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Thursday Edition Maternal, infant AIETEUR NEWS deaths unacceptable in multibillion dollar run health sector - Dr. Cummings

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

November 03, 2022 - Vol. 15 No. 43

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $100 readership yesterday, 75,027

ExxonMobil hires Japanese company to build fifth oil ship without key Govt. approvals - company also gets 10 year contract to operate vessel

Grove men fake robbery ...arrested after police find items in haversacks

(From left) Jamal Durant and Suriya Walcott (4th from left) won the senior and junior categories respectively in the first-ever Massy art competition in support of suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Tia Adolphus (2nd from left), another competitor in the senior category, and Jermain Garnett (3rd from left), who entered the junior category, both placed second. Massy Group launched the art competition on August 8, 2022 in collaboration with the E.R. Burrowes School of Art. Participants were required to depict the theme ‘Creating Hope Through Action’ on their canvas paintings.

Dutch Govt. introduces new law to tax oil companies' excess profits …even as Exxon enjoys tax-free profit in Guyana

Almost 50% of Guyanese living on GYD$1000 per day World Bank says...

...Opposition renews calls for Govt. to press for more money from ExxonMobil

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Thursday November 03, 2022

Almost 50% of Guyanese living on GYD$1000 per day - World Bank ...Opposition renews calls for Govt. to press for more money from ExxonMobil

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recent study conducted in Guyana by the World Bank has found that approximately 48 percent of the country lives in poverty, surviving on less than US$5.5 or GYD$1,000 per day.

In its latest Fact Sheet on Guyana, the international o rg a n i s a t i o n s a i d t h e country's national poverty status is among the highest in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region.

Moreover, it pointed out that the poverty levels are highest in the sparsely populated interior or hinterland regions where communities have limited access to economic opportunities, healthcare, and public services.

According to the report, “Guyana's national poverty headcount, the share of the population living below US$5.5 a day, is among the highest in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Region at around 48 percent.” The document also notes that Guyana “experiences high

emigration and brain drain, with 39 percent of all Guyanese citizens currently residing abroad and roughly half of all Guyanese with a tertiary education have migrated to the United States.”

Since the Fact Sheet was published on October 6 last, Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, has pointed to the need for Guyana to get more from its oil resources to be able to improve the living conditions of citizens.

During a media briefing on Tu e s d a y, N o r t o n t o l d Reporters that the windfall revenue being earned by the oil companies must reach the owners of the resource.

The term 'windfall' simply refers to the excess profits being made by the oil companies operating in Guyana as a result of the higher oil prices being earned, due to the European war. It must be noted that countries around the World are moving to tax the additional profits being made on their resources.

To this end, Norton said,

“as the cost of living continues to spiral upward, and as Guyanese families continue to struggle to make ends meet, we call on the Government to ensure our people get more from the windfall oil revenues…we call for this windfall to be fairly and justly distributed so that all households can benefit.”

In addition, the Opposition Leader said Government's refusal to increase public servants' wages to a “decent liveable income” amid the high cost of living says clearly that the administration is not concerned about its citizens.

He said even though the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) that holds the oil revenue has increased, the PPP has merely given public servants between three and seven percent increases across the board, which means more for those on the higher end of the salary scale and less for those on the lower end.

For instance, “While the average man is taking home

a $25,000 increase per year, the President is taking home $1,105,200 dollars per year.

That is $1,080,200 per year more than the average man.

The Government does not care. Once they can live a nice life they are comfortable with punishing our people,” he argued.

Norton challenged that if the Government cares, it should calculate the minimum amount of money the average man needs to live and pay them a livable wage which will have to be no less than $150,000 per month.

In September, Kaieteur News reported that the United Nations

Development Programme (UNDP) in its 2022 Human Development Report titled 'Uncertain Times, Unsettled Lives: Shaping our Future in a Transforming World' found that 38.8 percent of Guyanese citizens are intensely deprived.

In 2021 – the year under review – Guyana's Human Development Index (HDI) dropped from the previous year. It declined from 0.721 in 2020 to 0.714 in 2021.

When it comes to the standard of living for Guyanese, the organisation found that 8.8 percent of Guyana has no electricity; 5.7 percent of homes do not have sanitary washrooms

while another 4.8 percent of homes did not have access to clean drinking water. In its assessment of the housing situation in the country, the UNDP Report said 11.6 percent of homes built in Guyana are made from mud and other inadequate materials.

Meanwhile, 7.2 percent of the population was found to be using dung, wood, charcoal or coal as fuel and another 9.6 percent of the people does not own a car or truck or own more than one of the following assets: radio, television, telephone, computer, animal cart, bicycle, motorbike or refrigerator.

Jamaica Bar Association says SOCU's arrest of Attorney attack on rule of law

Attorney-at- Law, Tamieka Clarke

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 03, 2022

PAGE 03

ExxonMobil hires Japanese company to build fifth oil ship without key Govt. approvals ...company also gets 10 year contract to operate vessel

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itsui Ocean Development & Engineering Company (MODEC) which is based in Japan announced this week that it has signed a contract to perform Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) for a Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO) for ExxonMobil Corporation's “Uaru” development project in the Stabroek Block.

It should be noted however that the award was made in the absence of Government's approval for Exxon's Field Development Plan for Uaru. Even the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project has not been made public as is customary to allow for nationwide consultations. These engagements are usually made prior to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issuing an Environmental Authorization for the project.

Be that as it may, ExxonMobil has awarded the contract for construction works to begin on the ship. MODEC noted that the FEED contract award relates to the initial funding by ExxonMobil's subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), to begin FEED activities related to the FPSO design and to secure the second M350TM hull for FPSO service.

Following FEED and subject to Government approvals in Guyana of the development plan, project

sanction including final investment decision by ExxonMobil, and EEPGL's release of the second phase (EPCI) of work, MODEC said it is expected to construct the FPSO and install in Guyana.

MODEC is also anticipated to operate the FPSO for an initial duration of 10 years, with potential options for continuation.

crude oil. “We are extremely honored and proud to be selected to provide the FEED services for an FPSO for the UARU project,” commented Takeshi Kanamori, President and CEO of MODEC. “We are equally proud of our robust track record of successful project deliveries in the South America region, and we look forward to

US$10B. The company issued this forewarning about the most expensive development to come during its 2022 third quarter earnings call.

Hess Executives told shareholders that they were able to insulate development costs for Payara and Yellowtail to some extent, from inflationary pressures

M350 - Next Generation New Built FPSO Hulls

Additionally, MODEC said it will design and construct the FPSO based on its M350 new-build design. The FPSO will be designed to produce 250,000 barrels of oil per day, will have associated gas treatment capacity of 540 million cubic feet per day, and water injection capacity of 350,000 barrels per day.

The FPSO will also be installed in a water depth of about 2000 meters, using a SOFEC Spread Mooring System and will be able to store around 2 million barrels of

cooperating closely with the client and its partners to make this project a success.”

The FPSO will be MODEC's first for use in Guyana, however it will be the 18th FPSO/FSO vessel delivered by MODEC for use in South America.

MORE THAN US$10B American energy company, Hess Corporation, recently put Guyana on notice, that the fifth project targeting 1.3 billion barrels of oil in the Stabroek Block's Uaru field, will cost way more than

by locking in key contracts early.

With respect to the Uaru Project, Hess officials said the circumstances will be different, adding that the cost for the Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, will surely reflect current market conditions, as well as scope changes.

In its project summary that was submitted to the Environmental P r o t e c t i o n A g e n c y, E s s o Exploration and Production Guyana Limited said the Uaru

Project will be located in the eastern portion of the block, approximately 200 km from Georgetown and amid previous Stabroek Projects.

Current plans include drilling to produce oil from approximately 4076 wells which costs millions of dollars. Production is expected to begin between the fourth quarter of 2026 and the second quarter of 2027, with an expected field life of at least 20 years. EEPGL said the production facilities to be installed include subsea equipment attached to the seafloor as well as processing equipment on the ocean's surface known as a Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading vessel.

EEPGL told the EPA that it has undertaken additional studies to obtain an even more comprehensive understanding of potential impacts of effluent discharges to water, the feasibility of alternative handling of produced water, cradle to grave waste management in Guyana, emergency response capabilities, and environmental compliance monitoring and verification.

The company said the learnings from current operations and environmental studies will enhance the design and implementation of the Uaru Project, thereby increasing environmental performance and economic value.

It concluded that the Uaru Project will contribute positively, directly and indirectly, to economic growth in Guyana.

Exxon to meet with registered suppliers next week on upcoming oil and gas projects

E

xxonMobil Guyana and its Co-venturers in the Stabroek Block have teamed up with the Centre for Local Business Development to host the Guyana Supplier Forum 2022, billed for the Leonora Stadium, West Coast Demerara (Region Three).

The event will take place between November 8 and 9, and is geared at providing a platform for Guyanese businesses, specifically those who supply the oil sector, to receive updated information on the procurement process, key contacts, and upcoming tenders for the remainder of the year and longer term, from ExxonMobil Guyana, and its leading prime contractors for offshore oil and gas and the Gas to Energy

Project.

The Centre for Local Business Development said the Guyana Supplier Forum will serve to provide Guyanese businesses with valuable insights and access, to the activities that exist and are upcoming, in the oil and gas sector.

It however noted on its website that, “Day 1 will be

for invited businesses only, while Day 2 will be for businesses and the general public.

The Forum will also have four recruitment agencies for individuals who will attend in relation to employment vacancies on Day 2.”

According to the programme seen by this newspaper, the President of

ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, is expected to give remarks on day one, in addition to Guyana's Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat a n d P r i m e M i n i s t e r, Brigadier Ret'd Mark Phillips.

Several other speakers are lined up for the afternoon session, to explain the US$2

billion Wales Gas-to-Energy project and to field questions.

Meanwhile, on day two, a series of t e c h n i c a l discussions are p l a n n e d w i t h pres en tations , f o llo w ed by q u e s t i o n a n d a n s w e r s e g m e n t s b y ExxonMobil Guyana's O p e r a t i o n s M a n a g e r, Mike Ryan, the

Director for the Local Content Secretariat, Martin Pertab, Partner of the Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase Inc, Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer, Country Manager for Baker Hughes, Jon Rhodes, and Supply Chain Manager for SBM Offshore, Flavia Werneck among others.

So far, about 23 agencies have confirmed their attendance at the expo, inclusive of the Vreed-enHoop Shorebase Inc, Technip FMC, Stena Drilling, Saipem, Impressions, IPED, GTT, Gaico, ExxonMobil, the Centre for Local Business Development an d several others.

The Guyana Supplier Forum is being supported by ExxonMobil, Hess, CNOOC and the Greater Guyana Initiative.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 04

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

Publisher: GLENN LALL - TEL: 624-6456 Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Oil companies and taxes

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axation is a touchy issue in Guyana for the PPP/C Government. When the discussion is about taxing the oil companies operating here, leaders in this government vanish.

Guyanese pay taxes and they want ExxonMobil to pay its fair share of taxes. The fly in the ointment is that the PPP/C Government is on the side of ExxonMobil with this one, and against the Guyanese people. In America, the home of several oil giants, the sounds and sentiments are about the possible levying of taxes on windfall profits made by oil companies.

In Guyana, on the other hand, where there is no such native attachment to the oil companies, there is only silence and resistance on the government’s part when the challenge is made for ExxonMobil to pay its fair share of taxes due to the Guyanese treasury.

In America, Joe Biden and many other Americans are again talking about the necessity of applying windfall taxes on the excess profits of oil companies. In Irving, Texas, the CEO of ExxonMobil was one happy man last week as he celebrated blockbuster profits like never before in his company’s 152-year history.

Guyana’s high-quality, low-cost oil contributed a goodly share to the US$19B plus that ExxonMobil could boast about to its investors, Wall Street analysts, and the world. The irony is that while the Americans (and others) contemplate taxes on excess profits (so-called windfall taxes), Guyana is not saying anything about any taxes at all.

It is no secret in Guyana, but the enraging reality is that ExxonMobil and partners are not paying one dime in taxes on its profits. In fact, ExxonMobil is so greedy and outrageous that it has even gone to court to push for one of its vendors to pay taxes at a lower rate. Meanwhile, when agitated citizens call for ExxonMobil to pay some taxes, its fair share, the company gets the PPP/C Government to go after those Guyanese daring to challenge its comforting and enriching nontax regime. As matters stand currently, there is this national horror show of Guyana’s own Attorney General on the side of ExxonMobil in a war against another Guyanese (KN’s Publisher, Glenn Lall) filing a court case on behalf of the Guyanese people. If this is not a disfigurement of government resources, a deformity of government intellect, and a diminishment of government wisdom, then nothing else could ever be.

We single out the Hon. Attorney General for special mention due to his leading role in this matter. It is our position that he has occasion to manifest how honorably bound, patriotically charged, and ethically driven he is, and take a stand for what he has to know in his heart is damaging to the interests of his poor country.

Though this may clash with the cannons of his learnings, his overarching national philosophy must rise to the fore and take hold. This we believe he knows all too well as to its demands on him. He must have the courage to convey to his chiefs and his comrades that he cannot, in good conscience, be the legal agency in this case.

If Joe Biden and other Americans can think of how to get some tax money justifiably out of ExxonMobil (and Chevron and Conoco Phillips), one of their own, Guyana should try its hardest to get something for itself. We have not even reached the stage of windfall taxes yet, and only put on the table at this time, the regular corporate taxes that any Guyanese company has to pay.

The nonpayment of taxes by ExxonMobil is not just an abomination, it is the rankest of rank injustices. Guyanese should be out in the streets to express their wrath at this thievery under contractual cover that hemorrhages our already thin national coffers. To think that Guyana’s new massa, ExxonMobil’s Alistair Routledge, could have the audacity and indecency to talk about the 2016 contract as the “best ever contract” for this country is the height of arrogance and insult.

All Guyanese should be infuriated, just as how legions of Americans are. We are feeling the squeeze, so must ExxonMobil. The PPP/C Government must work tirelessly to get the company to pay its share of taxes.

Thursday November 03, 2022

PM Phillips is the beneficiary of the very race-baiting politics which he condemns DEAR EDITOR, I read with interest Prime Minister Mark Phillip’s letter published on Sunday, 30th 2022 editions of Stabroek News and Kaieteur News captioned, ‘I appeal to Guyanese not to become entrapped by an Opposition that is becoming increasingly isolated’ and ‘The Opposition race baiting agenda exposed’ respectively.

In his missive, the PM wrote much and said little to justify the premise of his letter. I summarised his viewpoint as follows: (a) the Opposition is seeking to change the Government’s narrative; (b) the Opposition using race to further its agenda; © the PPP’s policies are to the benefit of all Guyanese; (d) the Government is addressing African developmental issues. Each of the above are profound issues and requires separate letters to adequately address.

I will not give a detailed analysis for the reason stated.

The PM made much of the fact that the Opposition is seeking to change the Government’s narrative.

What does the PM expect?

The Opposition’s role is to promote its narrative to the population and not that of the Government.

This is the A.B.C of politics. Since Mr. Phillips is a political ‘just comer’ his

deficiency in this area can be overlooked.

However, his claim that the Opposition is engaged in race-baiting is a different matter. In the context of Guyana’s history of race and politics, with both major parties consciously playing the race card, his concern can’t be taken seriously.

This has been our reality for six decades. Mr. Phillips seemingly waking up to this reality is questionable. He must be aware that his selection by the PPP as their Prime Ministerial Candidate and the role that he is presently playing as a concerned African is itself a form of race-baiting on the race question.

It is a superficial strategy commonly used in the United States, especially by the Republican Party, to place African Americans in ‘front’ to ‘prove’ through superficial ‘imagery’ that the party has the best interests of African Americans.

The Prime Minister’s claim that the PPP policies benefit all Guyanese is a position a ruling party and Government will take even if the reality is different. He is entitled to his partisan and self-serving position. What matters is how the Guyanese people see Government policies.

The issue here is not as suggested by the PM. It is not whether the policies benefit all Guyanese. What needs to be answered is the extent that

the majority of the population’s interest is addressed in a timely way, and adequately and fairly, when compared with other sections of the community.

On the issue of the Government addressing African issues, the PM is either dishonest or ignorant of what constitutes ‘African issues’. In his letter, he points to “trials” ignoring fundamental issues. I beg to differ from the PM and state quire clearly that the PPP Government is deliberately hostile to African interests.

And I am saying so as a political activist of over 50 years and one who had fought with the PPP against the PNC at a time when they were not in the office. May I school the Prime Minister, on the minimum, of what constitutes African interests: (1) The Government must recognize the damage done to Africans by enslavement. The denial of more than 200 plus years of non-payment for our work in building Guyana - resulting in the loss of generational wealth for the African community.

(2) A public admission that at present Africans own less than 10% of the national economy, and a commitment to a time-driven economic plan to correct this dismal situation. We need policies that aim at economic parity in a planned and predictable way.

(3)The end of the

negative historical political competition that is based on a “winner” takes all governance system. Africans want executive power sharing not the trite statements of a strategically chosen Prime minister.

(4) Most importantly, the use of oil wealth to correct historical deficiencies in the nation and equal access to oil wealth for all races. And concurrently, starting with the ‘Buxton Proposal’, that Guyanese householders be given US$ 5.000 annually as cash transfer from oil revenues.

As I indicated at the outset, this not a comprehensive response to PM Phillips’s missive.

Hopefully, I have said enough to make him reflect on his uninformed utterances on matters he has no history of previous public advocacy on. In making this response the intent was to push back on the PM’s propaganda on the seriousness of the issue of the African condition in Guyana and the PPP Government’s disrespectful and contemptuous treatment of the African community –that amounts to political footballing, or as some might state, political back balling.

In conclusion, I want to drive home to Prime Minister Mark Phillips that he is the beneficiary of the very race-baiting politics which he condemned.

Yours Sincerely, Tacuma Ogunseye

Tigers cannot change their stripes DEAR EDITOR, Which side of our Guyanese brain does not understand that the present status-quo as it relates to our politics, governance and development will not change for the better unless there is a new political dispensation.

There is an abundance of evidence dating back to political independence in 1966 which glaringly reveals the “power drunk”/ tunnel vision nature of political figures who have since d o m i n a t e d G u y a n a ’s governance structure.

It does not require mutimillion-dollar research projects and/or wide-ranging analyses to recognise this reality.

I am certain all rightthinking Guyanese adults are fully aware of the damage that has been done to the country by almost two generations of selfish and greedy politicians but for

reasons known only to them conveniently choose either to forget or ignore its occurrence.

Since political independence we as a people have endured suffering and stagnation, left behind by the rest of the world. Simply because we have been lied to and misled into thinking that our enemies are our Indian and African descent brothers and sisters.

As a result of our underlying hatred for each we are unable to see our true reality and potential.

For 50-odd years we have fought among ourselves, cunningly manipulated and agitated by our politicians who use this in-fighting to achieve and maintain power… their only real interest.

We have been and are our greatest enemy.

The newspapers and social media are saturated daily with cries

for the Politicians to change their stripes and to give us some food, shelter, livable wages, reliable basic utilities, health services and security…generally a better standard of living.

These cries have been falling on deaf ears for the past 50 years yet we continue wailing but are unwilling to help ourselves by seeking commonalities to improve our lives as a people and break the shackle of mental captivity in which we live.

It seems that both our older and sadly younger generations have resigned themselves to allowing others to control their lives and destiny instead of finding and exercising that power to do so themselves.

As long as we continue to be divided between Indo and Afro-Guyanese, our positions in life will never change. We need to reeducate, re-orient ourselves

and understand that the interest of the Politicians is completely different from yours. His goal is to achieve and maintain power at all costs.

H i s a i m i s aggrandizement for himself, family and friends.

Complaining and wailing will do nothing… they are too steeped in their ways and goals...too focused .too obsessed to hear much less budge.

They all believe that they have been given the right to lord and master over a meek and divided people. Has anyone noticed how ARROGANT ordinary folks become as soon as they attain political power/office?

I am not certain how many patriotic, independent, righteous, honest, humble and truthful Guyanese still remain who understand that the solution to our woes lie (Continued on page 5)

Thursday November 03, 2022

Kaieteur News

All that glitters is not gold DEAR EDITOR, Behind the glitter, there is this litter and it is the long, thick trail of Guyana. It is a tale of the two faces of Guyana, which when people like me point to, cursing comes. The first face is of the glitter about “fastest growing economy”, and among ‘biggest Gross Domestic Product (GDP)’ anywhere.

The numbers don’t lie, and they awe and enthrall and stupefy. On the other hand, the second face is the one captured in the ugliness of the underbelly of a highvoltage economy and the gigantic GDP of Guyana, as captioned by SN on November 2nd, ‘World Bank says poverty in Guyana among highest in Latin America, Caribbean…’

I have every likeness for our GDP and economic numbers. I hate with a passion, though, how those numbers don’t mean anything to ordinary Guyanese.

By any standards, one in two citizens straddling any poverty line (48%) is an embarrassment, a conveyance of much hardship, hopelessness, anguish, fear.

But who wants to hear that kind of message, when messengers are so few and make for easy targets.

Is there anybody, still hearing ‘naysayer, scaremonger, and doomsayer? If anyone takes that tack, then the first that should be in the bullseye must be the World Bank. It has facts, with figures to

match. So many Guyanese hurting badly, and with the most vulnerable, the most misused and exploited, and taken for a ride being those in indigenous communities.

Some sort of scheming bullies and political mongrels we are, be they named PPP or PNC or AFC. E d i t o r, w h a t d o e s GY$1100 a day help make possible?

The round-trip minibus fare gobbles up $200, a pound of meat (pick the cheapest) and half of what is left is gone. If anyone is thinking protein, then they better not go in the direction of healthcare, which the World Bank spoke of in less than stellar terms.

Incidentally, with the $400 remaining, one has to get some ‘fillers’ or bulk, which

means rice or flour, and that is for the stomach. To get something in the stomach, there is a bottle of cooking gas, which is $5000 or thereabouts from some time ago.

It is five days of what the World Bank says that one out of two Guyanese are living with, must make do. To cut a fine point here, the World Bank reported “below” US$5.5. I tremble to think what that stark and ominous word “below” could mean for some in that 48%.

Is it GY$800 a day, or GY$500, or none at all? No amount of leadership glossy pontificating is going to rid Guyana of this harrowing, damning, and numbing reality. And no battalion of silky propagandists paid (Continued on page 6)

Tigers cannot change their...

From page 4 in them collaborating as a united front to introduce a new political dispensation in which the welfare and improvement in the lives of ALL GUYANESE are their paramount goals and objectives.

The age-old worn-out politics of race has no place in a modern society. It seems as if there are only a handful of people still living in Guyana with integrity, willpower, love for their fellow human beings and country willing to stand up and speak out. The majority it seems are either struggling to survive on the edges of survival, or have sold and/or are selling themselves and their souls for a few pieces of silver.. not unlike Judas in the bible story.

While we continue to wail we seem unable or unwilling to come together to find solutions to our problems.

Are we so distrustful of each other? Is it that so many

of us are “on the take” that honest and purposeful collaboration is nigh impossible? Are we so obsessed with the get-rich syndrome that we cannot see the bigger and broader picture that is our future and that of our children? I urge people speaking of an independent and righteous Third Force like Dr. Jerry Jailall and others to persevere.

No talking, no begging, no wailing, no academic analyses and proposals will touch the souls of our present crop of Politicians into

changing their stripes. If we fail to understand the reality of the situation Like Sheep, we shall be led astray to the destiny that we have allowed others to choose for us.

Where are the potential leaders of tomorrow among our young intellectuals? Or are there none?

The ball has been and always will be in our court…only if we can wake

up, open our eyes and SEE. We will never survive as a n a t i o n w i t h a PLANTOCRACY system.

The powerful will never educate the powerless to take a w a y t h e i r p o w e r.

Remember there is only ONE RACE…THE HUMAN RACE. Peace and Blessings.

Regards, Daniel DaCosta

PAGE 05

Indeed, the standard of cricket commentary ‘Reds’ Pereira, an icon must be lifted himself, emphasising DEAR EDITOR, Prescott Mann’s October 31 letter, ‘There is hope for better Super50 commentary’ is most timely.

He notes that “Lots of people are hoping for some level of change, as live cricket commentary is supposed to be educational as well as enlightening,” and this is indeed so very true.

Many times, thanks to modern technology, I keep revisiting the archives, bringing up the many greats such as John Arlott, Christopher Martin Jenkins, Jonathan Agnew, Tony Cozier, Brian Waddle, Henry Blofeld, Alan McGilvray, Jim Maxwell, and Brian Johnston etc.

What was noteworthy for all of these, and it goes for the entire pantheon of legends, is that their commentary of the ‘live’ action was well delineated, and on this point, I have a few things to say.

First, live cricket commentary is exactly what it implies, that is, it is ‘live.’

This means that the action, meaning the movement of the ball, must be so described that listeners can envisage what is actually taking place.

I recall, on radio, Joseph

that commentators must ‘follow the ball.’

This ball I may add is the centre of attraction. Yes, the bowler releases it, and the batsman reacts thereafter.

His reaction is specific too, that is, a ‘named’ shot/stroke is played.

What I get these days is the shrieking monotony of a batsman ‘hitting’ say ‘high and hard’ or just ‘hitting’ or ‘missing.’ I mean I want to ‘see’ as I listen, as every stroke from a batsman in cricket has a name.

So, unless the ‘lesser likes’ who are covering the games know these finer points, they should not do live cricket commentary.

Now I can go on and mention fielding positions, as these too are specific and known by exact names.

I advise that there is a cricketing jargon that must be employed.

Sometimes the ‘high and hard’ is hard and impossible to envisage. I actually heard from one of our boys that the ball was hit ‘high and hard,’ but lo and behold, the batsman was bowled.

Serious!

Now I will not belabour this issue, but I repeat that (Continued on page 6)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 06

Thursday November 03, 2022

Indeed, the standard of cricket commentary must be...

From page 5 the game of cricket is not a ‘bottom house’ or ‘backyard’ fun time. Its coverage calls for knowledge and wellhoned, specialised skills, something I need to comment on.

Getting back to the greats of recent times, I keep noticing the ease with which they utilise language. Their grammar was intact and their vocabulary was rich, diverse and appropriate.

These traits were well buttressed by the ability to be true to what was unfolding.

There was no ‘forced excitement’ when nothing was happening, and these ‘chaps of old’ had the abilty to carry on a secondary, but

related conversation, even as they were ‘calling the action, ball-by-ball.’

Editor, Like Mar Mann, I too am happy that Sean Devers is back. He has been around for some time and has the raw materials to grow and get better.

He should be a staple. I am pleased also that Naim Chan resurfaced during the Inter-County games, and I believe that he can and should make some inputs with the likes of John Ramsingh and Inderjeet Persaud, who have been struggling along (without help) for quite some time now.

Unlike Naim Chan, these two have no ‘radio

upbringing’ and so they struggle in terms of finding the correct ‘roister’ for their coverage. They tend to talk or shout, and I am sure ‘commentating wise,’ Naim can give guidance that inheres in his decades of experience as a top-class radio and TV presenter. I still have a lot more to say on cricket, but at least with Naim and Sean back, I feel that we have a model for aspiring commentators to look up to.

For now, I iterate a million times what quite a few have been saying in recent weeks.

It is that cricket commentary and radio announcing on the whole

must be restored to acceptable standards.

Cricket Commentary and Radio Announcing are ‘specialised’ professions.

One writer noted that “… there are just too frequent and numerous defectively produced speech; socially abhorrent enunciations; and n o n c o n f o r m i s t pronunciations.”

So, I too call on Minister Kwame McCoy to search for

and appoint ‘experts’ (as close as he can get to), in the basic ‘use of language,’ to address these gross issues, so that there will be “… quality and professionalism (not being far) far removed from international standards and expectations.

Lots of people are ignoring live cricket commentary and radio on the whole. In fact, listening to the news (sports especially)

on the Voice of Guyana is a cumbersome job. The reading is primary schoolish and at the end, I barely know what was the thrust. As a caveat, and as most people know, the present batch (Heads of DPI, NCN’s VOG, and Chronicle) are not journalistically savvy enough nor adequately language equipped).

Yours truly, Deodat Singh

All that glitters is not...

From page 5 well to write from airconditioned offices about how good Guyanese have it, and like never before, can wish the horror of below US$5.5 a day. Perhaps, Leaders and Propagandists in the PPP Government may pause and recognize the significance of what 2 of 5 of our educated people disappearing to Richmond

Hill, East New York, Atlanta, and parts unknown. The bigger point is that when 2 of 5 Guyanese with some semblance of learning leave this land, then there is cringing at what is left here to carry on in this age of oil.

What quality?

What sagacity? What integrity?

Another downside of that is all the white-collar unemployment despite this drain of the supposedly brainy. Today, I will not stir any nests with which demographic is increasingly in the unemployment ranks, education and experience notwithstanding.

Revisiting that US$5.5 a day figure from the World Bank, the thought comes that one of two Guyanese is now a Pensioner, considering the GY$28,000 a month insult to the elderly, since that is what

$1100 a day means for 48% of Guyanese.

A s w e k n o w, t h e demographics say that old age pensioners are nowhere near half of Guyana’s population.

But, the punishing reality is that half of Guyana could be in a Pensioner’s $28,000 monthly boat.

It is some thought, isn’t it? I hope that there is neither smart-alecky nor slippery response from agents of the PPP Government. These things can’t be wished away nor swept under the carpet, if there is a carpet.

I am watching what the money man in the PPP Government, Dr. Ashni Singh, comes up with for a national budget, especially now that he is armed with what is dear to his loving, caring heart (the non-cash part), and cash register mind.

Forty thousand is a major move, but pensioners would still starve. Minimum wage can’t be $60,000 and taxes so steep. Everybody is over the resistance mark of $100,000.

Child exemptions, ‘free pay’ allowances, and VAT should all be part of the 2023 budget package.

Infrastructure billions for private sector friends to get more gravy is understood.

But the imbalance between what is earmarked for public works (conspicuous consumption) versus that of making our people exist at some less humiliating (starvation consumption) level must be much narrower, and would be lauded.

I remind President Ali and the Public Works Bishop that people can’t eat roads and bridges. To sum up, 48% of Guyanese below US$5.5 is national shame, a national abomination, in an oil rich country, and where each Guyanese (per head) owns more oil that the Crown Prince of Arabia.

I think I have said enough. My hope is that the message, my cry, registers.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Thursday November 03, 2022

Kaieteur News

Exxon is ramping up production, and running red lights, breaching safety requirements.

President Ali and VP Jagdeo step aside, and let Exxon runover Guyana.

This is not governance, it is connivance by the PPP/C Govt. and Exxon.

This is not the PPP/C Government manifesting strong leadership.

This is Exxon sinking a leaderless Guyana ship.

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PAGE 08

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 03, 2022

Dutch Govt. introduces new law to tax oil companies' excess profits …even as Exxon enjoys tax-free profit in Guyana

At a time when American oil giant, ExxonMobil Corporation, is enjoying taxfree profits in Guyana the Government of The Netherlands has introduced a bill to levy some US$3.1B from fossil fuel companies amid the significantly increased energy rates.

O n Tu e s d a y, t h e Government of Netherlands announced that, “The Netherlands is introducing a temporary solidarity contribution for the fossil fuel sector. This solidarity contribution will be introduced with retroactive effect over the year 2022.

This means that the large profits that have been or are being made as a result of significantly increased energy tariffs will be additionally taxed.”

The Dutch Government noted too that the proceeds of the solidarity contribution of an expected € 3.2 billion (US$3.1B) will be used to pay for the energy ceiling for small consumers. To this end,

it was explained that with the new Bill, the Government is implementing the emergency intervention regulation in connection with the high energy prices of the European Union (EU).

It was pointed out that part of the regulation is the mandatory introduction of a 'temporary solidarity contribution' for the year 2022. It was explained that the contribution will apply to the surplus profit of companies with activities in crude oil, natural gas, coal and the refining of petroleum.

According to the Dutch Government in order to calculate the excess profit, the average profit before corporate income tax for the past four years is used as a starting point. Companies with a profit before corporate tax in 2022 that is at least greater than 20% of the average profit for the years 2018 to 2021 are taxed extra for that part – the rate is 33%.

The move by the Dutch

Government comes one day after President of the United States of America, Joe Biden threatened to increase the tax on the oil majors 'outrageous' profits. On Tuesday, Kaieteur News reported that President Biden made his statement just days after ExxonMobil announced that its thirdquarter 2022 earnings was US$19.7 billion – and oil companies like British oil giant Shell and others also recording big profits.

The U.S President reiterated that the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has sent oil prices soaring, not just in America, but around the world.

“One by one major oil companies have reported record-breaking profits not just a fair turn-out for hard work…but I mean profits so high it's hard to believe,” the President said.

He explained that Exxon's profits for the third quarter of 2022 is nearly triple what the oil major made last year and the most

profit made in its 152 year history. “Give me a break, enough is enough, look I'm a Capitalist and I have said this before, I have no problem with corporations turning a fair profit and getting a return on their investment and innovation, but this is not remotely what's happening.

Oil companies' recording profits today are not because they are doing something new or innovative, their profits are a windfall of war,” he explained.

As such, he noted that, at the time of war any company receiving historic profits like the oil majors are recording, have the responsibility to, “act beyond their narrow self-interest of its executive shareholders.”

“I think they have the responsibility to act in the interest of its consumers, their community and their country. To invest in America by increasing production and refining capacity because they don't want to do that they have the opportunity to do

that,” the President said.

President Biden had explained that the oil companies can also lower the prices for consumers at the pump stations, to bring ease to Americans. However, he stated, if the oil companies who are raking in billions in profits fail to act they will face higher taxes on their excess profits and other restrictions. He added that his team will work with Congress to look at the options available and will provide an update when Congress gets back.

“It's time for these companies to stop warprofiteering. Meet their responsibilities to this country, give the American people a break and still do very well,” he said.

While several countries have are taking steps to tax the fossil fuel companies on their excess profits being made owed to the RussiaUkraine war – Guyana on the other hand, does not tax Exxon's affiliate Esso

President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd (EEPGL).

EEGL is the operator of the country's richest oil block. Guyana's Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometers) and has approximately 11 billion proven barrels of oil.

The oil company continues to enjoy tax-free earnings owing to the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Guyana signed onto with the oil major. In fact, under the 2016 PSA Guyana has agreed to, under the taxation provisions, to pay Exxon's share of Corporation and Income Tax. As such it would mean, that Guyana foregoes each year, billions of US dollars.

Den Amstel earmarked for infrastructural, other development - Pres. Ali President Irfaan Ali has restated his Government's commitment to ensuring the upliftment of Guyanese in every community across the country.

The President, was on T u e s d a y, a d d r e s s i n g residents of Den Amstel and neighbouring communities in Region Three during an outreach. The residents were updated on Government's agenda which includes plans to improve the infrastructure in Den Amstel.

President Ali, following concerns highlighted by residents, noted that a $10 million contract has been awarded for the rehabilitation of the community ground. “We'll be doing back the ground, the pavilion, and put in a basketball court. Some work will be done on the bridge,” President Ali stated.

A basketball court will be constructed along the northern side of the ground and a walk path catering to the elderly.

As it relates to the football court, the President noted, “I met with the

national football team and the federation and I told them that we are going to work with them on a national football tournament before the end of the year.”He said the facility should be completed soon to facilitate the football training sessions.

Meanwhile, after listening to concerns raised by farmers, President Ali noted, ”We will have agriculture [ministry] come in and have a talk with the farmers because we gotta see how we can put all of the lands to production.”

Some of the lands between Blankenburg and Den Amstel have been out of production. In this regard, President Ali tasked Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha to conduct a meeting with the farmers in the community to address their concerns.

Importantly, he added, “that is what I am asking Minister Mustapha to come in and to see how we can ensure that the lands that are not into production, how we can get them into production.

Because that is revenue sitting down.”

President Ali said that Government will work with the land owners to formulate a mechanism, “through which they [land owners] can go back to the lands or they can rent it, legally, to see how it can go into productivity.”

As it relates to infrastructure, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar stated that some $86 million will be allocated for the construction of concrete roads along the southern section of Den Amstel.

President Ali, as part of his 'One Guyana' vision, continues to visit communities across Guyana, meeting with residents and addressing their concerns.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, Chief of Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess and other senior officials from the Agriculture Ministry and other agencies also accompanied the President.(DPI)

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 03, 2022

PAGE 09

Opportunity knocks!

The ambivalence of the APNU and the AFC about participating in Local Government Elections has created an opportunity for independent candidates to seize political space.

Regardless of whether these parties decide to contest the elections, there remain opportunities for community groups and independents to compete for seats in the March 2023 Local Government Elections (LGE).

The PNCR is not likely to boycott the forthcoming elections. Too much is at stake. The PNCR cannot afford either the symbolism or the reality of ceding Georgetown, Bartica, Mahdia and Linden at these polls.

To lose control of these municipalities will further devastate the PNCR. As such regardless about the excuses which are being made about the Voters’ List, the PNCR has no choice but to compete.

But it has an option. It can do what Desmond Hoyte did in a previous Local Government Polls. He knew that the PNC was weakened and would have done poorly.

So in a number of areas he said that the PNCR would give way to community groups.

The PNCR will most likely not go this route. It will be forced to compete.

But whether it can raise the resources to finance its campaign is left to be seen.

Even though the private sector had serious concerns over the threat of the return of political dictatorship and authoritarianism, as a result of the attempt to rig the 2020 polls, there are elements in the private sector who will secretly give to the PPPC and also give to the PNCR. This is their insurance ticket and also their shamelessness is supporting both sides of the political divide.

The AFC is not likely to participate in the elections. It is too weakened to even attempt an election. During the 2018 polls, the APNU went it alone without the AFC and the AFC was humiliated. It will not risk its electoral demise by daring to contest nest years LGEs. In the meantime, the PPP/C is in full campaign mode. The visits which the President is paying to communities across Guyana are all part of a disguised campaign. Huge resources are being pumped into infrastructure and other works in communities.

J u s t y e s t e r d a y, t h e President waltzed into a PNC stronghold Tucville

and promised to renovate the football field, build a hard court and establish an internet hub. He is also promised accelerating technical skills training for young people and to mainstream them into the many jobs which are now available but for which they are insufficient number of applicants.

A few days ago he was in Den Amstel and helping to support the farmers there.

This is another PNC/R stronghold in the Region from which Ali emanated.

The PPP/C is therefore busy making inroads into PNC/R constituencies. This trend will continue and the PPP steps up the ante to better its 60% voter take at the last 2018 elections.

The APNU blundered badly in its management of both its 2016 LGE campaign and the 2018 LGE campaign.

It did not execute properly because many of its Leaders were too overwhelmed by their Government jobs to devote the time needed to LGEs. The APNU and the AFC are likely to go into the 2023 LGEs weakened. This is the opportunity for young, local leaders to stake their claim to leadership at the local levels.

The weakness of the APNU and the AFC opens the door

Dem boys seh...

Don’t worry. Be happy!

Dem public servants nah worried about salary increase. Dem know dat it coming as sure as day follows night.

Dem bin around lang enough fuh understand how de Pee Pee Pee Cee does operate. Dem does wait till de end of de year and dem does calaulate de inflation rate and den add on something and all it George.

Dem does mek de increase retroactive. Dat mean de workers getting a full years backpay fuh enjoy de Christmas. And privately nuff of dem public servants would concur dat dem like it day way because dem does be flush fuh de holidays.

De Opposition know dat too, And so dem mekking a lot of noise about de workers deserving $150,000 per month minimum. Well dem bope dat some of dem

wah gat people wukking in dem office and at dem house gan get from de same Opposition de $150,000. But dem boys also remember de saying, “ do suh nah like suh.”

De Opposition know dat back pay coming. So dem trying fuh tek credit fuh it while creating too high expectations fuh meal de workers feel discontented with whatever de shaart man gan stump up.

Dem police, firemen, soldiers, and prison warden gan get in good. By dew ay dem prisoners deserve a tap-up too. But yuh gat to talk to another man fuh get dat approved De shaart man gan be most popular man in December. Everybody gan be swarming he fuh find out how big gan be de back pay.

Talk half. Leff half!

to opportunities.

Some persons may be reluctant to enter the fray given the experience of independent groups in 2016 elections; voters instead of giving the independent parties and candidates an opportunity, opted in general to vote as they do in general and regional elections, along party and ethnic lines.

But things are different this time. The APNU and the

AFC are both wounded.

Their constituencies may be looking for new and fresh faces to represent them. The Local Government Organs are stacked with far too many persons who are there mainly for the stipend and who have little in the form of energy and ideas to offer.

The system is in need of an injection of vibrant and youthful faces.

It is left to be seen

whether the independent candidates will take up the challenge. Or will be fearful of being steamrolled by the PPP/C and the PNC/R. (The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not this newspaper.)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Thursdays Monday November May 02, 03, 2022 2022

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

The AFC: 10 plus 7 equals zero The Alliance For Change (AFC) issued a self-praising statement on its 17 birth anniversary last week. It was an oxymoronic moment.

The output was both comical yet sickening.

I quote from the press release: “The AFC wishes to recommit itself to bringing an end to racial politics…we were established on the predominant philosophy that the racial politics of the p a s t m u s t b e eradicated…as part of the coalition government we advocated and promoted ethnic cohesion…lest we forget Guyana has had a horrible history of racial tension…the AFC as an independent political entity will continue to defend its accomplishments.”

Please see my column of Monday, December 14, 2020 captioned, “The s i c k e n i n g admission/confession of Raphael Trotman.” That

article is an analysis of a letter one of the founders of the AFC, Mr. Trotman wrote in December of 2020 in the Stabroek News in which he conceded that the AFC was a failure in the politics of racial healing. His December 2020 missive makes the 17th anniversary statement of the AFC in 2022 look like elephant dung.

I quote from my column” 1-”One government or one party alone cannot effectively rule Guyana. Other groups will feel ostracized and left out.” 2- We are a people comprising several nations living in a geographic space we call Guyana. Those of us living here know that at any given time one or two of those nations will not like another, accept another or give the other the legitimacy it needs.” 3- The PNC discovered this from 1966 to 1992 and 2015 to 2020. The PPP discovered this from

1992 to 2015.” 4- “What it comes down to is that almost half of the population will not accept you.” 5- It is well known that the major parties have always regarded each other with great distrust….”

M r. Tr o t m a n h a s thankfully gone from the political scene of Guyana.

His exit was an ignominious one but his sordid acolytes still persist with their comical obnoxiousness.

Let us examine manifestations of this odor and odiousness.

1- How can a party be independent in Guyana when it is part of a merger with one of the two major ethnic organizations? Even the PPP has a more multiracial face than the PNC and the AFC is in a coalition with the PNC, so how can it be an independent organization?

Every school child in Guyana knows in the context of Guyanese politics what the word independent

means. It denotes an existence that is separate from the two major forces – PPP and PNC. In the strict interpretation of election laws in Guyana, there is no independent party sitting in the National Assembly named Alliance For Change.

2- Let’s quote from the 17th anniversary statement again: “As part of the coalition government we advocated and promoted policies based on democratic principles.” If democratic principles appear as JAWS in the swimming pool of the AFC, its leaders would not recognize them.

Democratic principles involve the recognition that the only format available in the 21st century for citizens of the demos (ancient Greek term for community) to chose who should govern the demos is election.

From March to July, the AFC was part of a heinous, terrifying bandwagon to

deny the people of Guyana the right to vote and have their Frederick Kissoon votes counted. Today, 27 months after the Guyanese people voted, the not a shred of evidence to A F C h a s r e f u s e d t o suggest otherwise.”

The AFC was the most recognize that the victorious successful third party in party won the March 2020 poll, a victory that every Caribbean politics from its conceivable legislator in all birth in 2005 to 2015. Then it the countries in the world entered government and became the most depraved has recognized.

3– From March 2020 to and degenerate political October 2022, the AFC has party in Guyanese history, refused to offer even one second only to the WPA. word, just one word on the From 2020, it has not party’s feelings on one of its performed any act or utter powerful founders, Dominic even one sentence that Gaskin, who is the-son-in- points to redemption. One law of former president, final quote from the birthday David Granger w h o press release: “We are here publicly stated that there to stay, join on our journey.” were attempts to commit The AFC’s staying power fraud by the ANPU+AFC in died a long time ago and the the March 2020 elections. I only journey it is going on is quote from a Facebook heading towards the Le posting of July 17, 2020 by Repentir Cemetery.

(The views expressed in Mr. Gaskins: “For God’s this article are those of the sake, stop abusing everyone who dares suggest that you w r i t e r a n d n o t t h i s lost the election. There is newspaper.)

Thursday November 03, 2022

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Thursday November 03, 2022

Opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioners not in support of upcoming LGE …highlight discrepancies for smooth credible polls

By Zena Henry Opposition Commissioners attached to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) have withheld their support for the holding of the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) claiming a number of inconsistencies relative to the smooth and credible holding of local polls.

This information was related b y C o m m i s s i o n e r Vi n c e n t Alexander as he provided an

update to this newspaper regarding preparation for the overdue elections. He told the Kaieteur News that Opposition nominated commissioners registered their concerns via a statement during Tuesday's statutory meeting.

Alexander explained that the Commissioners withheld their support for the LGE which is expected in March of next year, because GECOM not only failed to review its performance in the highly controversial 2020 elections before the holding of any

$24M Water Ambulance commissioned in Region Two

Minister Anthony commissioned a new water ambulance in Region Two Residents of Essequibo will benefit from a new water ambulance to facilitate ease in accessing health services.

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony on Monday commissioned the $24 million ambulance, which is equipped with a 250horsepower engine.

Regional Health Officer for Region Two, Dr. Ranjeev Singh said that the water ambulance will provide an efficient mode of transporting patients to Parika. “So, in the event, that we have an emergency and a plane cannot land at the airstrip, this boat, within 15 to 20 minutes maximum, can take us to Parika and we can continue the journey to the closest hospital,” he said. He also noted that it will assist in extending services to Region Three if needed.

“With this additional water ambulance, we can also render assistance to the

people of Region 3, because we're not dealing with a Region alone. Guyana belongs to all of us and if we have to render that service to assist the people of Region 3, we will do it to make sure that patient care is prioritised,” he said.

Regional Chairman, Vilma DaSilva expressed that the water ambulance is indicative of the importance attributed to ensuring that health services are adequately delivered throughout the region. The water ambulance is equipped with a 250horsepower engine.

While in the Region, Minister Anthony also visited several health facilities, namely the Windsor Castle Health Centre, Anna Regina Health Centre, Columbia Health Post, Abram Zuil Health Post and the Good Hope Health Centre, where he assessed the condition of these facilities. (DPI)

other elections, but because it also failed to put measures in place that would address the issues that led to the 2020 fiasco, including the use of electronics relating to the identification of voters.

Additionally, the Commissioners are concerned that amendments to the Representation of the Peoples Act (RoPA) are likely effective ahead of the LGE, but no preparation is being made in this regard by GECOM. Alexander said that while (Continued on page 16)

Opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioners (l-r) Vincent Alexander, Desmond Trotman and Charles Corbin

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 03, 2022

PAGE 13

Maternal, infant deaths unacceptable in multibillion dollar run health sector - Dr. Cummings Considering the billions of dollars that is pumped into the health sector, Guyana should not be recording maternal and infant deaths.

This view was expressed by D r. K a r e n C u m m i n g s , Shadow Minister of Health, for the Opposition-led A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change coalition party.

The APNU+AFC Executive Member released a statement on the issue, following reports of mother and infant deaths occurring within the past two weeks.

Alluding to the headlines in the daily newspaper, where a Lodge woman and her unborn child died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on October 20, 2022, and then a Mahaica woman and her unborn child died at GPHC on October 29, 2022, Dr Cummings said that the Opposition party is extremely disappointed to find maternal, perinatal, and neonatal deaths occurring in Guyana.

She noted that Guyana has made some strides in addressing maternal and infant healthcare, but that has not stopped the recent occurrences from becoming troubling to the APNU+AFC. These include three maternal deaths that occurred at GPHC in February and November 2021.

During their time in office, Dr. Cummings said that APNU+AFC Coalition pursued stringent efforts to ensure greater access of primary health care for pregnant mothers.

Additionally, respectful maternity care with special focus on healthcare workers as it related to transforming attitudes, interpersonal communication, and training on values were undertaken.

She noted that Guyana's maternal mortality rate for 2015 was 172 per 100,000, a decline of 1.15 percent from 2014, and for 2017, it was 169 per 100, 000, a decline of 0.59 percent from the figure in 2016.

A c c o r d i n g t o D r.

Cummings, the then administration was aware of the common contributing factors such as poverty, pregnant mothers living long distances from hospitals, lack of information, inadequate services, and cultural practices, sought funding to improve pregnancy health outcomes.

As such, she said waiting homes were built in the hinterlands at Lethem Regional Hospital, in the U p p e r Ta k u t u / U p p e r Essequibo Region and in Annai in theBarima/ Waini Region.

Dr. Cummings explained that “This was a significant development towards providing quality care for the antenatal mothers and their newborn. One hundred and thirty- three million dollars were obtained for the expansion of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Maternity Unit to increase its capacity by fifty beds.”

She continued: The InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) had loaned

Guyana the sum of US $8 million to assist in the reduction of maternal, perinatal, and neonatal deaths at 140 health facilities and in 88 communities, benefitting at least 140,000 women and 9,000 newborns per year over a period of five years.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, D r.

Cummings who also held the portfolio of Former Junior Minister of Health disclosed that to mitigate the prevalence of premature and untimely maternal deaths, the Ministry of Public Health, and the Pan American Health O r g a n i z a t i o n ( PA H O ) provided actual birth stimulators to assist the health care personnel to see when the baby is coming out of the pelvis opening.

She explained further that this expanded the teaching and understanding of Obstetricians, Nurses and Obstetric practitioners, and alerted them to the appropriate model or type of maneuver that would be best suited to get the baby out.

These interventions were designed in conformity with accepted standards and common obstetric practice that the pregnant mother should not lose more than 150mls of blood during labour. With faster delivery time, there must be less risk of infections, injury, and blood loss.

As such, Dr. Cummings said that the recommendation of the APNU+AFC Coalition is that the recent maternal deaths be subject to a mandatory postmortem and a proper maternal death review process.

She said such actions would help to provide adequate information and accurate data that could guide the Ministry of Health on programmes, policies, and strategies for the prioritization of resources.

A c c o r d i n g t o D r.

Cummings, the Government planned construction of a thirty-two billion dollar Wo m e n a n d C h i l d r e n Hospital at Ogle on the East Coast Demerara would not

APNU +AFC Shadow Minister of Health, Karen Cummings “cut it” if the correct actions are not taken to improve the health outcomes of the people of Guyana, as efforts to see the elimination of all preventable maternal deaths by the year 203o continues.

She said “It must be e v i d e n t t o t h i s Administration by now that money alone would not a c c e l e r a t e o u r development….It requires harmony and justice and equity and the elimination of all forms of racism to unleash the creative energies of our people to build a better country - not for one but for all Guyana.”

The purported stolen items that were found in the men's haversacks.

Charged, Yusuf Hinds

Grove men fake robbery Photographer on $150k for allegedly raping minor

T

wenty-six-yearold Yusuf Hinds, a photographer of Bartica, Region Seven, was on Tuesday placed on $150,000 bail for allegedly raping an underage girl.

Hinds appeared at the Bartica Magistrate's Court.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge that was read to him. It is alleged that between October 1, and October 27, 2022, he raped a child under the age of 16. The defendant was placed on bail and the matter was adjourned to November 21, 2022.

- arrested as Police find items in haversacks

Lincoln Scott

Two Grove East Bank Demerara (EBD) men were on Tuesday arrested by Police for faking their own robbery and reporting it to the Police.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a statement said that at about 16:40h on Tuesday, the duo Vijay Deochand, a 35year-old mason, and 25-yearold Lincoln Scott, provided ranks of the Grove Police Station with a fictitious report that six bicycle bandits robbed them of $125,000, their cell phones, a wallet

containing $1000 and an ID card along with other personal documents, at Friendship, EBD. However, while interviewing the men, the detectives suspected that they were lying and a search of their haversacks was carried out. All items the duo claimed to have been stolen were discovered.

The money belonged to their employer.

Deochand and Scott were immediately arrested for providing false information to Law Enforcement Officers.

Vijay Deochand

Kaieteur News

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Thursday November 03, 2022

Canada-funded sexual and reproductive health project launched The High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana on Monday launched a CAD 2.25M Equal Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)' Project in Guyana.

The project, which will

be implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) through the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association

(GRPA) and Help and Shelter, is geared towards protecting women and girls in Guyana.

Indigenous women and girls, as well as Venezuelan migrants, will specifically benefit from the project,

which will strengthen systems to prevent and respond to instances of gender-based violence.

The project's aim is to improve access to and utilisation of high-quality sexual and reproductive health information and services, particularly for survivors of gender-based violence in Regions 1, 7, 8, and 9. Persons of diverse gender identities or sexual orientations, persons living with disabilities, and commercial sex workers will also be targeted by the project.

“Simply, we aim to improve access to the services for women, girls and vulnerable populations, essentially those who are most at risk, the vulnerable

Quallo-Rosberg, Officer-inC h a rg e , U N F PA S u b Regional Office of the Caribbean stated.

The project will follow the internationally recognized principles of Human Rights-based Approach (HRBAP) and Results-Based Management (RBM), while focusing on evidence-based and longterm interventions.

High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana, Mark Berman, said the project is being initiated at a critical and strategic time.

“There are still pockets of the population that are unable to access sexual reproductive health services and support for victims of gender-based violence. And that's why this project was

continues to contribute to gender inequality.

Minister of Human Services, Dr. Vindhya Persaud boasted about Guyana's improved ranking on the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap report.

“It really tells you the significant work that has been done in the shortest period of time across sectors, all contributing to reducing gender inequality. So, we want to ensure that as a Government, we continue to pay the kind of importance as attention to the triggers, the factors and the causes, which will inevitably lead to the widening or the continuation of gender inequality,” the Minister said.

The project aligns with

From left: Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton, Director of Family and Primary Health Care Services; Jewel Quallo-Rosberg, Officer-in-Charge, UNFPA Sub-Regional Office of the Caribbean; Miriam Andrew-Ming, Legal Officer, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs; Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Minister of Human Services and Social Security; HE Mark Berman, High Commissioner of Canada; and Adler Bynoe, UNFPA Guyana Liaison Officer at the launch of the SRHR project. persons of diverse gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, persons living with disabilities, and sex workers.

U N F PA b e l i e v e s t h a t initiatives such as Equal SRHR are imperative to assist Guyana to attain its development goals,” Jewel

conceptualised. The focus as has been said will be on increasing the access and quality of these critical health and support services to women and girls,” the High Commissioner said while noting that the lack of access to sexual and reproductive health

Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy that focuses on closing gaps in the SRHR and rights for women and girls globally, UNFPA's 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, as well as Guyana's National Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy.

Thursday November 03, 2022

Kaieteur News

Europe gas-fired plants to be 10 times costlier than solar

By Will Norman PV Tech - It will be 10 times more expensive to operate gas-fired power plants in Europe than to build new Solar PV capacity in the coming years, according to research by Rystad Energy.

High gas prices, market challenges and the falling cost of renewables all indicate a shift away from gas as a main source of European electricity in the medium to long-term, the research firm said.

Its research, based on a comparison of the levelised cost of energy (LCOE) of gas with solar PV and wind, suggests that even once gas prices have lowered from their recent exceptional highs, gas will struggle to remain competitive in Europe's power landscape.

These high prices have risen from an average of €46/MWh (US$45.8/MWh) in 2021 to €134/MWh (US$134/MWh) in 2022, a 189% jump. Nonetheless, gas generation output increased 4% in the first seven months of the year, in part because of a 100TWh drop in nuclear and hydroelectric generation in 2022. The situation is not expected to improve this winter, and gas will be needed to keep the lights on

into 2023.

However, next year will see the return of nuclear generation plants – notably 30GW of capacity that EDF hopes to reintroduce after being offline for maintenance – and over 50GW of solar PV and wind capacity are in the pipeline.

Even with gas prices expected to stabilise and put the LCOE of existing plants around €150/MWh by 2030, new solar PV facilities will have a LCOE around a third of this, reinforcing solar's position as the cheapest form of power generation in much of the world “Gas will continue to play an important role in the European energy mix for some time to come, but unless something fundamental shifts, then simple economics, as well as climate concerns, will tip the balance in favour of renewables” Carlos Diaz Torres, head of power at Rystad Energy said.

European countries have been accelerating the installation of renewable energy capacity in light of the recent price rises as the market tries to adjust to the loss of Russian gas. Indeed, it's predicted that Europe will see “significant” increases in solar PV development following the Russian

Body of missing NYPD Cop recovered at Orinduik Falls The search for New Yo r k P o l i c e Department (NYPD) o ff i c e r, G l a d s t o n e Haynes, came to an end on Wednesday, after his body was found at the Orinduik Falls area, Region Eight.

Haynes, a 43-yearold overseas based Guyanese, had disappeared on Sunday afternoon after swimming in the Ireng River at Orinduik Falls. NYPD officer, Gladstone Haynes Following an intensive search by both the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Haynes's body was found around 06:30hrs on Wednesday according to a Police report.

Kaieteur News had reported that Haynes and the mother of his children, 34-year-old Vanessa Alicia Vassell, were on a tour of the Falls. The duo along with other tourists departed the Eugene F. Correia International Airport to the Kaieteur Falls then to Orinduik Falls.

Vassell, who was celebrating her birthday on Sunday, told Police that sometime around 15:00hrs, Haynes was swimming in the Ireng River, just below Orinduik Falls when he disappeared. An alarm was raised and a search operation launched.

The New York Post reported that Haynes worked for the 70th Precinct in Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York. He served the NYPD for 17 years.

invasion of Ukraine.

Rystad forecasts that more than 100GW of renewable capacity could be developed if the money used to maintain gas-fired power generation was repurposed, and by 2028 capacity could reach 333GW using money that would otherwise have funded gas generation. This much capacity would be enough to generate 663TWh of electricity.

These forecasts are only based upon repurposing money that would otherwise be used for gas, and build upon Rystad Energy's base case forecast wherein over 2TW of solar and wind capacity and 520GW of utility scale batteries are installed by 2050.

Gas will still be needed to back up the intermittency of renewables generation, and until sufficient infrastructure is in place it is still vital to the European power mix, Rystad said. However, the firm said it makes sense for European power companies to fasttrack the development of renewables in the face of gas' uncertain and costly future.

Whilst the European Commission has endorsed solar manufacturing and created energy security policies, economic and market forces could move things along more quickly.

PAGE 15

Public Works Ministry seeks Consultant for supervision of Soesdyke-Linden Highway resurfacing project

T

he Government of Guyana is looking to recruit a Consultant to supervise the resurfacing of the SoesdykeLinden Highway, according to a request for expression of interest (EOI) advertised by the Ministry of Public Works in Wednesday's edition of the Kaieteur News.

The Government recently secured financing from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to assist with the resurfacing of the Highway. Part of the money received will be used to secure consultancy services.

According to the advertisement, the services of the Consultant would include design review, construction supervision and general project management of the reconstruction of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway and contract administration throughout the project implementation process and thereafter, during the defects liability period.

The implementation period of the consultancy is estimated to be from July 18, 2023 to July 17, 2026.

Interested consultants can submit their EOI to the

Ministry of Public Works and the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board ( N P TA B ) o f f i c e b y November 23, 2022.

Kaieteur News had reported that the Government had requested a US$120M loan from the Bank to rehabilitate the highway. During a recent visit to Linden in October, President Irfaan Ali informed residents that the loan was approved. The Soesdyke-Linden Highway connects Region Four to the mining town of Region 10.

The US$120M loan would now be added to the $2.6B that was allocated for the project in this year's budget for the rehabilitation of the highway.

The Public Works Ministry in an advertisement recently had noted that its Wo r k S e r v i c e s G r o u p (WSG) is responsible for the overall implementation of the project.

The project entails reconstruction of approximately 73km of the asphaltic concrete pavement from the Soesdyke junction to the Wismar Bridge in Linden. Key elements of the

scope of works include: milling of existing asphalt surface course, application of varying pavement structures above the milled sections of pavement inclusive of asphalt, sand asphalt &/ sub-base, full depth pavement reconstruction in certain sections, construction of two roundabouts along the alignment, sidewalk extensions to 9 multi-span bridges, drainage works and utility relocation and installation of roadway lighting.

In March, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had stated at an outreach in Linden that the road was in dire need of repairs. He had explained that while the Government has spent money repairing the road, because of exhaustive use, it has returned to a dilapidated state.

In 2021, the Government spent about $150M to upgrade sections of the roadway as well as drainage works. Despite this, following a trip to the mining town, the VP stated that “the highway is in a horrible state… it is in a bad state coming up here.”

Hydromet Office predicts increased rainfall for next three months - Farmers, miners urged to take precautionary measures

T h e Hydrometeorological Office of the Ministry of Agriculture on Wednesday announced its prediction of increased rainfall for the next three months starting from Mid-November 2022 until January 2023.

The Hydromet Office, in a Press Release, noted that the period identified represents the country's secondary rainfall period while noting that it will be augmented by persistent La Nina conditions.

Regions One to Eight and Region 10, are expected to experience increased water levels in conservancies, reservoirs and in land rivers with a high risk of flooding.

Region Nine is, however, expected to experience a dry

spell though the region can expect more than the normal number of rainy days during the identified period.

Regions One, Two, Three, Seven and the northern parts of Region Eight are projected to have the highest amounts of rainfall, adding that concerns are increasing for Regions Four and Five.

The Hydromet Office said too that the northern regions can expect to have very wet spells within seven days, with dry spells likely to occur in early November and late January.

As for the temperature outlook, the Hydromet Office projects that during the season all regions can expect cool temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures at night. It said

disruptions to public infrastructure and public transportation are possible implications of the increased rainfall, with the real possibility of landslides within the hinterland areas especially in mining areas where the soil may already be saturated with moisture.

As the upcoming wet season approaches, the Hydromet Office said continued maintenance of drainage infrastructure is essential to try facilitating the possible flooding issues.

Importantly, farmers are advised to take every necessary precautionary measure to secure livestock and crops in advance of the significant rainfalls to come.

Miners are also advised to exercise caution to take maximum care on mining

sites and interior roads while all applicable public health protocols should be activated across all regions.

To know of weather conditions and to plan daily activities; it is advised that citizens pay attention to short ranged weather f o r e c a s t s . T h e Hydrometeorological Service said it will provide updates to the seasonal forecast as new information becomes available. For forecasts and weather analysis, follow the daily weather briefs, outlooks and advisories produced by National Weather Watch Centre or visit www.hydromet.gov.gy. The forecast desk could also be contacted on telephone numbers: 261-2284 or 2612216.

PAGE 16

Thursday November 03, 2022

Kaieteur News

CXC grants conditional approval for CVQ implementation in secondary schools in Guyana WANTED

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Needed newly admitted attorneys, interested in performing outsource legal work and managing legal cases. Eamil CV to: bmpclaw2013@gmail.com or contact 503-2822.

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Recently, the Caribbean Examinations Council granted conditional approval for the implementation of the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) in secondary schools across Guyana.

This approval follows a pre-readiness audit conducted last August in which Guyana obtained an overall compliance rating of 75 per cent. In a Press Release the Ministry of Education said while this indicates a strong level of compliance with most

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pursuing programs for CVQ certification.

In 2021, when the CVQ certification was originally introduced in eight secondary schools in Guyana, approximately 119 students registered in four areas: commercial food preparation, furniture making, fabric decoration and crop production.

The Ministry then expanded it to 34 more schools with the aim to eventually have CVQ programs offered in every secondary school across Guyana. This will enable each child to exit secondary school with both a CXC certificate and a CVQ certificate.

Opposition-nominated GECOM...

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of the requirements, it is five per cent below the minimum compliance level rate of 80 per cent for full approval to be granted.

Assistant Chief Education Officer -Technical, Ms Marcia Paddy, has assured that the required corrective actions are being done to achieve full compliance. She noted that the implementation of CVQ in secondary schools is in keeping with the Ministry of Education’s commitment to ensuring that all students are offered a secondary-level education that will

make them academically and economically viable.

Ms Paddy said that having completed a pilot of CVQ, it has become evident that the expansion of the programme is the next step.

Meanwhile, the Council for Technical Vocational Education and Training extended congratulations to the unit for its achievement and pledged to collaborate on the areas to be addressed.

The assessment focused on evaluating the readiness of the institutions to deliver the regional occupational standards and to implement the CXC quality assurance criteria in training candidates

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From page 12 GECOM’s refused to review its operations after the 2020 elections, the Commissioners, “… are of the view that a review would have better equipped GECOM to streamline its systems for the holding of elections.” As such, he said: “the Commission refused to proceed with the use of fingerprints at the place of poll for voter identification and has not attended to the second motion on biometrics which was submitted over two months to date.”

As well, Alexander continued, “plans are proceeding for elections in the shadow of electoral reform that might take effect before the elections, although GECOM’s plan has not anticipated or catered for the government’s proposed reform.” He highlighted also that at the government consultation, it was announced that the RoPA would be amended before the elections, “…but as far as I know we are planning without reference to the amendments.” These said amendments will also have to be discussed at the National Assembly, so to have any preparation on those would be preemptive, he noted.

When the matter regarding electronics that assist with capturing voter information was brought up a few weeks ago, Governmentnominated commissioners were not keen on the idea of GECOM budgeting for the acquisition of a scanner that would allow its Information Technology (IT) division to

develop a system for the digital capture of fingerprints.

“This is despite this issue being on GECOM’s agenda for over a decade and the scanner was even included in the 2021 budget but was not acquired,” Alexander notified.

He said that claims were that such an acquisition must await the discussions on biometrics despite this matter also being frequently postponed.

Alexander had explained that the scanner was being refused despite the equipment being proposed, “…is merely a technological upgrade of the matter of capture of fingerprints and has no impact on anything else biometric.” He said that “There is a clear attempt to stymie any progress that will enhance and make the systems at GECOM transparent.”

Government Commissioner Sase Gunraj had confirmed the Opposition’s support of the scanner but highlighted that, “The Commission has never taken a decision on biometrics.” He said that the matter was in fact, still to be discussed by the Commission. As a consequence, any acquisition before this is concluded can only be considered premature,” he said.

Some stakeholders have expressed grave concern over a bloated voters list heading into the LGE. The Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) party, for instance has strongly insisted on voter impersonation taking

place during the 2020 elections. They have thus called for the use of biometrics as a means of mitigating such occurrences through the use of voter’s unique physical information to identify them at the polling place. The biometrics is being pushed as GECOM has said that it has no way of removing dead and absent persons from the voters list given the High Court’s ruling regarding the legal ways in which voters names could be removed.

During a Press Conference at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre in August, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had expressed that he was

not in support of the biometrics system as he believed it would be used to disenfranchise voters and that the Opposition would use the method to challenge the election by claiming biometric use as an irregularity, something he said the Government would not be falling for.

“We will not support the use of biometrics as a restriction on people’s right to vote,” Jagdeo had told media operatives. He had said too that no house to house would be held before the holding of LGE. Biometric system at polling stations is among the key recommendations of the Opposition and was proposed for the RoPA amendments.

Jagdeo had said that amendments would be presented to the National Assembly by October and would be passed before the LGE by year-end.

Thursday November 03, 2022

Kaieteur News

Benn tells police to give out more traffic tickets Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn says Traffic Officers need to increase the rate of ticketing for errant drivers on the roadways.

The Home Affairs Minister was on Monday evening addressing the launch of The Right Turn Road Safety Magazine, Volume II and the official website of the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC).

“One of the things that I have noticed recently is that the amount of tickets that the police have been giving out on the roads has fallen behind what was given out last year. I think that is one thing that we have to pay attention to and our Traffic Police have to pay attention, to give people tickets on the road and not tell people to go to the station where theres a lot of wastage of time in the Police Station, presumably harassment, and other things that occur in some of the stations,” Minister Benn said.

Although Minister Benn acknowledged a decrease in the number of road fatalities in 2021, he said Guyana must continue to work to reduce road fatalities. He said the Ministry is considering outsourcing towing services to private persons to avoid double parking and reduce congestion along the roadways.

“We have to pay attention to the culture that we ourselves as adults pass on to the next generation, the vulgar music, the drinking of Heineken and other things while driving, the texting while driving, the speaking on the phone while driving, these are normal things in the way we operate on the road,” he added.

The Minister called on the Guyana Police Force to address the issue of trucks speeding on the roadways, posing danger to road users. He reiterated the call for all stakeholders to work together to reduce fatalities on the roads, “This effort here in terms of bringing out the magazine now is again significant, we have to work at this … we have to get out more information beyond the magazine.”

The Right Turn Road Safety Magazine,Volume II was published by GNRSC in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Guyana Police Force to strategically and effectively improve public awareness of road safety. Chairman of the GNRSC, Earl Lambert, Coordinator Ramona Doergen, Deputy Traffic Chief, Joseph Jack and members of the Diplomatic Corps were also present at the launching.

(DPI)

PAGE 17

‘Value lives' A

s Guyana launched Road Safety Month on We d n e s d a y, a c c i d e n t survivor, Monix Hetemyer called on drivers to 'value lives' as she recalled the accident which caused her to lose a leg.

Hetemyer, a wife, mother of two and teacher strengthened her call for drivers to be careful when using the roadways while speaking at the launch of Road Safety Month 2022, held on the lawns of the State House, New Amsterdam, East Berbice - Corentyne.

This year, Road Safety month is themed, “Safe driving save lives”.

In February, Hetemyer was at a New Amsterdam, East Berbice – Corentyne restaurant with a friend an afternoon when the driver of a motorcar hit her. She suffered severe injuries to her legs and despite efforts of doctors, her left leg was amputated.

In her recount of the

Thursday November 03, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

...accident survivor charges drivers at launch of Road Safety Month Accident Survivor, Monix Hetemyer, speaking at the Wednesday's launch of Road Safety Month.

The aftermath of the accident that cost Hetemyer her leg. accident which resulted in the loss of a limb, the mother of two said she was 'propelled thro gh a glass window' of a snackette on February 20, 2021.

Hetemyer said the driver of the motorcar that hit her was unlicensed.

“I was sitting outside of

Big B's Snackette having a lovely conversation with a friend when out of nowhere a vehicle ploughed into our table, propelling us through the glass window and into the snackette.

The driver did not have a license but yet still he was d r i v i n g , ” s h e

recalled.Describing the accident as the “worst night of her life” that change her life, Hetemyer said, “…Now I have a disability because of someone else's negligence on the road, I was born a flawless child and lived as such for 35 years of my life but now because of that

u

person and because of the utter disregard for human life, I am left to live my life with this sort of discomfort”.

While Hetemyer has returned to work, she is working towards obtaining a prosthetic leg to aid in her mobility. She would be grateful for any assistance in this regard.

The Teacher said that though living with a disability is challenging, and

recovery is painful and expensive, she is not going to allow the accident to “determine the rest of my life” as she is “a fighter”.

Hetemyer uses her experience to remind drivers of the need to value not only their lives but the lives of all categories of road users.

“Breaking road regulations is a blatant display of irresponsibility,” Hetemyer stated.

Thursday November 03, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Thursday November 03, 2022

US company to build four oil refineries in Berbice ...can have two up and running before next elections

U

S conglomerate, Delta Energy and Petroleum Corporation (DEPC) through its subsidiary, Crab Island Refinery Inc. disclosed this week that it will be constructing four modular refineries on 270 acres of land east of Palmyra, Berbice.

Company Executives told Kaieteur News yesterday that they have been working to secure funding for this major project for years and were finally able to do so.

Delta's Samuel Wilson said, “we intend to tap Government's share of the oil for this major project.

We believe this will benefit many Guyanese and it is a project that is near to the hearts of the Executives, especially DEPCO's President Romeo Cipriani who hails from Berbice.”

Kaieteur News understands that Cipriani is a US-registered Professional Engineer with over four decades of experience in the oil and gas and nuclear power sectors, with specific emphasis on petroleum refining.

Wilson said the company can have at least two of the modular refiners up and running in two and a half years, adding that its project summary and application for environmental authorization are currently being scrutinised by regulators at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Wilson said the company officials are thrilled to b e ab le to move f o r w ard with the project that has been in the planning stage since 2006.

This he said would hav e b een s upported by

a M e m o r a ndum of Understanding with the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest).

With respect to financing, the company said in a statement that it signed a Commercial Contract with the Spanish Association of Manufacturers of Capital Goods (“SERCOBE”) for the four modular Refineries.

It said the refining capacity of each refinery will be 60,000 bpd for a total output of 240,000 bpd. With the cooperation of the various Governmental agencies, DEPCO said it intends to proceed with deliberate speed to get construction works started in the first quarter of 2023.

The company said too that it was pleased to learn of President Irf a a n A l i ' s pledge to supply the local refineries with crude that it

obtains for the Government's share from the Stabroek Block. DEPCO was also keen to note that it would procure the crude at prevailing market prices.

It said, “There is a tremendous demand in the region for refined products and DEPCO intends to meet and supply that demand for both Guyana and the wider Caribbean basin.

Needless to say, the refined fuel would be much cheaper because of reduced transportation cost.”

The US company said too that cheaper cost of fuel relates to cheaper energy that

would boost the manufacturing sector. It said as well that downstream projects such as the manufacturing of asphalt, fertilizer etc., would become a reality.

It said too that this would be a boost to the construction of roads and would be a benefit to the agricultural sector.

Additionally, DEPCO said a significant number of jobs will be created, adding that approximately 3,000 would be directly employed in the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the refinery.

It said the peripheral commercial activities should create an additional 7,000 jobs. DEPCO anticipates due to the present global demand for refined products, that all Government related agencies would act to accelerate and so reduce the processing time of the necessary documents and licenses.

Overall, the company believes t h a t i t s f o u r ref in eries as w ell as the gr ow in g d is co v er ies in the S tab r o ek Block are po is ed to make Region S ix a growing economic tiger, and Guyana, a refining powerhouse by extension.

Thursday November 03, 2022

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Opening legend puts faith in Chanderpaul and Brathwaite (CWI) - Lead selector the Most Honourable Dr Desmond Haynes believes, the opening combination of Kraigg Brathwaite and the uncapped Tagenarine Chanderpaul, can pay dividends for West Indies in Australia. The left-handed Chanderpaul has been included in the squad for the two-Test series starting next month following heavy scoring in first-class cricket this year and is expected to support the captain Brathwaite at the top of the order.

West Indies are expected to assemble in Australia on 10 November and will play a

three-day game against an ACT/NSW XI at the Philip Oval in Canberra starting seven days later, before facing the Prime Ministers XI in a four-day match beginning 23 November 23 at Manuka Oval in the same city.

The first Test bowls off at Perth Stadium on 30 November with the second at Adelaide Oval a day/night contest scheduled to start 8 December. “I believe [they can work well together]. I think what you have to take into consideration too is with Tage, a young man, hes got a very good technique to the new ball which is good,” said

Haynes, himself one of Test crickets greatest openers of all-time.

“He leaves alone very well. When you go to places like Australia, you dont want to see the number three batsman coming in too early or the number four. So I think he and Kraigg would definitely complement each other because at least they would be looking at what openers should do for a team as well, which is build a foundation for the side so the guys coming in down the order would not get the new ball.”

Captain Brathwaite is renowned for his characteristic

resolute approach to batting which has yielded nearly 5 000 Test runs including 10 hundreds. His powers of concentration were never more evident than in the second Test against England at Kensington Oval last March when he made a marathon 160 in the first innings and an unbeaten 56 in the second. He spent a combined 15 hours and 45 minutes, along with 673 balls at the crease a record for a West Indies batsman in a single Test.

Chanderpaul, the son of West Indies legend Shiv Chanderpaul, has scored five first class hundreds the last

Kohli stars...

Thursday November 03, 2022 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Some vast changes in your community could take place, Aries. They're positive, for the most part. Today the news should spread widely, and you could be hearing about it from all sides - local newspapers

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Continued success and good luck should have you feeling charged up to move ahead with plans and ideas.

Your energy and enthusiasm are high, Libra. You're likely thinking about expanding your horizons.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Taurus, you might choose to do some volunteer work today or help a friend. This could make you aware of a talent you didn't know you had. It could pave the way to more income.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Don't be surprised if sometime during the day you feel angry for no apparent reason, Scorpio. It's probably rooted in the past, from a situation that wasn't resolved long ago. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) This is a great day to start new enterprises with others, Sagittarius.

Possible gatherings with friends or group activities could lead to ideas for new projects that fire your energy and enthusiasm.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you might wake up feeling that you can move mountains - and this might be exactly what you set out to do, figuratively speaking.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Today you could recapture the joy in life that you had as a child, Cancer. You're serious by nature, and feelings of joy are to be lived and treasured. You could be experiencing true flow.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Activities of some kind could put you in the public eye today, Capricorn. Some work you've done well might bring you richly deserved acknowledgement.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Projects involving a group, perhaps your entire community, could take up a lot of your time, Leo. Interesting news and stimulating conversations could come your way.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Changes to your chosen field are indicated, Aquarius. Ideas from other states or countries might fire your creativity. Your intellectual or artistic interests could take on a new dimension.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) New ideas for your career could be on your mind, Virgo. You might be thinking not only about getting a new job but also entering an entirely new field.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A sum of money above and beyond your usual income could come your way.

This could be a bonus, settlement, or even a gift of some kind.

From page 23 come to Adelaide and enjoy my batting.”

Rohit Sharma went cheaply for two after Bangladesh elected to field but Rahul went on the counter-attack to regain his batting touch with a flurry of boundaries.

Rahul, who had scored just 22 runs in the previous three matches, smashed two sixes and a four in a 24-run ninth over. He reached 50 off Shakib but fell on the next ball from the left-arm spinner after hitting three fours and four sixes.

Suryakumar Yadav joined Kohli to keep up the attack, nonchalantly hitting the ball to all parts before Shakib struck again when he had made 30 off 16 balls.

Kohli anchored the innings and Ravichandran Ashwin enjoyed himself in a six-ball cameo for 13 that included a six and four in the final over.

Scores: India 184 for 6 (Kohli 64, Rahul 50, Mahmud 3-47, Shakib 2-33) beat Bangladesh 145 for 6 (Litton 60, Hardik 2-28, Arshdeep 238) by five runs on DLS method.

Albion defeat...

From page 24 Corentyne and Upper Corentyne. The four zone champions would then clash to decide who would become the overall Berbice champion.

The board also intends to start its 2023 under15 and under17 tournament shortly as it forges ahead with its preparation for inter county tournaments.

Both teams in the under17 final received trophies and a financial prize, while Tameshwar Mangal copped the man of the final award.

Carlton Sinclair, grandfather of Kevin Sinclair handed out the awards in his absence.

of those hundreds 109 against Bangladesh A in St Lucia last August required 337 balls in 6-¾ hours at the crease. Haynes, who formed Test crickets most feared opening partnership with Sir Gordon Greenidge, said the upcoming series would be an excellent starting point for Chanderpauls career.

“I think its a good choice of picking the young man.

[There is] no better place to start your cricket career than Australia where a lot of people believe if you do well against Australia then youre rated,” Haynes explained. “Its always been considered a tough

place to play cricket and I think he has the ability to do it and I want to wish him all the best.” West Indies are expected to assemble in Australia on 10 November and will play a three-day game against an ACT/NSW XI at the Philip Oval in Canberra starting seven days later, before facing the Prime Ministers XI in a four-day match beginning 23 November 23 at Manuka Oval in the same city.

The first Test bowls off at Perth Stadium on 30 November with the second at Adelaide Oval a day/night contest scheduled to start 8 December.

Thursday November 03, 2022

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

QPCC Premiere PSA Squash Tournament

Guyana's Jason Ray Khalil (left) beat T&T's Zachary Loquan on Tuesday night at the QPCC's Racquet Centre.

(Sean Devers photo)

Mixed fortunes for Guyanese on opening night

By Sean Devers in Trinidad Played at the Racquet Centre at the Queens Park Cricket Club which was established in 1891, the first ever Professional Squash Association (PSA) tournament in Trinidad commenced on Tuesday night with the QPCC Premiere PSA Squash Tournament in Port of Spain. Contested at a venue more famous for hosting cricket, the

Challenger 5 level competition concludes on Saturday.

Colombias Andres Herrera is the top seed and comes into the tournament after reaching the final of the Greenwich Open and will aim to go one better on this Caribbean island and pocket the US$6,000 winners prize.

Two Guyanese; Jason Ray Khalil and Julian Chin will

compete in their biggest tournament yet.

A few Caribbean players and the top eight seeds in the prestigious event will vie for the prize money.

Canadas Cory McCartney, current World Junior Champion Rowan Dammin and the New Zealand duo of Anthony Lepper and Elijah Thomas along with Carlos Vargas, Noah Meredith and Maceo Levy round out the top eight seeds. A large gathering of people from several Nationalities from around the world witnessed Trinidadian based Guyanese Chin go down to German Jan Wipperfort 11-5, 11-4, 11-3 in the first round action. Chin, the son of Dr Walter Chin, now resides in Carnival Country and has represented Guyana on several occasions but on Tuesday night he was no match for the German.

The lanky Chin showed some fight in the first game as he engaged in a few fairly lengthy rallies but the German won the game 11-5.

There are six Trinidadians in this tournament but the Trini fans were urging him on but he lost the second game 11-4 before

People from all over the world attended the opening night. (Sean Devers photo)

an exhausted looking Chin lost the third game 11-3 and the match 3-0.

The other Guyanese competing was Jason Ray Khalil who played some excellent squash to beat Trinidadian Zachary Locquan 3-0. Khalil was all over Loquan, whom he had beaten 30 in the Senior Caribbean Championships.

Khalil executed some welltimed back hand drives and drop shots as his opponent struggled to reach to ball to take the first game 11-2.

The brother of Caribbean Ladies Singles Champion, A s hley K halil, Jason won the next two games 11-3, 11-4 to qualify for the second round in the m a i n d r a w. K h a l i l w a s scheduled to play his second game at 8pm last evening.

MSC executive face members/community Saturday afternoon at MSC Lounge Serious concerns linger on as government claims ownership of facility The Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) will on Saturday hold a general members meeting at the MSC Lounge from 4.00PM. That meeting at the headquarters of the oldest sports institution in Linden is highly anticipated following the recent announcement by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson that the club has become the property of the government.

According to Sport Minister Ramson, who met with the MSC executives on Tuesday 11, October, in Linden, the National Industrial Company Inc. Limited (NICIL) transferred it to the Government of Guyana in April this year.

H o w e v e r, s e v e r a l

members and former members both local and overseas have commented on this development stating that the Club was a gift to the Club and the community.

Ramson said that, the MSC, which was identified as one of three to be financed by Government to be multipurpose facilities across Guyana, and would become one like the National Stadium on completion, having the capacity to hold international cricket and football in keeping with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and world governing football body FIFA. In fact, the sport minister said for government to

acquire a grant from the Chinese Government to build a new structure, government had to show ownership; hence seemingly the announcement that around April this year the facility was handed over to government by NICIL. However, members and residents are not comfortable with this since it could mean the removal of control of the club by its executive and members.

The fear therefore is rife and this meeting will see members and by extension the community seeking clarification on what such a development means.

Executives are concerned that the fact is that the MSC was always a multipurpose facility, unlike

any other club in Guyana, even as they support the plans by government is welcomed.

The meeting is to be chaired by MSC President Avery Trim and General Secretary Joseph Chapman, and while the transfer matter is key among the issues at hand, the functions of the club moving forward is high on what has caused anxiety among the community at large.

The MSC executives have unanimously stated that they are welcoming any development by government since it is in keeping with what the bauxite industry did to support its existence through the years knowing the benefits which come to

the residents of Linden.

However, when the announcement was made that government had now become owners some executives were shocked and questioned Ramson about this, but the sport minister said that the facility was always one under government control through the bauxite industry and then NICIL. Interestingly, the MSC has not entered any written agreement with the government since the talks began in 2020 about the facility being upgraded to international standards.

To date no written correspondence was ever communicated to the club, although over that period

the club had written for information about the plans of government.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, n o drawings have been seen by the MSC, outside a brief pictorial view which was not specific to relate to what ideas the government has to develop the facility at large and this is upsetting to the MSC. But the government has promised and maintained that when the drawings are available the MSC will have a chance to make an input to its final plan, but some executives feel by that time it would not make much sense. Under the circumstances, the MSC according to some executives, may eventually have to seek legal advice.

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 03, 2022

PAGE 23

Torginol Paints Inc. backing Kristian Jeffrey to excel at November race meet - We look forward to seeing Kristian paint up the track with flying colours The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Clubs International Race of Champions returns to the South Dakota Circuit on November 1213, and Torginol Paints Inc., Pioneers of the Paint Industry, is backing Guyanas very own Kristian Jeffrey to excel in the season-ending showpiece.

Jeffrey is vying for championship honours in the Radical Caribbean Series. He will also be competing in the highly competitive Group Four category on the newly extended 1.6-mile track.

In the Radical Series, Jeffrey is 15 points behind Trinidad and Tobagos namesake Kristian Boodoosingh, but the Guyanese is confident of lifting the title on home soil, and he is encouraging fans to come out and cheer on his Torginolbranded Radical.

“We look forward to seeing Kristian paint up the track with flying colours,” Sachin Puri, a representative of Continental Group of Companies, the manufacturers of Torginol Paints, said yesterday.

Puri was speaking moments after presenting a sponsorship cheque to Jeffrey, extending the

Kristian Jeffrey (left) receives the sponsorship cheque from Sachin Puri from Continental Group of Companies, the manufacturers of Torginol Paints. (Newsroom photo)

Kristian Jeffreys Torginol-branded Radical race car. (Newsroom photo) companys long-standing partnership with the two-time Caribbean Group Four champion.

The brief ceremony was held at Continental Group of Companies headquarters at Industrial Site, Ruimveldt. “Kristian has been the motorsport representative of Guyana for almost two decades, and as a Guyanese brand we couldnt be more proud to have him represent Torginol Paints. He continues to prove time and time again why he is one the best drivers, not only here in Guyana but in the entire Caribbean,” Puri declared.

Enthused by the support from Torginol Paints Inc., Jeffrey, who will race at South Dakota for the first time since 2019, said: “Well, you have the best paint, the best car, the best team…so were in it to win it.” “Being on home soil and getting the support from Torginol, we have a big chance of winning it (Radical Series), so I just hope everyone comes out and support. I know Torginol has me, so lets see what we can do.”

In July, Jeffrey won two of the three races in the opening leg of the Radical Series at Bushy Park,

Barbados, copping the champion driver title and taking a 15-point lead over his nearest rival Boodoosingh. In round two a month after in Barbados, Jeffrey picked up two more victories to move to 125 points, 22 points clear ofBoodoosingh in second.

However, in early October, Boodoosingh rebounded in brilliant fashion on his home leg at the Frankie Boodram Raceway in Wallerfield, Trinidad, winning all three races to take top spot on 178 points.

Jeffrey, with two third-place finishes and a sixth, slipped to second spot on 163 points.

“From Trinidad to now, it is just a short span of time, but I did a lot of work physically, so Im in the gym a lot and Im on the simulator at home.

So I feel race ready,” a confident Jeffrey said.

“Ill be going up and do some testing on the new track, and that should put me ahead of everyone, with a bit more practice going into the race weekend.”

Jeffrey believes the new and extended track, which now puts Guyana in a prime position to host international standard racing, will test the skill level of drivers, a challenge he is looking forward to.

“I love a challenge,” he affirmed.

“We now have a track that I would say is not so boring- its a lot of undulation, elevation changes and stuff, so its now a drivers track.

Its not about what you spend now, but its about how the drivers manage their way around the corners.”

Kohli stars as India beat Bangladesh to stand on brink of T20 semi-finals

India and Bangladesh’s players show contrasting emotions at the end. (Getty Images) A F P - Virat K o h li became the highest runscorer in Twenty20 World Cup history yesterday as India edged Bangladesh by five runs in a crunch rain-hit Twenty20 World Cup clash in Adelaide that went to the last ball.

India go top of Group 2 and can clinch a semi-final

spot with a win against Zimbabwe in their final Group 2 match on Sunday after Bangladesh faltered in their revised chase of 151 in 16 overs.

Kohli’s unbeaten 64 had steered India to 184-6 but Bangladesh had looked on course for victory after racing to 66-0 in seven overs

when rain stopped play causing four overs to be lost.

Opener Liton Das hit a 27-ball 60 but his run out after the 50-minute interruption heralded a Bangladesh collapse and ended on 145-6.

“It was another good day with the bat I guess,” said Kohli who is back to his best

after enduring a long fallow form period.

“I was trying to play myself into the innings. I’m just in a happy space, I don’t want to compare anything.

What’s in the past is in the past,” he said.

Needing 20 off the final over, Nurul Hasan gave them hope with a six and a four but left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh held his nerve on the last ball to hand India their third win in four matches.

It leaves Bangladesh all but out of the semi-finals picture.

“It’s been the story when we play India,” lamented captain Shakib Al Hasan.

“We’re almost there but don’t cross the line. It was a great game, the crowd enjoyed, both teams enjoyed, in the end someone has to win and someone has to lose.”

Das gave the team a blazing start, reaching his

fifty in 21 balls, but once he fell to KL Rahul’s direct hit India came roaring back.

Arshdeep struck twice in one over including the prize of captain Shakib Al Hasan for 13 to turn the tables.

Hardik Pandya took two wickets in the 13th over as Bangladesh slumped from 98-2 to 108-6 and despite Hasan’s 14-ball 25, fell short.

“Liton is batting really well, probably he’s our best batsman going around,” said Shakib. “We thought we could chase this down after that start.”

- ‘Grinning from ear to ear’ It was Kohli, who hit an unbeaten 64, and KL Rahul with a blazing 50 that set up India’s victory with a stand of 67.

In the process, Kohli overtook former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene’s total of 1,016

runs to become the highest scorer in T20 World Cup history. Jayawardene set his mark from 31 innings but Kohli took only 23 to pass him.

“As soon as I knew the World Cup was in Australia, I was grinning from ear to ear,” said Kohli, who clearly loves batting on the faster wickets.

“I knew good cricketing shots would be the key. I knew the kind of experience and game awareness of having played in Australia will come in handy for the team.”

Kohli, who had already hit two match-winning halfcenturies at this World Cup, reached his third fifty in 37 balls to bring alive the Indian-dominated crowd at the Adelaide Oval.

“I absolutely love playing in this ground,” said Kohli. “It’s like I’m meant to (Continued on page 21)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Thursday November 03, 2022

Shepherds blitz Providence, Ruimveldt and gives Guy 13-run... Herstelling A register wins From page 25 Mohammed (24) fell to Permaul before Bravo and Pooran carried the score to 170 before Kevin Sinclair had Pooran.

Bravo continued to play his shots before he fell to Pestano Caria played well before he was run out and tried his best but the innings

by Shepherd had made the target too big for the Red Force.

Earlier, Harpy Eagles were asked to bat on a track with a bit of bounce and Chanderpaul was hit on his helmet hooking at Gabriel.

But Chanderpaul was again in a positive mood and responded by punching Gabriel through cover, ondriving him before pulling him for three boundaries.

Bramble whipped Anderson Phillips off his legs and pulled him for boundaries before hitting Akeil Hosein for six as the partnership flourished.

Bramble tugged Philips for four to post the 50 but Narine was introduced and Chanderpaul s forward defence was breached with a

perfect arm-ball which rattled his stumps as the offspinner started with a maiden wicket.

Gabriel bowled Bramble who tried to run one to third man that too close to him and had Leon Johnson caught at slip from one that moved away from him, off consecutive deliveries.

A short shower stopped play with Gabriel on hattrick and the score on 76-3.

On resumption, Shimron Hetmyer stroked Gabriel for four but struggled to score off Narine, who beat both edges of the bat.

Narine got one to turn and had Hetmyer caught behind for 11 and Guyana were 86-4 as four wickets tumbled for 17 runs.

Imlach and Sherfane were both troubled by Narine but the pair buckled down to build a crucial fifth wicket partnership against diet of spin.

They batted carefully and although Rutherford managed to hit three fours, the run rate never reached 5 as the 50 stand came up in the 28th over.

The shackles were released with the return of Phillips with Rutherford hitting him for four.

The 150 was posted in the 33rd over as the partnership raced to 83 before Imlach was bowled

by Gabriel at 169-5.

It was soon 173-6 when Rutherford, who hit Hosien for consecutive sixes, edged Narine to the Keeper while Sinclair (4) was run out at 178-7.

Gabriel had Motie (5) caught behind and when Pestano (5) departed at 2019 in 44 overs the Red Force fans were happy.

However, Shepherd with the help of Permaul, spoiled the fun for the good size Trini supporters, as sixes rained from the flaying blade of Shepherd.

The Harpy Eagles oppose CCC at the Brian Lara Academy on Saturday from 2pm in their next match.

Omesh Danram (L) and Sheldon Alexander

Providence, Ruimveldt and Herstelling A registered victories when the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association S/D T20 tournament continued recently.

At Farm, Providence batted first and made 144 for 8 off 20 overs. Rakish Segoram made 37 not out and Lennox Andrews 27.

Mark Roopchan claimed 3 for 17. Eccles were bowled out for 93 in reply. Kelvin Singh top scored with 32 and Kevin Plantz contributed 15. Q. Grimmond captured 3-11, Dwain Dick 3-19, Segoram 2 for 9 from 3 and J. Grovosnor 2-24. Ruimveldt took first strike and managed 181-5. Omesh Danram

struck 61, while Sheldon Alexander 50. A. Persaud took 2-29. North Soesdyke were bowled out for 143 in 19.1overs.

Assad Fudadin scored 55 and R. Shivmangal 38. Danram grabbed 4-20 and Ershaad Ali 3-23.

Herstelling A batted first and posted 1709. M. Dhanpaul made 54 with four fours and three sixes while Malcolm Hubbard scored 36 and Anand Bharat 23. M. Baksh snared 327 and M. Ramrattan claimed 3-30. Uprising replied with 115-9. S. Wong made 34, A. Lim 27 and W. LaRose 19.Beepaul Bandoo took 2-23 and Bharat 2-32.

Albion defeat Port Mourant to lift Kevin Sinclair /BCB Under17 tournament Albion defeated Port Mourant by 20 runs at the Area H Ground in Rose Hall Town to lift the Berbice Cricket Board organised Kevin Sinclair under17 tournament. The victory ensured that Albion under the leadership of Damien Cecil successfully retained the title of which they were defending champion. The tournament is the second junior tournament to be successfully completed by the BCB for 2022 after the BCB/Tenelec under15 was completed in April. Port Mourant had defeated Rose Hall Canje in that final at the Albion Ground to emerge as champions. The 2022 under17 tournament was sponsored by national and West Indies player Kevin Sinclair.

Albion won the toss and decided to take first strike after early morning rain had forced the umpires to reduce the overs from fifty to forty.

Albion scored 137 all out in 36.5 overs. Ari Afrizal Kadir top scored with 42 off 54 balls (4x4, 1x4) before he was run out by Vishal Williams after attempting a quick single, he was

The Champions pose with officials of the BCB after the match.

supported by Afraz Budhoo and Tameshwar Mangal who scored 17 and 14 respectively. Bowling for Port Mourant; Ravin Boodwah grabbed 2 for 14 off 6 overs and Salim Khan 2 for 28 off 8 overs.

In reply, Port Mourant were bowled out for 117 in 33.3 overs, with Guyana Under15 player Navin Boodwah scoring 25 off 35 balls, Salim Khan 24 off 49 balls and Ravin Boodwah 14. Bowling for Albion; Tameshwar Mangal grabbed 3 for 23 off 6.2 overs, Shiv Harripersaud 3 for 22 off 8 overs, Afraz Budhoo 2 for 15

off 7 overs and Kumar Deopersaud 2 for 20 off 8 overs. Chairman of the BCB Competition Committee Leslie Solomon congratulated Albion for emerging as champions and urged the players to build on their success. Solomon also congratulated Port Mourant on being the runner up. Special thanks were extended to Kevin Sinclair for his support of Berbice Cricket.

The BCB is also currently hosting an under19 tournament involving over twenty teams and the final is expected to be played by this

year end. Solomon also disclosed that the pro active board would next weekend host the finals of the West Berbice Jaferally 20/20 finals at the Shieldstown Ground and the Ivan Madray 20/20 first division tournament.

The board would also be starting the county wide second BCB/Dave West Indian Imports 40 overs tournament involving close to ninety teams. Four internal zone champions would emerge from West Berbice, New Amsterdam/Canje, Lower (Continued on page 21)

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 03, 2022

PAGE 25

Shepherds blitz gives Guy 13-run over T&T

By Sean Devers in Trinidad Guyana Harpy Eagles beat the Red Force by 13 runs last night at the Brian Lara Academy to take their first points in GC United Super50 and go level with the defending Champions with two points.

A blistering 68 runs last wicket stand in six overs between Romario Shepherd, who clobbered six sixes and five fours in pugnacious unbeaten 74 and Veerasammy Permaul (4) helped Guyana recover from 201-9 to reach 269-9 off 50 overs.

Anthony Bramble hit five fours and a six in a 37ball 42 and put together 69 with Tagenarine Chanderpaul who made 25 from 31 balls with five

Rutherford hits Akeal Hosein for a six in his 49. (Sean Devers Photo) boundaries.

Sherfane Rutherford smashed four fours and two sixes in 49 from 63 balls and shared in an 83-run fifth wicket stand with Tevin

Imlach who scored 32 from 66 balls.

Shannon Gabriel (4-42) and Sunil Narine (3-17) were the architects of destruction for the Red Force who

Rockaway Group of Companies congratulates Chanderpaul

Tagenarine Chanderpaul at Rockaway Roti shop in New York.

Rockaway Group of Companies have extended congratulations to Tagenarine Chanderpaul on his maiden call-up to the West Indies Test squad.

CEO of the entity, Hafeez Ali, said he has been following Chanderpaul’s progress closely and is elated on his call up.

Ali wished him a fruitful test career.

Ali has over the years has rendered assistance to sports and athletes across Guyana and has also done charitable work.

He is the owner of Rockaway Legends team and also a member of the Everest

Masters.

Tagenarine, 26, son of West Indies batting legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul, has 2669 first-class runs, including five centuries and ten fifties, with an average of 34.21.

He had outstanding performances during the recent West Indies/Bangladesh A team tour, scoring 109 not-out and 49 in two first-class matches played.

West Indies will begin their 2022 Test tour of Australia with a Three-Day practice match against ACT/NSW, which gets underway from November 17.

replied with 266-6 from 50 overs with Kjorn Ottly, with seven fours in 49 and Joshua DaSilva who made 28 with four fours, adding 79 for the first wicket while Darren Bravo top scored with an attractive 71 with four fours and two sixes.

Bravo added 44 with Nicholas Pooran (23) but only Jason Mohammed (24), Yannick Caria (30) and Narine (30) offered fight.

Shepherd had 2-44 to crown a good night at the office.

Needing to score at 5.4 runs per over for their second win, Red Force were given solid start before Ottly, when well set for his ninth fifty provided Gudakesh Motie with a return catch and without any addition to the score Da Silva was bowled

by Shepherd as two wickets

Romario Shepherd hits a six in his unbeaten 74 from 46 balls. (Sean Devers photo) fell at 79. On a cold night in South Trinidad, Bravo hit Clinton Pestano for six to

post the 100 in the 22nd over.

But with the score on 126 (Continued on page 24 )