control it DEAR EDITOR, November 28, 2021 will mark the tenth anniversary of the General and Regional elections that resulted in the PPP/ C forming a minority government.

For that election, the PPP/ C Presidential candidate was Donald Ramotar with Samuel Hinds as Prime Ministerial candidate. The 2011 election was held after twelve years of the Jagdeo administration. Of a total number of 346,717 votes cast, the PPP/C won 166,340 or 49.2% with 32 seats.

The APNU+AFC won 139,678 or 40.8% of the votes with 26 seats while the AFC won 35,333 votes or 19.3% with 7 seats The PPP/C’s electoral fortunes had slipped by approximately 5,265 votes. The results showed that while the PPP/C remained the single largest party in the National Assembly with 32 seats, it nevertheless lost control of the parliament because the combined APNU+AFC with 26 plus 7 seats, took control of the sixty-five seat National Assembly. However, the PPP/ C remained in control of the Executive.

It was the first time in Guyana’s and the PPP’s electoral history that such a configuration had emerged in the National Assembly resulting ipso facto in the establishment of a minority PPP/C government. Suffice it to say that way back in the early 1990’s, Cheddi Jagan, then PPP General Secretary, had opened a debate at the leadership level of the party warning about the

prospects of the PPP experiencing such an outcome in the light of the impending 1992 election and future elections.

Little did Dr. Jagan know at that time, that such an eventuality would come to pass due to Ramjattan’s and Nagamootoo’s departure from the PPP, their establishment of a political party and then entering into a big tent coalition led by the PNC. PPP watchers claimed that the party’s slippage was due to a combination of factors including, insufficient political work on the ground, complacency, disconnect with party supporters in some traditional areas, lack of visibility of party leaders, penetration of the AFC into PPP strongholds using anti-PPP sentiments and baiting sugar workers with unrealistic promises, allegations of corruption as well as conventional challenges faced by incumbents.

Generally, the mood in the country was characterised by a rise in the subjective factors favourable to the opposition. Those factors were fueled by dissatisfaction with the PPP/C’s delivery of services on the ground even though public spending had increased significantly.

Ramotar’s candidature came at a difficult time for the party so much so that some were of the view that had any other party leader been chosen as the PPP/C’s Presidential Candidate for that particular election, they would have probably suffered a similar fate.The Ramotar presidency

was characterised by APNU+AFC inspired protest demonstrations, betrayal by the parliamentary opposition of commitments made to government, blocking big developmental projects, as well as PPP/C motions and bills in the National Assembly, cutting national budgets, moving a no-confidence motion against a sitting minister, preventing him from presenting motions or bills and from speaking in the National Assembly.

Persistent attacks by sections of the media on issues such as corruption, crime, project implementation and local government elections was the order of the day. The ABC&E members of the diplomatic corps joined the bandwagon objectively contributing to the destabilising efforts by the political opposition.

Were the 2011 free and fair? Who knows? We are not going to magically get beyond the events before and after the 2011 election by discussing it less or not at all.

Having regard to the fact that the PPP never lost a free and fair election, and knowing the history of the PNC as regards elections, it is not unreasonable to conclude that, compared to the blatant rigging that took place at previous elections, efforts must have been exerted to perpetrate a more sophisticated form of rigging for the 2011 election.

In other words, there might be ‘more in the mortar than on the pestle’ particularly is respect to data reflected on the Statements of Poll for the

2011 elections. That data remains secured in ballot boxes stored in containers at GECOM. The PPP/C had challenged the Region Four vote count for the 2011 elections but eventually called off the exercise principally on the ground that the Returning Officer could not be found despite several efforts.

The party did not want to facilitate any undue delay in the announcement of the results.

The lesson learnt from the November 28, 2011 and future elections is that we must never take democracy for granted nor should we place unquestionable trust in the electoral machinery and those who control it.

The 2011 election taught us that we should never adopt the position that there’s nothing there to see so let’s move along. According to a US House Representative; ‘Memories fade but from time to time, it must be refreshed’.

At the same time, we must guard against being trapped in an echo-chamber of our own making.

While we continue to put in place laws and regulations to prevent the occurrence and/or reoccurrence of electoral fraud, at the same time, we should bear in mind that, “A government designed to check and balance itself is both fragile and resilient’’.

-Joe Biden (at his swearing in ceremony).

Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee

PPP/C Party supporters are disgruntled DEAR EDITOR, One letter writer in the newspaper has boldly asked the famous (infamous) question, “Where are the Indian activists today, why are they not speaking up on vital issues?” He further commended three such representatives who do comment and stated a few others who have been “marginalised.” Fans have resorted to Facebook as a preferential resource and this media reach some two billion readers daily. No wonder Guyana’s issues are been published on Facebook and there is a high degree of interaction with articles, questions, queries, answers, statements, comments and opinions. The subject writer’s article was highlighted and drew acclaimed responses.

It is interesting to note the positive responses and an open frankness displayed without reservation, fear or uncertainty. The robust outbursts and august remarks are not flattering for the PPP/C Party and if this is an indication of a shared mutual consensus across Guyana, then, the PPP/C Party is in hot water again. They need to revisit

their state of complacency. It is not easy for the PPP/C Party’s supporters to admit that the Party wants to : (1) stay alive and breathe freely, (2) Guyanese are sold lock, stock and barrel and there is nothing the poor man can do, (3) Guyanese presently will be worse off than during the colonial era, (4) the fear of domination from the foreign invasion, (4) the PPP/C Party has resorted to their same old habits of yesteryear, (5) their foot soldiers would not make the sacrifice again.

Most Guyanese voted the PPP/C Party back in power because they wanted a change in Government from the callous APNU/AFC Party administration. They really thought that they can trust the PPP/C Party more than Granger’s APNU/AFC. They had faith that the PPP/C Party will not indulge in the financial misappropriations of the predecessors. They believed that transparency will be the PPP/C Party’s first name.

They trusted the PPP/C Party to deliver Guyana from the jaws of Exxon.

They looked forward for the PPP/C Party to keep their

campaign promise to change the Oil Contract. They envisaged that the PPP/C Party will confront Trotman and his cahoots to reveal the mystery of the 2% Royalty, the lopsided agreement and the US$18M signing bonus scandal. They hoped that the PPP/ C Party will relinquish the Chinese strangulation. They went to bed to dream that the PPP/C Party will finally have a balance in all of the Disciplined Forces, the Government Agencies and the Public Service. They envisaged that the PPP/C Party will regulate the atrocious Banking Practices, cost of doing business with the banks and the banks strenuous requirements and conditions. They prayed for the PPP/C Party to revamp GECOM. They expected the PPP/C Party to deal firmly, quickly and condignly (not chidingly) with the perpetrators of election fraud.

They wanted the PPP/C Party to weed out all the baggage carriers, the non-working workers, the padded pay roll extravagance, the political appointees and the moles.

They premeditated that the PPP/C Party will streamline

the management at UG. They prayed that the PPP/C Party will reduce the atrocious crime rate and stabilise security.

They desired the PPP/C Party will take control of the hazardous and fatal Traffic situation. They begged for the PPP/C Party to eliminate bribery from all facets of conducting business in Guyana.

They looked forward for the day when the PPP/C Party will declare kickbacks, perks and greasy hands will be a thing of the past. They wanted the PPP/C Party to qualify migration to mean Guyanese returning home in full force from overseas and not vice-versa.

They pleaded with the PPP/C Party to make the small man, the real man.

They foresaw the PPP/C Party will practise liberty, equality and fraternity. They admonished the PPP/C Party to suppress class differences and to bridge the gap between the rich and the not so rich. They begged the PPP/C Party to remove the strugglers and stragglers from the poverty line. They cried for the PPP/C Party to remove the knee from their necks so (Continued on page 6)

Saturday November 27, 2021

Thanksgiving weekend in the US DEAR EDITOR, Guyanese in the US have been in the thick of the celebration of American Thanksgiving holiday that was observed on Thursday November 25 but will be carried over thru Sunday.

Thanksgiving Day is a historical celebration in the U.S going back to the 1600s since the early settlement of North America by Europeans – the Europeans gave thanks for the harvest to the natives for helping them to grow food and building shelters.

It is a national holiday, a kind of a spiritual day (without denomination) observed on the fourth Thursday of every November with businesses and schools closed in recess for an extended weekend.

The festival sets up a state of mind for the Christmas and Hanukah (Jewish) holidays, which is a month later.

Thanksgiving is a national mainstream festival in which almost everyone partakes. It is a holiday in the US in which all, regardless of immigration status and religious or ethnic background, observe.

It is a long four-day weekend.

Almost all businesses are closed Thursday and Friday except for some industrial fast food outlets that would open half day Thursday and reopen on Friday.

Over fifty million have been expected to travel this week for the holiday; some workers and students take the entire week off from activities to spend time with families or friends. There are family reunions, church service, feasts, and charitable offerings. And some use the occasion as a vacation.

Guyanese Americans are counting their blessings giving thanks to America for welcoming them over the last fifty years and for enjoying a better quality of life than in their home country. US Immigration to Guyanese and other non-White people was opened up in 1965.

And Guyanese started coming to America right after independence in 1966 when several thousands, with a majority being IndoGuyanese, applied for student and visitors’ visas and after arrival decided to remain be-

hind in America, violating their visas as foreign students and tourists.

Guyanese emigrated to America mostly because of political reasons and the pull factors of a higher wages and a better standard of living in the US. Some Guyanese also came as skilled workers in health fields (nursing) and as accounts.

Since then, generation after generation of immigrants have celebrated American Thanksgiving.

Guyanese and other immigrants have embraced this annual American tradition in giving thanks with prayer services and by offering charities with the poorer sections of society.

Some have donated to organisations that help the less fortunate.

Some hosted dinners over the last weekend.

Some gave away turkeys and other foods that are served for the festival.

Last Saturday, the IndoCaribbean federation hosted a breakfast and lunch for hundreds of Guyanese seniors at a Guyanese catering restaurant (Hafiz) on Rockaway and 123rd Street.

And as they do with all other festivals, they celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday in their own unique way with their traditional cuisine and drinks.

Every wave of immigrants, including recent arrivals like the large Guyanese community (from Guyana and born in the US and elsewhere), estimated at around 800K), that have been coming since 1960s, have joined in the celebration by adding their own ethnic flavour giving thanks and to the traditional cuisine, music, drinks, and entertainment (Chatney, Bollywood, etc.).

America has been kind and receptive to Guyanese and Caribbean immigrants enabling their rapid rise in income having their own homes, vehicles, businesses, and post-secondary education.

Many even work at multiple jobs and pursue higher education. Many work at prestigious positions at medical facilities and as engineers and educators.

Guyanese and other Caribbean people are for the most

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Kaieteur News

part success stories with one of the highest income groups in the U.S contributing a lot more in taxes than in the benefits they receive.

Indo-Caribbeans, for example, have a median family income of US$80K annually as per 2020.

Many have become successful entrepreneurs in a very short time after arrival and many invest on Wall Street stocks.

Many own multiple buildings and land.

And many have joined the ranks of professionals (in medicine, law, engineering, and computer technology) an in real estate as well as in insurance with some of the highest salaries in the nation.

Guyanese and other Caribbean people, as indeed most Americans, view Thanksgiving as an occasion for family reunion and dinners.

Relatives normally take turn hosting dinner or lunch over the four days period from Thursday to Sunday.

Giving is part of the Caribbean culture. And people donate food to shelters and host dinners for the unfortunate.

Others donate foods or labor at pantries or join in helping feed the less fortunate. Their assistance helps to ease social problems such as hunger, poverty and homelessness in the city.

Churches also host dinners for the poor and homeless.

By observing the festival, Guyanese are participating in a mainstream American celebration in the same manner that they celebrate their own traditional festivals such as Phagwah, Deepavalli, Eid, Qurbani, Shivratri, Youman Nabi, Christmas, etc.

They want to give thanks for the progress they have made in America.

They are contributing in making America a better place to live and sharing their wealth and giving back to the society to which they owe their success.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Has the Government lost its empathy?

DEAR EDITOR, The amount of attention that the recently announced public service salary increase of 7% has received was surely not unexpected. However, I believe that we are missing some key points in the public discourse, and that is, we seem to be going down an anti-poor, inequality promoting development pathway.

And I say this based on the following points: 1) The announced 7% is not actually yielding the full benefit due to the fact that the retroactive lump sum is now taxable, as opposed to previous years’ increases being non-taxable. So for example, for the month of December, where a person earning $100,000 gross salary, would’ve taken home $86,168 (post NIS/tax salary) + $84,000 (7% non-taxable retro for the full year) = $170,168; with a taxable 7% retro, the take home for December now becomes $143,261, the retro amount amounting to just 5.7%. This is clearly below the inflation rate reported from the Bureau of Statistics, recognising that across the world, official inflation is generally accepted to be underreported and actual inflation significantly higher.

2) An across-the-board increase is a regressive policy action in that it serves to widen inequities in society.

The simple way to put this is that a 7% increase for a senior minister earning a salary of $900,000 per month, would put their new salary at $963,000. Whereas a teacher earning $120,000 per month, would have a new salary of $128,400. You can clearly see that the gap widens between the elite and the average individuals. Across the board increases do this - it is common sense economics. This is why the tiered or scaling system is preferable to ensure that the poor do not get left even further behind.

3) I refer to a press conference by the Vice President (reported here https:// demerarawaves.com/2021/11/ 01/oil-money-govt-to-balance-pay-increases-with-improving-quality-of-lifejagdeo/). In sum, he is suggesting that due to issues of

sustainability, public servants shouldn’t expect steep increases. It is in my view that this is a disingenuous message. While private sector investments are being signed and new business ventures being facilitated by the government, it is completely offputting to suggest that “steep” increases are not feasible. Due to the principle of compound interest, a 50% increase by the end of the government’s 5-year term would have certainly required less than 10% per year increase.

Increases were given nearly every year since 2015 to 2019 with inflation remaining low and no issues of sustainability arising. Inflation is shooting up due to supply constraints and the middle class and the poor and feeling the brunt of it. Notwithstanding subsidies and programmes for the very poor, the lack of inflation cushioning policies for the middle class will only serve to widen the gap between the middle class and the upper class. Do we really want our middle class to become poorer and the poor to fall further behind (in real terms)? It has been agreed to world around that trickle-down economics does not work. The economies that propelled into sustainable development were based on societies that invested meaningfully and effectively in human capital development.

4) I make minor reference to my previous point. While I applaud the excitement of the private sector and frequent reports in the media of new hotels here there and everywhere. I shudder at the thought that we may not be adequately prepared to protect our people during these times of transformation.

Have we adapted best practices for Occupational Health and Safety and strengthened our related authorities? Have we updated/ prepared comprehensive building codes (referencing

the multiple fires during the year) and enforcement mechanisms? Have we set up systems for ensuring sufficient child care and family benefits for expectant parents? Why has the minimum wage increase for the private sector stalled? I dare anyone to research the development of the states of the Arabian peninsula, and tell us what you find regarding the state of the lives of average labourers.

5) I refer to the rant by a certain Junior Minister a few weeks ago in retort to the public backlash about the 7% public service wage increases. In sum, her position to the public was (and this is me paraphrasing) “why are you complaining? you shouldn’t complain. Imagine if you didn’t get all the things we already gave you, you’d have been even more miserable.” The level of condescension in her message was vomit-inducing. For a public leader to take such an apathetic position is indicative of the state of our country.

Again, it reminds me of the fact that those who have, don’t care about those who do not. The inequalities and elitism will continue to persist and this is evidence that the resource curse has already hit our collective mind.

Editor, these past few weeks have been traumatic. I implore all those concerned to exert a higher level of empathy, to not rely solely on trickle down economics, to focus on the things that will improve the quality of life for all, not just the private sector.

Right now, I’m led to believe that the Government is a government, first and foremost, for the private sector, and not the people. I’m not in any way against the private sector as an engine of growth, their flourishing is of utmost importance, but so is the flourishing of all our people at the individual level.

Sincerely, V. Singh

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Saturday November 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

Total neglect of cricket pitch in some parts of Berbice DEAR EDITOR, If the greats of the past were to return to the pitch that has helped shape their careers, they would be shocked.

In fact, they might be furious to see their beloved cricket pitch abandoned for almost

three years and long before COVID-19.

The Estate Groundsman sleeps in the pavilion for most of the day and is hardly ever monitored; in fact, he leaves two hours early every day.

If you were to visit Albion,

Rose Hall or Skeldon Community Centres, you will see the vast difference.

All their pitches have been maintained during the COVID-19 era.

Why must the aspiring young cricketers who want

to follow in the footsteps of Kanhai, Butcher, Solomon and Kallicharran must go through such an ordeal.

Imagine your child being cursed just for asking about the pitch.

I do hope the relevant authorities will treat this issue with the urgency it deserves because of one man, cricket is dying in this area.

N.B. THE PREVIOUS HRM AT ALBION ESTATE, WHO

HAPPENS TO BE THE PRESIDENT OF ALBION CRICKET CLUB, HAS A LOT TO ANSWER, IF YOU CAN READ BETWEEN THE LINES. Regards, Concerned Parents

PPP/C Party supporters...

From page 4 that they can enjoy a fair playing field. They never expected the PPP/C Party will take them for granted to be used and abused! They never anticipated that the PPP/C Party will drive them to once again seek an alternative to resolve their issues. They never professed that the PPP/C Party will become questionable for honesty, integrity and loyalty.

They never conceptualised that the PPP/C Party will now become tongue-twisters to make fools out of the simple folks and lie to them. They

find it difficult to accept the fact that the leaders of the PPP/C Party are bleeders.

They are peeved that the PPP/C Party will also indulge in selling out the rights of this country to foreigners rather than to allow our own Guyanese to partake in its richness. They didn’t see the PPP/C Party pulling the wool over their eyes. They cannot comprehend the unfathomable, the unthinkable and the unimaginable behind the door secret agreements and arrangements that the PPP/C Party are also entertaining.

They feel that the PPP/C Party has let them down disgracefully and disappointingly and to allow their hands to fall shamefully and awkwardly.

They are offended by the pittances handed down to the nation to keep people quiet and to think that they are really doing a great job and looking after the interest of the people. They know that the PPP/C Party is another opportunist organisation and that they have failed to live up to expectations.

Yours faithfully, Jai Lall

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Saturday November 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

It is not even dog food money that $30,000 is the monthly stipend for Guyana's Toshaos.

No politician in Guyana would go near to that pittance.

They would spit on it.

Here is Guyana with huge forests and many minerals, but native-born scramble and beg while PPP leaders and ministers live like kings in Pradoville.

Meanwhile Toshaos live like paupers in the interior.

PAGE 07

PAGE 08

Saturday November 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

Overseas-based Guyanese says new firefighting

measures urgently needed in Guyana Guyana's 'archaic' method of firefighting, through water, must be urgently updated if the country is to gain the upper hand over spiraling damages due to fires.

This is the position of Leyland Roopnarine, a Guyanese Real Estate agent based in the United States of America.

He made these assertions during a live video conference with GlobeSpan24x7 on Wednesday evening. The online programme was hosted by Vishnu Bisram, and included U.S. Tech Specialist, Mike Singh; former Candidate in the 2020 Regional and General

Elections, Dr. Josh Kanhai; and Mr. Roopnarine, as panelists.

During the conversation, it was highlighted that Guyana is grappling with its antique methods of fire response. In fact, the panelists pointed to the need for better mechanisms to be put in place, such as smoke detectors, sprinklers, and even fire extinguishers in public buildings.

Roopnarine contended, “Our fire fighters only know to fight fire with water. There are far better chemicals that you can use to out fire but, the last and last call anyone should make in the case of a fire is for a fire department with a fire truck to come

there, because there are many, many things that you can do if there is a fire that would actually prevent such fires”.

In further making his case, the US-Guyanese told viewers that all public buildings should have curtailing measures in place, rather than depend on the fire service to show up and save a building from fire.

“The first thing you should try to do is prevent the fire. So schools and hospitals, nursing homes, places where people congregate (like) Churches, these places should have mechanisms or procedures in place to prevent fires, in the case of a fire to curtail

(it),” he explained.

The panelists also made reference to the dysfunctional fire hydrants in the Capital city, referring to them as monuments. “We have fire hydrants as monuments in Guyana. They function just like Cuffy.

They do nothing. They just stand there. You turn on the fire hydrant, there is no water coming out.”

Another element that may be contributing to the extent of damages caused by fires is the poorly situated Fire Service Headquarters in the Stabroek vicinity. But the Government just this week signed a $614M contract on Wednesday to construct a new Guyana Fire Service

US-based Guyanese, Leyland Roopnarine Headquarters along H o m e s t r e t c h Av e n u e , Georgetown.

Meanwhile, Roopnarine also posited that ancient Government buildings may be compounding the dangers of the prevailing situation, due to faulty wiring, among

others.

Countries around the world have been moving to introduce new technology to aid in fighting infernos.

T h e N a t i o n a l Geographic website said that technology, such as drones (Continued on page 23)

Saturday November 27, 2021

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

THE AGE OF INNOCENCE IS AN ILLUSION

W

hat is often nicesounding and inspirational is often out of touch with reality.

At a gathering at Queen s College, 11 years ago, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine made an appeal for a return to “those ancestral values that accorded great importance to such inclusive values as sharing, solidarity and togetherness.”

One newspaper editorial observed that the good man was seeking out those essential and enduring principles from the past that would help us to confront the challenges of the future and reduce divisions.

It was said that the former co-leader of the Working People s Alliance harked back to a former era of sharing, solidarity and togetherness.

I hope that someone would edify us as to this age of innocence, because it could not be the generation of Dr. Roopnaraine nor it couldnt be the generations that preceded it. In short, what this article is positing is that there has never been an age of innocence in Guyana, just as some like to claim there is no one guilty race.

Dr. Roopnaraine could not hark back to any era when ancestral values of sharing, togetherness and solidarity existed in Guyana because no such era has ever existed in the history of Guyana. Ours has been a history of suspicion, mistrust and tension.

However, effective colonial rule was in bottling up these tensions from manifesting themselves in open conflict; it never quieted these ill-feelings which were generated by the colonial system and by the fears of the various groups in their coexistence with others.

The divisions in our society

were not confined to race alone.

There were also contempt and scorn across class lines.

Anyone who has read CLR James seminal book “Beyond a Boundary” would appreciate that even with certain groups there were those who by virtue of their class, saw themselves and held themselves to be superior and better than others of their own race.

Where therefore is this age of innocence to which the good professor refers?

Where is the age of togetherness, solidarity and sharing?

It certainly could not be the generation of Dr. Roopnaraine because it was during his youth that this country turned upon itself, or to put it more accurately, when Guyanese turned against each other in the deadly violence of the sixties.

His generation tried to redeem itself by reversing what it had heaped about this country, but no sooner had the manners come down that the same generation abandoned ship and returned to their respective flocks.

These divisions have persisted all along.

In 1997, they exploded when there was an attempt to bully a legitimate and democratically elected government out of office, a terrible shame which has led today to deep antagonisms within our society.

The problem which has existed is not going to go away by inventing some illusory era that has not existed.

And even if it is conceded that no such era ever existed in Guyana, it is not going to go away simply by invoking an appeal to solidarity, togetherness and sharing.

These things have never been absent from within our society but they have also

hardly ever dominated the economic and political relations to the extent that we could claim to have had an age of innocence.

The problem is not confined to political competition.

Any Marxist would know that the very economic system that we embrace fosters competition, rivalry and the pursuit of individualism, values that fly in the face of togetherness, solidarity and sharing.

These constructive social values exist in relations between our citizens; they have always existed at a certain level but they can never, without reform of the political and economic systems within our midst, allow for the sort of constructive social change contemplated by John Paul Lederach.

Constructive social change cannot be left to human benevolence.

Constructive social change requires fundamental change at the institutional level, which however, must be preceded by an honest analysis about our history, one that recognises that every single generation has failed to bring about positive change in Guyana and that without reform of our political and economic system every succeeding generation will fail.

Those who wish to delude themselves that constructive social change can still come about under a contentious political and economic system are free to engage in illusion.

But if they are serious that illusion is the pathway to progress, they should at least urge that solidarity, togetherness and sharing begin at home and therefore all those individuals and firms that export their profits out of Guyana should commit to returning these proceeds

Dem boys seh ...

Standards gone to Cove and John Standards falling all around de world. But Guyana tek de prize. People pass yuh pun de road and dem nah get de manners fuh seh good morning.

Some people does see a line and decide dem can pope de line.

People don’t say thank you and often dem don’t wait when ole people cross de road. Dem does see dem beggars and pass dem straight.

When yuh go to dem guvament office yuh does wan know whether is you taxes paying de workers or if

is dem paying you. Some ah dem hoggish and dem nah understand de meaning of service. Dem muss be think is National Service.

Dem boys seh it look as if Guyanese put standards up fuh adoption.

Because dem can’t raise dem anymore.

It remind dem boys bout de lady wah walk into a match-making agency. She tell de director how she is 4 feet 6 inches tall and how she insecure bout she height. Suh she say she looking fuh a partner but de person must be shorta dan she is.

De director reply, “yuh got really low standards.”

One day a man walk into he boss office and ask fuh a raise. De boss say, “Because of the fluctuational predisposition of your position’s productive capacity as juxtaposed to the industry standards, it would be monetarily injudicious to advocate an increment.”

De worker say, “I don’t get it.”

De boss answer, “That’s right!”

Now dat is what yuh call a boss of discrete standards.

Talk half and leff half.

back to our country and that all those politicians who selectively have amnesia about the context in which certain events took place in our country should retire to their

armchairs.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Saturday November 27, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Ruel Johnson used the S-word to describe the AFC's dossier I

count to date, 91 persons who have requested the AFC's document in which the AFC has decided to leave the partnership with the PNC. Last week, Ruel Johnson was among the 91. Johnson emailed to inform me that he can be quoted as saying: “This is, pardon my French, the most delusional sk..t I've read since Granger declared he was abiding by the Constitution.”

If you think Johnson's description is harsh, you should see other condemnations I have received.

This document is not only delusional. This dossier displays no understanding of Guyanese, how they think, their politics, their cultural conceptualisation, their ethnic loyalties, their sense of right and wrong.

Johnson sent a second email to say that there is a part of that document that is pathetic. Here is that part:

“The Coalition lost the Presidential and Parliamentary polls after an almost six-month acrimonious National Recount, which ended with a ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice, who intervened despite jurisdictional questions."

Here is Johnson's rebuttal to that, “This is a party headed and supported by lawyers – the CCJ does not represent any jurisdictional conflict with the Guyanese court system being an inalienable component of our courts.”

But Johnson left out an important dimension and in highlighting this dimension, it indicates the extent to which leaders in the PNC and AFC are prepared to fool their supporters.

And they are too blind to see that as time passes, these supporters are seeing the deception.

Let's concentrate on the words, “despite

jurisdictional questions.”

So the CCJ did not have jurisdiction to hear some of the court cases but it did. And in all the cases, it ruled in favour of the opposition PPP. What this means is that the CCJ assumed jurisdiction so the outcome could help the PPP. Why did the CCJ want to help the PPP? To answer that question, we have to look at the stuck record of “installed”.

From the mouths of all PNC leaders, their surrogates and their social media lunatics, “install” means that it was the West that put the PPP in government.

A colossal dilemma faces supporters of the PNC (not the AFC that no longer has biology, physiology and anatomy) and it has to negatively impact on their mental health.

If the CCJ didn't have jurisdiction, but in its rulings the PPP won, and the West

installed the PPP, then the obvious question even to a moron, is what about the PNC/AFC that caused them not be favoured by the CCJ and the West?

During the heat of the election, attorney Timothy Jonas of ANUG made a statement that has since been lost. But it should be kept alive.

Jonas was reacting to the crescendo of cries from the PNC that the PPP manipulated the entire election process.

He said that for an opposition party to have done all these fantastically conspiratorial things and yet succeed means that they deserve to be in power.

Jonas was being cynical but he was echoing the cynicism of what countless others who felt 'well if the PPP was such a fortress of rigging and the PNC was helpless, then the PPP is the better party that deserves to be in power'.

It is this same context we should ask that if the CCJ and the West favoured the Frederick Kissoon PPP, then maybe they mention of what were the found something horribly wrong with both the secret aspects of the renewed Cummingsburg Accord.

PNC and AFC. It does not touch on the It is clear by now – 20 months after the March failure of the AFC ministers rigging – by both the in government, for example, supporters of the PNC and the signing of the Exxon oil the AFC that the CCJ ruled deal and AFC ministers against the foolishness that receiving gifts of gold with was offered as evidence by state funds from their junior the PNC and AFC since the ministerial employees.

The AFC dossier no-confidence vote of 2018 to the final verdict of July although repugnant and amorphous, is a sad 2020.

Again I stress on this document.

You should read it to see page that readers should get the AFC dossier and read it. what people become who are By now you should know I not in touch with reality. The have it and will share it with document is a trip into fantasy where old, you.

M y e m a i l i s abandoned dreams are seen fredkissoon@yahoo.com. It as the fountain of youth.

(The views expressed in is a shameless document that does not answer anything, this article are those of the offers no explanation to what a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the is left of AFC supporters.

There is absolutely no opinions of this newspaper.)

Saturday November 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Saturday November 27, 2021

$119M St. Ignatius road completed before deadline The $119M St. Ignatius Road in Region Nine, which was constructed by Kato Ferreira General Contracting Company, has been completed before the deadline.

The community, which is populated with approximately 1300 persons, will now benefit from the newly constructed road, which will allow them easy access to traveling, easier transport, less damages to their vehicles, access to more lands and multiple economic gains.

The project commenced on July 19 this year and had a 6-month completion time.

It is already completed, with only minor works left, such as the painting of lines along

the roadways, and this is before its designated 6month delivery date came due.

The Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, told Kaieteur News that the ministry is happy that the project is completed for the benefit of the people of St. Ignatius.

Earlier in October, the Department of Public Information reported that the project is a partnership between the Ministries of Public Works and Local Government and Regional Development.

The Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, noted that for years hinterland

communities have been neglected in areas pertaining to health, education and infrastructure, which he stated must be addressed.

While works were being done in that village, there are also ongoing projects in Santa Rosa involving the building of concrete roads, and Aishalton with road upgrades.

Similar works are also being undertaken by the Public Works Ministry from K a r a s a b a i t o Ya r o n g Paru/Monkey Mountain road at a cost of $110.5 million, and another from Lethem to Annai, North Rupununi, at an approximate cost of $85 million which is expected to be completed by 2022.

Saturday November 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Guyana's Low Carbon path to be financed from 'non-existent' market

Head of State, President Irfaan Ali, recently unveiled an expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, with a plethora of projects to be financed from earnings to be had by selling carbon credits on a market that is at present non-existent.

According to the document, presented by President Ali, “revenues from market-based payments will finance LCDS activities identified within the LCDS or activities related to the principles of the LCDS and its themes – and approved by the National Assembly via the National Budget process.

It also ambitiously states a designated allocation of 15 percent of all earnings for Indigenous villages and forest-based communities, earned under a forest carbon financing mechanism that

will be administered through a separate mechanism under the management of the Ministry of Finance.

Earning payments, however, will depend firstly on a market mechanism being developed that would see Guyana generating credits in accordance with that standard and marketing Guyana's credits to potential buyers.

Once the credits are available for sale, these can be sold on the market, either directly by Guyana, or through market savvy brokers. Guyana has already inked a Memorandum of Understanding with a company to accomplish this task.

According to the document, as presented, the long-term future of forest carbon markets is expected to be underpinned through the United Nations

Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) rules and corresponding international agreements.

Towards this end, it was noted that progress on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+), plus

the sustainable management of forests was made at, and

since, the Paris Climate Agreement, which was finalised in 2015.

According to the expanded LCDS, “as a bridge to a long-term mechanism, Guyana may seek to access market-based mechanisms for forest carbon through integration with existing or new compliance markets.

It was specifically noted that Guyana's significant progress on building a world-leading Monitoring Reporting and Verification System (MRVS), coupled with the recent emergence of a large voluntary market with demand supported by sovereign governments,

means that from early 2022, “there is a strong possibility that Guyana's sale of forest climate services can be structured around highquality voluntary markets that include private, as well as international public sector financing.”

It was further noted that whether Guyana pursues such initiatives will be done in accordance with all UNFCCC safeguards, and that no binding agreements will be entered into until all safeguard related requirements have been met.

Qualifying the initiative to have earnings from the sale of carbon credits finance (Continued on page 23)

PAGE 14

Kaieteur News

Saturday November 27, 2021

Saturday November 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

1 dead, 3 injured in Soesdyke /Linden Highway car crash M

ark Cameron, a taxi-driver, is now dead, while three other persons are left hospitalised after they were involved in a vehicular accident along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway yesterday.

The car crash occurred sometime around 09:10hrs on the Marudi Public Road.

The crash claimed the life of the 29-year-old father of one, and left Quakey Stanford, 38, of Lot 133 Guyhoc Park, Calldella Marshal, 25, of Lot 5 Stevedore Housing Scheme, and Shemika Richards, 23, of Lot 83 Laing Avenue East Ruimveldt with injuries about their bodies.

According to the information received, Cameron was driving motorcar PVV 8399, and heading to Georgetown at a reportedly fast rate, when he lost control of his motorcar.

As a result of this, the car ended up onto the eastern parapet of the road, where it turned turtle.

According to a video viewed by Kaieteur News,

The motorcar, the deceased was driving at the time of the accident.

Dead, Mark Cameron.

Cameron was seen lying face down in a clump of bushes, while public spirited citizens were assisting to get those injured from the wrecked car.

A man was heard in the background saying that he saw when Cameron drove passed him onto the other lane at a fast rate.

“This man went behind

we good, good and just decide to fly pass everybody,” the man said.

Police reports revealed that the driver was picked up in unconscious state, while the other occupants were picked up in a conscious condition and were rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre for treatment. The report further stated that

Cameron was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, while Stanford, Marshal and Richards were admitted for treatment.

The man's body was later removed and taken to the Memorial Gardens mortuary where it is awaiting a post mortem examination.

Cameron, who was attached to a city taxi-service

up to the time of his demise, was in 2017 charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, when he was involved in another accident, which claimed the lives of a couple.

Thirty-eight-year-old Malcolm Ross and his 20year-old girlfriend Jewel Pestano, were killed on the Plaisance 'line top', East

Coast Demerara after the mo to r cycle they w er e traveling on collided with Cameron's car.

Cameron, according to police reports, was reportedly driving under the influence when that accident occurred.

An investigation into Friday's incident is in progress.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Saturday November 27, 2021

Former EPA Head flays Exxon for attempting to abuse loopholes in Liza I Permit

F

ormer head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams has called out oil giant ExxonMobil for attempting to abuse the loopholes in the modified Liza One Permit to flare gas.

According to Section 3.6 of the modified document “Routine flaring and venting is strictly prohibited (excludes tank flashing e m i s s i o n , standing/working/breathing losses, low pressure streams) during any developmental drilling or production activities without EPA approval. Flaring is only permissible under the following conditions: Commissioning, Start-up, or Special Circumstances, as d e f i n e d below…planned/unplanned maintenance and inspections on gas handling system and related processes, and construction activities”.

Adams is of the view that this privilege given to Exxon to flare gas when the gas handling system is under maintenance can be abused.

“They inserted (this) when I left, and I was in total shock, since they couldn't use the startup as criteria anymore… they inserted a new clause that exempts them completely, as long as the gas handling equipment is under maintenance. It is exempt, which means that they can flare for as much as they want, as long as the gas handling equipment is being repaired and there is no penalty forever,” Adams explained.

According to him, the oil and gas company would use this as leverage, since flaring is much cheaper than reinjection.

Adams said that when the Liza One compressor was damaged back in April this year, he had insisted that the rate of production be decreased to cut back on the levels of flaring. He pointed out that for every 100,000 barrels of oil, along comes with it one hundred million cubic feet of gas. This was the gas oil ratio for this project.

He explained that different reservoirs would

have differing gas oil ratios.

Exxon was not keen on this advice and argued that the solution was not that simple.

“For 6,000 barrels of oil, based on the cost per barrel per day, this would amount to the losses for the day, so they don't want to lose that.

At the same time we hear the EPA bragging that they are paying this $45 per tonne of Carbon Dioxide, but if you do the calculations that only equates the most to about $20,000. So they are saying that I don't mind paying $20,000 to make half a million. It's the cost of doing business as far as they are concerned, and they don't care one damn thing about Guyana's health and safety of the environment,” Adams pointed out.

In fact, the former Executive Director of the EPA said that President Irfaan Ali's recent promise to cut the carbon emissions by as much as 70 percent by 2030 is far from achievable, given that flaring is poised to take place at unacceptable levels.

He reasoned, “This whole thing with this commitment or plan to cut the Carbon Dioxide footprint by 70 percent by 2030, where is the plan for that? It's not going to happen. It's a false claim, because you cannot say this and doing everything in the opposite.

There is no plan for decreasing it and everything that you are doing, such as flaring and increasing the amount to 90 days of flaring, how is that going to reduce the footprint?”

“The other thing is, Exxon themselves said when they are putting together the Payara…Exxon's justification for wanting to flare is because Guyana is a carbon sink. That's what they said. They said it is okay for them to flare because Guyana is a carbon sink, which means that they have no intention of cutting back because they know that we have got the capacity to absorb more carbon,” Adams added.

In flagging the dangers associated with flaring, the environmentalist cautioned

that over 200 pollutants are released in the process.

“When it goes up, it has to come down, so besides Global warming and climate change and all of that type of stuff, it has things like nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide, and when those mix with the moisture from the atmosphere it forms an acid, and so that is called acid rain,” the former EPA head pointed out.

He was keen to note that when the acidic water falls, it enters the ocean and affects fish, farming and the entire ecology.

Stabroek Block operator, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), has informed local authorities that it intends to burn 120 million standard cubic feet of gas per day for three months (90 days) during the startup of the Yellowtail Project.

The ExxonMobil subsidiary made this disclosure in the project's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The document for the fourth Stabroek Block

Former EPA Head, Vincent Adams development project specifically states, “…startup flaring for the Project will be temporary and may require flaring for 90 cumulative days at the rate of 120 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd).” It was keen to note that this is just a “conservative a s s u m p t i o n . ” The company also thought it prudent to advise local authorities that in its home country, the United States, flaring offshore may occur for up to one year with regulatory approval.

Kaieteur News

Saturday November 27, 2021

PAGE 17

Current, former EPA Heads clash over safe production levels for Liza 1

By Kiana Wilburg

I

ncreased production on the Liza Destiny v e s s e l b y ExxonMobil has left the former and current heads of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams and Mr. Kemraj P a r s r a m , r e s p e c t i v e l y, divided on whether the oil company's operations are safe or hanging on a dangerous precipice.

This concern was first raised by Dr. Vincent Adams.

Earlier this week, he had expressed the view that oil production being above 120,000 barrels of oil per day is unsafe for Guyana. He said E x x o n M o b i l ' s

Former EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) clearly states that 120,000 barrels is the safe production limit, and anything beyond that increases the risks of an oil spill.

In a subsequent interview, the current Head of the EPA,

Mr. Parsram, categorically disagreed with this position, as he noted that the same EIA states that production can occur beyond 120,000. He noted that Page 28 of the EIA mentions that emissions associated with the project were calculated based on peak production at a conservative 144,000 barrels of oil per day. Parsram had said it is the opinion of the EPA that it is, therefore, safe for the company to operate beyond 120,000 barrels of oil, since the EIA considered the impacts of production beyond design capacity for the Liza Destiny.

Since noting this, Dr. Adams has told Kaieteur News that he has examined

EPA Head, Kemraj Parsram the aspect of the EIA referenced by Parsram, but still could not agree with the position of his successor. He insisted that there cannot be two safety limits in an EIA while adding that only the 120,000 barrels of oil per day figure applies to the safety

limit. He said the 144,000 barrels figure was used to estimate a conservative air emissions rate. The two numbers are, therefore, separate and distinct and represent two distinct purposes expressed the former EPA Head.

Dr. Adams further stated, “A lot of analysis goes into developing safety limits and when set in an EIA, it becomes sacred and is not

touched. To stay safe, operators would always set their own internal limits below the set safety limits to ensure that it is never exceeded, because they know the consequences…it begs the question as to why the EPA would have left out this important piece of detail in its response.”

As a concerned Guyanese, Dr. Adams said, “I am highly disappointed that

the EPA would attempt to defend the indefensible, when it is crystal clear that Exxon is committing a potentially dangerous violation of the EIA; and I am deeply concerned about the Agency's inability to understand the modelling done in EIAs, such as this, due to the complete lack of personnel with any petroleum background whatsoever, following my

departure.”

When Kaieteur News reached out to the EPA Head to share the additional points raised by his predecessor, Parsram was keen to note that his position on the matter remains unchanged. He stressed that the EIA for the Liza Phase One Project considered all potential impacts from the project in its entirety and was based upon (Continued on page 23)

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Saturday November 27, 2021

15-year-old Mahaica girl missing Deputy Speaker complains of The family of 15-year-old Christal Adams of Unity Mahaica, East Coast Demerara is currently asking for the public's assistance to locate her after she has not been heard from or seen for about a week now.

Speaking with Kaieteur News yesterday, one of the teen's older siblings, Brian Adams, said that Christal was not seen since November 19 last after visiting a family member in Berbice.

Brian said that his sister lives with their mother and other siblings in Mahaica, but last week Friday, she had travelled to Berbice to the relative's residence.According to the young man, they were informed about their sister's disappearance after receiving information that the child had an argument with a relative in Berbice. After that argument, Brian said he learnt that Christal went over by the neighbour and has not been seen or heard from since.

When asked what the argument with the relative was about, he claimed to have no knowledge about that situation.However, he noted that on Friday last, they filed a missing person's report with the Fort Wellington and Mahaica Police Stations.

According to him, after his sister's sudden disappearance, he learnt of two persons who may know about her location, but he noted

increasing intimidation from government for speaking out

that when those persons were questioned by the police, they refused to provide any details to investigators.Yesterday, this publication confirmed with the Mahaica Police Station if a missing person's report was filed and ranks there confirmed that a report was made, and that the matter is currently being investigated.Anyone who might have seen Christal Adams or knows her whereabouts is asked to call telephone numbers: 659-1292, 676-8245 or the nearest police station.

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Lennox Shuman on Thursday complained that he is facing increasing intimidation from the Government for speaking out.

Shuman, who is also the leader of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), after the March 2-3, 2020 Regional and General elections, had formed a joinder with The New Movement Party (TNM) and A New and United Guyana (ANUG) to claim one parliamentary seat.

Although Guyana's constitution allows for a joinder system, it does not govern how thee recipients use the Parliamentary seat, or who represents the party.

Deputy Speaker of National Assembly, Lennox Shuman

The three political parties made an agreement that Shuman, as leader of LJP, would be the one representing the joinder list for the first two years of the 5-year-term of the current parliament. ANUG's leader would then take over for the next two years, while TNM will fill that seat for the final year.

As the current Member of Parliament (MP) representing the joinder list, Shuman was elected as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and was also appointed Aviation Advisor by the government.

Shuman, however, told Kaieteur News on Thursday that “low ranking members of the government is trying to intimidate him by

threatening to terminate his services as Aviation Advisor, if he continues to criticize and speak out against them.

Recently, the Deputy Speaker was reportedly insulted via a Facebook post made by the Local Government Minister, Nigel Dharamlall, for criticizing the government's seven percent increase for public servants.

He had called out the government for failing to deliver on its promise of increasing public servant's salary by 50%.

The Government has refuted that it had ever promised to increase wages by 50%, and the Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag, claimed that photos of (Continued on page 23)

$200k bail for rape accused Twenty-year-old rape accused, Shameer Clenklian, of St. Cuthbert's Mission, Mahaica River, East Coast Demerara, was on Thursday placed on $200,000 bail for the offence.

Clenklian was charged with rape contrary to Section 3(3) of the Sexual Offences Act Chapter 8:03.

The defendant made his first court appearance before Magistrate Melissa Mittleholzer, in the Mahaica Magistrate's Court. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge when it was read to him.

Magistrate Mittleholzer granted him bail with the condition attached that he reports in person every Monday to the Mahaica

Rape accused, Shameer Clenklian.

Police Station.

The matter was adjourned to December 23, 2021.

Saturday November 27, 2021

President blames APNU+AFC for lowly wages increase …says salary hike, just one of many measures aimed at bringing relief

Head-of-State, President Irfaan Ali, defends his administration announced salary increase for 2021.

F

ollowing the growing pushback in relation to the announced 'meagre' seven percent across the board increase for public servants, Head of State, President Irfaan Ali yesterday sought to contextualize the state of affairs.

In an 'election campaign style' presentation lasting some 37 minutes, President Irfaan Ali, used up more than half of that time lambasting what he called 'politicised' unions and the ousted A Partnership for National Unity, Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC).

“When the APNU+AFC came to government, they inherited a buoyant economy; they didn't inherit a situation which we inherited – a COVID-19 situation, the economy in shambles.”

According to the President, the increase provided by his government, as such, has to be seen in the context of an economy decimated by the then government and a global pandemic, in addition to the global economic environment.

In a televised broadcast from the lawns of State House, President Ali first sought to discredit the five percent increase that was given out by the then APNU+AFC administration, which he said amounted to an increase in disposable income of some $700M. This is since, of the more than $900M which accounted for the increase paid out, and in excess of $200M was taken by the administration through taxes.

“If you look at the increase that the APNU+AFC would have given, the total value of that increase paid in

2015 was $917.3 million. In 2015, the total value of the increase was $917.3 million.

When you take out the PAYE that the APNU+AFC government took back from the salary increase, it was approximately $222.1 million being taken back. So, the net gain for the workers was $696.2 million, which is far less than a five percent in a net sense.”

Lamenting his predecessors' performance in office, President Ali used the occasion to run the gamut of perceived wrongs.

These include the imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) on items such as electricity, water and internet, a 50 percent increase in salary for Ministers.

He did not mention that the 50 percent referred to was also applicable to all of the members of the National Assembly, including himself.

In contrast to his predecessors' performance, the President, however, was quick to point out that his administration has done more for the people of the country, in terms of making available to them more disposable income to the tune of billions of dollars above any increase the APNU+AFC would have paid out.

He cited as examples, the one-off cash grants and COVID-19 relief packages, in addition to other measures implemented by his administration since taking office.

Lashing out at trade unions specifically that would have condemned the increase as meagre, President Ali said, “Today, I am seeing a lot of so-called trade union leaders, who are more political operatives; I would (Continued on page 23)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

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Kaieteur News

Saturday November 27, 2021

Saturday November 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

Two more men succumb to COVID-19

T

he Ministry of Health reported yesterday that two more men who tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, have died. As a result of this, the country's COVID-19 death toll has moved to 985.

According to the Ministry, the fatalities are that of a 55year-old from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), and a 99-year-old from Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni).

Both men, who were unvaccinated, reportedly died on Thursday, while receiving treatment at a medical facility.

Meanwhile, in its COVID-19 dashboard, the Health Ministry recorded 50 new infections, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 37,663.

The dashboard also shows that 15 persons are admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 65 persons in institutional isolation, 1,376 in home isolation, and 6 in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 35,222 persons have recovered from the virus.

PAGE 21

PAGE 22

FOR RENT

VEHICLES FOR SALE Toyota Premio PAB series white, year 2008 registered August 2021. Tel:621-7993.

Business space,suitable for any business .Located at Zeelugt Public Road E.B.E, 2nd Floor -4000 SQ FT,3rd Floor - 4000 SQ FT 650-0402/ 652-0251.

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 House plan drawing & estimates. K.Lakeram Building C o n t r a c t o r. C a l l : 2 1 6 0671,692-8464 or whatsapp 622-0267.

Specialized repair/service: A/ C, refrigerator, washing machine,treadmill,stove, deepfryer, pressurepump & backwash,dryer,oven. 6949733.

Amarachi African Cuisine needs palm oil,bitter leaves processor.Cooks for nsala, banga & other african native diet.Tel:688-2141.

Grade 3&5 teachers needed at Jos-el educational Institute. Tel:226-7868/678-0652, 120 Peterose & Laluni St Queenstown.

PACIFIC -Houses For Sale Onderneeming,Tuschen, Haslington Call/WhatsApp 223-6035,673-6210, +1(917) 771-5202.

Pure Dobermann pups call:699-7077/619-6086.Pure German Shepherd pups call:674-7531/645-5767.

Stall with bonds in Stabroek Market. Call:227-3463 between 8am to 4pm for inquiries.

4 1/2 acres land & commercial mall on Enmore Public Road. Excellent investment opportunity. Call: 609-7675.

2 bedrooms,444 Railyway Line Betterhope E.C.D.Call between 8am-4pm.Tel:6173001.

Enmore mall commercial space for medical facility, call centre and any other type of business 609-7675/674-1705.

LEGAL NOTICE

Skilled carpenters, masons, welder and labourers to work long termin Georgetown & Linden. Call:602-9469,6157526.

Porters,TM Log Truck drivers, chainsaw & mill operator, diesel mechanic. Call: 6097675/674-1705.

the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Tuesday the 25th day of January, 2022 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry via Zoom Meeting ID:503 218 6789 and Password: court1a. IN DEFAULT of your filing Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts (Georgetown, Demerara.). The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.Dated the 9th day of November, 2021.

Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), an Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the Second and final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 17% day of January, 2022 at 10:15 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Damone Younge at the High Court at Georgetown via Zoom Meeting ID: 845 1426 6584 and Password: 786 445. IN DEFAULT of you filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, an Answer and/ or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the LawCourts [Georgetown, Demerara].

The office is open to the public between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.

Dated the 29th day of October, 2021

1 live in maid,salary $80,000 monthly.Call:665-0679.

Males to work at supermarket in interior 20 & over.

Tel:687-7638/691-3942.

CAR RENTAL

Urgently Needed! Dried carilla bush.Contact:6098281/693-3003.

Aidan's Car Rental.Tel:2253234/628-1183.

Female companion age 5060.Interested persons can call:641-4064.

1 experienced pastry maker/ baker.Apply at People's Choice Kitchen.Tel:6799449.

Domestic- to work in Georgetown from 7:30am to 4:00pm(honest & mature).

Call:623-6383 between 7 am to 7pm.

Live meat birds & pluck chicken.To buy call:6955310/225-9304.

2 soup cooks,2 kitchen assistants.Must have experience. Good pay.Police clearance needed.Call:6971955.

VACANCY Cook/Baker and Pitmen for interior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020/231-2250.

LAND FOR SALE

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank.Call: 615-9132.

102 GoodHope Mahaica, 500ftx42ft Roadside. Call: 6918420.

Experienced Accounts & Bond clerk,tractor & truck drivers,porters.Apply at Alabama Trading.Tel:623-16515.

Transported L.F.S located at Mabaruma Settlement, North West District Region#1, size 7.5 acres 10M Neg.Call:6968021.

Vacancy exist for Security Officers,male & female 18yrs & above. Contact:223-4172/ 632-0099.

PROPERT FOR SALE

Vacancy for Managers & Supervisor to manage a distribution business. Appy at Alabama Trading.

Parfaite Harmony.Tel:6839146.

Rental of buildings,middle floor at 20 George St Werken-rust,Georgetown.

Tel:226-9560 (between 9:30am to 4:30pm).

2 bedroom apartment in Eccles Housing Scheme,3 bedroomhouse in Albertown.

Tel:225-3234/628-1183.

LEGAL NOTICE

TO LET

One four bedroom apartment at Eccles East Bank, price $80,000.Call:233-6930.

Fully furnished 2 & 3 bedroom luxury apartments with AC and hot & cold,long & short term.Tel:682-2585/6911432.

VACANCY

Experienced land dredge workers.Serious enquiries only.Call:699-3857.

Business opportunity of a lifetime,earn extra cash,part time/fulltime.Tel:656-2682.

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We are looking for one experienced & certified cosmet o l o g i s t / h a i r d r e s s s e r.

Tel:626-6450.

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SERVICES

Saturday November 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

1Accounts/Inventory Clerk.Must have CXC Maths & English,email: benjamin_nathalie@yahoo.com.

Vacancy for 1 person to assemble bicycle,also experience vegetarian cook. Apply at Alabama Trading.

WANTED

One salesman,able bodied porters.Experience in writing bills,stocktaking & cashing.

Keyfood Trading,Mc Doom village.

One male able bodied clerk.

Call:616-5954,231-2029.

Taxi & Minibus Drivers.

Tel:225-3234/628-1183.

LEGAL NOTICE 2021-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-1006 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION. PETITION NO.FD-1006 BETWEEN: THEGG(ORINTHIA NARISSA nee DUBLIN) PETITIONER-andTHEGG(KENNARD) Respondent TO: KENNARD THEGG Lot 793 Phase 1B, Linden, Guyana.

TAKE NOTICE that on the 29th day of July, 2021 a petition for divorce was filed against you by ORINTHIA NARISSA THEGG nee DUBLIN the petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 5th day of November, 2021, the petitioner was directed to effect service of her petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the world wide web (online).

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35(thirtyfive) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice.TAKE NOTICE that

2021-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-1198 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO.: FD-1198 BETWEEN: -(KELMAN) YU’TSE nee THOMAS Petitioner/ Applicant -and(KELMAN) COLBERT NOEL Respondent TO: COLBERT NOEL KELMAN (Last Known Address) Contential Park, East Bank Demerara, Guyana. TAKE NOTICE that on the 2nd day of September, 2021 aPetition for Divorce was filed against you by YU’TSE KELMAN nee THOMAS, the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 20 day of October, 2021 the Petitioner was directed to effectservice of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspapers, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family

2021-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-1411 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO.: FD-1411 BETWEEN: -(TAYLOR) MARILYN CLEOPATRA nee EV ANS -and -Petitioner/ Applicant (TAYLOR) GODFREYSHERLOCK Respondent to the Respondent GODFREYSHERLOCK TAYLOR Last Known Address Lot 564 East Ruimveldt,Georgetown, Guyana. TAKE NOTICE that on the 21st day of October, 2021 a Petition for Divorce was filed against

Saturday November 27, 2021

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

you by MARILYN CLEOPATRA TAYLOR nee EVANS, the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 8 day of November, 2021 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspapers, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirty five) days from the date of the second and final publication of this Notice.

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Wednesday the 26" day of January, 2022 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious in the Directions Hearing Room via Zoom Meeting ID: 648 772 9256 and Password: 5hRiHf at the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown.

IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.

The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 11th day of November, 2021

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF Judicature OF GUYANA COMMERCIAL DIVISION 2021-HC-DEMCIV-FDA-1474 BETWEEN: ERNESTINE BARKER Applicant -and- CENTRAL HOUSING AND PLANNING AUTHORITY LEON LOGAN Respondents NOTICE: LEON LOGAN (last known address) No. 51 Village, Corentyne, Berbice TAKE NOTICE that a Fixed Date Application, was filed against you, on the 28" day of October, 2021 in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana at Georgetown, Demerara by ERNESTINE BARKER, in which the Applicant claims: (a) An Orderdirecting the Central Housing & Planning Authority (CH&PA) to delete the name LEON LOGAN from the allocation of the parcel of land situate at Lot 537 Block 22, Wismar, Linden, Guyana; (b) An Order directing the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) to process the allocation of said Lot 537 Block 22, Wismar, Linden, Guyana in the sole name of ERNESTINE BARKER (formerly known as ERNESTINE BARKER); ( c ) Such further or other Order as this Honourable Court deems just. UPON APPLICATION in person or by letter to Ms. Shellon Boyce, Guyana Legal Aid Clinic for the Applicant, whose address for service and place of business is at “Maraj Building”, Lot 185 Charlotte & King Streets, Georgetown, Guyana, emaillegalaid@netwroksgy.com copies of the Fixed Date Application, filed herein, will be delivered or sent to you. AND TAKE NOTICE if you desire to defend this action you must forthwith within 28 (twenty-eight) days after the final publication of this notice, to prepare an Affidavit of defence in Form 1 0C prescribed in the Civil Procedure Rules 2016, serve it on Ms. Shellon Boyce, Guyana Legal Aid Clinic, to whose address for service and place of business is at MarajBuilding”, Lot 185 Charlotte & King Streets, Georgetown, Guyana, emaillegalaid@netwroksgy.com, and file it with proof of service at the Registry at Georgetown, Demerara, not later than 4 days before the date fixed for hearing of the application, and you or your Attorneyat-Law must appear at the hearing. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you fail to file such Affidavit and or if you fail to appear

Guyana loses $$$M annually on log exports...

From page 3 even while cautioning, “we should note the unreliability of export data, as shown in the first annual EITI report for Guyana for the year 2017, which included reports of timbers known to grow only in West Africa being exported as logs from Guyana.”

According to Professor Bulkan, “if the GFC will not publish accurate and verified supporting data, it cannot ex-

pect that the people in Guyana will believe its claims.”

Relative to the GFC's release of forestry, logging and export data, the Professor outlined that from 2005 up to 2018 the GFC's Forest Sector Information Report—halfyearly or annually, and the GFC's own Annual Report up to 2017—were publicly available.

Between the periods 2007

up to April 2019, “for most months, we could also read a monthly report for forest products.”

She laments, however, that “…these sets of reports became briefer and less informative over time, with less and less information about individual timbers.”

Compounding the situation, Dr. Bulkan pointed out that some data on production and export of the more popu-

lar timbers could only be had some two to three years later, when published by International Tropical Timber Organization.

Therefore, she posits, “evidently, the GFC is happy to see our prime timbers exported unprocessed to China and India, rather than implement the National Forest Strategy and Plan, which call for greater in-country processing.”

Guyana's Low Carbon path to be financed...

From page 13 from the expanded LCDS projects, the document states that once the credits are available for sale, these can be sold on the market, either directly

by Guyana or through brokers and that the agreements, which will set out the terms

under which credits are sold, are known as Emission Reduction Purchase Agreements (ERPAs), which will be published on a Government of Guyana website, and independently audited.

Sale of carbon credits, ac-

cording to the proposed policy document, “will take place in line with a process established by ART-TREES to ensure environmental integrity, in accordance with the UNFCCC rules on carbon standards. ”It was noted that buyers

of credits could be sovereign governments, such as was the case with the Government of Norway, or private companies with voluntary commitments to support the maintenance of the world's forests or to take action on climate.

President blames APNU+AFC for lowly wages...

From page 19 consider them political operatives. If you look at their attitude and behaviour and their level of activism now, compared to when the APNU+AFC was in government, you would see that they are driven by an agenda, and [in] this country sometimes,

we do not want to call a spade, a spade.”

To this end, he said, “when you have persons driven by an agenda, they try to distort the facts, they try to distort the truth, and they try to manipulate information…I say to all of those in the public service,

and all of the workers in this country, do not be distracted.”

Speaking to an international context, President Ali, in fact, praised his administration's ability to outshine others globally, and pointed to countries like the UK, which has a wages freeze

in place.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, he pointed to fact that several countries across the world, rather than focusing on salary increases and other benefits for their citizenry, are in fact prioritizing other areas, such as protecting jobs.

Current, former EPA Heads clash over safe...

From page 17 potential peak volume of production of 144,000 barrels.

The EPA Head said, “...anyone reading that excerpt and footnote (At Page 28 in the EIA) should arrive at the same conclusion...I don't need to

answer anything else nor will I engage in a tit for tat.

The facts are there in the EIA…” He said, too, that the EIA makes it clear that the project facilities will have potential to safely operate at sustained

peaks above the design rates.

Parsram said if Exxon is in breach of that, it will have to answer to the regulator.

“And if they go above that, they will have to apply for authorisation for that variance and the

E PA w i l l c o n s i d e r a n y approval for such request.

This would be done taking into consideration all ramifications and safeguards for same,” the EPA Head concluded.

Overseas-based Guyanese says new...

From page 8 are being used to release as much as 450 Ping-Pong-ballsized incendiary devices in LEGAL NOTICE at the hearing, final judgment may be given against you notwithstanding your absence.

AND FURTHERED TAKE NOTICE that this matter is adjourned to the 12" January, 2022, at 11 :45 am Via Zoom - details: 461 884 5616 passwords, Court 6, before the Honourable Madam Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall

less than four minutes.

“Each of the one-inch spheres, called Dragon Eggs, contains potassium permanganate, and just before they are released they are given a pin injection of anti-freeze.

The reaction between the two chemicals ignites the spheres after they hit the ground.

The eggs can set fires ahead of an advancing wildfire in hard-to-reach places, denying it fuel,” the National Geographic said.

Another new innovation is the use of helicopters outfitted to release fire retardants.

“The Cal Fire Firehawk, a new helicopter, is faster, so

pilots can fly firefighting teams more quickly to new fires.

The Firehawk can also drop 1,000 gallons of water— three times as much as older helicopters—and then use its retractable snorkel to refill its tank from the nearest body of water,” the National Geographic explains.

Deputy Speaker complains of increasing...

From page 18 posters promising a 50% increase were photo shopped.

Shuman then moved to quote various media articles to back up his result.

As a result, Dharamlall publicly stated that Shuman was a liar (“Pinocchio”), imposter, and is only speaking out because his tenure as MP and Deputy Speaker is soon coming to an end.

Speaking with Kaieteur News, Shuman said that the intimidation has increased.

He claimed that low ranking government officials have been threatening that he will be sacked, if he continues to

speak against the government.

Shuman added, too, that they are also outraged about a recent statement he made criticizing the government.

His statement was the government was “only playing crisscrossing around Guyana and the indigenous people have not really been benefitting”.

“They have been telling me that I should be grateful that government made me Aviation Advisor, and that I must be careful with the things I say or else I will lose the position”, Shuman told Kaieteur News.

He promised, however, that he will not be intimidated and reminded that although he has a job with the government, he is a part of the parliamentary opposition.

“As a parliamentary opposition, it is my duty call out the government when they are wrong” Shuman related.

The LPJ leader pointed out that he only has one and half years left as MP and Deputy Speaker, and will use it to represent his indigenous people, as well as to ensure that the government is held in check.

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Saturday November 27, 2021

Saturday November 27, 2021

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

Liton, Mushfiqur steady Bangladesh after top-order collapse

Bangladesh’s Liton Das successfully makes it to the crease during the first Test (AFP/Munir Uz zaman)

Saturday November 27, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) The bubble you've been living in for a long time may burst today. You could face some real disappointments. Try not to let this get you down. Keep the big picture in mind as best you can.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You're in a spiritual state o f m i n d t o d a y. Yo u r dreams are vivid and you're sure they're trying to tell you something specific. It's hard to dispel the urge to travel.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) This is a day to be directed inward rather than outward.

It's a good thing, too, because the outer world isn't too pleasant. Nothing seems to be going right.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) It's important to confront your troubles head on, but not at the expense of putting your life on hold.

An important person, someone who acted as your touchstone, no longer figures prominently in your life.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You've allowed money issues to become too prominent. It's true that your financial picture isn't as rosy as you'd like it to be, but whose is? Try to put your troubles in perspective.

CANCER(June21–July22) Your body, which usually runs at warp speed, is telling you to slow down. You need to take a break from time to time.

Eating a big bowl of caramel popcorn while watching TV won't send you into a downward spiral.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Looking good is the best revenge. If you're trying to get over a failed relationship, the best way to pull yourself out of a depression is to look your very best.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) As much as you enjoy being out with people, tonight is a good evening for rest. If you can, try taking the afternoon off. Curl up in your favorite chair with a good book.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today is a day to rest on your laurels, literally. You've achieved a tremendous amount in the last few days.

You've earned some time off.

Call in sick and go see a movie in the middle of the day.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You're especially attuned to the feelings of others. This gift is more blessing than curse, yet there are times when it's hard not to take on the troubles of others.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Flowers and fresh plants can perk up your mood as well as your home. You may feel your abode is looking a bit shabby.

Simple tricks to improve its appearance will do wonders for your outlook. Go to a kitchen store and splurge on a few new items.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Delays seem to rule the day, and there's no getting around them. Traffic snarls plague the commute and calls don't get returned. You feel as though you're spending the day stuck in a revolving door, whirling around but getting nowhere.

AFP - Liton Das scored his maiden Test century as the Bangladesh wicketkeeper and Mushfiqur Rahim helped rebuild after a toporder collapse in the first Test against Pakistan in Chittagong yesterday.

At stumps on day one, Bangladesh were on 253 for 4 in their first innings with Liton unbeaten on 113 and Mushfiqur not out 82.

Opting to bat first, the hosts were in trouble at 49-4 before the duo turned the tide with 204-run unbroken fifthwicket stand.

Liton led the charge, hitting 11 fours and hoisting off-spinner Sajid Khan over long on for his only six in the innings.

He struck left-arm spinner Nauman Ali to bring up his 10th Test fifty before Mushfiqur followed suit, his 24th in Tests, with a four off Hasan Ali. Liton, who was dropped on 67 by Sajid at short midwicket off Afridi, completed his maiden Test hundred with a tricky single

off left-arm spinner Nauman Ali. He had to dive to complete the run after pushing Ali at midoff and a direct hit could have cost him his wicket on 99.

Mushfiqur hugged Liton as he stood back to kiss his helmet and raise his bat responding to applaud from the gallery and the dressing room.

Mushfiqur also batted solidly, hitting 10 fours.

“We had a good first session by taking early wickets.

We should appreciate the way Liton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim batted.

They played really well,” Hasan said.

“It’s a slow pitch and we need to bowl in good areas to get break-through.

Bangladesh is in a good position at the moment.”

Pakistan’s bowlers had dominated the opening session as Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf and Sajid each claimed a wicket.

Afridi set the tone for Pakistan with a gem of a

delivery in the fifth over that rose sharply to glance off opener Saif Hassan’s bat to Abid Ali at short leg. He made 14.

Hasan Ali then trapped the other opener, Shadman Islam, leg-before for 14.

Bangladesh skipper Mominul Haque fell soon afterwards, scoring just six as Sajid spun one sharply to take an edge that was gladly accepted by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.

The umpire initially declared Mominul not out but the decision was overruled on review.

Najmul Hossain got off the mark with a four but he too soon perished, cutting a Faheem delivery straight to Sajid at point.

Pakistan handed batsman Abdullah Shafique a Test debut and Yasir Ali was making his Test bow for Bangladesh in the two-match series.

Scores: Bangladesh 253 for 4 (Liton 113*, Mushfiqur 82*, Hasan 1-38) vs Pakistan.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 26

Saturday November 27, 2021

New Covid-19 variant threatens Netherlands tour of South Africa, decision by Sunday Kyle Verreynne made his highest ODI score - 95 off 112.

(AFP/Getty Images)

E

SPNcricinfo Netherlands’ ongoing ODI series in South Africa could be cancelled, after a new Covid-19 variant made its presence felt in the country this week.

The first of the three ODIs was underway in Centurion when the two boards announced that an official decision would be taken “in the next 24 to 48 hours”.

ESPNcricinfo had initially learnt that the tour was called off yesterday but it emerged that the Netherlands team cannot get a flight out of South Africa before December 3, which prompted further discussions to continue the series.

“Both boards can confirm that following updated information, it is highly unlikely that the visiting team will be able to fly out of South Africa over the weekend,” an official statement said. “The KNCB is reviewing all of its options, while prioritising the physical and mental wellbeing of its players.

“A decision on the continuation of the series will follow in the next 24 to 48 hours, while all flight options are being considered.”

South Africa has been added to the UK’s red list and travel restrictions from Italy, Germany and Singapore are in place, with other countries expected to follow, and while there is no official update yet, South Africa’s home international schedule - for men and women - could well

be disrupted in a big way.

The fourth wave of the pandemic is expected to peak in South Africa in the next few weeks and will coincide with a packed summer schedule. The Indian men’s team, which refused to play a Test in Manchester earlier this year because of Covid19-related fears, is due to play three Tests, three ODIs and four T20Is from midDecember - they are scheduled to leave India on December 8 - while the West Indies women’s team will tour the country in January ahead of the Women’s World Cup. The Indian men’s ‘A’ team is also currently in South Africa, playing the first four-day game in Bloemfontein. They are scheduled to play two more four-day games on the tour.

Reuters reported that the Indian government has issued an advisory to all the states in the country to rigorously test and screen international travellers from South Africa and other countries that are considered at-risk. The report quoted the Indian health ministry as saying that the new variant, identified as B.1.1.529, had “serious public health implications”.

An unnamed BCCI official, meanwhile, was quoted by PTI as saying, “Look, till we get a detailed picture of the ground situation from Cricket South Africa, we will not be able to tell our next step. As per the current plan, the Indian team is supposed to leave either on December 8 or 9 just after the New Zealand series gets over

Netherlands played their first ODI on Friday, but the remaining matches may not go ahead. (AFP/Getty Images)

in Mumbai.”

The official indicated that even though players will be sent on a charter flight from Mumbai to Johannesburg, there is a possibility of putting them through three-four days of hard quarantine upon reaching given the changed circumstances.

An official travelling with the ‘A’ team was also quoted by PTI as saying, “After the outbreak, a medical team from Cricket South Africa had a meeting with our representatives over here. We were told that there is nothing to worry since the spike in cases is far away from Bloemfontein where we would be playing our next match too.”

The new Covid-19 variant has more mutations but it is not known whether it causes more severe illnesses than the Delta variant. South African scientists will meet with the World Health Organisation in an effort to find out more. Cases in South Africa have risen three-fold in the last week.

Top-level cricket in South Africa was disrupted in a big way because of the pandemic last year too: England abandoned a tour without playing the ODI series after positive cases in the South African camp and Australia did not travel to play a three-match Test series, costing CSA millions.

Result from the match played yesterday: Match abandoned South Africa 277 for 7 (Verreynne 92, Phehlukwayo 48, Klaassen 2-45) vs Netherlands 11 for 0.

Kaieteur News

Saturday November 27, 2021

PAGE 27

Copa Libertadores final shows Brazil’s regional dominance

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AO PAULO (AP) — Brazilian soccer clubs are dominating South American soccer and today’s Copa Libertadores final between Flamengo and Palmeiras at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo only underscores that fact.

A Brazilian team will win the South American crown for the third consecutive time, the seventh in the latest 10.

Flamengo won the trophy in 2019 in a 2-1 thriller against Argentina’s River Plate.

Palmeiras is the defending champion thanks to a 1-0 victory against local rival Santos. Both finalists will seek their third title in South America’s most prestigious club tournament.

Whoever wins will put Brazil closer to Argentina in the tally of Copa Libertadores champions; 21 against Argentina’s 25, with many Argentinian titles being lifted early in the tournament’s history at a time Brazilian clubs did not prioritize the South American competition.

The dominance of Brazilian clubs also includes the two finalists of this s e a s o n ’ s C o p a Sudamericana, lifted by Athletico. This year marks the first time that all four finalists of the region’s club tournaments have come

from the same country.

Brazil’s advantage has also appeared in major signings. Players who could still be in Europe decided to come back home, including Atletico Mineiro strikers Diego Costa and Hulk, Flamengo defender David Luiz and Corinthians winger Willian.

Many Brazilian clubs, including some with competitive teams, are in debt and struggling to pay their bills. But money has never stopped pouring in for soccer despite the country’s economic crisis. Marketing company Sports Value said in August that Brazil’s soccer market revenues neared $1.5 billion in 2019, before the pandemic.

Chilean clubs made $200 million and Argentine clubs, due to the fluctuation in the country’s exchange rate, even less.

“Brazil has bigger TV contracts, transfers, sponsorship deals, revenue from official supporters. The economic difference is very big between Brazil and the rest of Latin America these days,” analyst Amir Somoggi said.

Also based on 2019 figures, Sports Value counts Flamengo’s revenues at more than $230 million that year, while Argentina’s Boca Juniors made less than $100 million.

Fans of Brazil’s soccer team Flamengo accompany the bus transporting the team to out of town matches, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Nov. 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)

The gap could widen next year. Brazilian media has reported several other big names could return home next year; defender Thiago Silva, left-back Marcelo, midfielders Paulinho and Oscar. Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez is also among targets.

Most commentators say Flamengo is the favorite to win the Copa Libertadores on Saturday. The Rio-based

giants have two players who have frequently played for Brazil and could well be in the next World Cup in Qatar — midfielder Everton Ribeiro and striker Gabriel Barbosa, the top goal scorer of the tournament with 10 goals. The team also has Uruguay midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta.

Flamengo could become unbeaten champions; they won nine matches and drew

three.

Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton is also among coach Tite’s favorites, though a step behind Premier League-based Alisson and Ederson. The defending champions won eight matches, drew three and lost one. Its top goal scorer is striker Rony, with six goals.

But the team’s fortress is its defense and Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira, the first

European to reach the South American final twice.

Ferreira and his Flamengo counterpart Renato Portaluppi can win their second title in the tournament, but both arrive under fire for their teams’ performances in the Brazilian championship.

Both are far behind Atletico Mineiro, which could become champions next week.

Brazil’s Nuzman sentenced to 30 years in jail for Rio 2016 corruption

Former Brazil Olympic Committee (COB) President Carlos Arthur Nuzman leaves the public jail Jose Frederico Marques in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil October 20, 2017. (REUTERS/Bruno Kelly)

(Reuters) - Former Rio 2016 and Brazilian Olympic Committee President Carlos Arthur Nuzman has been sentenced to 30 years and 11 months in jail for money laundering, corruption and other crimes connected to buying votes for Rio de Janeiro to host the 2016 Olympics.

The ruling was announced

by Judge Marcelo Bretas from the 7th Criminal Court in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday.

The 79-year-old executive, who was the head of the Brazilian Olympic Committee for more than two decades, was found guilty of money laundering, tax evasion, corruption and criminal organization.

Nuzman’s lawyers appealed the sentence and he will stay free until the appeal is heard.

Nuzman was first arrested in October 2017 along with his right-hand man, former Rio

2016 director of operations Leonardo Gryner, accused of arranging more than $2 million in bribes to get the IOC to pick Rio de Janeiro as host of the 2016 Olympics.

Rio beat out Chicago, Tokyo and Madrid in the 2009 vote, to become the first city in South America to stage Olympic Games.

Gryner, former Rio de Janeiro Governor Sergio Cabral and businessman Arthur César de Menezes Soares Filho were also convicted for collaborating to bribe IOC officials. Gryner was sentenced to 13 years and 10 months in jail for corruption and criminal organization.

Cabral, who has been in jail since 2016 for a series of corruption scandals, was sentenced to a further 10 years and eight months.

He had given the judge details of the bribery

conspiracy after reaching an agreement to disclose sensitive information on other cases.

Cabral told the judge that he, Nuzman, Soares and Gryner coordinated “to buy the votes” of the former president of the International Association of Athletics Federations, Lamine Diack, and his son, Papa Diack, and others.

The International Olympic Committee, which suspended Nuzman as an honorary member after his arrest in 2017, said its ethics commission would study the Brazilian judgment.

“It is in the highest interest of the IOC to get this situation clarified and to get justice done,” it said.

It said it had cooperated with authorities throughout the Nuzman case in Brazil and a separate judicial case in France involving the Diacks.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 28

Saturday November 27, 2021

Cummins named Australia Test captain as Paine takes break

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FP - Australia named paceman Pat Cummins as t h e i r Te s t captain and Steve Smith as deputy yesterday after a sexting scandal led Tim Paine to quit the post last week, just ahead of the Ashes.

On a dramatic day for Australian cricket, the Cummins appointment came hours after it was announced that former captain Paine will take a break from the sport, ruling him out of the home Ashes series against old rivals England.

Cummins becomes the 47th captain of the Australian men’s Test team while Smith returns to a key leadership role, having been forced to stand down as skipper for his part in the 2018 “Sandpaper-gate” balltampering scandal.

Cummins, 28, is the first fast bowler to lead Australia since 1956.

After Paine’s downfall for sending lewd text messages, Cummins knows

Pat Cummins is Australia’s new Test captain. (AFP/Aamir Qureshi)

that there will be intense scrutiny of his behaviour on and off the field, especially with the Ashes starting on December 8 in Brisbane.

“When it comes to moral character, I am my own harshest judge,” said Cummins, who takes on one of the highest-profile roles in Australia.

“I am not perfect and there will be things that pop

up, but as long as I can sleep at night, I am really comfortable with the rest of that.”

Cummins is one of the world’s premier bowlers.

His 34 Tests have yielded 164 wickets at 21.59, to go with 111 ODI scalps and 42 in T20s.

But he has little experience as a leader, despite being elevated to

vice-captain in 2019.

Cummins, who described himself as “excited rather than nervous”, said that he will be drawing heavily on the experience of controversial batter Smith, 32.

Smith will have “a bit more of an elevated vicecaptain role”, Cummins told reporters.

Smith acknowledged

that “there will be some negativity” surrounding his return to the leadership fold, but added: “I am a more rounded individual (than back in 2018) and in turn that’s turned me into a better leader”.

- Paine steps away E a r l i e r y e s t e r d a y, Cricket Tasmania said that the 36-year-old Paine would immediately leave all forms of the game for the “foreseeable future”.

T h e Ta s m a n i a n wicketkeeper quit as Test captain a week ago over the public revelation of an exchange of sexually graphic text messages with a female colleague in 2017.

His decision Friday to step out of the limelight altogether put an abrupt end to fierce debate in Australia over whether he should take part in the Ashes.

“Following discussions over the last 24 hours, Tim Paine has advised Cricket Tasmania that he will be taking a leave of absence from all forms of cricket for

the foreseeable future,” Cricket Tasmania said in a statement.

While stepping down as skipper, Paine said at the time he wanted to remain a “committed member” of the Australian Test side and was looking forward to facing England. There had been a groundswell of support in the Australian changing room for Paine to remain in the Ashes side.

Cummins and Smith said that he was very much in their thoughts.

“We really feel for him and his family,” said Cummins, widely regarded in Australia as an all-round nice guy with an excellent cricketing brain.

“He’s a well-loved and respected figure of our team.

We love him and hope to see him back in the team soon.”

Cummins is confident that the disruption and scandal of the past week will not affect the hosts’ preparations for the Ashes.

“We are really relaxed and confident,” he said.

Kaieteur News

Saturday November 27, 2021

PAGE 29

Boxers aiming for Podium spots Hussain’s memorial games set for LBI tomorrow as they go into action today Inspired by GBA’s Presidents promise

Ground Announcer Reyaz Hussain watch as Sean Devers interviews Shiv Chanderpaul for CMC Radio on his captain’s debut at Bourda.

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ll roads will lead to the LBI ground on the East Coast of Demerara tomorrow, Sunday, when the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association honours its former Vice President, the late Reyaz Hussain in what is expected to be two exciting T20 matches.

An anticipated large crowd of fully vaccinated fans in the stands will witness a galaxy of softball cricket stars colliding in the opening battle from 10:30AM, while a T20 Hardball game will also be contested.

While the Christmas season is usually filled with peace, love and joy, last year’s Christmas was far from this for the wife and two children of the late Reyaz Hussain and many in the cricket and entertainment

fraternity.

Hussain was just 50 when passed away on Christmas Eve last year at the Blatant Singh Hospital after complaining of feeling unwell.

Tomorrow at LBI, Ricky Deonarain, Mike’s Singh, Wayne Jones, Dharam Persaud, Ramesh Sunich, Richard Persaud, Kenrick Persaud, Rakesh Arjune.

Ramchand Ragbeer, Surendra Nauth, Jailall Deodass, Pethamber Maharaj and Anil Beharry are some of the big names involved on the local front in Softball cricket, while Victor Sunich, Terry Mathura and Marceil Arokium flew in from Canada.

In the first game, Floodlights will face-off with Wellman in what is anticipated to be riveting Softball encounter before Floodlights and Wellman

Combined go head to head against and LBI XI in the hardball match.

Both games will be contested for the Reyaz Hussein Memorial Trophy which has is sponsored by the Trophy Stall, Petama Enterprise and Lalta Gainda.

This venue is very appropriate since Reyaz officiated as the moderator at the opening ceremony of the LBI Floodlight facility.

Hussain was a member of Everest and GCC where he captained their second division team in the GCA competitions and hosted as morning TV programme on NTN TV. Hussein, the ground announcer at International cricket matches, served as vice-president of the GFSCA, and was also a member of the Covid-19 Task Force in Region Three.

(Sean Devers)

GRFU youth players in overseas tourney

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he current Executive of the Guyana Rugby Football Union, led by President Ryan Dey, is keen on developing the sport and its players.

It is against this backdrop that the GRFU has facilitated two of its young promising players, to play over the weekend in the New York Sevens tournament.

The players, Tyrese Prescod and Lionel Holder, are currently in the US preparing to play in the tournament. The team will be played under the name Elysium.

The GRFU sees the need to give the youth players more exposure in the lead up to the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Super Sevens in Mexico this February.

And, through some of the foreign players and other rugby enthusiasts, the development travel was made possible.

Meanwhile, the remaining squad is currently training under the watchful eyes of Sevens Head Coach, Theodore Henry, who is working to sharpen the skills of the team to be victorious at the next tournament.

By Sean Devers The trio of Youth boxers Travis Inverary, Patrick Harvey and Alesha Jackman along with Coach Terrence Poole arrived in Cali, Colombia to represent Guyana at the Junior Pan Am Games which began Thursday and concludes on December 5.

The boxers, among 22 athletes selected to represent Guyana at the Junior PanAm Games, which for the first time, due to covid-19 Pandemic, has been changed from U-19 to U-23, arrived in Cali Columbia on Tuesday.

While Boxing commenced on Thursday, no Guyanese participated on the opening day and after drawing a bye from the round of 16 the Guyanese are now in the round of eight and are ready to go into action today in the quarterfinal stage of one of the biggest multi-sport championships for junior Athletes in the Americas.

All three Pugilists are now just one win away from

being guaranteed a Medal.

Poole, the National and GDF Coach, disclosed that the trio are motivated by a promise made by GBA’s President and Guyana’s Director of Sports Steve Ninvalle that if they win medals they will be rewarded.

“They are really motivated, are thinking of winning…winning, having a Podium finish…maybe Gold, Silver, Bronze but all of them are anxious to be on the Podium and have the Guyana flag raised,” informed Poole.

According to the GBA’s Technical Director, the Boxing team is being accommodated at Hotel Guadalajara in Buga, Cali.

“The service and meals here is very good and conditions are very comfortable and everyone has settled in nicely.

We a r e d o i n g o u r training as normal…we have already completed the technical meeting and the draws have already been made and our three boxes

know when they have to compete,” said Coach Poole.

Coach Poole provided an update on when his charges will be in action and is satisfied with the preparation for this event in Colombia where the altitude is much higher than Guyana where the entire Coastland is below sea level.

“None of our boxers competed on the first day, our first bout will be today with Travis Inverary coming up against Colombian Yeferson Belalcazar in the 69kg division.

Also today, Aleshia Jackman, rated as the best female Junior Boxer in the Caribbean, battles Col0mbian Roxanne Briseno before Patrick Harvey fights William Adrian Ortiz of Puerto Rico in the 63kg division tomorrow in his opening bout.

I am very confident of them reaching the Podium which is one more win away,” the experienced Poole posited.

Southee (right) picked up a 13th five-wicket haul in Test cricket and has taken 319 wickets in 80 matches.

(BCCI)

India v New Zealand: Tim Southee takes 5-69 and openers hit half-centuries as tourists fight back BBC Sport - Seamer Tim Southee took 569 and openers Will Young and Tom Latham hit unbeaten half-centuries as New Zealand fought back on day two of the first Test against India in Kanpur.

India started the day on 258-4 but were all out for 345 after lunch.

Shreyas Iyer scored a century on Test debut for the hosts before he was dismissed for 105 by Southee.

In reply, Young scored 75 not out and Latham reached 50 as the tourists ended the day on 129-0, trailing by 216 runs.

Southee - who left the field on day one with a groin strain - picked up four wickets in the morning session, with spinner Ajaz Patel

taking the final two India wickets.

Kiwi opener Latham was twice given out lbw to spinners Umesh Yadav and then Ravindra Jadeja, but successfully reviewed the on-field decision with replays showing an inside edge on both occasions.

India are without Virat Kohli, who has been rested for the match, with Ajinkya Rahane leading the side in his absence.

Kohli is expected to return for the second Test, while Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami have been rested for the three-match series.

India completed a 3-0 clean sweep of the Twenty20 series between the two sides on Monday.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Saturday November 27, 2021

Australia ex-captain Paine leaves cricket for ‘foreseeable future’

Newly elected executives of the UCCA pose with delegates attending the AGM at the Skeldon Center.

Ten Upper Corentyne cricketers receives Patron Educational grants as Dennis D’Andrade re-elected unopposed

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Tim Paine quit as Test captain a week ago over the revelation of an exchange of allegedly sexually graphic text messages with a female colleague in 2017.

(AFP/Patrick Hamilton)

AFP - Australia’s Tim Paine will quit all forms of cricket for the “foreseeable future”, Cricket Tasmania said yesterday, after a sexting scandal led him to resign as Test captain.

His decision put an abrupt end to debate in Australia over whether he should take part in the Ashes, with the first Test against England opening in Brisbane on December 8.

“Following discussions over the last 24 hours, Tim Paine has advised Cricket Tasmania that he will be taking a leave of absence from all forms of cricket for the foreseeable future,” it said in a statement.

The Tasmanian keeper quit as Test captain a week ago over the public revelation of an exchange of allegedly sexually graphic text messages with a female colleague in 2017.

But while stepping down as skipper, Paine said at the time he wanted to remain a “committed member” of the Australian Test side and was looking forward to the Ashes tour.

And there had been a groundswell of support to

keep him in the team for the opening clash in Brisbane.

A u s t r a l i a ’s o p e n e r Marcus Harris said only on Wednesday that Paine had the full support of the Australian team and deserved to keep his place for the first Test.

A five-person panel will decide on the new Test captain, with Pat Cummins and Steve Smith seen as the frontrunners.

The panel reportedly will not include coach Justin Langer, who has been told to focus on preparing the team.

Instead, the job will fall to selectors George Bailey and Tony Dodemaide, Cricket Australia board member Mel Jones, chief executive Nick Hockley and chairman Richard Freudenstein.

Paine took over as captain in March 2018 in the wake of the “Sandpapergate” scandal that rocked Australian cricket.

Then-captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner were forced to step down for their roles in trying to alter the condition of the ball during a Cape Town Test against South Africa.

ong serving c r i c k e t administrator Dennis D’Andrade was on We d n e s d a y r e - e l e c t e d President of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association when the association held its biennial elections at the Skeldon Community Center Ground.

D’Andrade and his entire slate was re-elected on a vote of 19 to 0 as clubs in the area rewarded for the outstanding work they are doing in the largest sub-association in the county of Berbice.

Others elected were former national player Sydney Jackman as Vice President, Reeaz Hakim as S e c r e t a r y, Vi c t o r Thakurdeen as Treasurer, while Lawrence Mentis would serve as the Asst Secretary/Treasurer.

The newly elected President committed his executives to continuing the outstanding work that they are doing and stated that they

would hit the ground running with three new cricket tournaments in the next few weeks and the hosting of several developmental programmes including a social skills seminar and mini academy.

He hailed the outstanding cooperation of Berbice Cricket Board President Hilbert Foster who has visited the area, a total of one hundred and seven times on cricket related matters since his election to the position almost four years ago.

Vice President Jackman had earlier provided a comprehensive report to the clubs on the outstanding work of the association with special emphasis on several tournaments played, assistance received from the BCB, developmental programmes and sponsorships obtained in an aggressive marketing drive.

Like the President, Jackman hailed the hard work of Foster in making

The ten cricketers pose with executives of the UCCA after receiving their educational grants.

sure that cricket in the Upper Corentyne area was always on the move and stated that in his entire involvement in the game for over sixty years, he has never seen a more progressive leader who was passionate about the development of the game and players.

The elections were done in the presence of Cricket Ombudsman Malcolm Peters who verified the clubs present before the AGM and elections.

Meanwhile, ten youth cricketers from the area received educational grants totally one hundred thousand dollars from the BCB under its Patron Trust Fund.

Those receiving the grants were Trevon Sukhu, Gibeon Yacoob, Alameen Khan, Keshan Khan, Venus James, Gobin Doodnauth, Charran Singh, Jermiah Joseph, Abbas Khan and Orlando Joseph.

Foster congratulated the youths on been selected to

receive the grant and spoke on the importance of education as a key factor in creating a successful cricketing career.

Hundreds of youths over the last four years have benefitted from a massive investment in education by his board.

Foster stated and announced that more emphasis would be placed on making sure that all Berbice cricketers complete their educational careers. He praised the cooperation of B C B P a t r o n Vi c k r a m Bharrat who is sponsoring the educational grants along with the hosting of social skills seminars across the county for youth cricketers.

UCCA President Dennis D’Andrade expressed thanks to the BCB for investing heavily into the education of players in the area and noted that the association would continue to follow the progress made by the players in their respective schools.

Saturday November 27, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 31

Johnson, Nandu shine in GCF represented well at Rising Stars U-19 match Jamaican Online Open

Matthew Nandu (left) and Jordan Johnson.

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amaican Jordan Johnson and Guyanese Matthew Nandu turned in commendable performances with the bat as Team Auguste defeated Team DePeiza by eight wickets in the third West Indies Rising Stars Under-19 warm-up game on Thursday at the Coolidge Cricket ground in Antigua.

Set a target of 240, Team Auguste achieved victory in just 40.3 overs. Johnson and Nandu came together with the score on 56-2 and

dominated their opposition as they added an unbeaten 184.

Jordan struck 13 fours and one six in a top score of 111 from 104 balls, while Nandu slammed eight fours in scoring 86 off 98 balls.

Earlier, Team DePeiza managed 239 all out in 49.3 overs. Opener Shaq Parris made 60 off 84 with seven fours while Kevin Wickham scored 55 off 71 including four fours and one six.

Giovonte DePeiza was also among the runs, scoring

49 off 50 balls with one four and four sixes. Bowling for Team Auguste, Nathan Edwards took 3-45, Nandu 2-34 and Vasant Singh 2-47.

Team DePeiza won the first and second games by six and two wickets respectively.

The West Indies Rising Stars Under-19s are preparing for the ICC Under19 Cricket World Cup which will be hosted by Cricket West Indies in the Caribbean from January 4 to February 3, 2022.

The Guyana Chess Federation had eleven (11) talented chess players competing last Sunday in the Jamaica Online Open Tournament.

The open chess championship was contested by a total of 124 players from across the Caribbean in the various categories.

In each category, six (6) rounds of matches were played on the Tornelo.com chess platform and the best finish for Guyana from the females was Pooja Lam from Saraswati Vidya Niketan, who placed third in the U1300 category with five (5) points.

She has starred on the local scene in numerous online tournaments this year including the FIDE Youth World Cup. Lam was followed closely by Guyana’s Naomi Barkoye in fourth with four wins and one draw.

M a l i h a R a j k u m a r, Aniyah Couchman and Naila Rahaman finished 8th, 11th and 12th respectively after six (6) rounds.

On the boys’ side, Kishan Puran placed third with four wins and two draws from six

Pooja Lam

games. He drew his final game against the eventual winner of the U1300 absolute category; Jamaican Ajay Tennant.

Kyle Couchman, Arysh Raghunauth, Mahir Rajkumar and Xavier Pratt placed 16th, 30th, 38th and 51st respectively.

Junior blitz champion

2020, Keron Sandiford of St. Stanislaus College, was the lone competitor in the U1600 category. He finished 28th after defeating half of his opponents.

The players will now turn their attention this weekend’s mmg+ online rapid tournaments that begins today from 14:00hrs.