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Kaieteur News
Monday November 01, 2021
Kaieteur News
Monday November 01, 2021
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Chinese firms tendering for Amaila Falls Project were blacklisted for procurement fraud
T
he three Chineseo w n e d companies bidding for the 165 megawatt (MW) Amaila Falls Hydropower Project were once blacklisted by the World Bank over fraudulent procurement practices. The companies: China Rail-way Group Limited, Sinohydro Corporation Limited and China Gezhouba Group Company along with Brazilian-owned Rialma S.A (Groupo Rialma) submitted Request
For Proposals (RFPs) in early October to the Ministry of Natural Resources at the opening of tenders for the resuscitation of the project which is slated to begin sometime next year. Checks conducted by this publication found that China Railway which the PPP/C government had intended years ago to develop this project was in 2019 debarred by the World Bank for practices considered fraudulent on a highway project in the
country of Georgia. China Railway was established in 1950 and is a subsidiary of China Railway Engineering Group (CREG). The company had bid before, years back for this same project but a Norwegian Ethics Council had raised questions about the involvement of the Chinese firm in a significant corruption case. Another company too which had its own cases of corruption in the past, is that of Sinohydro Corporation.
Region Four farmers benefit from Govt.’s flood-relief grant
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha handing over a flood-relief cheque to a farmer from Cane Grove. The Government of Guyana remains steadfast in its efforts to ensure those who were affected by this year’s extended May-June rainy period receive some form of assistance as was promised by His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Over the weekend, persons residing in Region Four, most of whom are farmers, were the latest to benefit from the $7.6 billion government-funded relief initiative. Government ministers spearheaded distribution exercises along the East Coast and East Bank of Demarara and other parts of the region engaging farmers and other persons whose crops, livestock, and household appliances were damaged when their farms and homes became inundated by floodwaters. Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha spearheaded the exercise in Cane Grove and Lancaster and while offering remarks at Cane Grove, he reiterated
the fact that everyone entitled will receive assistance from the government. “The list that was prepared and submitted by our extension officers and regional officials had 318 persons listed to receive flood relief at this location. We may not have captured everyone. There might be people who are here today who suffered losses but their names are not on the list. Rest assured, as long as you suffered losses, you will receive flood relief from the government. Ahead of today’s exercise, I also instructed our officers to post the lists at every distribution site so that people can see who are the persons that will receive today. We are doing this because we want to ensure the lists are transparent and acceptable,” Minister Mustapha said. He also told cattle farmers that the Ministry, through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the
Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) will soon commence works in the area to provide pastures for them to graze their cattle. These works, he said, are expected to commence within the coming weeks. Farmers at both locations expressed gratitude to the President and the government for the grant. It should be noted that Region Four recorded the lowest instances of flooding as floodwaters from the backlands were quickly drained into the Atlantic ocean through the Hope Canal, a structure that came under heavy criticism by the Opposition while the then PPP government ventured to establish the structure following the 2005 floods. Crediting the role of the structure in averting extensive flooding in the region, President Ali had announced that the government intends to establish similar structures in vulnerable areas across the country.
An artist’s impression of the proposed Amaila Falls hydropower facility.
Kaieteur News found that this company was not only blacklisted by the World Bank but it was also flagged by the African Development Bank. Sinohydro had engaged in a fraudulent practice by bidding for works contracts in an African Development Bank financed Road Sector Support Project in Uganda. According to research, in 2013, the company was said to have participated in a tender for works in Uganda. Investigations carried out by the Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption found
Sinohydro misrepresented its prior project experience by using not yet successfully and substantially completed contracts as references. A family in Uganda had sued its government and Sinohydro in 2015 for unlawfully crushing its rock into aggregate and using it to construct Karuma hydroelectric power dam without compensation. As for Geiz-houba Group, which is also bidding for the project, was blacklisted in 2015 by the World Bank for misconduct involving three of the Bank’s
financed project in the People’s Republic of China. There, the company was debarred for a period of 18 months. This company is also vying to construct the New Demerara Harbour Bridge. The Amaila project, which was proposed years ago was stalled in 2013 after the Opposition controlled National Assembly refused to pass key environmental legislation required by the I n t e r- A m e r i c a n Development Bank (IDB) to approve part of the requested financing.
Persons must now be fully vaccinated to enter country, public buildings – Official Gazette In the recently issued COVID-19 Emergency measures published in the Official Gazette which will go into effect from today, persons travelling to Guyana and those entering public buildings must now be “fully vaccinated”. As defined in the updated measures for this month, a person is only considered to be fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving an approved single-dose vaccine, the second dose of an approved two-dose vaccine, or any mix and match combination of approved vaccines administered at least 17 days apart. In previous orders, a person was considered vaccinated if they took a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. According to the Gazetted orders, a “public building” means any building in which the public has lawful access to and this includes both publicly and privately owned entities including all institutions of learning. The government orders stipulates that a person who received one dose of a COVID19 vaccine or is unvaccinated, and wishes to enter a public building, they should make an
appointment and present a negative PCR test which was taken within seven days of their appointment before they are allowed in. This requirement however, does not apply to persons wishing to access any healthcare services at any medical institutions. As it relates to entry into the country by land or sea, the new measures indicate that before anyone is allowed in, they must present to the relevant authorities a negative PCR test or approved antigen test taken within 72 hours of the date of their arrival and show proof of fully vaccination. Travelling by air, it is required that persons comply with any port health measures issued by the Ministry of Health or any measures released from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority. Following this, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in a notice said that with effect from November 1, persons requiring entry into the country must provide proof of being fully vaccinated and present a negative PCR or antigen test taken with 72 hours of their arrival.
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Kaieteur News
Monday November 01, 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
Higher up There is a new two-word phrase making the rounds in Guyana nowadays. It is so simple as to be understand by each and every Guyanese. The phrase is ‘higher up’ and it is loaded with meaning, most of them not positive. Because when those two words are used in Guyana, they refer to what is going on, if not flourishing, at powerful political levels in this country. Higher up is what suspends, stalls, and stonewalls one Government Ministry and State Agency after another. It is the waiting and not knowing what is going to come down from above, and when things do come down, there is what can only be described as the jaw dropping and the unbelievable, because they are so shrouded in secrecy, so divorced from what makes sense, for what should be, but what is not, for some mysterious reason or another. It should come as no surprise to watchful and knowing Guyanese, that money is involved. Usually, what comes down from higher up, after the long waiting (by itself suspicious), is about the awards related to big projects in either the hundreds of millions of dollars, or on occasion, billions of local dollars. From higher up is delivered the same old shabby and rancid story about contract awards, and those names that are known for expertise in one thing only; that would be the right connections to the right people wielding power in the right places. That is the best, and most proper, definition of higher up in Guyana’s political society. Higher up is bigger than General Managers of State entities, Permanent Secretaries in Government Ministries, Commissioners, and Boards of Directors. Higher up resides above and reigns supreme over the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board. More frequently than not, higher up is senior to, and larger than, Ministers and Cabinet members working hard and honestly to fulfill the many-tiered obligations of their respective portfolios. By process of elimination, the lament of ‘higher up’ then terminates in the body of one or two, but no more than three powerful political figures, who hold all the cards, have the only say, and are the only ones to make the decisions that matter. By default, ‘higher up’ encircles the small handful that speak about clean governance and associated transparencies, about the ideals of democracy, then only to have those ideals neutralised by shoddy leadership practices on the ground. Sometimes, it is not even about big projects and big money [in the many millions]. Rather, it is about who should not get and, therefore, should be blocked, most inexplicably because they qualify ahead of others. And on the other side of such political leadership perversities, who should be favoured, because this was what was decided, and thus what should be with the usual sorry end of these ongoing shady stories. This business about the decision-making power of substance residing ‘higher up’ is not what Kaieteur News is putting on the table before the public. Instead, it is from those public servants who live with it, with the chorus of cries growing louder and broader by the day. Their official life, no matter how senior, has been reduced to the absurdity and impotency of no questions are to be asked, no pushback will be accommodated, and it had better be just moving along and following the unfathomable directives. We understand that some national undertakings are so expensive, so sensitive, that they belong in the highest tiers of study and analysis and decision-making in this country. We agree with that, and support that fully. But it can’t be for just about everything that is material, including some which are not. This renders senior professionals, boards, even Cabinet Ministers as rubberstamps, and embarrasses them relative to what should be the extent of their duties and powers. Notwithstanding, this is what passes for governance in Guyana, with a sheen of procedure and ongoing shrugs of shoulders. It is just the way it is, and nobody is willing to go against the powers and reach of leaders, who call all the shots, make the decisions, down to names and projects and programmes. ‘Higher up’ is of bigger ones, one or two only.
Guidance should come from the best Dear Editor, The position that the current administration has taken on Ghana is of concern. At best, the Ghanaians are a case study of what not to do. Beyond such an evaluation of their projects in the oil & gas sector we as a Nation should not depend on them for guidance. Instead, we should be leveraging our relationships with the nations that have been the most successful in the Sector over the long term. Their experience dwarf’s that of
Ghana. By working with Ghana on the proposed gasto-shore project, we will also be placing ourselves at a disadvantage by depending on partners who have suffered from corruption and poor fiscal management of their sector. If the saying “birds of a feather flock together” holds true, then our nation should instead be seeking successful partners to guide our economic development. A number of nations have found themselves with
excess gas after undertaking these expensive projects, and there is a supply distribution problem in the liquified natural gas market. Having a mobile option, which allows for the exportation and sale of our natural gas is a step in the correct direction when preparing to invest in such an economic undertaking. The local and international market demand and supply forecast needs to be a key driver in the decision-making. This unfortunately has been the downfall of several countries
new to the sector. Corruption and greed have prevented good decisions from being made in the best interest of country. We as a Nation must avoid making those mistakes as we develop and remember to put the wellbeing of our Country and our Citizens as the most important consideration in our decision-making process. Best regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana
Will the AFC leaders act on their conscience too? Dear Editor, The recent document titled “Review of the AFC and the way Forward” renders that party unfit for any credible role or contribution in Guyana’s political establishment. My question is when did the AFC players discover the points listed in that party document? It surely could not have been when they were in opposition. Why did it take them all this time to identify, study and articulate their obvious failed leadership in the five years during the coalition government? The answer is simple; they were so enamoured with the trappings and perks of office, that with selfish arrogance, they failed to live up to their mandate of being an ingredient of balance and credibility in Guyana’s politics. I am convinced that this recent ‘confession of the soul’ by the AFC’s leadership is simply an opportunity to get the embrace of the population to regain some element of state power. All and sundry know that a
political party has the best opportunity to build its organisational strength and capacity when in government. Now the AFC was in government for five years, and now when it is in opposition, it sees the need to strengthen itself. The document says, “One of the immediate strategies must be holding a series of political seminars in all regions on the policies, programmes and positions of the party for its members who do not necessarily know what ‘politics’ entails.” Why did the party not do this level of introspection during its time in government? It is clear that they only need supporters when they are in opposition. To quote further, the document says, “AFC members must deal with political issues and eschew the petty personality differences, which always lead to division, the decline in membership and activities, reputational damage and impair the chances of political success.” Again, when did the leadership realise that their nasty personal
ambitions were hurting the image of the party? The most laughable part of the document is where the party recognises that it needs to train youths in writing business proposals, and teaching them to access small grants for business and professional enterprises. It is for this statement alone that the Guyanese people should confine the AFC to the ash heap of history. This party controlled the Ministry of BUSINESS for five years in the coalition government. Why did they not think of this level of support for the young people at this time? To recognise the need to support young people in business only when you are struggling for political survival and relevance, is pathetic. The AFC needs to point to its behaviour in government, and how well it represented its constituents. The consequences of these actions and inactions of that party has banished them to the political wilderness. Sadly, for the party, the ‘Charandass issue’ will never
be put to rest, but will haunt the party for years to come. Charandass was simply the representative voice of the people on the sugar belt who supported the AFC, then felt the sting of their subsequent deception. Let the party leaders begin by asking Charandass to tell them why he voted to bring down the coalition government. They wouldn’t, because they know the reasons all too well, and they know it is true. It was as a result of this that in the Local Government election, the AFC was whipped even in the hometown of Prime Minister Nagamootoo. What introspection and honest reflection did the party do after this clear message from the people who supported them in 2011 and 2015? The issue is not a ‘Charandass issue’, it is the nature of the party and its behaviour in the coalition government that caused Charandass to act on his conscience. Will the AFC leaders do the same? Yours truly, Jerrick Rutherford
Thinking of throwing my hat in the GECOM ring Dear Editor, Given the credibility of some of the candidates for CEO of GECOM, I am thinking of running. I say unambiguously: not one of them could compete in the much-needed truth and ethical departments. Here is where I stand on how this position should operate, using my own measuring rods, worldviews, and appreciations for the requirements of the most demanding seasonal job in Guyana. The field of local names are not up to scratch but already I can see how the race shapes up, who will be part of the short-listing charade, and which one will be chosen. If I had a vote, it would be for a foreigner, since locals can’t separate themselves from our politics, and the wily machinations of
leaders. For my part, I would run the organisation like it has never been run before. I would not take any calls; especially from PPP and PNC leaders (or their dirty tricks operators). The same goes for foreigners, which everyone should know who I mean. I mean business, and this is how this place will function, and no fooling around. People playing around with documents or systems would be summarily dismissed. Officials who can’t count, and/or fail eye tests, viz, differentiating between a SoP and a POW, and the rest are out on their behinds. And if the commissioners try their usual fancy footwork and fast ones, then the fight will be taken to them, and embarrass their sorry, ahem, posteriors. In my mind, the CEO of
GECOM should answer to no one. Only to God, and his conscience. We will deal with the courts later, and the howls from whomever, whenever. In true PPP and PNC fashion, there would be an Iron Curtain of silence. And if that doesn’t work, there is always that specific finger right in the kisser. Editor, this job has to be dealt with in a no-nonsense, hardnosed, bare-knuckle approach with not a single bow to political correctness. The media will be met with and managed on terms that work one way only: The Frank Sinatra one. The outraged always have social media, and other rum shops to vent their vehemence. The holder of the position, if he or she has the guts and other anatomical attributes, has to deal straight, speak
straight, and live straight. I know this is alien to the Guyanese mentality and practice, but that is what it must be. For, as I think of the names heard, I am reminded of those condemned last year. Same clothes, same mindsets - how to finesse matters, so that the people who placed them there, triumph; the only difference today are the faces, and the cover stories: well-rehearsed, well-presented. Don’t be fooled, these fellows are closet manipulators. As should be obvious by now, I have scant regard for most Guyanese. I start at Freedom House, move to Congress Place, and close at GECOM. It’s why I say: give it to the foreigners. Get rid of the Guyanese. Sincerely, GHK Lall
Monday November 01, 2021
Kaieteur News
Religion and Politics Dear Editor, Shamshun Mohamed’s letter of Oct. 30 raises two issues: one is on target; the other is off. He generally writes succinctly and well. Indians are not averse to Muslim cricketers saying namaz on field and are not asking them to apologise for this. It was Harsha Bogle who
asked Waqar Younis, a former Pakistani legend to apologise for his insensitive comments, and he did soon after. Not only Kashmiris, but other Indians, have been charged for expressing support for the Pakistani win. Such laws seem archaic and not conducive to national healing. But Imran Khan seeing
cricket against India as jihad and Shahid Afridi breaking the tv on which his daughter just witnessed a Hindu ritual are in a different league. I hope West Indians are not celled for cheering for other teams. But we know that can never happen in the Caribbean. Give thanks. P. Lall
Effectively no curfew in place Dear Editor, Let me say up front, I do not agree with the new curfew hours. Here it is the pandemic is spiralling and numbers rising but instead of putting stricter curfew measures in place, what we have is effectively no curfew in place, with just a
four-hour period. Really! Added to this bars and restaurants can now open until 23:00 h o u r s , b u t persons wishing to access public buildings must be fully vaccinated, with stipulations as to what constitutes a fully vaccinated person.
So, on one hand, national curfew is contracted, bars and restaurants have extended opening hours but to access public buildings has stipulations attached. It has to be wondered will these new measures aid in curtailing the spiralling virus? Shamshun Mohamed
A government of national unity must ensure that all are treated with respect and dignity Dear Editor, Poor race relations lie not in the Guyana Constitution but in the hearts and minds of those who lack appreciation for cultural and ethnic diversity. In our political space, it is the absence of political will. Some seek political mileage and cover for their racial intolerance by trying to convince others that the racial problem in Guyana lies in the Constitution. They must take the moth out of their eyes. Inherent in the said constitution are basic rights inspired from United Nations Declarations, International Labour Organisation Conventions, amongst other internationally acceptable principles. Guyana’s social, economic and political problems are not the function of the Constitution. A constitution comprises declarations, which are statements of intent that require the concomitant laws to be developed to make sure the intent is realised. This is where the absence of political will exists - in the legislature, executive, amongst some leaders of civil society and in the trade unions. The ease to speak about the problems in society equals the ease in ignoring the supreme law that could set about addressing the problems that ail society. The Constitution allows for conversations on race and minimising racism through institutions and actions. To
ignore specific declarations such as Article 13, Article 149 C, the constitutional commissions and agencies that address issues of fundamental rights and inclusion is to the nation’s peril. The Human Rights Commission is yet to be activated. The Ethnic Relations Commission has been hindered from functioning consistent with the spirit and intent that realised its inclusion in the Constitution. Article 13, which speaks to establishing a political system built on inclusionary democracy, is yet to realise any legislation. The devolution of power to the regional and local government organs, consistent with the Constitution has seen no significant movement, has not moved beyond a Bill, which was brought to the National Assembly during the Desmond Hoyte administration but never got out of the parliamentary select committee. Every day foreign nationals are coming to our shores to seek to exploit the opportunities from our natural resources. Since oil and gas, many have become carpetbaggers, and are being enticed by the Government with huge tax concessions and prime pieces of land, whilst the working poor continue to shoulder the nation’s tax burdens and
many wait donkey years to get a 50 x 100 feet house lot in some underdeveloped area. Bharrat Jagdeo recently announced there will be the importing of labour to fill jobs in oil and gas. The audacity. This nation had five years to get prepared but was instead held hostage to political immaturity. Voices of yours truly, the Guyana Trades Union Congress, and others calling for a national approach, that would be inclusive of all stakeholders in society, to prepare Guyanese properly to engage productively in the industry fell on deaf ears. There is no reason why from 2015 to now, Guyana could not have produced a significant number of artisans and semi-skilled workers to meet the new job demands. Enough time is not being spent to put this nation and the people’s interest first. The masses, knowingly or unknowingly, have become pawns in the divisive politics and greed propagated by a few. If we don’t get our act together, sooner rather than later, many Guyanese will become second class citizens in their homeland, employed in low paying jobs, or either underemployed or unemployed. Guyana is facing a political crisis of epic proportion. Guyanese are being burdened with leaders who lack vision and could (Continued on page 6)
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Desperate plea from residents of Uniform, Leguan, to Minister Juan Edghill Dear Editor, The vulnerable residents of Uniform, Leguan, have been experiencing undue calamity brought on, by non-resident sea defence contractor and rice farmer machinery traversing our roads. The sea defence contractor drives his machinery on average two return trips weekly, at high speed from King’s Garden to Clairmont Beach, without the use of a flatbed hauler. This results in tremendous shaking/vibration of the homes next to the roads, which were not designed to withstand earthquake-like conditions. Some of these homes were built in the 1950, 60s and 70s. Residents are furious, because their homes are being destroyed, and could collapse from the constant earthquake-like condition created by each trip of the heavyduty machinery. Question for the contractor: would you drive your machinery on the road in front of your home up and down like a rental car? It is incomprehensible that the Guyana Government has taken hundreds of millions in loan from the IMF to repair/build Sea Defence at King’s Garden, and less than a mile along the same Sea Defence at Clairmont, they have the same contractor removing thousands of tons of beach sand, which forms the only sea defence from the Atlantic Ocean. Residents are not allowed to take an ounce of sand from the same beach. Also, a rice farmer, who is not a resident of Uniform, has destroyed Uniform Road to King’s Garden. This is a residential road and because of this farmer’s inconsiderate and
contemptuous actions, these roads are impassable, unless you drive a tractor like his. My granddaughter fell in the mud many times, while going to the Richmond Hill Primary School. Many days, she was unsuccessful getting out of the muddy river, created by this non-resident farmer. Would this rice farmer put his siblings in a similar situation? Why should a student miss class because she can’t use the only road to her school in 2021? This matter was brought to the attention of Guyana’s President when he visited for the announcement of the crematorium; also, the District Council Chairman, and Councillors many times during 2021; to date, the residents have not had any help from anyone. This contractor and rice farmer are not only destroying our homes, but also our roads, which the Guyanese Government has borrowed funds from the IMF to build. Large amounts of mud are also deposited on the roads, which creates a driving hazard and becomes a dust storm when it dries. Residents have waited for too long for quality of roads, now to have them destroyed by nonresidents, simply put, this is eye-pass. We are calling desperately and urgently, on the Honourable Minister of Public Works – Bishop Juan Edghill to intervene immediately in the matters in this article. Deliver on your promise to hold these contractors and owners of machinery, who destroy our roads and properties, accountable for damages and prosecute via appropriate laws. Also, remove from current and future Guyanese public contracts. Sincerest thanks, Residents of Uniform Leguan
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Kaieteur News
Monday November 01, 2021
Are we contradicting and sabotaging Kaepernick’s principle for Kneeling by attempting to force de Kock to make the same gesture in solidarity? Dear Editor, I am saddened by the recent events at the ICC T20 World Cup that left Brother Quinton de Kock out of the South African cricket team playing 11 versus the West Indies owing to his objection to forced solidarity. The same supposed moral stance that galvanised many of us (myself included) to stand by Brother Colin Kaepernick’s right to kneel, should have caused us to also support brother de Kock’s right to stand. Yet it did not. It appears that the very ideology of oppression being fought against has won again. The ritual of kneeling as a cultural form of protest was reintroduced by Brother Kaepernick’s decision in 2016 to sit during the pre-game national anthem that is customarily played before NFL games. Kaepernick received a mixture of criticism and supportive feedback. Later, he started to kneel—a decision largely influenced by retired Army Green Beret, Nate Boyer. Boyer explained in an NPR interview that he found Kaepernick kneeling for the anthem very upsetting, and he penned an open letter detailing his disagreement with the protest. Brother Kaepernick reached out to him and he convinced him that kneeling was a more respectful option. Brother Kaepernick continued to kneel until he was forced out of the game. Brother Kaepernick ignited a movement that reached a crescendo with the death of brother George Floyd (may God rest his soul). A wave of global protests started in the United States
of America, giving increased visibility to issues of racism and structural violence. The protests moved institutions like banks, telecommunication companies, mega garment companies and universities to publicly acknowledge that something was fundamentally wrong. I am still unconvinced that many of them really care. From me, it is the same old trick of taking the temperature to do what is best for business. Be that as it may, we can (if we want to) take that as somewhat of a moral victory. One must remember, however, that Brother Kaepernick is still not able to play the game he dedicated his life to —a game he is very good at. Had he not had the courage to exercise what he believed was a right to dissent, he would have still been in the NFL. The message was resounding: if you show dissent, we will put you to your place. It is from that standpoint that oppression won. Note, there are two issues at play here. The first is the very real issue of racism, inequality, inequity or to be more directly pertinent to Brother Kaepernick’s cause, police brutality against people of colour in the US. As a society, we need to continue to wrestle with correcting inequalities and inequities by working hard to provide meaningful opportunities, and an environment that allows any conscientious person, regardless of colour, gender, sex, religion, inter alia, a real chance at favourable outcomes. The other issue is that of ‘reasonable freedom of expression’. Some may see that issue as secondary but I
do not. I believe it is just as important, and the outcry for brother Kaepernick to be let back into the NFL is evidence that many other people share my view. Since I was, and am in the camp that supported brother Kaepernick on both moral principles, I feel compelled to support brother de Kock on the principle of ‘reasonable freedom of expression’, even if I disagree with him on matters of race (something that I cannot say definitively because I do not know his position on the matter). This letter is not about whether I agree with brother de Kock; it is premised on a commitment to constancy. Professor Cornel West would quote or paraphrase Jane Austin on the consistency of principle, and a willingness to exercise parrhesia to promote constancy—even when it is against your side. I daresay, one should, in fact, do this especially when it is against your side. In the Caribbean or at least in my homeland Guyana, there is an old adage that says charity begins at home which means I have to promote the virtue of constancy first, on an intrapersonal level then on an interpersonal level starting among my tribe. It is hard to do so. It can be personally and professionally costly to do so. Yet, it must be done so I will do it. I will push back against my ‘tribe’ in defence of my brother Quinton de Kock’s right to ‘reasonable freedom of expression’. Indulge me as we try to see things from his point of view. Imagine that you were born in 1992 and all you dreamt of was becoming a
A government of national unity must ensure that all are treated with respect and dignity From page 5 only see development through a process of marginalising persons, discriminating against groups, and using the resources of the state as handouts to family, friends, supporters, and cohorts. I reiterate, the Guyana Constitution is not our problem. Nobody has gone through this constitution and pointed us to where any of the declarations enshrined within excludes or militates against the right of any racial group or individual, prevent the participation of any ethnic group, or shut out persons from involvement in the management and decisionmaking processes of the State that impact their wellbeing. It is time to admit the dysfunction, mistrust, divisive and rapacious governing lies not in the Constitution but in the absence of political will, to be good to those who are seen as threats or who are perceived to be
different looking. It lies in the quest for power to dominate, to control and to deny. It is mean spirited and rooted in supremacists’ belief systems cultivated from young, in the homes, religious institutions and various enclaves. Those who are historically victims of racism and ethnic supremacy are too busy trying to be treated fairly though defensive racism is real and has also played a part in how we treat each other. The Constitution is not our problem. Shared government, government of national unity, inclusive government or whatever we want to call the type of government that gives every group a seat at the table, requires all be treated with respect and dignity, is already enshrined in the Constitution. We the people must advocate for same and hold the political operatives responsible for making it realisable. Lincoln Lewis
cricketer at the highest level. Your dreams of representing your country were frequent, and beautiful. The understanding was that you need to work hard and dedicate your energy to honing your craft. You have little to no interest in politics. You do care about humanity and have your own process for expressing that. You were able to observe the culture around the international game and learned that there are certain rituals that are connected to being involved in a team sport or representing your country. However, taking a knee to show solidarity with a cause that you may or may not quite understand or agree with was not on your mind. Or, even if you agree with the cause in principle you may disagree with the method which was not one of the rituals. Now this idea is just foisted upon you and you are given options as to what you are allowed to do to show solidarity. None of those options being what you and all your teammates have always done. The above may represent the case of Brother Quinton de Kock in an oversimplified manner. I felt compelled to write this piece for the same reason I supported Kaepernick’s right to take a knee. Actually, one can make the case that on the matter of ‘reasonable freedom of expression’ de Kock was treated more unfairly than Kaepernick from the standpoint of norms and expectations since standing on the field for the national anthem preceded Brother Kaepernick’s entry to the NFL and he participated in the ritual for half a decade before he decided to protest. However, I believe in both gentlemen’s right to take their individual non-harmful actions for their individual reasons. What is happening to brother de Kock is not a good omen for our society. It is human to be emotional but it appears that when we allow emotion to control our thoughts and actions it causes great harm to our
society in the long run. When less than civil rights for black people was the dominant ideology of the day, voices against racism were deprived of the right of ‘reasonable freedom of expression’ by many ideological conservatives, traditionalists, and racists. People were beaten, arrested, had their livelihoods taken, and some were even killed. It is important we remember that struggle was not only about race. It was and should continue to be about human dignity and human rights. It is not ideal, nor sensible to abandon our support for ‘reasonable freedom of expression’ because it is inconvenient to our present cause. Now is the time to prove our commitment to our principles. We cannot afford to allow our emotional connection to what could be a possible transient performative gesture to overshadow what is an existential commitment to the important fight for the liberating tool of ‘reasonable freedom of expression’. We need to strive to attain the virtue of constancy. We cannot be in favour of a principle when we agree with the cause, only to abandon the principle when we do not. That violates the test of the notion of having a principled position. We need to embrace the Platonic notion of properly ordering the human soul to ensure that the rational is at the helm since lingering in the realm of emotions for too long could be dangerous, especially for Black people. We have to stay sharp and not be distracted by the market driven ephemeral support for our movement. For people skilled in the art of argument, prolonged lingering in the emotional realm can be more dangerous. Actors of this ilk possess the ability to make rational arguments from emotional premises, often contradicting the principle on which the emotion was founded. If as a matter of principle, we disagree with oppression and/or, we agree with
‘reasonable freedom of expression’ we should fight for our enemy’s right to express their opinion. Even when we believe that opinion to be wrong. As a flawed, social actor myself, I do not intend to admonish anyone. I certainly do not believe that I have a monopoly on neither moral righteousness, moral principles nor the virtue of constancy. I am just trying to connect with my respectful and ethical minds as Howard Gardner would put it. I do not know brother de Kock, personally. I cannot definitively say if we disagree on matters of race because I do not know his thoughts on the substantive matter. All I know is that he refused to engage in a performative act that was meant to show solidarity with the cause of racism. Now his career is threatened and his character impugned. That is not right. Even if you consider his perceived indifference to such an important moral cause as reprehensible in the way Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel would say, “Indifference to evil is more insidious than evil itself”. Let us also consider Nelson Mandela who said, “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Let us demonstrate to brother de Kock and the world, the ethos of free Black people. Let us respect his choice. Let us promote his freedom even if we feel he does not want to promote ours. I stand with brother Quinton de Kock. I support his right to ‘reasonable freedom of expression’. Our society is at its best when we encourage and promote civil discourses and interactions. Please join me in defeating the oppression ideology that is perpetrated through silencing and cancelling. Free brother Kaepernick. Free brother de Kock. Humbly, Bro. Ato Kenya Rockcliffe. Concerned Servant of Society
Congratulations to juvenile offender successful at CSEC Dear Editor, The juvenile offender who secured passes in six (possibly seven) CSEC subjects (INews, Oct 28), must be congratulated and encouraged to excel
further. His feat is testimony of what can be achieved, if only we believe, what can be achieved, if we seek and grasp the opportunities presented. I wish him well in his future
endeavours, and would urge others in similar situations to emulate the young man’s success to enrich their lives. The young man did it, you can too. Shamshun Mohamed
Monday November 01, 2021
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Delusion can lead to illusion The only delusion within the PNC/R has to do with those who continue to peddle the narrative that there were gross irregularities in the 2020 elections and it was these irregularities which gave the PPP/C victory. Those who push this line of argument are attempting to deflect attention from the shameless attempt to install the APNU+AFC Coalition into government through fraudulent means. Shame is a terrible burden to fetch. And this narrative about irregularities is being spun to justify the action of those who either supported or were salient in the face of the attempted rigging. But there is another narrative which is being weaved and it relates to the power struggle within the PNC/R. The various competing camps within the party have to find a basis to demand a change in leadership. Each faction has to find ways to attract support delegates. One of the bases for demanding a change in leadership and for attracting support is to claim that the party has lost ‘grassroots’ support. ‘Grassroots’ refers to rank and file supporters who may or may not be cardbearing members. But if there is validity to the narrative that the party has lost touch with its grass roots supporters, how can the party still explain that the Coalition won 47.34 percent of the votes and the incumbent PPP/C merely holds a one-seat majority. This theory about the loss of grassroots support discredits absolutely the narrative about the PPP/C assuming office through fraudulent means. And if there was a disconnection between the PNC/R party and its grassroots supporters how did the Coalition manage to secure 236,928 votes, its highest electoral tally ever?
The fact of the matter is, none of those persons who are competing for leadership of the party have come out and conceded that the PPP/C won the elections fairly and squarely. The PNC/R is in a maze of its own confusion. It continues with the delusion that it was cheated out of office. But it is also pretending that one of the reasons for its loss of support is the loss of contact with the grassroots. This claim about loss of grassroots support may have been aimed at the leadership of David Granger. There is a perception which has been created that somehow Granger was aloof and is not a down-to-earth person. However, the only persons who are living in a delusion are those who have failed to accept their party’s narrow defeat at the hands of the PPP/C. And until they come to terms with this reality, they will not only be fooling themselves but also their supporters. Ambitions began to flourish within the PNC/R after David Granger got sick while being President. At the last Congress of the party, there was the jockeying and contesting to be next in line for leadership. That Congress seemed to be dominated more by the power struggle to succeed Granger than by addressing the hammering which the party had taken in the previous local government elections and the growing disaffection with the party and with the AFC. It now appears that David Granger has resigned himself to not contesting for the leadership of the party. But he did warn on this year’s death anniversary of Forbes Burnham about the threat of factionalism. Normally in parties which practice internal democracy and which are committed to democratic competition for political power, such
factionalism tends to be healthy rather than dysfunctional. But in the case of the PNC/R the factions are not differentiated by differences in policies, approaches or ideology. All the factions are cut from the same cloth. What unites these factions is the struggle for personal power. What is taking place within the PNC/ R is a power struggle. And unfortunately, given the undemocratic nature of the party, this power struggle will not address the fundamental defects of the party or lead to a process in which the party can be truthful to itself about its election loss. One of the pitfalls of the party’s refusal to accept its defeat will be its inability to undertake the sort of analysis which will be needed. So long as the party continues to be deluded by the narrative that the PPP/C rigged the elections, it will not be able to make a proper assessment as to why it lost the elections, which should be the ultimate objective of the forthcoming Congress. What the PNC/R needs is a grassroots analysis of its time in office. And that analysis will reveal that many of its grassroots supporters became disgruntled because they saw friends and cronies benefiting while their children were locked out of jobs and they were saddled with high levels of taxation. They voted for change and what they got is an exchange. And that is no illusion! (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Dem Boys Seh…
Bad name wuk does gat plenty applicants Guyanese always complaining how wuk nah deh. But every day dem newspapers does gat vacancies advertise. So is nat dat wuk nah deh, is de type of wuk wah people want nah deh. One ah dem oil company did start out on de wrong foot. It giving all dem fatpaying jobs to dem foreigners, and leaving dem scrappy wuk fuh locals. Dat is why when people see certain high-paying jobs
advertise, dem does apply. And hope fuh de best. Nuff people applying for de CEO fuh GEEGONE. Dat is one wuk wah gat bad name. If yuh do good, yuh gan still get cuss; if yuh do bad is mo cuss. Is a wuk does also gat a lot of back stabbing. It had de time when wan man bin get lock out from he own office. Nuff people does like fuh apply fuh wuk. But when de day fuh interview come, dem does be a no-show. Some ah dem does be more interested in getting de acknowledgement letter so
dat dem can show dem better half dat dem looking fuh wuk. Some people does gat no experience. But when yuh ask dem how much money dem expecting, dem does call some big money dat even if yuh wan give dem a break, yuh can’t. Wan day a manager tun to wan applicant and tell he, “Fuh a man with no experience, yuh certainly asking fuh a high salary.” De man answer, “Well, de wuk is much harder when yuh don’t know what yuh doing.” Talk half and wait fuh see who get de bad-name wuk.
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Monday November 01, 2021
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
This huge gap in Guyanese politics has to be filled
P
rior to the 2015 election, no one in and out of Guyana believed that the WPA would have state power. People felt its reign in the 1970s was in the distant past and it would remain a tiny wilderness voice. No one believed that the AFC would win the government because it needed more years to firmly challenge the PPP and PNC. The defeat of the PPP in 2015 brought enormous state power to the WPA and AFC. Three highly educated WPA persons with enormous e x p e r i e n c e i n W PA’s activism gained powerful position in the state – Drs. Rupert Roopnaraine, Clive Thomas and Maurice Odle. The AFC almost secured half of the government. Since the APNU+AFC lost the government in 2020, the permanent description of the role of the PPP and the PNC in exacerbating ethnic tensions and their hogging of power have continued relentlessly. One can cite so many instances. From the academic side, there were letters in the press from Drs. Alissa Trotz, Arif Bulkan and Omar McDoom all lamenting the continuing zero-sum struggle between the PNC and PPP. There was no mention of
the WPA and AFC after 2015. There was a subsequent editorial in the Stabroek News that rehashed the lamentation of the harsh battle between the PNC and P P P. T h e r e w a s n o discussion of the important access to power by the WPA and AFC. Raphael Trotman published a letter in the press which was a researcher’s goldmine. He explained that whenever the PPP is in government, Africans feel left out. Whenever the PNC is in office, Indians do not feel comfortable. Trotman did not explain what his multi-racial outfit did with the state power they had for five years. One of the founders of a group named Overseas Associates of the WPA, Rohit Kanhai, published a long letter last month decrying the continuation of the division of Guyanese that the politics of the PPP and PNC bring. Mr. Kanhai completely left out the role of the WPA in office for five years. In June last year, when the APNU+AFC was about to lose the election, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine spoke of the need for healing of the Guyanese people. But there was no mention of what he and the WPA did in this
context when they were in power. Last week, a paper was published by two academics from the University of the West Indies (UWI) on the election fiasco last year and they made reference to the ethnic fault lines in Guyana. The academics referred to Guyana as a “bipolar ethnic state.” The editorial of the Stabroek News and of Mr. Ralph Ramkarran in his column analysed the adumbrations of these two UWI scholars repeating the theme of PNC versus PPP. This column is yet another attempt to introduce a new paradigm in understanding the politics of ethnic strain and the role of political parties in expanding the stress level. For those who missed my previous elaborations here they are. 1 - Wednesday, July 22, 2020, “Dr. Mc Doom’s pair of red underwear has lost its brightness and shape.” 2 - Sunday, October 4, 2020, “Dialectics in Guyana’s politics: An alternative theory.” 3 - Tuesday, July 14, 2020, “In the diaspora, in Plato’s cave.” 4 - July 28, 2020, “Trotz, De Souza and rigging: The i m p r i s o n e d F re u d i a n mind.”
5 - Monday, December 14, 2020, “The sickening admission/confession of Raphael Trotman.” In all five pieces I have argued that, in further polemical outlays and debating forums on the shape of ethnic rivalry and party ubiquity, research emphasis has to be placed on the failed insertion of the WPA and AFC into power. A scholar cannot continue on the mundane level of emphasising what the PPP and PNC have done without an examination as to why the WPA and AFC did not intervene at a critical stage in the attempt to reshape the narrative and reconfigure how power is exercised and distributed. Even if McDoom,
Bulkan, Trotz, Ramkarran and the Stabroek News, by mistake, failed to g r a s p t h e disturbing aberrations of the AFC and WPA Frederick Kissoon when they were in p o w e r, o t h e r popular AFC secured state scholars need to fill-in the gap. Kanhai, power in 2015, they were Trotman and Roopnaraine expected by Guyanese, even for reasons of party loyalty, t h o s e w i t h a p a s s i n g when they write, do not want familiarity with Guyana, to to assign an egregious attempt to dilute ethnic presence to the WPA and tensions and the winner-take AFC when those parties all mentality. They didn’t. lived in the corridors of Why? (The views expressed in power. This is my sixth advocacy in which I am this article are those of the arguing that after the iconic a u t h o r a n d d o n o t WPA of the seventies got necessarily reflect the power in 2015and after the opinions of this newspaper.)
24-year-old mom and baby girl die hours apart at New Amsterdam Hospital Regional Chairman, David Armogan disclosed to Kaieteur News yesterday that the New Amsterdam Hospital has commenced an investigation into the deaths of a mother and her baby just hours apart. Dead is Devi Samaroo, 24, of Lot 85 Bloomfield Village, Corentyne, Berbice and her newborn baby girl. The baby died on Saturday while Samaroo died Sunday morning, relatives said. Mahendrawattie Shewnauth, the mother of Samaroo said she and her relatives took her to the New Amsterdam Hospital on Friday after she was experiencing labour pains. She was subsequently admitted to the hospital and after an examination, she had only dilated to 4 cm. Taking this into account, they left and returned Saturday morning. “When me go morning now (Saturday) and go to the ward fuh carry some things in a bag, the nurse dem say, let me check the labour room. When I rap on the door, they take long to answer me and when dem do come out, dem say she gone in and me can’t talk with she and they collected the bag from me. Dem tell me to wait to collect back the bag and then later, the nurse ask me who I want to speak to and me tell dem Devi Samaroo and she said I can’t see she,” the grieving
- investigation launched Dead: Devi Samaroo
mother said. The woman explained that she returned around noon on Saturday and was subsequently told that her granddaughter died. She was also told that she could not see the newborn until Monday after the post mortem is done. “Dem tell we that we can’t get to see the baby and we can’t get the baby to carry away today (Saturday) and me go back for 4:00pm to find out to see the baby and when we go, dem nah want show the pickney,” she said. Kaieteur News understands that when the
grieving woman went home and subsequently returned to the hospital yesterday around 6:00am, she was informed that Samaroo had died. Husband of the dead woman, Sunil Partab, 28, said his wife had no illnesses nor complications during her pregnancy. However, on Thursday, he took her to the Port Mourant Hospital after she was experiencing some fever and vomiting. The nurses, he said, gave her two injections and saline. Shortly after, they Continued on page 16
Monday November 01, 2021
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S… LATEST GLOBAL CLIMATE REPORT REVEAL
Monday November 01, 2021
World is in uncharted territory as 2015-2021 will be seven warmest years on record By Kiana Wilburg
T
he latest report of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has revealed that significant amounts of greenhouse gas concentrations and associated accumulated heat have propelled the planet into uncharted territory. In fact, the report notes that 2015 to 2021 are poised to be the warmest years on record. The WMO State of the Global Climate 2021 report says urgent action is needed if the future of current and future generations is to be saved. The report which was perused by Kaieteur News combines input from multiple United Nations agencies, national meteorological and hydrological services and scientific experts. It
highlights impacts on food security and population displacement, harming crucial ecosystems and undermining progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Since reviewing the report, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has said the document draws from the latest scientific evidence to show how the planet is changing before the eyes of all and sundry. “From the ocean depths to mountain tops, from melting glaciers to relentless extreme weather events, ecosystems and communities around the globe are being devastated. COP26 (The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26 being held in Scotland) must be a turning point for people
and the planet,” said the UN Secretary-General. In a video statement, he added, “Scientists are clear on the facts. Now leaders need to be just as clear in their actions. The door is open; the solutions are there. COP26 must be a turning point. We must act now – with ambition and solidarity – to safeguard o u r f u t u re a n d s a v e humanity.” WMO SecretaryGeneral Prof. Petteri Taalas also commented on the danger that lies ahead for humanity. The WMO Head said, “At the current rate of increase in greenhouse gas concentrations, we will see a temperature increase by the end of this century far in excess of the Paris Agreement targets of 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels.”
On this note, Professor Taalas said, “COP26 is a make-or-break opportunity t
Aviator and wife hospitalised after accident in Kingston
Minibus BSS 8899 and motorcar PLL 4477, at intersection of High and Barrack Streets, where the accident occurred.
A
n aviator and his wife are currently hospitalized at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) following an accident that took place on Saturday in Kingston around 12:00hrs. The accident involved a motorcar, PLL 4477 which is owned and driven by Malcolm Chan-A-Sue, an 82-year-old man of Lot 56 Coralita Avenue, Bel Air Park Georgetown and minibus BSS 8899 owned and driven by Raymond Douglas, 28, of Lot 36 New Settlers Street, Mocha Village, East Bank Demerara. Both vehicles collided at the intersection of High and Barrack Streets.
According to police, Sue was proceeding east along the northern drive lane of Barrack Street when he failed to acknowledge a stop sign at the intersection and as a result, collided with Douglas’s minibus. Kaieteur News understands that Sue, while approaching the intersection where a stop sign was placed, failed to stop and continued to proceed east across the road where he collided with Douglas. The minibus hit the right side of Sue’s motorcar causing him to lose control, which caused him to collide with another motorcar, PWW 5212 that was parked on the eastern side of the parapet.
Subsequently, the occupants of the minibus, Deon Thomas, 32 , of Lot 197 North Haslington, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and Shellon Marks, 26, of Lot 56 Melanie Damishana ECD, were taken to the GPHC where they were seen and examined by a doctor on duty, treated and sent away. However, Mr. Chan-A-Sue, an aviator, along with his wife Margaret Chan-A-Sue, who were the occupant of his vehicle at the time of the accident were both admitted to the hospital in the respective male and female surgical wards. Further investigations into the matter are ongoing.
o put us back on track.” The provisional State of the Climate 2021 report was released at the start of the UN Climate Change negotiations, COP26, in Glasgow. It provides a snapshot of climate indicators such as greenhouse gas concentrations, temperatures, extreme weather, sea levels, ocean warming and ocean acidification, glacier retreat and ice melt, as well as socio-economic impacts. It is one of the flagship scientific reports which will inform negotiations and which will be showcased at the Science pavilion hosted b y W M O , t h e Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the UK Met Office. During COP26, WMO will launch the Water and Climate Coalition to coordinate water and climate action, and the Systematic Observations Financing Facility to improve weather and climate observations and forecasts which are vital to climate change adaptation. KEY MESSAGES FROM THE REPORT · In 2020, greenhouse gas concentrations reached new highs. Levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) were 413.2 parts per million (ppm), methane (CH4) at 1889 parts per billion (ppb)) and nitrous oxide (N2O) at 333.2 ppb, respectively, 149%, 262% and 123% of pre-industrial (1750) levels. The increase has continued in 2021. · The global mean temperature for 2021 (based on data from January to
September) was about 1.09°C above the 1850-1900 average. Currently, the six datasets used by WMO in the analysis place 2021 as the sixth or seventh warmest year on record globally. But the ranking may change at the end of the year. It is nevertheless likely that 2021 will be between the 5th and 7th warmest year on record and that 2015 to 2021 will be the seven warmest years on record. · As the 2020-21 La Niña has waned, monthly global temperatures have increased. The year 2016, which started during a strong El Niño, remains the warmest year on record in most of the data sets surveyed. · Much of the ocean experienced at least one ‘strong’ Marine Heat-wave at some point in 2021 – with the exception of the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean (due to La Niña) and much of the Southern Ocean. The Laptev and Beaufort Sea in the Arctic experienced “severe” and “extreme” marine heat-waves from January to April 2021. · The ocean absorbs around 23% of the annual emissions of anthropogenic CO2 to the atmosphere and so is becoming more acidic. Open ocean surface pH has declined globally over the last 40 years and is now the lowest it has been for at least 26,000 years. Current rates of pH change are unprecedented since at least that time. As the pH of the ocean decreases, its capacity to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere also declines.
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Monday November 01, 2021
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PS CAUGHT COLLECTING BRIBE…
Ministry launches short story DPP tells Police to writing competition on child correct file and resend safety for young writers
M
ore than three weeks after the Permanent Secretary (PS) attached to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs was caught in a sting operation collecting a bribe from a contractor, the file is presently with investigators where adjustments are being made. Sharon Hicks, 42, of 811 Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara (WBD) was arrested at her Quamina and Thomas Streets, South Cummingsburg office on Thursday October 7, 2021 during the police operation. According to Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack,S.C, has returned the file to the Guyana Police Force (GPF). He noted that based on suggestions from the DPP, the investigators are currently clearing up the points raised by the legal advisor. The Crime Chief further noted that thereafter, the file will be forwarded for further legal advice. Kaieteur News had reported that the sting operation was setup after a businessman who usually provides security services to the Ministry reported to the police that the PS was demanding money from him before she signed off on his invoices. Hicks and the businessman’s father had a deal in which she would help him secure a contract with the Ministry and in return, he pays her $200,000 a month. After the businessman’s father died, he took over his
Sharon Hicks, the Permanent Secretary who was caught collecting a bribe. father’s business and that is when Hicks approached him to strike the same deal with him, to which he first agreed. However, after reportedly paying Hicks for three months, he became tired and reported the matter to the police. As such, the sting operation was setup and marked notes were handed over to the PS by the contractor while in her office. After Hicks collected the money, a plainclothes police rank walked into her office, identified himself and cautioned her. She was then told of the allegation and arrested. Hicks was later sent on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Climate change likely reverse gains in Guyana’s Health/Agriculture sectors – WHO Report
Guyana’s agriculture sector has been supporting the livelihood of many citizens for years. Guyana’s agriculture and health sectors are regarded as being extremely vulnerable to climate change, due to the natural connections and dependencies that exist between climatic conditions and other aspects of life. This is according to the recently released 2020 World Health Organisation (WHO) report on climate change. According to the report, the phenomenon is also likely to have an impact firstly on plant development, animal health, and water availability, which in turn, will have a domino effect on agriculture and the nation’s
food security. The food security will then most definitely exacerbate the triple burden of malnutrition and the metabolic lifestyle risk factors for diet-related Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Lifestyle related illnesses like diabetes, hypertension and heart disease which are said to be among the leading causes of deaths in Guyana falls, in the category of NCDs. In recent years, the local health sector has been working to scale back the number of lifestyle related ailments through a number of programmes. However,
the WHO in its 2020 report on climate change, said that many of the public health gains that have been made in recent decades are at risk due to the direct and indirect impact on other sectors due to climate variability and climate change. In its 2020 report, the WHO noted that climate change is expected to reduce short and long-term food and nutrition security. It is explained that this will occur directly—through its effects on agriculture and fisheries, and indirectly—by contributing to underlying risk factors such as water insecurity, dependency on Continued on page 17
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud. The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has launched a short story writing competition for young writers on the topic of child safety. The new initiative forms part of the ‘Every Child Safe’ campaign that was launched by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud in September, which seeks to tighten the grip on issues surrounding child abuse in Guyana. The age group being targeted in the competition is 12 years old and under, with
the word limit being 250. Entries being sent to the Ministry must be completed with the participant’s name, address, age and contact numbers. The 10 best stories will be published in a special book produced by the Ministry and young authors with winning entries will receive prizes. Submissions can be sent to the Ministry’s East and Lamaha Streets, Georgetown location, or can be emailed to prmohsss@gmail.com. The deadline is November 11, 2021.
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Monday November 01, 2021
Govt. extends curfew to midnight from today VACANCY
VEHICLES FOR SALE
WANTED
Toyota Pitbull bus for sale. Call: 669-1852. AC-CD magrims 2.7, negotiable.
One cook and one kitchen assistant for interior locations. Call: 698-6200 1 full time Industrial mechanic to manage workshop at JFWW Network Outlet. Call:622-1957, 671-9015, 2336997.
SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIR CONDITIONER, WASHING MACHINE, FREEZER, SALE OF AC'S. TEL: 629-4946, 2254822.
FOR SALE Transported house lots for sale.Gated community,4Mil per lot.Call:671-9015/6221957. D o b e r m a n & Germanshepherd mix pups for sale. Contact Devi: 6392828, if interested. Restaurant equipment for sale: Freezer, chiller, refrigerated showcase, tables, chairs, etc. Whatsapp: 608-7452. Prices negotiable.
FOR RENT 1 two bedroom concrete house to rent at Diamond. E.B.D. Call: 680-6194. 3 bedroom, upperflat & lower flat. Newly renovated, in residential area with parking. 266 New Market Street. Call: 6105472. Self-contained rooms in Lodge, for working couple/ single person, $35,000 monthly. Light & water. 1 month's security. Call: 6230076. PEN PAL Male seeks female 18-38 to live with or marry. Call: 6039085.
Female ages 25-40 to take care of elderly male in Trinidad. Accomodations provided. Call: +1 (868) 4894087 Armed & unarmed Security Officer with Military & previous experience. Day & night shift coverage. Contact: 231-6052 Customer Service Rep/ Dispatcher, must be familiar with locations around Georgetown. Call: 621-9356.
Despite the alarming Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 25- number of COVID-19 deaths 50, Car/ Van licence. Call 642- and cases being recorded, the government has made an 9823. adjustment to it measures by Auto Electrical apprentice extending the national curfew age 19-25 yrs. Apply in per- hours from 22:30hrs to now son, Lot 120 Forth Street 00:00 to 04:00 am. Albertown G/Town or call: This updated measure 610-0340. which was published in the Exist for cashiers & supermar- Official Gazette last Friday, ket helpers at Nirva Super Store. will be in effect from today up 49 Sheriff & Craig Street. Must until November 30.The government also extended be vaccinated. businesses opening hours to Exist for Security Officers, 23:00hrs. Some of these Male & Female. 18yrs & businesses are that of bars, above. Contact: 223-4172/632- indoor and outdoor dining. While the curfew is being 0099. extended, the Ministry of Cook/baker, Kitchen Assis- Health yesterday reported tant, Servicemen & pitmen for that seven more persons, who interior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 6182020 or 231-2250.
old and an 80-year-old from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) and lastly a 57-yearold woman from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). Meanwhile, in its latest edition of the COVID-19 dashboard, the Health Ministry recorded 73 new cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 35,621. Presently, there are 15 patients who are admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 60 persons in institutional isolation, 2,819 in home isolation and five in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 31,807 persons who contracted the virus have recovered.
Exists for Porters. Call: 2235273-4/621-5907 Experienced carpenter & apprentice. Contact: 624-9507/ 624-9509/624-9508.
Office/Accounts Clerk to work in Meadow Bank, preferably with previous experience. Call:227-5222.
Vacancy exist for delivery driver, E.C.D. Tel:692-6768/6761363.
Drivers & Office Clerk. Apply at Survival lot 10 Vlissengen Road, Newtown, Kitty.
contracted the COVID-19 disease, have died. Their deaths now take the country’s COVID-19 death toll to 920. The Ministry in its release said that the seven fatalities are that of six unvaccinated persons and another who was partially vaccinated. They all died between October 19 and October 30, while receiving treatment at a medical institution. The countries latest fatalities are that of six men, an 85-year-old, a 74-year-old and an 81-year-old from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), a 79-year-old from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), a 79-year-
For truck drivers, must know how to operate Hiab & have knowledge of Georgetown. Call: 223-5273-4/621-5907
Minibus & Taxi drivers to work & keep. Call: 225-3234/ 628-1183.
One male security night guard. Tel: 225-9304/2260772. Manager, Dollar Stretch Store. Lot 16 Robb Street, Georgetown. Tel: 656-1234.
- Despite daily increase in COVID-19 deaths
Maintenance workers & labourers to work with P.S.G.C.S. Preferably from E.B.D. Call: 621-6969/ 615-7784. Farm workers in Timehri, living accomodation provided. Tel: 661-1585/617-2047. Professional, polite, wellgroomed, license rider. With or without bike. For delivery service. Call: 642-6832.
One cook to work in restaurant at puppy show landing, Mazaruni. Whatsapp: 6770869/662-7718. Domestic - live in or live out. Honest & mature. Call: 6236383. Persons to clean rooms & wash linens. Contact Lee: 225-5606. Supervisor, Counter Clerk, Hymac & Diesel Mechanic to work in charity. Call: 2235273/688-0417.
TAXI SERVICE Infinity 24 Hrs taxi service. Bath settlement, W.C.B. Tel: 655-3037/ 687-0352/ 328-7998. Troy: 609-8105, around Georgetown, Airport, etc.
PROPERTY FOR SALE
24-year-old mom and baby girl die hours...
2 bedroom wooden house for sale in Ulverston Berbice for From page 12 $2million. Contact: 650-5626. left for home. He said she was feeling better on Thursday night but it was later on Friday when she began experiencing signs of labour and they rushed her to the New Amsterdam Hospital where TO LET she was admitted. He found Fully furnished three bed- out during visiting hours on room house and rooms in Saturday that his baby had Albertown. Call: 225-3234/ died. “I asked to speak to my 628-1183. wife, and they said, I can’t speak to her because she deh in the delivery room and when I asked to see the baby, they said, how I can’t see the baby because the baby already deh CAR RENTAL in the mortuary. So, me wait till 3:30pm and we had to beg Aidan's Car Rental. Call: 225- to see her. It was then that 3234/628-1183. dem bring she out in the
wheelchair. “She said the doctor dem check back the baby heartbeat about 3:30 in the morning (Saturday) and that the baby was okay and then at 5:00am, she deliver. So, me ask she when the baby come out, if the baby was moving and she said she didn’t see the baby move but that she wasn’t in her full sense and the napkin, the baby mess on the napkin,” he said. Partab explained that they decided to go home and return Sunday morning but when they did, he was then informed that his wife had died nearly an hour before they arrived. He said, he again pleaded with the nurses to
see his baby and his wife but they denied him. He eventually got a glimpse of his baby at the mortuary’s door. The baby was wrapped in a white piece of cloth. He subsequently saw his wife’s body too. He said she was lying naked with “blood all over pon she and the bed sheet.” They were told by a doctor that Samaroo died from haemorrhaging, but the family is demanding justice for their deaths. He said, “If they would have talk to us in the first place since the baby dead, we wudda been more understanding but when you go there to do something, you have to beg like dog there.”
Monday November 01, 2021
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Kaieteur News
New line of sanitisation products offers up to 72 hours protection from COVID-19 Some of the Eviter products
From left: Director of Azul Distributors, Riyadh Sankar; Medical Expert, Dr. Raveendranath Raghuram; and Marketing Manager of Azul Eviter—a new line of products set to be introduced to the local market as part of the country’s fight to protect citizens against the spread of COVID-19, is said to offer up to 72 hours of protection against the virus. The products to be sold and distributed via Azul Distributors Inc includes Eviter hand sanitizers, surface sanitizers, nebulizer sanitizers, antiseptic hand soaps, antiseptic creams etc. The products are infused with nanotechnology— Nbelyax —which is deemed to be one of the most advanced antiseptics and disinfectants in the world. Marketing Manager of Azul Distributors, Joel Cole explained that the Eviter line of products was developed by leading Mexican biochemical engineer Gabriela
Leon whose work as the developer of the most advanced antiseptic and disinfectant has been lauded by scientists and medical experts around the world. Cole noted that the intent is to improve protection and sanitization against the coronavirus for much longer than the commonly used alcohol-based sanitizers. “It’s another layer of protection; a stronger weapon in the fight against COVID-19; a first of its kind for Guyana. There’s nothing else remotely close to providing this service in Guyana,” Cole stated. Medical Expert attached to the company, Dr. Raveendranath Raghuram explained that the Eviter surface sanitizer protects surfaces from viruses [including Sars-Cov-2],
germs, bacteria, fungi for up to 72 hours with just one application. He explained that Nbelyax, the active ingredient in Eviter products, has won some of the most prestigious awards in its field. According to Dr. Raghuram, unlike other products, DNA or RNA of pathogens in Eviter does not harm healthy cells. “It is completely innocuous to people, plants and the environment; it only kills the bacteria and bad viruses. This product is safe for use and it is 100 percent effective,” Dr. Raghuram said. When compared with other products, Dr. Raghuram noted that while alcoholbased sanitizers work to kill viruses and bacteria only over a period of seconds, Eviter
Climate change likely to reverse gains in... From page 15 imported foods, migration, and health service disruption. Further, the report stated that extreme weather events increase the demand for emergency health services but can also damage health care facility infrastructure and disrupt the provision of services. “These impacts represent a significant health risk for nations [like Guyana], with their particular susceptibility to climate change impacts and already overburdened health systems…Increased risks of climate-sensitive diseases will require greater capacity from often already strained health services. In [developing nations], health care facilities are often in low-lying areas, subject to flooding and storm surges making them particularly vulnerable,” WHO added. According to the WHO, these risks are distributed unevenly, with some population groups experiencing
greater vulnerability. “This vulnerability is exacerbated in Guyana by factors such as “land use, water resources, [issues with] drainage and irrigation systems, [which all] increase the exposure and sensitivity of the agriculture sector to climate impacts, “the report added. In addition, the WHO noted that “some of the main climate change risks identified for the agriculture sector include sea level rise and saline water intrusion causing damage to crops; flooding, which causes a reduction in the discharge window available for coastal drainage.” As a result of these occurrences, the WHO report pointed to a need for training and capacity building for public health and health care professionals to have knowledge and tools necessary to build climate-resilient health systems. “This includes an understanding of climate risks to individuals, communities and health care facilities and approaches to protect and pro-
mote health given the current and projected impacts of climate change.” While there are no specific WHO recommendations on national health workforce densities, the report noted that ‘Workload Indicators of Staffing Need’ (WISN) is a human resource management tool that can be used to provide insights into staffing needs and decisionmaking. Additionally, the document said that the National Health Workforce Accounts (NHWA) is a system by which countries can improve progressively the availability, quality and use of health workforce data through monitoring of a set of indicators to support achievement of universal health coverage (UHC), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other health objectives. The purpose of the NHWA is to facilitate the standardisation and interoperability of health workforce information.
products continue working and remain effective for hours after. As a result, Director of Azul Distributors, Riyadh Sankar said that there are plans to introduce the product to the Ministry of Health for use in schools and public buildings, along with the public’s ability to purchase from supermarkets and stores. The surface sanitizer is being sold for $720 – 60ml; $1,450 – 250ml; $2,870 – $500ml; $5,740 – 1000ml and
$94,500 – 5 gallon. The antiseptic hand soap is being sold for $950 – 60ml; $2,200 – 250ml; $4,300 – $500ml; $8,400 – 1000ml and $150,500 – 5 gallon. The Director noted: “Even though the price might seem higher than the green [sanitizers] or Lysol, because of the fact that you do not have to spray over and over and over, you’re actually using one of these sprays that would be equivalent to five bottles of the other stuff. Because of that, it actually
works out far cheaper.” The Eviter sanitizers can be used in working areas and on electronic devices, in the home, in schools and any other place with a gathering of people. In the meantime, Azul Distributors Inc. has secured the distributorship rights to import and distribute the Eviter line of products to the Guyana market. The products were approved locally by the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GAFDD).
Man killed after speaking with foreign women Just 45 minutes after midnight, Tony Birza, a 24 year-old Venezuelan called Bush was allegedly murdered by an acquaintance at Ruby Backdam, East Bank Essequibo. Police reports disclosed that on Saturday about 19:00 hours, the victim and his brother were imbibing at a shop in Ruby Backdam. About 21:35 hours, they both left the shop and proceeded on Ruby Backdam road, heading home on a bicycle. Whilst heading home, Bush stopped at a shed which
is situated on the eastern end of the said road to engage two Spanish girls. It was during this time he was approached by the suspect and a heated argument ensued. Kaieteur News understands that the row led to the suspect removing a long, shiny object from his pants waist and dealing the victim one stab to the left side of his abdomen. The suspect then made good his escape on foot to an unknown destination. An alarm was raised by the victim’s brother, which
resulted in several persons in the area coming to their assistance. The police were later summoned and the body subsequently escorted to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where it was seen and examined by Dr. Tewarhri, who pronounced the victim dead on arrival. His body is now at the Ezekiel Funeral Home, where it a w a i t s a p ost mortem examination to determine the cause of death. The hunt for the known suspect continues.
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Monday November 01, 2021
Monday November 01, 2021
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Monday November 01, 2021
Monday November 01, 2021
...RHTY&SC launch Christmas Programme ...New Zealand From page 20 distribution of one thousand food hampers, seven thousand toys, one thousand special Christmas packages, five hundred Christmas breakfast, cycles and school bags for less fortunate families. The teams would also be making donations to fellow cricket clubs, senior citizens home and orphanages. The teams are also hoping to host the seventh edition of the very popular Rose Hall Town Christmas Village in the compound of the RHT Primary School. The Village, once approved by the National covid-19 Task Force would be held from the 22nd to 24th of
December. The entire compound of the school would be transformed into a dreamland for kids. The donation to the hospital consisted of two tables, two office chairs and two blood pressure testing machines. Foster, who has a close working relationship with the management of the Hospital had paid a visit to ascertain its immediate needs. He informed that the Hospital had a special place in his heart and that as long as he is the Secretary/CEO of the club, it would continue to support the government run institution. He hailed the professional attitude of the staff and
had special words of praise for head of the institution Dr. G. Sukhdeo. Regional Vice Chairman Zamal Hussain handed over the donation to Hospital Administrator Shaneeza Nabi. Ministers of Housing Collin Croal and Susan Rodrigues were both present at the ceremony and congratulated the work of the club in making a positive difference. The RHTY&SC MS. has over the last two years made several significant contributions and sponsored three awards ceremony for the staff including doctors, nurses, management staff and porters.
Monday November 01, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Take charge of your health today, Aries. You'll likely wake up feeling energetic. Take advantage of the energy boost from the planetary movements to actively do things that maintain your sense of well-being. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) If you saw something in a craft shop or art studio that you'd like to buy but can't afford, consider making it. Even if you don't think you're artistic, you could surprise yourself if you try. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) It's the perfect day to head outside, Gemini. You'll likely be feeling positive and energetic, and the fresh air, sunshine, and physical activity may be long overdue. CANCER (June 21–July 22) It won't be surprising if you're frustrated with a close friend or partner who's far less ambitious than you, Cancer. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) See about using your good relationships with friends and loved ones to get future group activities going, Leo. You're probably feeling great, and the idea of socializing appeals to you. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) If you lack a regular exercise routine, Virgo, today's a great day to remedy that. Exercise doesn't have to exhaust you or hurt. Even activities like walking or yoga are excellent ways to stay healthy.
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LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Put your ambition into action today, Libra. The day's planetary aspects should find you feeling energetic and positive, so take steps to achieve your goals. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Don't hesitate when it comes to taking on a project or making plans today. Extra energy will complement your organizational skills, making a perfect combination for handling almost anything. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today should go well for you, Sagittarius. Expect to feel a renewed energy and fresher perspective, especially concerning anything work related. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today you may feel very creative and ambitious. You might want to use this energy to work on an artistic project, or you may choose to channel it into such activities as organizing your home or workspace. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Don't be surprised if you feel super today. Chances are good that you'll enjoy renewed physical strength, with energy to spare. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) The influence of the planetary aspects will bring an end to any lethargy you've been feeling, Pisces. It's an excellent day to head outside and do something active. Gardening or landscaping can make great use of your energy and creativity.
cruise to huge
From page 22 the ton, hitting 26 of 19 balls, one of only two batters along with Rahul to score at more than a run-a-ball. There were just two sixes and ten boundaries in total in India’s innings, leaving them needing a superb showing from the bowlers to avoid a second straight World Cup loss. The New Zealand reply Guptill got the chase off to a strong start in the Powerplay, hitting all but four of his team’s runs before falling for 20 in the fourth over to Jasprit Bumrah. But Mitchell and Williamson kept things ticking over through the Powerplay, before Mitchell unleashed, eventually falling for 49 off 35 with the win within reach. It was captain Williamson who scored the winning runs at the end of a classic anchorinnings, finishing with 33* off 31 balls and sealing the victory in the 15th over. What does the result mean? Defeat is India’s second of the tournament, following on from the loss to Pakistan in their Group 2 opener. And Virat Kohli’s side will now most likely need to beat remaining opponents Afghanistan, Scotland and Namibia while hoping that other results and the net run rate equation goes their way if they are to make it into the final four. New Zealand’s win gets points on the board for Williamson’s side, but they still trail Pakistan and Afghanistan at the top of the group. New Zealand 111 for 2 (Mitchell 49, Bumrah 2-19) beat India 110 for 7 (Boult 320, Sodhi 2-17) by eight wickets.
...US Ambassador supports From page 23 family lost Dr. Abu Bakar Hussain) several years ago so this is somewhat personal and rest assured, we will continue the fight.” The Pink themed event, which was coordinated by Ms. Dianne Innis of Party Castle, was set on the lawns of the golf academy and guests were treated to food and beverages which were served by the UG Second Year medical students who volunteered in advance their first luncheon event set for next Saturday at the same venue, along with complimentary massages provided by Modfin Salon and Spa. There was a golf competition that saw defending Guyana and Barbados Women’s Champion Julie Stevenson showcasing her talent. The winners were as follows: Women- First place: Jennifer Timmins, Second place: Rebecca Wills, Third place: Hardeevi Parsad. Men-First place: Devindra Raghubansi, Second place: Kelvin Doman, Third place: Deputy Speaker Lenox Shuman. Juniors-First
place: Adam Arjune, Second place: Rishi Jhaveri, Third place: Rebecca Reale. Hussain was joined by Allied Arts Unit Sports Coordinator Kurt Braithwaite after their return from training eight secondary schools in Region two. Mr. Braithwaite emphasized that the response to the development of Golf nationwide by Nexgen continues to defy expectations and the next phase would be building of courses and facilities to train golfers. Hussain said, “We have laid the foundation and planted the seeds for growth and in our discussions with Noel, we will see rapid growth of the sport in Region three. We hope that this model of cooperation and promotion is adopted by everyone as it has produced proven results.” For more information on the fight for the cure, visit the Cancer Institute on Lamaha Street. Those interested in using golf as a fundraising activity may contact the Academy at 6450944.
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GTT Guyana Open Golf
Kishore dethrones Persaud to take 2nd title; London is female winner Avinda Kishore and Shanella London turned in sterling performances to be crowned male and female champions respectively when the GTT Guyana Open Golf tournament concluded yesterday at the Lusignan Golf Club. The 27-year old Kishore dethroned defending champion Avinash Persaud who held the title for 10 years, including six straight wins, to take his second title. London and former champion Christine Sukhram were both tied on 160 gross overall, however London prevailed after having a better second day, where she shot 79 gross, while Christine scored 81. London recorded a score of 81 on Saturday while Christine chalked 79. This is also her second title. Joaan Deo placed third with a score of 165. She also had the best net with 136 ahead of Anasha Ali on 140. Playing in the male 0-9
flight, Kishore, with a handicap of three had a gross score of 137, while Persaud scored 145 and Kassim Khan placed third on 150. Kishore was underpar on both days. Rakesh Harry won the 10-18 category with a net score of 136 and a gross score of 155, while Videsh Persaud took the 19-28 division. He scored 130 net and 172 gross. The full results are as follows: Overall: Shanella London 160 Gross (won on a countback; had a better second day...79 Christine 81). Christine Sukhram 160, Joaan Deo 165. Net: Christine Sukhram 136, Anasha Ali 140 M a l e 0 - 9 : Av i n d a Kishore 137 Gross, Avinash Persaud 145, Kassim Khan 150 10-18: Rakesh Harry Best Net 136, Gross 155 19-28: Videsh Persaud 130 Net, 172 Gross. (Zaheer Mohamed)
Monday November 01, 2021
Namilco Management Team afforded guided tour of GFF Providence Facility
A
Management Team of the GFF Pioneering Youth Development Partner - National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) toured the National Training Centre (NTC) and also witnessed the GFF ATC
Boys’ U-13Challenge Cup game between East Bank and Bartica which was won by the former, 2-1 on Saturday last. A long time supporter of the sport in Guyana, Namilco has committed 30 Million Dollars to the Boys
Under-17 National IntraAssociation Tournament. President Forde conducted the tour of the facility, while discussing future collaborations with the company officials including venue branding opportunities with Finance
D i r e c t o r M r. F i t z r o y McLeod and Marketing M a n a g e r, M s . A l i c i a Anderson. The NTC is being engineered as a state of the art Technical Center but will also be built to stage International matches.
RHTY&SC launch Christmas Programme with donation to Port Mourant Hospital The twelve cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) on Thursday last donated multiple items to the Port Mourant Public Hospital as Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation officially launched its 2021 Christmas outreach programme. The teams - Poonai Pharmacy Under 12 and 13, Farfan and Mendes Under15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi
Under-19 and Intermediate , Vitality Inc. Under-23, Metro Female , Namilco Thunderbolt Under-21 and First Division on an annual basis host a multi million dollars charity programme which includes donations to several institutions . R H T Y & S C Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster who along with his Deputy Simon Naidu spearheads the programme which includes the (Continued on page 19)
Region Six Vice Chairman Zamal Hussain makes the donation to Administrator of the Hospital, Shaneeza Nabi
Kaieteur News
Monday November 01, 2021
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NBA: Chicago Bulls record fifth win in six games to end Utah Jazz’s unbeaten start to season BBCsport - DeMar DeRozan top-scored with 32 points as the Chicago Bulls ended the Utah Jazz’s unbeaten start to the season. The Bulls, who are now 5-1 for the season, led by 17 at one stage before holding out for a 107-99 win. The Jazz, defending the last remaining unbeaten NBA record, had made their best start to a season since 2006-07. Zach LaVine, playing despite a thumb sprain, added 26 points for the Bulls and Nikola Vucevic added 16 points and 12 rebounds. Reigning champions the Milwaukee Bucks were beaten 102-93 by the San Antonio Spurs, who recorded their first away victory of the season. Dejounte Murray and Bryn Forbes led the charge as five players hit double figures for the Spurs against a Bucks side struggling with injuries. Elsewhere, the Washington Wizards continued their impressive start to the season beating the Boston Celtics 115-112 in double overtime. Bradley Beal scored a team-high of 36 points while Kyle Kuzuma recorded a career-high 17 rebounds as the Wizards matched their best start since 2005-06. Jerami Grant scored 22 points as the Detroit Pistons beat the Orlando Magic 110-103, the Denver Nuggets edged the
The Jazz were protecting the last unbeaten record of the new NBA season.
Minnesota Timberwolves 93-91 in a close encounter and the Miami Heat comfortably beat the Memphis Grizzlies 129-103, with Jimmy Butler scoring a game-high
27 points. RJ Barrett scored a career-high 35 points as the New York Knicks beat the Pelicans 123-117, the Philadelphia 76ers recorded their
second win in a row with victory over the Atlanta Hawks and the Phoenix Suns overcame a slow start to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Toronto Raptors edged the
Indiana Pacers 97-94 with rookie Scott Barnes scoring 21 points, as the Golden State Warriors recorded a convincing victory over the Oklahoma CityThunder.
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Kaieteur News
Monday November 01, 2021
Afghanistan bounce back strongly with thumping win over Namibia
Having lost their previous game, Afghanistan made a strong comeback with a 62-run win. GettyImages
ICC - Afghanistan gave Asgar Afghan the perfect sendoff in his last match as they bowled brilliantly to restrict Namibia’s reply to 98/9, defending 161, in their Super 12 clash in Abu Dhabi. The win takes Afghanistan into second spot in the Group 2 standings, behind Pakistan who are on top with six points. Generally known for their fantastic spin bowlers, it was the pacers this time that led from the front with the ball, with Naveen-ul-Haq and Hamid Hassan scalping three wickets each while Gulbadin Naib picked up two. Earlier, Mohammad Nabi once again played a crucial cameo for Afghanistan at the back end of the innings as his 17-ball 32* powered the team to 160. Afghanistan finished strongly in the death, scoring 46 runs in the last four overs as Namibia bowlers were guilty of bowling a few too many loose balls. N a m i b i a p e g Afghanistan back after a solid start - Afghanistan skipper Mohammad Nabi won the toss and opted to bat first against Namibia in Abu Dhabi, backing their strength
to put runs on board despite chasing being the norm so far in the tournament. Hazratullah Zazai batted brilliantly in the Powerplay for Afghanistan, scoring the majority of the runs as the openers brought up their 50run partnership inside the first six overs. Zazai set the ball rolling with a four and a six in the first over, taking on Ruben Trumpelmann who missed his line and length twice and was punished. JJ Smit and David Wiese kept things quiet in the next two overs, but once Trumpelmann was back into the attack, Zazai once again took the attack to the left-arm seamer with two more fours. Afghanistan made up for the two sedate over, with Zazai and Mohammad Shahzad smacking a six and a four each in the next two overs to take Afghanistan’s Powerplay score to 50. JJ Smit returned after the fielding restrictions were lifted and broke through for Namibia, with Zazai holing out in the deep. Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s stay at the crease did not last too long as he missed the sweep completely and was trapped in front by Loftie-Eaton.
Nabi finishes strongly Shahzad tried to up the ante after the drinks break, smashing a six and a four before Trumpelmann struck to send him back into the pavilion. The wicket, however, did not change Afghanistan’s approach and they kept finding the boundaries in the death overs. Asghar Afghan, playing his last game for his country, kept the momentum going along with Mohammad Nabi. The two batters found the boundary thrice in the 17th over bowled by JJ Smit. Nabi took Trumpelmann to the cleaners in the next over, as he smacked a six and a four off consecutive deliveries. The left-arm seamer finished the over on a high, getting the wicket of Afghan in his last game. Wiese erred in his length twice in the final over and Nabi gleefully accepted the loose balls as he put them away to the boundary to take Afghanistan to 160. Afghanistan 160 for 5 (Shahzad 45, Zazai 33, Nabi 32*, Afghan 31, LoftieEaton 2-21) beat Namibia 98 for 9 (Wiese 26, Hassan 39, Naveen 3-26) by 62 runs.
New Zealand cruise to huge win; India’s World Cup future hanging in the balance ICC - India’s future at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 is out of their own hands after New Zealand produced a stunning win in Dubai. Set a modest target of 111 to win the Group 2 fixture, Kiwi opener Daryl Mitchell top-scored in a comfortable chase, hitting a quickfire 49 as his side chased it down with 33 balls to spare. The result means that India will need other games to go their way if they are to reach the semi-finals. Earlier India endured a disappointing evening with the bat, limping to 110/7 off their 20 overs after being put in to bat first. Even captain K ane Williamson wouldn’t have expected his attack to tie India in knots to the extent that they did, with Ravindra Jadeja top-scoring with 26 at the death in a disappointing showing from the pretournament favourites. All five New Zealand bowlers excelled, but it was the spin pair of Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi who
kept things particularly tight, going for just 32 runs off their combined eight overs, with Sodhi taking the crucial wickets of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Trouble at the top India had made a change at the top of the order from their opening loss to Pakistan, bringing in Ishan Kishan for Suryakumar Yadav and dropping the rest of the batting line-up down one. But Kishan made little impact, falling to Trent Boult for just four off eight balls. The scoring rate was slow, despite the occasional moment of brilliance, as KL Rahul and Sharma tried to rebuild. But, just when they tried to let loose, New Zealand struck. Rahul holed out to deep square leg off the penultimate ball of the powerplay, and Sharma was gone two overs later, slicing a shot to long-on. Kiwis keep the pressure on - India’s fortunes took a further blow when captain Kohli was caught on the
boundary off the very first ball after the drinks break, leaving India 48/4 after 10.1 overs. And Adam Milne, who was drafted straight into the first XI after receiving a call-up as an injury replacement for Lockie F e rg u s o n , s h o w e d h i s searing pace to clean up Rishabh Pant. It was an uncharacteristic knock for Pant, who scratched his way to 12 off 19, not managing a single boundary in his stay at the crease, as India limped their way into the death overs needing a big finish to get to a competitive total. Jadeja gives India something - Hardik Pandya’s four through backward point off the last delivery of the 17th over was India’s first boundary in 71 balls. But it was the bighitting all-rounder’s only boundary of the day, with Trent Boult having him caught in the deep for 23 off 24. But Jadeja came in and at least helped India to bring up (Continued on page 19)
Kaieteur News
Monday November 01, 2021
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Fruta Conquerors are Region #7 Chairman Anniversary Challenge Cup champs
GT Panthers collecting the winning trophy from Mayor Gifford Marshall.
Fruta Conquerors Captain receiving the winning trophy from Regional Chairman, Kenneth Williams
MVP Dellon Jones receiving his trophy from Shondel Gilkes of the RDC.
C
ity side Fruta Conquerors needled home team Rising Stars to lift the inaugural Region #7 Chairman Anniversary Challenge Cup when the final was contested on Saturday night at the Bartica Community Centre Ground. The match was a closely contested affair but it was the Fruta boys who would net the lone and winning goal of the match in the 83rd minute to lift the Kenneth Williams/Regional Chairman Trophy. For their efforts, Rising Stars were also presented with a trophy; compliments of the Regional
Chairman. The third place match, an all Bartica affair ended in victory for Beacon FC by a 20 margin over Middle Mazaruni Warriors. Beacon was rewarded with the Mayor of Bartica sponsored trophy. Rising Stars’ Dellon jones was declared the Most Valuable Player of the competition and received a trophy compliments of The Trophy Stall. Meanwhile, the Female encounter between GT Panthers and Bartica Golden Girls ended with the visiting team trouncing their hosts, 90 and was presented with the Mayors trophy.
Regional Chairman, Kenneth Williams (standing right) and Mayor Gifford Marshall (stooping left) pose with the winning Fruta Conquerors FC following the presentation of prizes.
US Ambassador supports Nexgen Golf Academy Cancer Awareness Programme US Ambassador Her Excellency Sarah Ann Lynch expressed her support for the Nexgen Golf Academy Cancer Awareness 5th Annual Golf event on Friday afternoon when she joined dozens of players who came out to participate. A m b a s s a d o r Ly n c h lauded The Academy President Aleem Hussaina and his team for this amazing setting and their continued support for a wonderful cause. “I hope that this serves as an example and leads to more events for charity across the country,” she said. The Ambassador, on behalf of Nexgen Golf and Maraiko Bay Resorts, Assuria General Insurance, Toolsie Persaud Ltd and H. Nauth & Sons, presented a check to Ms. Monette Harry from the Cancer Institute
Monette Harry of the Cancer Institute (left) accepts the cheque from US Ambassador Sarah Ann Lynch in the presence of other company officials. who thanked the donors. “This has become an annual event that needs little coordination since we’ve had the support from Nexgen
and Mr. Hussain for so many years, and it’s getting bigger and better.” Ambassador Lynch then went on to take a golf lesson
and demonstrate that her talents extended beyond diplomacy as she exceeded even her own expectations by hitting the ball close to the
100 yards marker prompting her comment, “Aleem has finally convinced me to play after many years and this facility, so close to the
Embassy will make it much easier for me to play on e regular basis.” Amongst those in attendance were Ian Lee Chung, Executive Director of the Private Sector Commission; Roberto Reale, Country Manager American-Caribe; Rudy Ramalingum Chief Operating Officer Maraiko Bay; Yogendra Arjune, General Manager Assuria General Insurance; Mohamed Majeed General Manager H. Nauth and Sons and Halim ‘Noel’ Khan, President Region three Private Sector; Deputy Mayor Alfred Mentore and Deputy Speaker Lenox Shuman. Hussain said to the gathering, “We all know someone who has been affected by cancer (our (Continued on page 19)
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Kaieteur News
Monday November 01, 2021
Monday November 01, 2021
Kaieteur News
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