Kaieteur News

Doctor K NEWS murdered in office AIETEUR

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

Thursday Edition November 04, 2021 - Vol. 14 No.41

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership …police hunting for two yesterday, men seen leaving office ...assailants escaped with 90,814 victim's car, cellphones

Govt’s. failure to meet 2-year audit deadline; Guyana is now forced to pay US$9.5 billion for Liza 1 & 2 Projects Government to increase complement of judges - AG Teen bandit shot dead, accomplices on the run …after brazen attack on policeman's wife at Stabroek Market

Govt. now looking to upgrade GPL grid to receive additional power The protest continues for change to ExxonMobil’s contract.

Local company lodges complaint over ‘unfair practices’ by foreigners

from the management and staff of Kaieteur News Listen to VP. Jagdeo, Dr. Singh in their own words, the danger on Kaieteur they are creating for us and future generations.@11:00hrs Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Thursday November 04, 2021

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Govt’s. failure to meet 2-year audit deadline; Guyana is now forced to pay US$9.5 billion for Liza 1 & 2 Projects D

ue to the nation's failure to conduct cost audits within the two-year deadline prescribed in the Stabroek Block Agreement, Guyana has no choice but to allow ExxonMobil's subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), to recover all stated costs for its Liza Phase One and Two Projects. Both initiatives total approximately US$9.5B. During his latest press engagement last week, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said the government is disappointed that it has not been able to push through with these critical post-2017 audits.

Expounding further, the Vice President said, “We have been very disappointed that we have not been able to select a group to do the audit of the post-2017 expenditure

by Exxon. The reason is that we didn't have strong local content. We had two groups, two local groups that came in but they were not strong enough. We want to build the capacity in Guyana to do this audit. We think that our people have enormous skills, forensic skills and auditing capacity.”

The former President added, “…we're looking to

Map showing the location of the Liza Phase One and Two Projects in the Stabroek Block basin.

see if we can't have an arrangement where we have a consortium of our local people to come together to do part of this work while working alongside an international group…”

Dr. Jagdeo said he has since asked the Natural R e s o u r c e s M i n i s t e r, Vickram Bharrat to examine the possibilities of getting together, all of the groups from Guyana which have an expressed interest in working with a foreign company on this front. He said this is the preferred

option as the country desperately needs to increase its auditing capacity and competencies.

In addition to being able to recover the costs for Liza Phase One and Two, Exxon will also be able to recover without any challenges, the US$460M, which the oil company claimed was expended prior to the signing of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) governing the Stabroek Block.

It had said this money was spent on all the

exploratory work that was needed for the massive 2015 Liza discovery.

The only costs Guyana stands a chance of auditing

and refuting if unreasonable charges are found are those occurring from 2019 onwards. It therefore means t h a t t h e P P P / C Administration still has ample opportunity to review costs expended for ExxonMobil's Payara Development Project in the Stabroek Block.

This project is expected to cost US$9B. Given the nation's capacity deficiencies, international transparency bodies have strongly contended that the two-year deadline the government has accepted, along with the fact that it can only do one audit per year, is not sufficient.

They have stressed that the timeline should be extended.

Specifically making this point is Oxfam America. It has made this perspective known since 2015 alongside the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Oxfam America, a confederation of 20 charitable organisations which seek to fight poor governance of extractive wealth, has said that the expiration periods for audit rights are set out in petroleum contracts and tax laws. It stressed, however, that these deadlines differ from one country to the next.

It noted that in Ghana and Kenya for example, the authorities there retain the right to complete auditing companies within seven years.

In Peru, the time limit for audits is a minimum of four years. Even in the USA, the transparency body highlighted that audits are allowed to be completed within a minimum of three years.

Oxfam warned however that even a three-year deadline is not advisable for (Continued on page 19)

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

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

EDITORIAL

Diwali - let the light shine Diwali is of the purity of light. The light that pierces any kind of darkness, and fills our hearts with the joy of those ingredients, which bring the evils of the world to a pause, the longest one.

We celebrate Diwali today, and extend a hand of friendship and brotherhood to all Guyanese, and this is regardless of race or religion, place in society, or their own thinking of us. In the spirit of Diwali, we reach for both friends and well-wishers, and also any of our fellow citizens who hold us as enemies.

We need more light in this country, and any kind of light that is about the many truths that are missing in the lives of Guyanese, which twist us into knot, and leave us not with the sacredness of light, but of a thick overwhelming darkness. One does not have to be a practicing Hindu to appreciate that this is where we are, and this is what we must strive to rid from our minds and lives.

No oil, no leader, no politics should interfere with the lights that struggle to take hold in this society, but fades into the dullest flicker, sometimes not even that fast vanishing spark.

Yet as we say and insist that we are about the light, we blind ourselves to the realities of what troubles this land, what has harmed it already, and promises to do more of the same in the future. One can be either a believer or an atheist, but still has to remember that if there is no light, there can be no truth.

The oil came, and all the riches and powers that come along with those and when those came, the lights went out. The self-enriching would go to their respective places of worship, and bow before the light of their deities, as if those gods are blind and lacking. While those left behind are left with their fading hopes with new developments that speak of the darkness that flourish in the fertile minds of those who object to, even fight the light.

It is how to trick and cheat, and remember today is not Halloween in America, but Diwali in Guyana.

The demonic has taken hold here at every level in this society. Men and women make big speeches and bigger splashes about truth and light, but all the while, they are about what is deceptive, in the carefully false, the obviously distorted and crooked.

Light does not hide, does not shrink, does not sputter, which is why we invite all of our fellow Guyanese, whether or not observing and celebrating Diwali today, to examine sensibly, what we have in our midst, amid all the activities and festivities.

As we clean our homes as part of our Diwali preparations, we must work harder and longer to go beyond the tangible: we must clean our hearts, to where no one is looked upon as an enemy, but as someone who is a brother or sister, and fellow child of God. That is part of the gracious and incomparable essence of Diwali, and no social differences should be given nourishment to develop root and flourish.

It does not matter what is our religious persuasion, because a wise sifting through such brings to the understanding that all the teachings of all the faiths speak to and point to light, and all the rich pure elements that come from it.

We need to rebuild so that we can revive. Perhaps, as we revive, we will give ourselves the space (and the grace) to survive the poisons of our petroleum and politics, and the perversities that flush upward and outward from them.

Today it is Diwali, soon it will be the long Guyanese season of Christmas, and those other nationally celebrated moments of fasting and self-sacrifice in Islam and Buddhism.

Look carefully, study slowly and most wisely. They all speak of light, and of a certain kind of character and feature that we, each one of us, must make our own.

There is an outstanding unselfishness, that features at a deeply personal level.

When we reach that point, then Diwali, in whatever way celebrated, is every day, with thanksgiving and alms giving and forgiving.

The impact shared electronic medical records can have on overall quality of healthcare Dear Editor, Many are aware - and those unaware would be correct to assume - that our public healthcare system is largely still paper-based. We depend on a pen and paper to document a large portion of the most important aspects of an individual’s health. Even with the knowledge that these paper medical records are obviously vulnerable to physical elements such as fire, water and pests, that they provide no source of back-up or security, require large amounts of physical space for

storage purposes, and lastly; necessitate a manual written process which is both time consuming and comes with a high degree of error.

It is therefore no surprise, that many healthcare systems, primarily of developed countries have chosen to implement Electronic Medical Records (EMRs). This is an organised set of computerised information systems which function to collect, store and display patients’ medical information, and typically also satisfy the function of

replacing paper-based medical records. They are dynamic and can be made available across providers, care settings and time periods and are traditionally protected through proactive strategies, such as finegrained access control technologies.

While we acknowledge that the process involved in the implementation of EMRs is one that requires time, manpower, technological expertise and administrative support, we also recognise that the benefits from its

successful implementation are numerous. In the long run, this resource will serve to bolster the integrity and efficiency of our healthcare system for generations. It is therefore our recommendation that the relevant personnel in our healthcare system consider the initiative to implement EMRs with the knowledge of the numerous advantages and endless possibilities they offer.

Final Year University of Guyana, School of Medicine students

Religion should be a personal matter Dear Editor, I refer to the missive published in your newspaper on October 31, 2021, with the caption: ‘Leave prayer in schools alone, we have bigger problems to tackle!’ by Dr. Jerry Jailall. While the writer feels that the issue of prayers in the public school system is unimportant compared to the myriad of problems that blight the land, I feel that it is an issue worth confronting regardless of how unimportant it may seem to some. And of course, Guyanese are free to write about the host of problems that they consider to be more important; addressing the issue of prayers in school doesn’t diminish the ‘gravity’ of other matters.

I believe that for public institutions in a secular state where taxpayers are from all faiths and ‘lack of faith’, religion should be a choice and not an imposition. In many public schools and places in Guyana, the reciting of Christian prayers is the norm although the ancestors of the largest ethnic group were brought from India. How many schools actually have Muslim and Hindu prayers recited along the Christian

one? And what about ‘prayers’ for Rastafarians, Agnostics and Atheists among others from the nontraditional faiths?

The purpose of public educational institutions in secular states should not be the religious indoctrination of children but the teaching of knowledge and skills to prepare them for adulthood.

Religion is a family affair.

Children don’t attend school to learn to become a Christian, Muslim or Hindu. The child identifies with the religion of the parent(s) and is taught the associated practices at home from relatives or/and in religious places such as the Mandir, Mosque or Church.

Children, depending on the wishes of the parents, receive sufficient religious teachings when they attend places of worship on weekends and/or in the afternoon in their own time. Would a minute of biased prayer in school which they are basically forced to recite regardless of religious background make them outstanding citizens?

What this does, is show a lack of respect for children of other religious backgrounds and even if prayers from the three traditional religions are

recited, what about respecting the rights of agnostic and atheist parents who may not want their children being forced to participate in ‘religious prayers’ where God is mentioned. In some public institutions including schools even adults are forced to participate in prayer sessions without consideration for their personal beliefs.

In Guyana, there are religious schools that cater to the Christian, Muslim and Hindu communities respectively. Since places of worship generally engage in many charitable activities, poor parents who may want their children to receive both academic and religious teachings in school, should seek scholarships from their religious leaders and the administrators of these schools.

On the other hand, the public school system should reflect the philosophy of the secular state and should be inclusive and overall nondiscriminatory. Why is there the need to impose religious beliefs and one’s own version of morality and what it means to be ‘good’ on others who are told by these same people

that they are free, that they are individuals and that they have the right to decide what to believe in and what not to believe in? What a contradiction!

For decades there has been the imposition of religion in the public school system and we still have a dreadful crime situation that weighs heavily on the minds of Guyanese living abroad and foreigners who juggle with the pros and cons of living or visiting here.

Countless Guyanese have been living behind bars – that are on their windows and doors for decades.

Religion and saying a prayer do not automatically make one a morally upright and outstanding citizen. In fact, some of the most heinous crimes have been committed by people who don’t miss a prayer. Religious leaders from the Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities worldwide and in Guyana have been accused and often charged with such crimes as paedophilia, rape, assaults and domestic violence. Some even use their very position of power and trust to prey on people who put them on (Continued on page 6)

We can all observe a minute of silence Dear Editor, I have been reading avidly on the debate of prayers in school. I noticed a lot of persons replying and bringing some interesting views. To the end of one side, we have Former President of Guyana, Hon. Donald Ramotar proposing we scrap prayers in public places.

On the other end, we have Dr. Jerry Jailall who claims that we are all inherently evil and thus prayers should remain while we focus on improving infrastructure and welfare for students, teachers, nurses, etc. You know, the things that became possible of religion, and it

doesn’t matter if the inventor was religious. Ridiculously, he opines that religion would prevent or reduce children from viewing porn, but we should switch more towards educating them via the internet. Gee, I wonder where a student would have access to porn freely.

We also have Anthony Pantlizt, who opines that prayers are important for students and that they must remain. I don’t disagree with that necessarily, but to suddenly jump to guns replacing prayers made me laugh. Clearly, he is American because he is ignorant to the fact that American has a

looser gun regulation bill compared to Guyana, and it is deemed a right to bear arms in America, so guns are more accessible for citizens there.

Guns in school were a problem long before prayers “came out of it in American” (it’s not, teachers aren’t allowed to lead prayers and schools aren’t allowed to lead religious activities in the public system).

The main problem in this, in my opinion, is that all of these men have failed to understand what Swami has voiced in his article, and it is that of inclusion. The universal prayer response from the Ministry of

Education, while attempting to address inclusion, does come off as Christian in every shape and form, and this needs to be addressed. We actually do have a way to address this and no Hon. Donald Ramotar, Former President, we do not need to take prayers out. Instead, we can all observe a minute of silence and everyone can say a little prayer in their mind, so that everyone would feel included. And that is why I believe the framers of the constitution gave Guyana a secular status, not to spite God, but to include diversity of interpretation of him.

Amir Khan

Thursday November 04, 2021

Towards an understanding of Diwali DEAR EDITOR, Diwali is a festival that occurs on the fifteenth day of the Indian calendar month of Kaartik. Diwali, also called Deepavali, means rows of lighted lamps, and the celebration is often referred to as the Festival of Lights.

During this time, homes are thoroughly cleaned and windows are opened to welcome the coming of new wealth. Little oil lamps, called deeyaas, are lit and placed in rows to commemorate the occasion. Gifts are exchanged and festive meals are prepared during Diwali. The celebration means as much to Hindus as Christmas does to Christians.

Festivals Festivals are an expressive way to celebrate our glorious heritage, our culture, and our traditions.

They are meant to motivate us to rejoice on special occasions and to express emotions with our loved ones. Festivals play an important role in adding structure to our social lives and connecting us with our families and our historical background. They give us a necessary distraction from exhausting routines in our day-to-day life and inspire us to remember ethics and values that have moulded us from childhood. As we observe festivals, we pass on knowledge, legends, and traditions to the next generation.

The first thing to note about Diwali is that it is a festival. Festival time is characteristically different from ordinary, everyday time.

Festival time is sacred time, whereas every day time is filled with insecurity, fear, profanity, and corruption.

Festival is called Parva in Sanskrit, and by definition, Parva is that which makes us complete – it makes us sacred, courageous, and connected

with our inner self. Diwali, like Phaguaa-Holi, is one festival that makes us feel complete.

Diwali And Dark Night The second point about Diwali is that it occurs on the darkest night of the month, called Amaavasyaa. Outer atmospheric darkness is significant to inner emotional and spiritual darkness. When we kindle and place lamps on the outside, Diwali is calling upon us to kindle and place the lamp of wisdom in the temple of our heart.

Additionally, the Diwali festival gives us a clarion call to seek out all human hearts that are dark with emotional turbulence. There are millions of souls out there groping in darkness – afraid of what is yet to come. Diwali calls upon us to share the light of wisdom with such souls, and thus, lend them a sense of assurance and protection.

Diwali And Reaping Harvest The third point is that Diwali is a time when farmers reap bountiful harvests.

Reaping crops is considered a time of amassing wealth. In Vedic/Hindu society and culture, wealth is seen as a positive notion. Vayam syaama patayo rayeenaam – Let us be masters of wealth in abundance, says the Yajur Veda. Wealth is not a corruptive contrivance used to harm others. What is corrupt is one’s attitude towards wealth. Wealth equals power and power is good, as long as it does not harm another living creature.

Wealth should be used to develop oneself and the society in which one lives. It should not be a barometer to measure social prestige but

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should be a tool for us to rise to higher levels of magnanimity and divinity. In celebrating Diwali, we perform Havan by chanting holy Mantras and making offerings of newly harvested grains unto a blazing sacrificial fire and then share a portion of our accumulated wealth. Vedic Tradition teaches us the concept of Prasaad. Prasaad is what remains after a portion has been offered. Is your wealth Prasaad? Have you shared your resources with someone who is hungry, or who does not have enough to make a success of life? This is another call inherent in the celebration of Diwali.

We who are not farmers by profession can still feel comfortable with this sowingreaping significance of Diwali. The question is one that targets the inner spirit: Did we sow seeds of virtuous inclinations and habits, called Sanskaars, that can germinate and grow into bearing fruits of enriched character? Is this year’s Diwali the time for us to reap such fruits?

Diwali And Rishi Dayananda In addition to focusing on wealth on Diwali Day, Hindus also focus on the passing of the leonine soul of Mahaa Rishi Swami Dayananda Saraswati. On Diwali Day, October 30, in the year 1883, Rishi Dayananda breathed his last and entered into Emancipation. Approximately half of an hour before he breathed his last, many of the Rishi’s devoted followers stood in front of him, contemplating the noble (Continued on page 6)

Cost cutting measures at Uitvlugt Dear Editor, There is a massive cost saving exercise implemented by the Chief Executive Officer of GuySuCo, who is a proven financial analyst, at Uitvlugt Estate and which is expected to be implemented at the other estates shortly. This is about using chain saws to cut Jamoon trees to feed the boilers.

At the surface this would look inexpensive but when an analysis is done it will be seen that this does not only go directly against the President’s Low Carbon Development Strategy launched a few days ago, but is very costly and does not produce the intended results.

I would like the CEO to repudiate this.

Let us do the analysis.

The CEO himself is involved in supervising this firewood gathering exercise. On Saturday last, 11 workmen with 2 chain saws cut a halffilled truck with about 5 tons of green Jamoon wood. The labour cost is 11x$4,000= $44,000, the truck hire cost is $20,000. This gives a total cost of $64,000. An average of $12,800 per ton of firewood.

On the market, an 8-ton truckload of firewood costs $48,000 (trucking cost inclusive), an average of $6,000 per ton. The capital investment of 2 chain saws costing $400,000 and the

CEO’s high cost supervision are excluded. The skills and competence is very much costly and any economist will tell you that the theory of opportunity cost does not warrant a CEO supervising firewood cutting. This Monday, 2nd November, 14 persons were involved in this firewood cutting.

Jamoon is a highly healthy and beneficial fruit and its green branches cannot provide the high quality of heat needed for a boiler. So much for the LCDS. This is scarce money wasted and a most wanton destruction of nature.

Yours sincerely, Hemraj Singh

PNC/R Canada Central Toronto Chapter supports Roysdale Forde for Chairman of the PNC/R Dear Editor, The PNC/R Canada central Toronto Chapter supports the bid of Roysdale Alton Forde for the position of Chairman of the PNC/R party. He is currently a parliamentarian serving the interests of the Guyanese people. The PNC/R diaspora thanks him for his work in parliament on the Committee of Privileges and the Parliamentary Management Committee. To us, Roysdale Forde represents an important ally in the pursuit of national unity among the people of Guyana. He brings a fresh perspective to a modern adaptive political landscape which can empower the people of

Guyana. Like all Guyanese, Roysdale Forde believes that if the political parties put aside partisan politics and work together in the cohesive and inclusive management of the peoples Parliament, they can collectively create

economic prosperity and social harmony for the people of Guyana. RoysdaleAlton Forde is a rising star in the PNC/R. Alan Zaakir Organiser of the Central Toronto Chapter of the PNC/R

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Ask for identification Dear Editor, The report of two bogus persons posing as meter readers to an unsuspecting housewife, in their attempt to commit a felony, highlights the need to ask persons to

produce identification before allowing them on our premises. This advisory has been repeated by service companies at length but still residents are not cognisant of the dangers and are too

trusting.

We need to be alert at all times. Good work by the public-spirited citizens who assisted in the capture of the culprits.

Shamshun Mohamed

Religion should be a personal...

From page 4 pedestals. And, in some theocracies and overall conservative countries the oppression of girls and women and extreme impositions on the population which suppresses mind, body and soul all in the name of religion cannot be ignored.

Also, who decides what makes a person religious and/ or good? Who has the monopoly and who is judge?

Generally speaking, younger people tend to be more liberal and open-minded and Guyana is a ‘young people country’.

I know young adults who identify as Hindus, Muslims and Christians yet they eat pork and beef; drink alcohol, fornicate, don’t pray or attend places of worship. Are they still Christians, Muslims or Hindus? Who decides? And how does doing any of these things affect the wellbeing of others?

Then for Dr. Jailall to bundle science, mathematics and religion together is just plain ridiculous. A basic understanding of science,

mathematics and other academic subjects is essential for one to function effectively in the society.

A child needs to learn how to count so that she/he won’t be robbed by the bus conductor, vendor or politicians who don’t know what constitutes a majority.

On science, a basic understanding of the human body and the world around us has taken mankind out of the dark ages. In Guyana, many girls from conservative homes do not receive an ‘education’ in the home about their bodies and biological processes that happen to all females.

Many experience ‘menstrual shame’ or are judged and labelled because of bodily developments and behaviour which comes about as a result of hormonal changes that they have no control over.

Plus, women are still blamed for not producing that coveted boy child. And there are people who claim to be religious and instead of keeping their unwanted views on morality to themselves,

seek to impose and judge total strangers. What they regard as crime are such things as wearing tight clothing, talking to the opposite gender, the perception that one is doing ‘wickedness’ or don’t follow their idea of the ‘right way’.

Personally, I’ve never needed to pray or quote from the Bible, Bhagavad Gita or Quran in everyday situations, but I needed to know mathematics to get my correct change from cunning service personnel, and a basic understanding of science to reject harmful cultural beliefs regarding females.

In the 21st century; in the modern world where the vaccines are saving people and technological advances have greatly improved our quality of life and have become essential, let religion remain a personal matter which we don’t need to impose on others.

Respect the freedom of choice, diversity and individuality. And keep in mind that at the moment Guyana is not a theocracy.

Yours faithfully, Narissa Deokarran

A rare gem DEAR EDITOR, I have read the news of the murder of Dr. Colin Roach.

For a long time I have not felt a numbness like this. How can something like this happen to someone so young, so good,

so talented?

Colin was a rare student of the Anna Regina Secondary School: brilliant, athletic, creative, genial and agreeable. Later in life, he continued to excel while

maintaining that common touch. A truly terrible loss.

May his family be granted the strength to weather this senseless storm.

Thank you.

P. Lall

Towards an understanding of Diwali...

From page 5 figure lying prostrate before them. Sometime between 5:30 and 5:40 PM, the Rishi beckoned, giving a signal that they stand behind him.

They all did, in total silence.

The Rishi now signalled for all doors and windows to be opened up, and looking at the ceiling, asked: What is the day and date today? What fortnight [Paksha] is it?

Reply: Swamiji, it is the end of the dark fortnight [Amavasya Krishna Paksh].

Today is Tuesday. Hearing this, he looked up at the ceiling, composed himself for contemplation, began chanting Veda Mantras, and praised God in both Sanskrit and Hindi. With deep joy on his face, he repeated the Gayatri Mantra in clear tones and was absorbed in deep trance [Yoga Samadhi] for quite a few minutes. He then opened his eyes and exclaimed, in a tone lower than normal: Merciful and Almighty God! What a wonderful lifedrama You have enacted!

This is Your Will! Yea! This is Your Will!

Let Your Will be fulfilled!

With these last words, the Rishi turned in his bed to lie sideways, took a deep inbreath, held it for a while, and then completely expelled it with one vigorous effort. The soul of India’s greatest saviour in modern times had finally passed on into the Great Beyond. It was 6:00 PM, Diwali Day, October 30, 1883.

Historians ask a pertinent question: Seeing that the festival of lights started simultaneously with the exit of the Rishi’s Soul, can we ask: Can it be intelligently assumed that the universal illumination of Diwali was in honour of the departed Soul?

Can it be further assumed that a huge, bright, and glorious light in the form of the Rishi had kindled countless human

heart-lights, saw them flickering luminously, and then departed?

Those present around the Rishi’s bed on Diwali Day, 1883, would never forget that moment in history when the soul of the Rishi passed on in peace and tranquility. In their experience, it was as if a huge, tall mountain had suddenly collapsed and left them stunned and shocked.

Gurudatt Vidyarthi of Lahore, Punjab, a scientist and agnostic, who was looking at the Rishi all the time, standing on one side of the room, was converted in a moment from being a skeptic to a confirmed God-believer. The moving scene of the Rishi’s calm and resigned ‘death’ forever wiped away from his mind the lingering doubts that he had entertained about the existence of God. Swamiji’s so-called death gave Gurudatt a new life and a new faith. As Swamiji’s soul flew to the Great Beyond, Gurudatt saw bright visions: one was the Rishi’s death without tears of agony, and the other was the Rishi, comparable to a huge, bright light, kindling, in Diwali style, the flickering light of hope in the hearts of humanity overcome for centuries by hate, untruth, superstition, and irrationality.

Did death conquer Dayananda? Gurudatt asked himself. Reply: Oh no! it was Dayananda who conquered death. The Rishi cast off life with as little concern as an elephant casting off a garland of flowers.

His life was filled with the bliss of the soul, and he made humanity drink from his hand the nectar of that bliss. And now, he passed into the reservoir of God’s Bliss. The Rishi’s followers and admiring friends may lament over his death, but in life, he stood face to face before His God, executing His command, for which he was sent into the world.

Diwali And Brother-Sister Relationship Another practice during Diwali is Bhaiyyaa Dooj. On this day, women are given gifts by their brothers and held in the highest respect.

While Rakshaa Bandhan is Sisters’ Day, Bhaiyyaa Dooj is Brothers’ Day. Diwali – A New Financial Year In North India, Diwali is also the time to close old accounts books and open new ones, and so, it represents the commencement of a new fiscal year. Hence, many Hindus celebrate the dawn of a new year. In certain other parts of India, the celebration of Diwali lasts for five days.

Each of the five days is marked with worship and meditation. During these five days, people focus on a celebration of life, joy, and goodness. From darkness we enter into light, and light empowers us to do good deeds and bring ourselves closer to divinity.

Conclusion Diwali calls upon all human beings to recognise that there are many minds living in so much darkness that they see no bright future for themselves. Homes are broken, children run to the streets looking for support from drugs and crime, and generally, people are hungry.

This Diwali, as you and I chant Mantras, and kindle little lamps, let us focus on our own self and the self of people in the community.

Place a deeyaa in your heart, in your home, in your village community, and in the nation at large. And, finally, let’s remember the soul of Rishi Dayananda Saraswati.

Happy Diwali!

Satish Prakash, PhD Founder-Acharya, Maharshi Dayananda Gurukula New York, USA & Guyana, South America

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Thursday November 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

Carefully examine Exxon before the U.S. Congress.

Even there, its words about climate change misinformation are a study in word games.

CEO Woods spoke of the company being “truthful” and “fact-based” with positions on climate change.

What he left out (pretended not to know) was that it was Exxon's facts and Exxon's truths that feathered its nests.

In Guyana, PPP/C leaders it would seem, have joined the Exxon act and are falsifying by stretching truths, using their own 'facts.'

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Kaieteur News

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Thursday November 04, 2021

Govt. now looking to upgrade GPL grid to receive additional power T h e G u y a n a Government, over a decade ago announced plans to pursue a 165 mega watt (MW) Hydro electric plant, and subsequent to the discovery of oil and gas in 2015, a Gas to Energy Project to bring installed electricity generation

capacity of the country to some 500 MW. The Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) however, has in recent years been plagued by losses in excess of 30 percent, technical and commercial.

Commercial losses are recorded through the theft of

electricity while technical losses occur as a result of distribution deficiencies in the system, altogether accounting for billions in wasted monies for power generated by GPL and never recouped.As such, the administration has since announced plans to change

the situation and is in fact looking to, not only increase the reliability of the distribution grid to reduce losses, but is in fact looking to install a smart grid utilising the fiber cables to be incorporated into the network.At least this is according to Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who on Monday during a press engagement held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) gave the disclosure.According to Dr. Jagdeo, the administration has already mapped the electricity demands for the country over the coming five years and it is assumed that the demand will double in that time.

To this end he said, government would be installing triple the demand and rationalised that position by saying; “we assume that in the future when the power becomes more stable and the price is cut by half—which is

our intention by 2024 as soon as the Gas to Energy Project comes on stream to cut the price of electricity by 50 percent to business and consumers across Guyana—that a lot of the private generation capacity would go into reserve and people will connect to the grid.”

Grid Problems Speaking directly to the upgrades, Vice President Jagdeo told reporters, “we have a problem now with the grid and so we are now doing a study so by next year we can have an overall improvement of the grid.”

According to Dr. Jagdeo when the 165MW power is delivered to the Sophia substation in Georgetown from the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project, coupled with the 250 MW to be generated from the natural g a s p l a n t a t Wa l e s , government would be looking to ensure “that the

grid can handle it, it's stable and we don't have all these blackouts.”He hinted at a change out “of all the transformers” as part of stabilising the grid saying, “that's the next big thing we are working on.”

A c c o r d i n g t o Vi c e President Jagdeo, the administration is pursuing the establishment of a smart grid, “so that when we have all this new power, that the grid can handle it; a stable smart grid where fibre will be in all the electricity lines.”

As such, he posited that an individual would be able to monitor, from a control room, “and know, without having to send a crew out and get a report when there is a power outage in any part of this country.”

According to the Vice President, as it relates to Guyana's pursuit of its energy mix, “that's the next big thing we are working on, (Continued on page 24)

Downward trends in Covid cases, deaths -says PAHO While downward trends in cases and deaths continue across much of the Americas for the eighth consecutive week, Pan American Health O r g a n i z a t i o n ( PA H O ) Assistant Director Jarbas Barbosa warned that “progress in our region is not a reason to become complacent, or discontinue the public health measures that help keep us safe.”

“It is critical for all of us to stay the course until everyone is vaccinated and protected from the virus,” he said, during a weekly media briefing on COVID-19.

In the last week, countries reported more than 745,000 new COVID-19 infections and just over 18,000 deaths. The United States, Canada and Mexico all reported declines in new cases and deaths and there have been similar declines across most countries in Central and South America.

The Assistant Director reported that, thanks to strong immunization systems in the region, 1.2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered and 46% of the overall population is now fully vaccinated. At least 32 countries in the region have already reached the WHO's target of 40% vaccination coverage by the end of 2021, and several more are on track. However, many

continue to face delays, while coverage in Haiti, Nicaragua, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Guatemala remains below 20%. “ Va c c i n e i n e q u i t y remains the biggest barrier to reaching our coverage targets,” Dr. Barbosa said.

Public health measures are therefore “our best strategy for reducing COVID-19 transmission and saving lives.”

To address inequity, allocations of vaccines from COVAX are expected to accelerate in the coming weeks.

The COVAX facility, with the support of PAHO's Revolving Fund, has already delivered 64.3 million doses to the region. PAHO has also been working with countries to train health care workers, ensure access to vaccination, improve cold chain capacity, implement communication strategies, and overcome challenges with the supply of syringes and diluents.

As more vaccines become available, Dr. Barbosa urged countries to follow the latest guidance from the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) to ensure that shots go into the arms of those that need them the most.

While these decisions are ultimately up to individual

countries, they “should always be based on evidence, equity, and the commitment to protect our most vulnerable,” he said.

SAGE recommends that when vaccine availability is low, the elderly, frontline workers, and people with pre-existing conditions must be prioritised. “Once those at greatest risk are protected, the next step is to immunize a high percentage of the adult population. Only afterwards should countries consider vaccinating younger groups,” Dr. Barbosa said.

SAGE also currently recommends that a booster dose only be provided to those who are immunecompromised, and people over the age of 60 who received an inactivated virus vaccine such as Sinovac or Sinopharm.

As most countries in the region still lack sufficient vaccine doses, it is critical to follow expert guidance and maximize the impact of the doses that are available.”

Vaccination combined with effective public health measures make up the best strategy for reducing COVID-19 transmission and saving lives, Dr. Barbosa added. They “lay the best foundation for countries to reduce circulation of the virus and eventually get their economies and societies back on track.”

Thursday November 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

Happy Diwali!

Tonight, the country is going to be transformed into a virtual 'war zone'. Fire crackers are going to be popping all around and flares are going to create bright flashes on the darkest night of the year.

Darkness and light make a stunning contrast. A few years ago, just prior to proceeding to the Diwali Parade, I meandered through sections of the city. Quite a few buildings were aglow in light, some more extravagantly than others, but many others were in darkness.

Some rich folks like to show off on festivals such as Diwali and Christmas. It is almost as the more extravagant and ostentatious they are the more blessings they hope will come their way.

One Hindu organisation, a few years, urged adherents, to avoid ostentatious display of wealth at Diwali and instead to give more generously to the poor and needy. It is nice to view the spectacularly lit homes but to do so for the purposes of impressing others is not in keeping with the values of the festival.

B u t f a r m o r e disconcerting than the crass display of wealth is the cacophony of noises which is now generated during celebrations of Diwali. In 2008, there was a horrific

firecracker attack on residents of Alexander Village.

The village is usually thronged by persons interested in viewing the illuminated homes.

The situation got grossly out-of-hand that year when residents' home and even the Hindu temple came under siege by persons firing off explosive squibs. For more than five years after, the police had to be deployed to ensure an orderly “lightingup” celebration.

Firecrackers have long been associated with celebrations of Diwali. In fact, the Supreme Court of India has refused to ban the use of firecrackers during Diwali but has placed limitations on noise pollution caused by firecrackers and the times during which they can be used.

It is terrible for dogs.

They have much more sensitive hearing than humans. What is heard by humans is heard five times louder by dogs. So, imagine their plight when firecrackers are exploding non-stop around them. One study suggested that dogs could suffer a nervous breakdown because of the fear generated by exploding firecrackers.

All the noise, the extravagance and unbecoming behaviour seem completely at odds with the

festival which is supposed to celebrate the victory of good over evil and enlightenment over ignorance.

One of the highpoints of the Diwali celebration used to be the motorcades. Tens of thousands of persons would line the public roads to view the spectacularly lit vehicles most depicting religious scenes. But the pandemic has forced the cancellation of the motorcades.

Many years ago, there was hosted an annual sari competition and the crowning of a Miss Diwali.

But this was criticised as being inappropriate to be associated with Diwali and it was discontinued. It has been replaced with far more startling developments.

But what it has not stopped is the use of firecrackers which are becoming noisy and more powerful each year. A few years ago, the authorities had calmed down the sale of these firecrackers but it seems as if the authorities have let their guard down and as a result, massive numbers of firecrackers have been smuggled into the country.

As a result, firecrackers are being sold with greater freedom across the country. I stepped out of a local supermarket yesterday and there on the pavement was a person peddling firecrackers, flares and

Dem ole people boys seh... still dying!

Dem

De Americans does use statistics fuh plan. And dem know dat given de slowdown in dem vaccination rate, dem would ah had vaccines leff pun dem hand. So dem decide fuh play nice with dem poor country and donate some ah dem excess supply of vaccines because dem can get some goodwill out it rather dan leffing it fuh expire at home.

Dem bin give Guyana some Pfizer vaccines and we glad fuh it. It help we fuh vaccinate dem adolescents.

But de "best by" or expiry date fast approaching fuh dem vaccines and de government look like dem nah wan dem vaccine leff

pun dem hand and gat fuh dump dem.

So dem opening de Pfizer vaccine to anyone who want it. But one Minister done put pun she Facebook page dat is only a limited time offer. And we know why. Dem vaccines gat limited time too and gat to be used before dem expire.

Dem boy waiting patiently fuh de WHO fuh approve de Sputnik vaccine.

De vaccine prove itself in Guyana and all over de world. Is one ah de best vaccines but nuff people bin tun up dem nose at it because it mek in Russia.

We a l s o h a d w e problems with we second

dose. And up to now de Ministry nah tell we when de last set of 30,000 doses gan arrive.

But dem quick fuh tell we how dem active cases, hospitalisation and persons in ICU decreasing.

But dem ole people still dying and most ah dem nah bin vaccinated. And dat is why it gat dem boys remembering de Vee Pee bin tell Critic a few months ago how 82 percent ah dem wah over 62 years bin vaccinated. Dem boys wan know which gan get audit first, de vaccination statistics or de cost recovery from Exxon?

Talk half and go and tek yuh vaccine!

sparklers. This is being done openly in other places.

There seems no fear of police prosecution and this is something that is worrying since it is hard to imagine that the police themselves whether in their homes, on the road or at work are not aware that these firecrackers and flares are being extensively sold throughout the country.

The police should be

arresting and charging persons found with firecrackers.

If there are two things which would make this year's Diwali observances memorable, it would be for there to be noise-free observances and for all those beer gardens, pubs and bars to close their doors today.

But you can bet with the curfew virtually becoming a non-curfew since 1st

PAGE 09

November that alcohol is going to be sold in some places on Diwali. And that should not be allowed because not only is it disrespectful of the religious festival but also because it is illegal for such places to be open on a holiday.

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

Kaieteur News

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Thursday November 04, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Management of GuySuCo under focus Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo, chose his words carefully when he was asked about the performance of the CEO of GuySuCo, Sasenarine Singh. It is for the analyst to meticulously breakdown the words to bring out the deeper meaning.

In reporting on what the VP said, Newsroom wrote the following, “In an invited comment on Monday, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo refused to say whether the government was satisfied with Singh's performance over the last year.”

Here now are more observations of the VP on the issue, “Clearly, whether the CEO stays or not, we have to strengthen management outcome and investment.”

I know of no government in the entire world that has not been disappointed in many party campaigners after they were given

important positions. It is a ubiquitous fact in all countries.

Party supporters must be rewarded for bringing their organisation into office. It is a commonsensical rule in politics. If an engineer worked hard for his party then when victory comes, there is legitimate expectation. But they are expected to do good in their work. There will be changes in many office-holders in all countries because some performances may not be considered top class by the president or prime minister or the hierarchy of the party in government.

When President Granger chose Dr. Mark Bynoe, an environmental economist, to be director of energy, it was met with national surprise because of the role reversal.

The expert in oil, Dr. Vincent Adams, was put at the EPA while the environmental

specialist was put in charge of oil. There was widespread criticism of this mistaken direction including from this columnist.

I don't know what is taking place at GuySuCo because I have done no research of the things going on there. Naturally, I get my information about things from people. I have heard some trenchant criticisms of GuySuCo's CEO for the past year which should be investigated. All, and I emphasis, all, have been said by people who I would consider PPP supporters. All and I emphasise again, all, have been Indians so there could be no suspicion of racial motive.

I have never acted on those, some of which came from people with sound knowledge of the sugar industry and who currently work under the CEO. I have never paid any intention to the extent that I wanted to do

a column on the subject.

After Mr. Jagdeo's words on the industry, however, I thought I should share my thoughts with readers.

Mr. Singh campaigned for the PPP during the 2020 election but I would not say he was an asset of major substance. During the elections impasse, he was part of a PPP delegation along with Leonard Gildarie that I interviewed on the Kaieteur Radio. It was natural and logical for the PPP to have Mr. Singh employed.

But I honestly believe then and do now that his experience and qualification have never been in sugar and was not in sugar prior to his appointment. I was surprised at his assignment to the sugar industry. I thought he would have been placed at the Ministry of Finance. The sugar industry is too complicated not to have a person with in depth experience and relevant qualifications.

As I wrote above, it is for the analyst to detect the meaning of Mr. Jagdeo's expression beneath the

Frederick Kissoon s u r f a c e .F r o m m y perspective, I detect an inclination on the part of Mr. Jagedo not to discuss the CEO's work directly. I would say it was a diplomatic avoidance of Mr. Singh's performance. But what does not need any analysis is the direct expression of Mr. Jagdeo that GuySuCo's management needs to be strengthened.

How does one interpret it? One natural meaning is that more personnel will come on board to work with Mr. Singh. These people may have authority that is not below the jurisdiction of Mr. Singh. If, and when this

happens, and it should happen, I would like to think it has to be people with some background in the industry. Why is this so?

Because the government's intention is to resuscitate some estates and if you are going to do that then sugar experience along with the relevant training are of vital importance. One must note the importance of politics in the sugar industry.

This part of Guyana is intricately bound with the history of the PPP. No matter who, in the PPP, is in the presidency that man or woman will not ignore the plight of the sugar workers. If the CEO becomes hegemonic, industrial relations trouble will emerge. I honestly believe Mr. Singh was, and is not the right person for the job. His reassignment to another area suitable to his training is necessary.

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

Thursday November 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Thursday November 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Sharp rise in fatal accidents involving bikers - Traffic chief says motorcyclists considered the most defenseless road users

A

mid a sharp rise in fatal accidents involving motor cyclists, Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Ramesh Ashram said that

this category of road users is considered to be the most vulnerable on the roadways.

Ashram explained that “motorcyclists continue to breach the basic guidelines

and laws governing the use of the roadways and investigations into the numerous motorcycle accidents revealed that motorcyclists are failing to

wear helmets, towing pillion riders without helmets, failing to stop at traffic lights and intersections and riding dangerously in and out of traffic, among other issues.”

On Sunday two motorcyclists: 23-year-old Kevin Peters and 44-yearold Petal Payne died during two separate road accidents.

This publication understands that Peters who is a well known young man of Supply, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was proceeding at a fast rate along the southern drive lane on Drill Old Road, Mahaicony, ECD when he lost control of his motorcycle while trying to negotiate a right turn. As a result he ended up in a nearby trench on the western side of the road.

Both Peters and the pillion rider, Kevin Ashley, received multiple injuries about their bodies and were assisted by citizens around the area and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Upon arriving there, they were seen and examined by a doctor on duty and were both admitted as patients.

Peters however died while receiving treatment and, Ashley was kept for further observations.

Also on Sunday, Payne of Lot 75 East Canefield, East Canje Berbice was involved in a similar accident while she was riding along the Mahaicony public road.

According to police, Payne, was proceeding south along the eastern side of the Airy Hall Public Road, Mahaicony East Coast Demerara on her motorcycle when she attempted to take a sharp right turn in the road and lost control of her bike.

As a result she fell to the roadway causing serious injuries to her head and about her body.

She was picked up in a semi-conscious state and taken to the Mahaicony Public Hospital where she was examined and treated by a doctor.

She was then transferred her to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries later Sunday evening, while receiving treatment.

Meanwhile, in a press release police said that over the weekend, scores of motorcycles were

The deceased, Petal Payne, 44-year-old female motorcyclist

Traffic Chief, Ramesh Ashram

impounded for various breaches, by the Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force under the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act. According to the Traffic Chief, more than 75 motorcycles were impounded due to various road exercises in the past two days, just within Police Regional Divisions 4 'A' (Georgetown), and 4 'C' (East Coast Demerara).

Senior Superintendent Ashram noted that the death toll involving motorcyclists over the last two months continues to climb and the current traffic operations on the roadways are to ensure public safety.

Reiterating the need for stricter enforcement of the traffic laws, Snr. Superintendent Ashram said his ranks will be out on the roads to ensure that traffic laws are adhered to and our roads are safe to traverse.

Road Safety Month 2021 has just started and the GPF's Traffic Department has implemented a plan of action aimed at reducing road

The Dead motorcyclist, 23-year-old Kevin peters fatalities in Guyana. Road Safety month was officially launched on Sunday October 31, 2021 under the theme “Arrive Alive - Stop Speeding, Don't Drink and Drive.”

The Traffic Chief said the Traffic Department has embarked on a daily exercise against motorcyclists because he believes that there is an urgent need for reeducating and the re-training of motorists found culpable of these breaches.

As it relates to fatal accidents, there has been a significant decrease for the year 2021 when compared to the corresponding period (end of October) last year.

One hundred and six (106) cases were recorded for the year 2020 in comparison to seventy-four (74) for the corresponding period in 2021. That is a 30% decrease.

On the other hand, there has been an increase in serious accidents, minor accidents and damage accidents.

There was a 25% increase in serious accidents, with 248 recorded cases for 2020 in contrast to 309 cases for the year 2021 (corresponding period – end of October). Minor accidents increased by 53%, with a total of 444 compared to last year's recorded cases of 291.

Damage accidents saw an increase of 30%, while deaths decreased by 31%.

The Traffic Chief noted that our roads are essential to our everyday lives and therefore, we need to observe the five 'Cs' (care, caution, consideration, commonsense and courtesy) and comply with the traffic laws, so as to minimise accidents and reduce deaths and injuries on the roadways.

Thursday November 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Thursday November 04, 2021

Govt. to increase complement of judges-AG says The Government is on the move to fill the vacancies that exist within the judiciary, Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall has said.

He said that plans are in train to reconstitute the Judicial Service Commission and make new appointments to the bench as soon as possible. Nandlall

was at the time responding to the comments of Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards, who noted, earlier in the week, that the Courts' capacity to operate at an optimal level has been hampered by a shortage of judges. “I welcome the explanation of the Chancellor of Judiciary that there is a shortage of judges…The President has

already said that as soon as he returns he will address the issue of the Constitutional Commissions that are to be appointed and he says that the Opposition Leader will be engaged in that regard,” the AG said during Tuesday's segment of his Facebook commentary programme, “Issues in the News.”

Nandlall added too that that notwithstanding, the

recent exchange between the judiciary and the executive, the government enjoys “good relations with the judiciary.” According to the AG, the discourse should be viewed as nothing more than part of “a healthy exchange,” between the legislative.

In this regard, Nandlall said “I welcome the recent explanation of Chancellor of (Continued on page 22)

Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC.

Thursday November 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 04, 2021

Thursday November 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Local company lodges complains over 'unfair practices' by foreigners P

rincipal and Chief Executive Officer ( C E O ) o f Universal Group of Companies Inc, Ian Edwards, has come forward to confirm that his company is one such local service provider that has fallen victim to the practices being employed by Europa Guyana Inc., where the company manages to underbid Universal's proposals, purportedly using 'insider information' garnered by its Operations Manager.

He contends, however that this practice has led to several local companies s u ff e r i n g f r o m u n f a i r practices by foreign companies in the form of “bid sponsor impersonation among other things,” and pointed to another experience with another, 'foreign-company' that sets up shop in Guyana.

According to Edwards, two years ago Arrow Oil Field Services, which he said, represented itself as a foreign owned company, had approached Universal, “to bid jointly with them for the provision of contract service.”

He told this publication, “we supplied all the details and pricing required, our documents were also used but that contract was awarded to Arrow.”

The Universal CEO told Kaieteur News, “we were never called as was originally agreed; today Arrow performs those services that we should have been performing.”

With regards the contract for the provision of cleaning services for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Duke Street Offices, Edwards said, “I wish to confirm that Universal Janitorial Services Inc. is the company that lost the bid to Europa for the United Nations” To this end, he explained, “…while we suspect that there may have been foul play at work, we cannot confirm this as yet, as our investigation has not yet concluded.”

This publication had reported that the Europa's Operations Manager had, before his resignation in 2019, been employed in that capacity at Universal.

To this end, a source had told this publication that the company had been investigating one of its staffers responsible for the

preparation of bid documents—an individual that had shared ties with the Europa Operations Manager.

Speaking with this publication Edwards noted that the examples cited are not isolated and that, “since the emergence of the oil and gas industry and the influx of foreign companies into the space, competition has now taken on a more drastic approach.”

According to Edwards however, “at Universal we pride ourselves in developing coherent systems to meet our customers' needs and by extension the many challenges, so this too is a teachable scenario for us.”

He told this publication “we see an industry that is vibrant with enormous growth to come and this we are preparing for,” pointing out that his company has just concluded its ISO 9001 2015 audit and compliance checks and is now pursuing certification, “we are also working with the relevant bodies to be a good corporate citizen.”

While confirming that the individual in question at Europa, Hewett Alleyne, was employed with his company—Universal Janitorial Services & Supplies—the man has had his services terminated for almost two years now.

This publication had recently reported on practices by some foreign companies operating locally, of obtaining bid information from local service providers and then under bidding and referenced the UNDP contract that was lost by Universal.

It was noted at the time that the questionable practices by foreign companies operating locally are perceived to be largely overlooked and pointed to the accusations being leveled against Europa Guyana Inc. Edwards has since confirmed that his company has lodged complaints with local business support organisations, namely the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GMSA) and the Private Sector Commission (PSC)—all of which Universal is an active member.

The allegations by Edwards are being made even as Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, this past

week reminded of the Local Content Legislation to be tabled in the House before the end of the year, and reiterated that there would be some services such as rentals, transportation and others that would be reserved exclusively for locals.

He told reporters during a press engagement on Monday that Director of Local Content from the local Petroleum Commission (Continued on page 23)

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, during his press engagement on Monday last.

Proprietor of Universal Janitorial Services, Ian Edwards

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 04, 2021

Thursday November 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Doctor murdered in office …police hunting for two men seen leaving office ...assailants escaped with victim's car, cellphones Police up to late Wednesday night were on the hunt for two men in connection with the murder of a doctor, whose battered remains were found on Tuesday night at his Duke Street, Kingston, Georgetown office.

Dead is Collin Roach aged, 49, of Windsor Estates, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

He was found dead by one of his employees around 22:20hrs. Roach was found lying face up in a pool of blood on the floor of the examination area within his office. His face was notably bashed in and there were blood stains on the wall.

Detectives who visited the scene had discovered that the man's cellphones and his white Audi SUV bearing liscence plate PXX 4000 were missing.

The doctor's two employees have been detained by police. Further, investigations conducted by detectives later revealed that two other men were seen entering and leaving the doctor's office during the period they believe he was murdered. Police are trying to locate those individuals in order to gather more information that might help them solve the crime.

Roach's employees who were still in custody up to press time had reportedly told the police that they had last seen him alive around 15:00Hrs. They explained that the doctor would operate a clinic in his office between 07:00 to 15:00Hrs. The employee who found the doctor's body said he and his colleague had left Roach in his office after ending work that day at 15:00hrs.

The employee further stated that he retired to his living quarters located on the top flat of the building while his colleague went out. The employee claimed that later that evening around 20:00Hrs he had observed a

man exiting the building.

That individual, he reported, re-entered the clinic some seven minutes later.

Around 22:18hrs, he reported hearing Roach's SUV driving away from in front of the building. The employee after peeping out noted that it headed in a northerly direction. He further claimed that he noticed the lights in the office were left on and decided to call Roach to inform him about this, but his cellphone rang out.

The man continued that he then decided to notify his colleague who was still out that he will be using their keys to enter the office and turn off the lights at which point he made the gruesome discovery that his boss was murdered. Crime scene experts who arrived later noted that it appeared as if the doctor's killer had lashed him to the left of his forehead.

Meanwhile, the news of his tragic demise has left his friends, relatives and the medical fraternity of Guyana in a state of shock. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has since stated that it is deeply saddened by the death of Dr. Roach and expressed condolences to his family and friends. The ministry stated, “Guyana has lost one of its young, but experienced doctors. Significantly, our country has lost one of its most experienced Biomedical pathologists.”

MOH noted too that his untimely demise has come at a time when he was in talks with the ministry to begin a new era of transformation for chemical pathology. He is also remembered as being part of the pioneering team that began revolutionizing laboratory science in Guyana. The renowned doctor had led a technical team under MOH to put together the plan for the establishment of the National Public Health Reference

Govt’s. failure to meet ....

From page 3 developing countries such as Guyana given the limited financial and human resources that are likely to delay the audit process.

Further, the organisation said it is equally important to keep an eye on record-keeping provisions in the petroleum contracts and tax laws.

It said, “Oil companies should be required to keep all

their records in-country for easy access by the auditors during the audit period. But once that period expires, it becomes very costly to access records and therefore practically impossible to audit them…”Oxfam warned that Guyana needs to take the auditing timeline for these costs as a matter of grave concern as it could cost the nation billions more.

Laboratory (NPHRL) during the time that the United States (US) President's Emergency Plan for AIDS R e l i e f ( P E P FA R ) w a s collaborating with the ministry.

Roach was appointed director of NPHRL and later became a consultant to the US Center for Disease Control (CDC).

For his part, Opposition

Leader, Joseph Harmon in a statement said it is tragic that Guyana has lost yet another valued member of its society to violent crime. “Dr. Roach's death represents the latest in a string of deaths that the PPP/C government seems unable to halt. Was it not a few days ago that we mourned Ganesh Persaud, who was fatally stabbed?

Was it not a few days ago that we mourned Joshua Denny, who was shot?” Harmon said.

He said citizens are living in fear of motorcycle bandits that roam the city day and n i g h t , a n d t h e “Citizens live in fear that confessed murderers will escape from custody, like Kalpildeo Gangadin a few

Murdered in his office, Dr. Collin Roach. days ago. How long can this go on? Is there no one competent who can take over the Ministry of Home Affairs?“We reiterate our call (Continued on page 22)

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Thursday November 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

Hindu Society in Berbice distributes food hampers to 380 families

The Hindu Society of Berbice Shri Krishna Mandir, based in New Amsterdam Berbice Region Six, on Sunday began its annual Diwali Seva by distributing food hampers to 380 families.

Speaking with Kaieteur News, the Society's head Pandit Rajin Balgobind said that this will be its 17th year performing this charitable gesture in Guyana.

Hampers will be distributed in the areas of East Berbice, Albion and Canje.

Pandit Balgobin added that single mothers and senior citizen will be prioritised to receive these hampers. One hamper will contain a 10KG

bag of rice and other essential food items to assist the needy.

The annual Diwali Seva receives support from donors in the Netherlands, Belgium, Guyana, the USA and England. Over years, said the Pandit, the charity outreach has brought smiles on the faces of many across Guyana.

The beneficiaries would always try to repay the kindness by sharing vegetables, a hug or a smile with the volunteers who participate in the hamper distribution.

Pandit Balgobind said that one of best charity is giving the gift of food and wished all a happy Diwali.

Wanted bulletin issued for former SOCU Head Wanted: Former Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) Head, Sydney James.

Police on Wednesday issued a wanted bulletin for the former Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (S.O.C.U), Sydney James, in relation to allegations of obtaining money under false pretense and fraud.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of James, 62, of Lot 28, George Avenue, Lamaha Springs, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, is asked to contact S.O.C.U on 2253079, 225-3084 or the nearest

police station.

According to reports, the allegations against the entity's former Head, is that he forged the signature of his successor, Superintendent, Althea Padmore, so that he could obtain almost $1.8M. The aforementioned was reported after members from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Audit Department assessed S.O.C.U's financial affairs in 2019, and this revealed damning levels of corruption from top to bottom of the agency.

Thursday November 04, 2021

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Kaieteur News

= Diwali Messages = President Ali: The flame of love will guide us towards shared prosperity I extend joyous greetings to all Guyanese, but especially to our Hindu brothers and sisters, on the occasion of Diwali – the Festival of Lights.

The bright and colourful lights of Diwali remind us of the welcome return of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman to Ayodhya. The festival also recalls the blessings of fortune bestowed by Lakshmi.

Diwali is celebrated with great fervour. It is a happy and momentous time for Hindus who observe this festival through worship, the sharing of sweets, outward

expressions of kindness and the cleaning, decorating and the illumination of their homes. The simple ‘diya’, so conspicuous in the observance of this sacred festival, is a powerful symbol.

It reminds us of the divine spark that exists within all of us and which, when properly directed, can lead us towards enlightenment and prosperity.

Guyana is on an irreversible path towards a future of shared prosperity.

All Guyanese will benefit from our country’s development.

Prosperity, however, is not the mere accumulation of wealth but is allied to a

generous and caring spirit.

As is noted in the sacred text, “One may amass wealth with hundreds of hands, but one should also distribute it with thousands of hands.”

May the sacred festival of Diwali ignite in all of us the flame of love and concern for others, and may it bless us with the spirit of generosity!

May the festival’s warm glow help to promote stronger bonds of love, care and togetherness within our society and act as a springboard towards a future characterized by a common well-being!

Happy Diwali!

PNCR: Let’s commit to ensuring unity in diversity On this Happy and Joyous occasion of Deepavali, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) wishes to extend special greetings to the members of our Hindu community, especially the religious leaders, and to all Guyanese.

This year’s observances are occurring at a very important moment in the history of the nation when there is a clear need for peace, understanding, stability and social cohesion.

These values are common to all the religions in Guyana

and assume particular significance in respect of the Deepavali celebrations. The idea of the triumph of light over darkness, symbolically and otherwise, carries a powerful message for the Guyanese nation. Diwali is a joyous celebration of inner light over spiritual darkness; knowledge over ignorance and right over wrong. It is a festive restatement of the Hindu belief that good ultimately triumphs over evil.

The PNCR has always been and will always remain respectful of Guyana’s cultural and religious diversity and believes that

our diversity has worked and will continue to work to the country’s advantage.

Guyana is a multi-religious, multi-ethnic and multicultural country. Our diversity is an asset not a liability. Our Party is proud to belong to a society of many faiths.

As we celebrate Diwali, the PNCR remains committed to ensuring unity in diversity so that our beloved country can experience real development and progress.

The PNCR, therefore, joins with the Hindu community and the rest of the nation in celebrating this important event.

ERC: Diwali provides inspiration, Although the traditional, artistic and wellguidance to all ago. lit Diwali motorcades traversing the roadways The Ethnic Relations Commission, (ERC), extends Diwali greetings to the Hindu community and all Guyanese at home and abroad, reminding of the festival’s pertinent message – the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The time-honoured lessons of Diwali provide inspiration and guidance for us to cherish the inevitable positives that would bloom after overcoming the negatives. The Commission supports the goal that positive actions will eventually remove the destructive veil of division and disharmony to achieve national harmony.

For Hindus, Diwali symbolises the lighted path prepared to herald the homecoming of Lord Rama after 14 years of exile and defeating King Ravana’s tyranny thousands of years

are now suspended, the true spirit and illuminating message of Diwali would be nevertheless sustained by the thousands of flickering Diyas country-wide. The significance of this national observance is replete with messages of victory and the emergence from darkness and despair. The Commission, therefore, urges Guyanese to endeavour and commit to building upon the enduring festival of lights to sustain peace and brotherhood.

The ERC remains positive for the advancement of the multi-religious Guyanese nation and its peoples but cautions everyone to exercise utmost care to stay safe in the midst of the pandemic. Shubh Diwali to all from the Ethnic Relations Commission!

‘Generously illuminate the lives of others’ and through being good.

Diwali is not just limited - Oil and Gas chambers to our home or colonies or Deepavali- a national holiday, observed annually on Amawasya (New Moon) in the lunar, Hindu month of Kartik. The word Deepavali means cluster of lights.

Deepavali threatens darkness in all its names and forms and influences the emergence of an illuminated society in which there exists understanding, mutual

respect, love and harmony.

Diwali signifies the victory of good over evil; of life over death; and of light over darkness. May the modesty of the simple diya that is lit at this time remind us all that we can contribute to making our country and our world a much brighter place, by generously illuminating the lives of others through doing good,

educational institutions but has extended roots towards business areas as well, and as we celebrate the festival of lights, the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber -GOGEC wishes all Guyanese a sparkling Diwali. May you enjoy this festive season with your loved ones and engage in celebrations and may you be blessed with happiness and prosperity.

IAC: Respect the sanctity of Diwali, engage in appropriate activities The Indian Action Committee (IAC) extends Diwali greetings to all Guyanese, especially persons who are adherents of Sanatan Dharma on the occasion of the now globally-recognized festival of Deepavali or Diwali, which is derived from the Sanskrit language and means “a row of lights.’’

Diwali falls on the new moon night of the month of Kartika and is celebrated over a period of five days in India.

Diwali is associated with several mythological stories, one of them dealing with the belief of Hindus that, on the day of Diwali, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, King of Lanka, and that the people of Ayodhya celebrated his return by lighting

thousands of diyas. The IAC recognizes that in Guyana the Goddess Lakshmi Maataa or Maha Lakshmi is venerated on the day of Diwali, her devotees ardently believing that their veneration of her will result in wealth and prosperity being bestowed upon them in the future. The bright lights of Diwali are believed, by adherence of Sanatan Dharma, to guide and welcome Lakshmi Maataa into their homes where she can bestow her blessings on them and their families, and also to guide and welcome Lord Rama back to Ayodhya.

The bright lights of Diwali are also considered to signify the illuminatory power of knowledge which destroys the darkness of ignorance and also to represent the triumph of good over evil. The

IAC also recognizes the seriousness of the COVID19 pandemic which has infected over 35,000 citizens, killing over 900 persons, and calls upon all Guyanese to maintain safety protocols during the Festival of Diwali.

The IAC has observed that, over the years, lack of care in the lighting and handling of diyas has led to the destruction of homes by fire and the organization urges all persons involved in this activity to be extremely careful in order to prevent such tragedies that mar the enjoyment of the Festival of Diwali.

The IAC calls upon all Guyanese to respect the sanctity of Diwali and engage in appropriate and fitting observances and activities. Shubh Diwali.

PPP/C: We are confident that the light of the Diyas will continue to shine through Diwali is universally recognised as the festival of light; the triumph of knowledge over ignorance and the substitution of all that is negative with that which is positive.

As we celebrate this most auspicious occasion on the Hindu calendar, we call on all Guyanese, in particular our Hindu brothers and sisters, to reflect upon the significance of this great festival and to inculcate its message into our daily lives. This message is extremely relevant today in face of the many challenges that impacts humanity across the world. It reassures hope

thereby strengthening our resolve to mitigate adversities.

Occasions like Diwali continue to present the opportunity for all of our people to display to the world, as one nation, the beauty and uniqueness of our cultural, ethnic and religious diversity and tolerance. Let us all remain open to be inspired by its pertinent messages and to work for the best interest of our country and fellowmen and women, building stronger bonds of togetherness.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the customary observances

and celebrations of national events. The much anticipated and countrywide motorcades that have become synonymous with Diwali and served to bring our people together, regrettably, will once again be curtailed.

Despite the challenges of that reality, we are confident that the light of the Diyas will continue to shine through into our hearts comforting and guiding us during this period.

The PPP wishes to extend warm Diwali greetings to every Guyanese, especially our Hindu brothers and sisters.

Shubh Deepavali to All!

GAWU: Let the diyas of the mind illuminate wisdom in all communities Diwali, the festival of lights, is yet another manifestation of the rich culture of Guyana. Diwali chracterised by lit diyas beautifully adorning homes and temples reminds us of the powerful message of the occasion. The festival symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

Now a nationallyembraced public holiday, Diwali captures the attention — even participation — of thousands of Guyanese citizens, including nonHindus. The festival threatens darkness in all its forms, and influences the emergence of an illuminated society in which there exists understanding, tolerance, love and cordiality. Festivals

like Deepavali serve to rekindle hopes and expectations, and influence society in a positive direction.

This year’s Diwali’s carries even more significance as our country and indeed the world is caught in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As we recognise the massive toll the pandemic has extracted, we are imbued by the message of Diwali. We are reminded that even the darkest nights have an end and mankind will once again succeed in this latest travail.

Absent from this year’s Diwali will be the colourful and spectacular motorcade floats which attract thousands of Guyanese from all walks of life. While many Guyanese will certainly miss the event, we urge appropriate and safe

celebrations and for our people to abide with the COVID-19 protocols. Our brief message, therefore, is for the celebrants and leaders alike let the diyas of the mind illuminate wisdom in all communities, in places of work and worship, in Government and Parliament, to lighten the poor man’s burdens through righteous policies and programmes.

This is the least, but the most sought-after that the Union can hope for.

PAGE 22

Thursday November 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

Scrutiny of Coalition spending will not be rushed - says AG

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Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, on Tuesday night stated, that the scrutiny from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on the spending of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition will not be rushed.

The AG made that comment on his weekly programme called ‘Issues in the News,’ while explaining the work of the PAC and the current issues coming out of the committee.

Recently, the government used its majority in the PAC to have the body meet once per week instead of twice weekly, as suggested by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) and PAC Chairman Jermaine Figueira.

In light of this, the AG

Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall. said on his programme, “The work of the PAC is significant… it is for that reason that this work of this committee cannot be rushed.” According to him, the committee is presently scrutinising the spending of the former administration. He noted that he believes that because the Opposition does

not want the committee to examine their spending, they are pushing for the process to be done in a, “quick and careless way.”

However, he noted that the Government will not sit back and allow that to happen.

In fact, he said: “we will not sit idly by and allow the work of this committee to become a rubberstamp, nor will we allow the work to be rushed.”

Nandlall also outlined that the work of the committee must be carefully done, with circumspection, with diligence and with the requisite care – since it cannot be something that is rushed. Minister Nandlall noted that the work of that committee is very important and crucial for a democratic and transparent architecture to exist.

To this end, he added that these are concepts and

precepts that we are all committed to in Guyana.

“Irrespective, whether you are a member of civil society or whether you are a member of whichever political party, you are committed to see transparent government, you are committed to ensure that there is accountability for the expenditure of public funds,” the AG said.

Kaieteur News had reported that there is currently a fiveyear backlog of public spending still to be scrutinised.

Recently, coming out of the PAC is that the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has no trace of the $1.8B settlement paid to BK Contracting firm following a row it had with the government for missing targets at the Haags Bosch landfill development project.

Woman robbed, pushed out of hire car A young woman was pushed out of a hire car shortly after she was robbed while heading home from work Tuesday night at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

According to police, the 21-year-old woman had just left work when she flagged down a motorcar to transport her to her residence. She entered the vehicle and sat beside a male in the accompanying passenger seat.

While in the vicinityof the Leonora Stadium the male passenger, who was seated next to the driver ordered the driver to stop. The other suspect who was in the back seat confronted the victim pulling out a sharp knife and cutting the victim’s purse.

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purse valued $11,000, which contained a total of $14,500 cash along with one National Identification card and Covid19 Vaccination Booklet. He then pushed the woman out

of the car and the driver drove off. A report was made, and as a result of the quick response from the Police, the driver was intercepted at the Windsor Forest Public Road,

WCD and placed into police custody as investigations continue. The two suspects who were occupants of the vehicle have not been located.

Doctor murdered in office...

From page 19 for Minister Benn to go. Why? Because it feels like every week we're mourning. Why? Because we have not seen any improvement.

Why? Because Dr. Colin Roach suffered a fate he didn't deserve, and sadly no one will be surprised if next week we are mourning someone else. This violence must end. Benn must go. We continue to note the escalating crime situation. Regrettably, it has become the new normal under the watch of this installed government,” the Opposition Leader said.

Harmon said there is a direct connection between the deteriorating crime situation in the country and the government's lack of action, coupled with the “blatant political interference in the affairs of the Guyana Police Force and Police Service Commission.

“Once there is refusal to continue the

implementation of the Security Sector Reform Plan, reluctance to ensure there is a professional Guyana Police Force consistent with the provisions of the Constitution, an incompetent Minister of Home Affairs, clear diabolical plans being executed to have total domination and control of the police bureaucracy, there is no chance for there to be a successful crime fighting plan,” he contended.

He said while the government battles for control and domination, Guyanese are left to suffer at the hands of criminals. “Therefore, we are clear: in order to fight the scourge of crime, the people will have to exercise their most powerful weapon available in a democracy to return to the peace and security of 2015-2020,” he posited. The police are currently investigating the murder of Dr. Roach, whose cellphones and car were stolen.

Govt. to increase complement of judges...

From page 14 the judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards.” He continued that: “The government of Guyana enjoys good relations with the judiciary we are partnering with the judiciary on a number of projects.

One such project is the creation and establishment of the virtual courts…” “That project is functioning well and we are collaborating on a number of other initiatives…we enjoy an independent and respectful relationship,” he added. Notwithstanding this, Nandlall noted that it doesn't mean that the Executive and the Judiciary cannot offer criticism and commentary on each other.

“…If the judiciary is not complying with particular[legal] principle or a particular piece of legislation it is also open for the Executive to comment, once it is done respectfully and without ulterior or immoral motives, then the law permits such exchanges,” Nandlall said alluding to the recent criticisms leveled against the courts.

To this end, the Attorney General noted that “issues such as the failure to write decisions in a timely manner has been a problem for a very, very long time,” “We have members of the public who are now complaining about it,” he added emphasising that he hopes the public discourse is

not viewed as affecting the good relations between the executive and legislature.

Nandlall was among those who previously raised concerns that judges have not been compliant with the laws relating to the time limit for delivering written decisions.

Addressing those concerns earlier this week, Justice Cummings-Edwards explained that a shortage of judges and the absence of a website to which decisions can be posted have been part of the issues affecting the bench's adherence of Time Limit for Judicial Decisions Act, which imposes a sixmonth limit for written decisions.

Thursday November 04, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Bids open for the construction of Core houses in Sophia, Parfaite Harmonie During the opening of tenders yesterday, at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), 16 bids were received for the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) contracts which is to construct core houses in Parfaite Harmonie and Sophia housing schemes.

The government had invited bids from contractors to construct the core homes which are being financed by the Inter-American Bank (IDB). The tender states that funding was received from the IDB’s Road Network Upgrade and Expansion Programme, Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility

Bureau of Statistics Procurement of Licences of Microsoft 365 Business Standard

Programme.

The particulars of the contract further notes that each lot has a construction period of 150 days.

Both the Parafaite Harmonie and Sophia housing schemes contain five lots each.

According to the engineer’s estimate, each

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Collection of non-infectious waste

lot and construction in both housing scheme costs GYD$17,706,000. Also bids were opened for the remodeling of the Office building for the MARAD Secretariat and for the design, review and construction supervision of small hydropower plants.

Below are the companies and their bids:

GUYSUCO Construction of field laboratory and insectary at Rose Hall Estate

Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Supply and delivery of Lot 1- Sport Utility vehicle, Lot 11double cab pick-up and Lot 111-All Terrain Vehicle (ATV)

Dependant’s Pension Fund Procurement of security services

Supply and delivery of automatic transfer switch with isolated bypass and remote monitoring capacities.

Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) Design review and construction supervision for small hydropower plants.

Environmental Protection Agency Supply and delivery of safety gears/ personal protective equipment.

Ministry of Natural Resources Consulting services for support and training on petroleum sector oversight and for technical, financial and commercial regulatory functions- commencement of procurement activities- submission REOI’s.

Ministry of Home Affairs- CSSP Supply and delivery of CCTV Systems, desktop computer and printers for the Guyana Police Force.

(Continued on page 24) Guyana Election Commission (GECOM) Procurement of uniform materials, shirt and shirt jackets.

Local company lodges complains over 'unfair...

From page 17 would be meeting with a Ghanaian delegation to work on the draft bill.

“Our local content policy has been in the public domain for a very long time, almost a year, we are wrapping it up now and we are looking at key issues. We are honing in on the definition of what a

local company would mean.”

Additionally, Vice President Jagdeo reminded “there are some areas we have made it clear from before that are 100 percent carved out for Guyanese, let me repeat them, rental of properties, so for households and for office etcetera would be 100 percent Guyanese companies.

He pointed too to transportation, local logistics, security, and cleaning services provided by companies like Universal, would be reserved for 100 percent Guyanese companies.

According to Jagdeo by reserving certain category of services in law for Guyanese companies in the oil sector, it

would guarantee hundreds of millions of dollars in earnings for locals.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 04, 2021

Bids open for the construction of Core houses in Sophia, Parfaite Harmonie...

From page 23 Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) Remodelling of Office building for MARAD Secretariat.

Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) Construction of Core houses at Parfaite Harmonie Housing Scheme in Lots 1 to 5.

Construction of Core houses at Sophia Housing Scheme in Lots 1 to 5.

Protected Areas Commission Provision of Audit Services: Guyana Protected Area Commission.

Ministry of Agriculture – Fisheries Department Security services 2022 at Lot 1 -Anna Regina Fish Culture Station and Lot 2 - Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station, Mon Repos.

Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) Supply and delivery of one new 4x4 double cab pick-up for New Guyana Marketing Corporation.

Construction of Packaging Facility for the GMC at Sophia.

Govt. now looking to upgrade GPL grid to receive additional...

From page 8 a stable smart grid.” He told media operatives that as it relates to the establishment of a smart grid, the studies are presently being done. The Vice President was adamant that a smart grid once implemented efficiently, will help to reduce the technical and commercial losses experienced by the power company. On Monday, the Ministry of Finance confirmed that the administration was moving apace with the hydroelectric project and had selected Chinese contractor China Railway Group Limited for the construction.

The Ministry of Finance, in a public missive indicated that Cabinet had given its 'No Objection' to the company, as evaluated by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

Government had earlier this year advertised to solicit a private partner to fund and develop the project, and according to the notice published at the time there had been two proposals on offer.

The first option advertised, Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) where the developer would operate the project for a 20-year period before handing it over to the government at no cost.

The second option, Design-Build-Finance, where the government would take over the project at the commissioning date and initiate repayment of the financing in accordance

with contract terms.

The Ministry of Finance in its missive confirming the Cabinet Decision said, the 'no objection' was granted for the Office of the Prime Minister, to engage China Railway Group Limited to construct AFHEP. This, the ministry said would be pursued based on a BOOT model where the company will supply electricity to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. “at a cost not exceeding US$0.07737 per KWH and where the company will provide the entire equity required for the project and undertake all the risks associated with the project.”

According to the ministry, a total of four companies submitted proposals, and China Railway Group Limited was identified as the most 'capable partner' by the Evaluation Committee after a rigorous evaluation process, following which NPTAB submitted the relevant recommendation to Cabinet for 'no objection.'

It should be noted that checks conducted by this publication found that China Railway was in 2019 debarred by the World Bank for practices considered fraudulent on a highway project in the country of Georgia.

Meanwhile as it relates to the Gas to Shore Project, this publication understands that geotechnical and other studies are currently underway specifically as it relates to the mapping of the seabed route for the gas pipeline.

Thursday November 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Teen bandit shot dead, Coalition Yellow Fever accomplices on the run …after brazen attack on policeman's wife at Stabroek Market A 16-year-old bandit was shot dead on Wednesday after he along with two accomplices robbed a couple of their gold jewellery at the Stabroek Market Area, Georgetown.

Police identified him as, Sydel Bourne of Agricola, East bank Demerara (EBD).

According to police he was shot dead around 14:20Hrs in the Stabroek Market Square.

Information reaching Kaieteur News the couple was doing their Diwali shopping in the congested area along Water Street when three bandits pounced on them. As they assaulted

and tried to relieve the victims of their jewellery, gunshots rang out. One of the bandits was reportedly shot dead while others ran away. Police responded subsequently to conduct their investigations and found out that it was the husband who had fired the shot that killed Bourne.

He is a policeman who was at time armed with his service pistol and had accompanied his wife to the market that afternoon. He told the cops that he decided to shoot at the bandits after hearing one of Bourne's accomplices telling him to stab his wife as she was

resisting them.

The policeman recounted to investigators that Bourne and his accomplices had attacked them with a knife and grabbed his wife's gold chain from around her neck.

Kaieteur News in recent times has reported on numerous cases of bandits preying on citizens traversing the Stabroek Market area.

Apart from the numerous reports that were received from victims by this media house, one of its employees had also fallen prey to a marauding gang operating in the area.

Suspect in Parika murder kills self One of the four suspects in connection with the murder of Trevor Allen, who was killed on Sunday last at Parika, died Wednesday morning at the Skeldon Public Hospital after allegedly consuming a poisonous substance.

Allen on October 21, around 20:30hrs at a shop in Parika Façade, East Bank Essequibo, was chopped and stabbed several times by the four men after a heated a rg u m e n t h a d e n s u e d between him and one of them.

According to the police, 28-year-old Davin Persaud called 'Chrissy' of Parika Façade one of the suspects, allegedly consumed a poisonous substance while in the company of a relative at No. 74 Village Corentyne, Berbice. He was rushed to the Skeldon Hospital where he was admitted in a critical state under police guard. The police further stated that around 01:15hrs Wednesday he succumbed while receiving treatment.

Persaud's body is presently at the hospital's mortuary where it awaits a post mortem examination.

Meanwhile, Kaieteur News was reliably informed that two other suspects in connection with Allen's murder are in custody. The suspects, a 26-year-old and a 20-year-old both of Parika Façade were apprehended on Monday. This publication understands that the two admitted to inflicting injuries as well as receiving injuries during the brawl with the deceased and others.

Kaieteur News had reported that Allen was consuming alcohol with his brothers at the shop, when a heated argument ensued between him and one of the four suspects. The suspect reportedly held onto Allen and cuffed him to his face, which resulted in a scuffle between them.

It was during that fight between the two that the three other suspects turned up with a cutlass and knives

and launched their attack on Allen. One of Allen's brothers, Harvey Allen had attempted to rescue him but he too was assaulted by the men.

According to initial r ep o r ts , af ter h e w as chopped to his back, Harvey sought refuge in a nearby canal where he watched the men further assaulted his brother. An alarm was raised for residents who then summoned the police. The suspects had already fled the scene by the time the ranks arrived.

On arrival at the scene, the police stated that Allen was lying motionless with five stab wounds about the region of his abdomen and a chop wound to his forehead.

He was pronounced dead at the Leonora Cottage Hospital. Allen's remain was then taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Home for a post mortem examination to be conducted.

Investigation into Allen's death continues while a search for the fourth suspect is underway.

COVID-19 claims lives of two more persons The Ministry of Health on Wednesday announced the deaths of two more persons from the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease.

As a result of this, Guyana's COVID-19 death toll has moved to 928. According to the Health Ministry, the fatalities are that of a fully vaccinated 83-year-old man from Region One (Barima-Waini) and an unvaccinated 80-year-old woman from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). Both persons died on Monday while receiving

treatment at a medical institution.

Meanwhile, in its latest edition of the COVID-19 dashboard, the ministry recorded 81 new cases, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 35,800. The dashboard also reveals that there are 18 patients admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 57 persons in institutional isolation, 2,455 in home isolation and seven in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 32,342 persons who tested positive have recovered.

vaccine purchase - PAC

records missing hears Heads of the Public Health Ministry under the previous A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition government, came under heavy criticism by members of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) over failure to account for records in a 2016 yellow fever vaccine programme.

During a hearing of the PAC on Monday, reference was made to the Auditor General (AG)'s Annual Report of 2016, where 9,890 yellow fever vaccines were issued to vaccination centres under the Ministry of Public Health but the records only reflected 5,730 vaccines were received.

A total 4,160 vaccines could not be accounted for.

The AG report noted too that $6.1 million were received from the sale of 7,729 yellow fever vaccines in 2016, but the ministry's Materials Management Unit (MMU) Kingston had no documentation. The report reflected too, no records found at the vaccination centre and the accounts department of the ministry.

Minister of Public Works and PAC member, Juan Edghill was particularly vocal in his criticism of the committee that was responsible for managing the vaccine programme. He lamented the fact that over 9,000

Minister of Public Worksand PAC member, Juan Edghill. yellow fever vaccines were bought in 2016 but there was no accountability.

Edghill said: “These are revenue-procured items; they left a bond in which they were to be stored and controlled by the storage regulations. I believe those regulations were not in place. Vaccines left. They were not adequately recorded. As such, you can't say exactly where they went, who collected them and what happened. These things have to be monitored meticulously. How are vaccines leaving cold storage and they aren't signed for? That's the issue.”

Additionally, he noted that the AG report did not

verify whether the vaccines sold were from the 2016 acquisitions, as the batch numbers were not recorded on the invoices.

As such, committee member and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, noted failure to record the batch numbers of vaccines may have been potentially damaging to the health of public. Teixeira explained that apart from accountability, there is the danger of distributing drugs that are expired or on the brink of expiry.

The minister chided the then authorities in the health ministry for selling the yellow fever vaccines.

“There was terrible management and waste of taxpayers' money,” she said.

The missing records related to the yellow fever vaccine programme was not the only matter before the PAC in which documentation were missing. Moments before the discrepancy of the vaccine programme was brought to the attention of the committee officials, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, was facing queries about the missing records for a $1.8B paid to BK Contracting firm as part of a settlement in a dispute the company had with the coalition after working on the Haags Bosch landfill development project.

Govt. to build school for prisoners With the aim of exposing prisoners to further education as well as training programmes, the Government is inviting contractors to bid for the construction of a school at the Lusignan Prison.

According to the 'Invitation for Bids' published in Wednesday's edition of the Kaieteur News, the Ministry of Home Affairs is inviting sealed bids for the “Construction of Lusignan Vocational School, Lusignan Prison, Region 4” and the “Relocation of the Female Prison to Lusignan Prison.”

The particulars of the tender notes, that bidding

will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) Procedures specified in the Procurement Act 2003.

The Ministry stated that bids for these projects are slated for November 16, 2021, at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) located at the Ministry of Finance office.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn said the school is part of a programme titled “A Fresh Start” which will focus on prisoners gaining the necessary skills for their reintegration into society. He

disclosed too that the female facility at the New Amsterdam Prison would relocate to the Lusignan facility.

In June of this year, the Ministry had signed a $1.2 billion contract for the reconstruction of the Lusignan Prison that is expected to hold some 1,200 prisoners.

The new facility which is already under construction is about 25 percent complete and upon its completion it will address the current overcrowding in prisons.

This project is expected to be completed by February next year.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 04, 2021

Thursday November 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Pavlyuchenkova guides Russia to Billie Jean King Cup semis Prague, (Reuters) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova rallied from a set down to beat Alize Cornet on Wednesday and help the Russian Tennis Federation oust defending champions France and reach the Billie Jean King Cup semifinals for the first time since 2015.

The RTF team, whose five players in Prague are ranked inside the world’s top 40, needed to win just one match in their second round-robin tie in Group A after blanking Canada 3-0 in Tuesday’s opener.

Ekaterina Alexandrova lost the first rubber to Clara Burel, leaving Pavlyuchenkova, the highest ranked among the Russian side at 12th, needing to beat the 59thranked Cornet to avoid leaving their fate depending on the doubles.

Cornet showed heart against the big-hitting Russian to win the opening

set but Pavlyuchenkova found an extra gear and more power to edge a gruelling match 5-7 6-4 6-2 in two hours and 23 minutes.

Pavlyuchenkova broke Cornet’s serve three times in the deciding set and converted her first match point with an immaculate drop volley before breaking into a jig with team mate Daria Kasatkina on court.

Burel and Cornet returned to the court for the doubles, hoping to at least help France win the tie but the Russian pair of Liudmila Samsonova and Ve r o n i k a K u d e r m e t o v a completely outplayed them in a 6-2 6-1 win.

Under the tournament’s new format, 12 teams have been split into four groups of round-robin play and the group winners progress to Friday’s semifinals, with the final on Saturday. France, who lost

their opening clash with Canada 2-1, came into We d n e s d a y ’s contest trailing the Russians 6-3 in head-to-head meetings.

Alexandrova, ranked 45 places higher than world number 77 Burel, made a strong start in the opening singles rubber before the 20-year-old Frenchwoman launched a superb fightback to win 3-6 6-4 63.

Making her singles debut for the 2019 champions, Burel won six consecutive games between the end of the second set and the third set as Alexandrova’s unforced errors went up. Burel sealed victory at the O2 Arena’s Centre Court when Alexandrova committed two consecutive double faults.

The Russians, who won the former Fed Cup four times between 2004-2008, will meet the winners of Group C, comprising 18-times

Wednesday October 13, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) This may be one of those days in which you don't feel like doing anything and you can't force yourself. While you're out you'll shop just enough to take care of essentials.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Spiritual concepts may seem elusive and incomprehensible today. You might have difficulty focusing on books and your mind could wander during lectures or meditation.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Someone once said that you can't be too rich, but today you may think this statement is false, at least when it comes to a friend.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your household could be a happy place tonight. Good food and lively conversation heighten the atmosphere as visitors and family members enjoy each other's company.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Too much to do around the house could have you running around like crazy. You may need to make a lot of calls, see too many people, or execute some rather tedious paperwork.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Did you celebrate last night?

Happiness over a surprising turn of fortune is indicated, but so are a heavy head and hollow stomach from overindulging in food and drink!

CANCER (June 21–July 22) A romantic partner may appear to be more concerned with business than with you right now. Some decisions need making.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) It's hard to stay centered now. Your mind is on something wonderful that's happening for you.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You're likely feeling strong, healthy, and energetic. You might be inclined to take on huge tasks, some of which are more appropriate for three people than one.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) An impromptu gathering including some neighbors could take place today.

Someone could start a round of gossip, and this could turn you off.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today you may be obsessed with romance. Racy novels could be especially appealing, and you might try some experiments with how you look in order to enhance your sex appeal.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A temporary separation between you and a lover could have you experiencing mixed feelings. You may need some time to yourself, but you'll miss your friend! Your insecurity could come up.

champions the United States, Spain and Slovakia, tomorrow.

Slovakia lead the group but the positions will be clearer after Spain’s tie against the United States in the evening session on Wednesday.

Guptill special quells Scotland...

From page 27 the same over, he didn’t get all of it on a full toss and Tim Southee, running to his right in the long-on region, took an excellent catch, his second of the day.

Southee then got among the wickets himself, bowling Cross with some movement.

With Boult and Sodhi chipping away, half the opposition batters were back in the hut for 106 and New Zealand were on top.

With 67 needed from the final 26 balls, Michael Leask swung hard for 42* off just 20 balls, but he had been left with too much to do.

BCB Patron funded Social...

From page 31 seminars would be followed by a one-day Mini Cricket Academies in each of the SubAssociations the next day at the Rose Hall Canje , Cotton Tree, Skeldon and Albion Grounds, respectively.

The academies would be conducted by a battery of cricket coaches which include Winston Smith, Leslie Soloman, Julian Moore, Balram Samaroo and Travis Hardcourt. Meanwhile, the BCB during the seminars would also be handing over educational grants to five students in each Sub-Association under the BCB Patron Fund.

The BCB has over the last four years placed huge emphasis on the promotion of education among its players with hundreds of youths benefitting over the period from grants and donation of educational materials, school bags and cycles.

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova celebrates winning her group stage match against France’s Alize Cornet REUTERS/David W Cerny

Kaieteur News

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Thursday November 04, 2021

COP26: Fifa signs up to new UN climate targets for sport despite proposing biennial World Cup B B C s p o r t - Wo r l d football governing body Fifa has agreed to new climate change targets at the COP26 climate conference, despite considering plans for a biennial World Cup. The targets were unveiled as part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and include reaching net zero by 2040 and a 50% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030.

Other signatories include the International Olympic Committee, the Premier League, BBC Sport and Formula E. Net zero is when a business or a country achieves an overall balance between the amount of carbon it is emitting and the carbon that it removes from the atmosphere.

European football governing body Uefa has also signed up to the overarching targets but, along with Formula 1, it is not on the list of organisations entering the UN’s existing Race to Zero campaign, a coalition of leading net-zero initiatives.

In the summer, Uefa

faced criticism for the scheduling of Euro 2020 across 11 countries and the introduction of the Europa Conference League this season increased number of continental club group games by 20%.

This formed part of a growing sense in football that certain organisations and actions were at odds with the principles they had signed up to. Fifa, while contemplating proposals to host a World Cup every two years, has also scheduled an expansion to 48 teams for the 2026 tournament in the USA and Canada - both of which will guarantee an increase in carbon emissions.

But Fifa president Gianni Infantino stressed his organisation’s commitment to the UN’s net-zero aim, including for future tournaments. “Climate change is affecting lives of entire communities,” he said. “Football is not immune to significant changes around the world with grassroots and elite football being affected.

“Our climate strategy lays out our plan to protect

our planet and beautiful game by reducing emissions and tackling climate change.” On signing up for the Race to Zero campaign, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: “The Premier League is demonstrating its commitment to a more sustainable future.

“Like all sports, football has the power to unite people and we hope that through our work and public commitment to climate change goals, we will also encourage football fans around the world to consider how they can reduce their own carbon footprint.”

What has been pledged? The Sports for Climate Action Framework was launched three years ago in Poland but had no specific targets, instead committing signatories to five key principles including reducing overall climate impact and promoting greater environmental responsibility.This mirrored the approach of the wider challenge of getting stakeholders to the negotiating table and

Football’s biggest tournaments will now be hosted under the scrutiny of strict climate targets. therefore it did not build in transparency or accountability. Wednesday’s announcement means that all signatories to the original framework will need to recommit - and as part of the commitment, they agree to submit plans for concrete actions they will take to meet the targets, and to report annually on overall progress.

The pledge was made at the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, where a number of leading figures are discussing sport’s role in supporting the aims of

the Paris Agreement, an international climate change treaty signed in December 2015.

Patricia Espinosa, the United Nations’ climate change executive secretary, said: “Since we launched the Sports for Climate Action Framework, more than 280 sports organisations have committed to the overarching objectives of aligning sport with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

“The sector eagerly took up the challenge, but also told us that they want to do

more and to do it faster.” The IOC was among the first to sign up to the new measures, with President Thomas Bach saying last week: “The climate crisis is arguably the biggest challenge humanity is facing.

“By further reducing our carbon emissions, we strengthen our contribution to the realisation of the Paris Agreement, follow the latest science on climate change, and contribute better to this global effort. “We urge all other sports organisations to follow suit.”

NBA roundup: Chris Paul No. 3 in all-time assists after Suns’ win

Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) passes the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans in the second half at Footprint Center. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Field Level Media Chris Paul posted a doubledouble and reached a career milestone as the host Phoenix Suns defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 112100 on Tuesday night. Paul scored 12 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter and finished with 18 assists while passing Mark Jackson and former Sun Steve Nash to move into third place in the NBA’s all-time assist list.

Paul, 36, ended the night with 10,346 assists as he topped Jackson (10,334) and then Nash (10,335). The list is topped by John Stockton (15,806) and Jason Kidd (12,091). Mikal Bridges scored 22 points, JaVale McGee and Devin Booker had 18 each, Frank Kaminsky scored 17 and Jae Crowder added 13 for Phoenix. Jonas Valanciunas had 23 points and 14 rebounds, Josh Hart scored 16, Devonte’ Graham added 12 and Nickeil AlexanderWalker 10 to lead the Pelicans, who were playing the first of four road games in seven days.

Lakers 119, Rockets 117 - LeBron James, Anthony

Davis and Russell Westbrook combined for a season-best 84 points as Los Angeles rallied from a fourth-quarter deficit and survived a wild finish for a victory over visiting Houston. James finished with game highs of 30 points and 10 assists while Davis and Westbrook had 27 points apiece. Davis and Westbrook each grabbed nine rebounds, and Westbrook added seven assists.After scoring a teamhigh 23 points in the Sunday win, Carmelo Anthony chipped in with 15 off the bench for the Lakers, who totaled 26 points off 25 Houston turnovers. Wood had a game-high 16 rebounds to go with a teamhigh 26 points for the Rockets, who lost despite shooting 52.7 percent.

Heat 125, Mavericks 110 - Tyler Herro scored 25 points off the bench, leading Miami to its fifth straight win as it defeated host Dallas.

Herro had 15 of his points in the key second quarter, when the Heat took control of the game, and they never trailed again. The Heat also got 23

points from Jimmy Butler.

Veteran point guard Kyle Lowry, in his first year with the Heat, had his best game of the season with 22 points and a game-high nine assists.

He made 7 of 10 shots from the floor, including 6 of 9 from 3-point range.

Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with a game-high 33 points and a team-high five assists. Dallas also got 25 points from Jalen Brunson, 17 from Tim Hardaway Jr. and 10 from Reggie Bullock.

Jazz 119, Kings 113 Donovan Mitchell scored 36 points, Mike Conley Jr. fired in 30 and Utah toughened up in the clutch to pull away from Sacramento for a win in Salt Lake City. Bojan Bogdanovic added 20 points while Rudy Gobert had another double-double with 20 rebounds and 12 points as the Jazz beat the Kings for the sixth straight time. It was also Utah’s sixth win in seven games overall this season. Harrison Barnes put up 23 points to lead the Kings, who had all five starters and two reserves

score in double figures.

Sacramento held a lead in the final five minutes after trailing for most of the first 3 1/2 quarters.

Bucks 117, Pistons 89 Giannis Antetokounmpo had 28 points, nine assists, eight rebounds and four blocks as short-handed Milwaukee continued its dominance of host Detroit. Pat Connaughton and Jordan Nwora had 16 points apiece and Bobby Portis added 12 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Justin Robinson chipped in 11 points with four assists as the Bucks snapped a three-game losing streak. The Bucks played without starters Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez due to illness or injury. Jerami Grant led the Pistons, who have only one win this season, with 21 points. Trey Lyles added 13 points and seven rebounds off the bench. The top pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Cade Cunningham, made just 2 of 14 shots from the field and went 0-for-9 on 3-point attempts to finish with just six points in 29 minutes.

Thursday November 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

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GFF/Kashif & Shanghai Inspired India hit 210 in Super-16 Launched huge win over Afghanistan

T

he Guyana F o o t b a l l Federation (GFF) has teamed up with longserving football organisers; Kashif and Shanghai for the 2021 year-end Super-16 tournament which will kick off on Sunday December 12 at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground and conclude on January 1, 2022 at the National Track and Field Centre (NTFC), Leonora.

At a press conference yesterday held at the GFF Headquarters between the two bodies, GFF President Wayne Forde announced that the GFF Secretariat at Dadanawa Street, Section K, Campbellville will serve as the Command Center for the tournament.

Forde noted that, “It is my pleasure to announce today that the GFF will, once again, join forces with K&S

for the staging of the 2021 GFF-K&S Super 16 Cup. After a long wait due to the covid-19 pandemic, we are extremely confident that our two organisations will combine experience, reach and expertise to deliver a top-class return to competitive football at the senior level that will truly capture the imagination of fans across Guyana.”

Matches will also be played on December 17 (Buxton), December 19 (Leonora), December 22 (Linden), December 25 (Buxton), December 26 (Linden) and December 29 (GFC) and although the playing dates were revealed, the organisers remained tight-lipped on the prize money, building anticipation.

The 16 teams in the competition will come from a preliminary tournament

that will be played at the Regional Association level across Guyana, with clubs from eight of nine associations competing for places in the final 16.

At the end of the preliminary tournament which will also involve the Elite League Clubs, five clubs from Georgetown, two from the East Coast and Linden, along with one each from Bartica, Essequibo, West Demerara, East Bank and Berbice.

There will be an Indigenous All-Star and a Rupununi All-Star team that will make up the final 16 teams in the competition.

The GFF has maintained that only fully vaccinated players, officials and fans will be allowed to be part of the competition and so far, the responses from Member Associations have been good.

Guptill special quells Scotland fight ICC - Scotland showed fight with both bat and ball, but a Martin Guptill special in the Dubai afternoon heat put victory beyond their reach. Guptill struck seven sixes in a power-packed 93 off 56 balls to lift New Zealand to 172/5. And while Scotland reached 156/5, they couldn’t deny the Black Caps a 16-run win.

A double-wicket over for Safyaan Sharif in the New Zealand Powerplay, figures of 1/13 for Mark Watt, tight death bowling and an over when Matt Cross hit Adam Milne for five fours in a row were some highlights for Scotland. However, these moments of brilliance weren’t enough as New Zealand picked up their second win in three matches of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Guptill punishes width - Asked to bat, New Zealand began strongly, tallying 13 runs in the first over from Brad Wheal, and that set the tone for the match. Guptill plucked off boundaries with ease on the off-side. Alasdair Evans, one of two changes for Scotland, was taken for back-to-back fours from widish deliveries.

Needing 24 in this match to get to 3000 runs in T20 internationals, Guptill reached the milestone in some style, targetting the shorter leg-side boundary for

the first six of the day. The bulk of New Zealand’s Powerplay score of 52/2 was down to him.

Sharif’s double-strike The two wickets were thanks to Sharif, who was the only bowler to keep the batters quiet in the Powerplay with his back-of-a-length deliveries. He got the breakthrough when he had Glenn Mitchell lbw, with the decision upheld on review.

I n t h e s a m e o v e r, Williamson, who had been denied the singles behind square to third that he so likes, feathering one going down leg to the wicketkeeper to be out without scoring. After his first two overs, Sharif had incredible figures of 2/2.

Guptill targets the leg side - Watt struck in the first ball of spin, having Devon Conway caught behind tried to reverse sweep the left-arm spinner. It marked the start of a period of four overs of spin that went for just 18 runs.

However, the next five overs resulted in 50 runs.

Guptill and Glenn Phillips stepped on the accelerator, both of them releasing the pressure with sixes on the leg side. Guptill’s fifty came off just 35 balls, with another massive slog sent into the stands. That was his 150th six in T20Is. He survived a couple of dropped catches, with the

fielder in the deep struggling to keep sight of the ball in the sun, and piled on the runs.

Most of his big hits soared over midwicket or the square-leg boundary. Even Sharif was dispatched for two sixes on his return.

He was finally caught at long-on in the penultimate over from an exhausted shot.

Scotland did well at the death to concede just 22 runs in the last three overs.

Scotland show fight The chase was still a steep one, though, and Scotland couldn’t build on their starts.

Skipper Kyle Coetzer began with a flurry of boundaries and was timing the ball well when he became the first wicket to fall early. Trent Boult came back well from being hit for four, to have Coetzer sky a slower one.

Facing a quality bowling attack, the Scotland batters chose their battles well.

Milne began with a maiden over, but the pace bowler was greeted with five backto-back fours around the ground by Cross when he returned for his second. At 48/1 in the Powerplay, Scotland wouldn’t have been too disappointed.

New Zealand chip away - George Munsey, always strong against the spinners, brought out his sweep to smash Ish Sodhi for a couple of sixes. Hungry for a third in (Continued on page 25)

KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma gave India a fantastic start, putting together 140 runs AFP/Getty Images

ICC - India smashed Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi to get a win on the board in Group 2 and keep their qualification hopes alive, smashing 210/2 and winning by 66 runs to aid their net run rate.

A selection reshuffle saw Rohit Sharma moved back up to opener alongside KL Rahul, and the pair more than justified the decision with a brilliant century stand.

And fireworks from Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant finished the innings in style, with the pair scoring 63 runs in the final 21 balls of the innings to see a side pass 200 at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 for the first time.

In reply, Afghanistan rarely looked like chasing it down after losing both openers in the Powerplay, but avoided a collapse and built a total of 144/7 with one eye on their NRR. Sensational opening stand - Sharma and Rahul ripped into the Afghanistan attack through the Powerplay, helping India to 53/0 after six overs of the crucial match in Abu Dhabi.

And the runs kept on flowing with the fielding restrictions lifted. Sharma brought up his half-century with the eighth boundary of his innings at the start of the 12 over. And a whipped six from Rahul brought up the century partnership later in the same over, with Afghanistan struggling to stem the tide.

Run-fest in Abu Dhabi Sharma’s sparking knock did

finally come to an end in the 15th over when he chipped a Karim Janat ball to Mohammad Nabi at extracover. And KL Rahul fell for 69 off 48 when he failed to connect with a Gulbadin Naib straight one.

But the platform was a terrific one for India, and their powerful middle-order took full advantage. Pant, promoted to number three, survived an early scare when an edge helped him overturn an LBW decision against Rashid Khan. And he finished with a brilliant 27 off 13.

But Pant’s cameo was overshadowed by the explosive Pandya, whose 35 off 13 displayed his vast array of shots as a finisher.

Brutal bowling figures Very few Afghanistan bowlers survived the assault from Sharma and Rahul, with the absence of in-form spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman was keenly felt. Even star man Rashid Khan getting the treatment, going for 33 runs off his first three overs and f i n i s h i n g w i t h uncharacteristic figures of 0/36 off four.

Afghanistan’s reply Mohammad Shami struck with the final delivery of his second over to remove opener Mohammad Shahzad for a duck and keep India on top of the game. And fellow top-order batter Hazratullah Zazai fell to the very next ball, slicing a catch to mid-on to fall for 13.

Gulbadin Naib and Rahmanullah Gurbaz took

the attack to India through the rest of the powerplay, lifting the score to 47/2 at the end of the Powerplay.

NRR comes into play With 164 runs still required after the Powerplay, the comeback always looked a long way off, and Afghanistan visibly changed focus midway through the innings, with an eye on the NRR permutations.

Naib, Najibullah Zadran and captain Mohammad Nabi ensured that Afghanistan got a proper total on the board, with the s k i p p e r ’s 3 5 o f f 3 2 particularly important in that rebuild. And Karim Janat finished it off with lusty late blows to finish unbeaten on 42 from 22. The returning Ravichandran Ashwin was the pick of the bowlers for India with figures of 2/14 off his four overs.

India’s World Cup future remains out of their hands, with even three wins from three to finish their Super 12 campaign not necessarily enough to secure a top-two spot. However, if Afghanistan beat New Zealand in their final Group 2 match then the second qualification spot behind Pakistan will likely come down to NRR, with potentially India, Afghanistan and New Zealand all finishing on six points.

India 210 for 2 (Rohit 74, Rahul 69) beat Afghanistan 144 for 7 (Janat 42*, Nabi 35, Shami 3-32, Ashwin 2-14) by 66 runs.

Kaieteur News

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Thursday November 04, 2021

Guyana off to the Dominican Republic for the 2022 CMU20 Qualifiers

M

iami, Florida – A confident Guyana’s National Under-20 team under the guidance of Head Coach Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover winged out in the wee hours of yesterday morning to seek qualification to the 2022 Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Championships with the home team and Nicaragua among the teams headlining the tournament which kicks off tomorrow, November 5 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The CMU20Q will consist of 19 teams split into three groups of five and one group of four, with all

matches set to conclude on November 14. The winner of each group will advance directly to the Round of 16 of the 2022 CMU20, scheduled to be played next summer.

Group A will see Curacao, Grenada, Dominica, Sint Maarten and British Virgin Islands take the field. Curacao will be seeking to qualify for the CMU20 for the 14th time in t h e i r h i s t o r y, w h i l e advancing would mark a fifth CMU20 berth for Grenada. Dominica and Sint Maarten made their debuts in the 2018 CMU20, while British Virgin Islands have yet to reach the tournament.

Host nation Dominican

The Dominican Republic (left) and Nicaragua.

Republic will welcome Saint Lucia, Belize, Saint Martin and Anguilla into Group B with their sights set on a sixth CMU20. The Dominican Republic qualified for the 2020 edition, however, it was not played due to the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Belize are in pursuit of a third CMU20, Saint Lucia and Saint Martin will be seeking a second appearance and Anguilla will be aiming for a first ever CMU20 qualification.

An interesting Group C is on the cards with Bermuda, Puerto Rico, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados and Montserrat all fancying a CMU20 berth.

Like the Dominican Republic, Barbados had qualified for the 2020 edition but were unable to compete, but the dream of an eighth CMU20 will certainly be at the forefront.

Puerto Rico have their sights set on a ninth appearance, Saint Vincent

and the Grenadines a second time in the tournament, Bermuda out for a 14th CMU20 and Montserrat hoping to make their CMU20 debut.

Rounding out the groups are Nicaragua, Guyana, Cayman Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands in Group D. Nicaragua as well qualified for the 2020 edition, and in total have nine CMU20s played under their belts. Guyana should provide a stiff test, considering the two teams met two years ago in CMU20Q with the Pinoleros winning 1-0.

Guyana has three CMU20s to their name, while Cayman Islands and USVI each have one previous CMU20 appearance. Following the conclusion of the Qualifiers, a total of 20 teams will participate at the Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Championship in the summer of 2022.

This will include the top four teams from the Qualifiers and the region’s top 16 ranked teams (based on the Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Rankings) who receive a bye to the Championship.

The Championships group stage will be played between the top 16 ranked teams (four groups of four).

The top three teams in each will advance to the Round of 16, joining the top four teams from the Qualifiers. All Knockout stage matches will be played in a single match direct elimination format.

At the conclusion of the event, the finalists (two teams) will qualify for the FIFA Men’s U-20 World Cup Indonesia 2023 and the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games. The two losing semifinalists (two teams) will also guarantee their participation in the FIFA Men’s U-20 World Cup Indonesia 2023.

Thursday November 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 33

GFF Boys U-13 Challenge Trophy continues this weekend

Berbice win via WO from Linden; West Demerara and Rupununi draw The Berbice Football Association Academy Tr a i n i n g C e n t r e t e a m notched full points from their Upper Demerara Football Association counterparts on Sunday last without breaking a sweat when play in the competition continued.

The Berbicians won via the walk over route, the match was scheduled to be played at the Wisburg Secondary School Ground.

On Saturday at the Leonora Track and Field Facility, L e o n o r a , We s t C o a s t Demerara, Rupununi squandered a two goal advantage as host, West Demerara Football Association clawed back to earn an equal share of the points; drawing 2-2 after being gifted an own goal.

Rupununi ran away 2-0 leaders by the 33rd minute

thanks to a double off the boot of Joseph Eusebio in the 10th and 23rd minute. West Demerara’s Colin FrankDavid halved the visitors lead in the 52nd minute when he rocked the nets.

As the Rupununi lads continued to keep the home team at bay, they committed a cardinal sin when their own, Neyo Robinson scored in their own goal in the 60th minute. The score remained unchanged which meant that both teams were awarded a point each.

The other match which was played also on Saturday at the GFF National Training Centre saw host East Bank Football Association ATC team defeating their Bartica FA rivals, 2-1; Levi Sampson finding the back of the nets in the 14th and 53rd minute for E a s t B a n k . B A r t i c a ’s consolation goal was scored

by Ezekiel Baldeo in the 21st minute.

Matches will continue this weekend at various venues around the country.

O n S a t u r d a y , Essequibo/Pomeroon FA is scheduled to clash with West Demerara at a venue and time to be announced with the other match on Saturday bringing together the Rupununi FA which will host their counterparts from Bartica at the Aranaputa Sports Ground from 15:00hrs.

On Sunday at the Melanie Ground from 14:00hrs, East Coast Demerara FA will entertain the National U-17 Girls team while Georgetown FA and Upper Demerara FA will battle at the Leonora Track and Field Facility. Kick off time in this match is yet to be decided.

Berbice FA ATC U13 Team

PAGE 34

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 04, 2021

WCCS and Promotions, Triple A Construction support Berbice Family As part of their mutual responsibility, softball cricket organising c o m m i t t e e , We C a r e Community Services (WCCS) and Promotions in collaboration with Triple A Construction recently

Members of We Care Community Services (WCCS) and Promotions with some of the items donated.

presented food hampers to the Dharm Shala in Berbice.

The items were distributed to families in the area. The group has organised a number of softball competitions across Guyana including the

Independence nationwide T10 which has been put on hold due to covid-19 restrictions. The competition is expected to resume shortly with teams from Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo battling in the playoff stage.

GBA’s Poole meets AIBA’s Kremlev in Belgrade Technical Director of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Terrence Poole met with President of The International Boxing Association (AIBA), Umar Kremlev in Belgrade, Serbia yesterday.

During the short meeting, Poole, on behalf of GBA President, Steve Ninvalle expressed Guyana’s unflinching support for the Russian.

Poole and the Guyanese duo of Desmond Amsterdam and Keevin Allicock competed at the 2021 AIBA World Boxing Championships being held at Stark arena in Belgrade, Serbia; they both GBA’s Terrence Poole lost their bouts and will be travelling greets AIBA’s President, back home of November 8.

Umar Kremlev.

Thursday November 04, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 35

BCB Patron funded Social Skills Seminars to commence on Saturday The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) will this Saturday host the first of four Social Skills Seminars for a combined 160 youths across the Ancient County.

The first seminar would be held at the New A ms terdam S econdary School and would be declared open by BCB Patron, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat and President Hilbert Foster.

A total of 42youths, drawn from the New Amsterdam/Canje areas will

attend the seminar which would be conducted by graduate students of the University of Guyana, Tain C a m p u s S o c i a l Wo r k Programme and other qualified personnel.

Foster informed that the seminars were the brainchild of Patron Vickram Bharrat who shared that he wants the County to produce players of the highest level on and off the cricket field. Among the topics to be discussed are public speaking, table manners, basic mannerism

STSC 3-a-side Football set for Sunday

T

h e S o u t h Turkeyen Sports Committee (STSC) will be hosting a 3-a-side small goal Football competition on Sunday at National Park starting at 07:00hrs. Among the teams set to participate are Buxton, Georgetown, Golden Grove, Melanie Damishana, Plaisance and Vryheid’s Lust. At stake are trophies, medals and cash prizes and entrance fee is $1,000. Interested teams can contact Johnny ‘Overseas’ Barnwell on 691 9480. The event is being sponsored by Roysdale Forde, Darren Wade, Ken Phillips, Alfred Mentore and Carry Cargo.

Players are asked to note that all covid-19 guidelines will be followed.

STSC will also be

Johnny Barnwell - Organiser hosting Billiards as well as a King and Queen Dominoes competitions at Guyana Legion’s Hall, tomorrow (Friday). The Billiards competition will commence at 12:00hrs and attracts an entrance fee of $2,000 while the Dominoes event will get underway at 17:00hrs and fetches an entrance fee of $1,000.

At stake in both competitions are trophies and cash prizes sponsored

by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Johnny Barnwell and Beck Lumber Yard.

EBCA Pres. co-opted as DCB Member

T

he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) held its second Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) for the 2021-2023term on Saturday last at the LBI Cricket Facility, East Coast Demerara.

At this meeting, recently elected President of East Bank Cricket Association ( E B C A ) , M r. P u n e e t Jaigopaul was formally coopted as a member of the Demerara Cricket Board.

Jaigopaul and his EBCA Executive were elected on October 17, 2021. The 37 y e a r- o l d w a s b o r n i n Riverstown, Essequibo Coast but presently resides in Herstelling, East Bank Demerara. He is a former

Puneet Jaigopaul - President, EBCA Secondary School Teacher and is presently Chairman of Herstelling/Little Diamond NDC as well as President of Herstelling ‘B’ Cricket Club.

He also played cricket at the club level in Essequibo. The GCB wishes Jaigopaul and his committee the best in their endeavours to improve cricket in the East Bank area.

and etiquette, balancing sports and education, p r o b l e m management/conflict resolution, leadership, team building and mental health.

Participants would be drawn from the following clubs, Edinburgh, East Bank Blazers, Mt Sinai, Tucber Park, Guymine, Rose Hall Canje and Kendall Union.

Foster further disclosed that similar seminars would also be held for youths in three other areas, namely, West Berbice on Nov. 13 at the Fort Wellington Secondary School; Upper Corentyne on Nov. 20 at the Skeldon Community Center and Nov. 27 at the Albion Ground for the Lower Corentyne. The (Continued on page 25)

Vickram Bharrat

Hilbert Foster