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T&T gas fire Thursday Edition NEWS exposes danger ahead at Wales- Janki AIETEUR

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

November 11, 2021 - Vol. 14 No.42

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 94,304

…says Govt. cannot justify spending US$1B to endanger lives of citizens

Exxon's Report reveals… th

In three months, 4 project will flare two-thirds of gas Liza Destiny burnt in two years VAT collection grew by $8.9B at mid-year - despite GRA’s complaint that registrants not filing returns

Minister Todd praises China for 'incomplete airport, COVID-19 help' Court should not entertain lawsuit of 'dead' Police Service Commission - AG argues Govt. responds to climate change recommendations…

Finance Minister says relocating coastal residents Change the contracts now! complicated, costly Guyana already importing fish and shrimp from Jamaica, while our leaders in denial that the fishing industry is shrinking. Check the supermarkets and their prices. Good going Guyana! Cheers! @11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

Thursday November 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

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T&T gas fire underscores dangers ahead at Wales - Janki

International Lawyer and Environmentalist, Ms. Melinda Janki

…says Govt. cannot justify spending US$1B to endanger lives of citizens

A

fire that razed s e v e r a l petrochemicalbased companies in Trinidad and Tobago's (T&T) Natural Gas' Industrial Zone at Point Lisas, has underscored the potential dangers ahead for Guyana as government moves ahead with the controversial gas-to-shore project at Wales, West Bank Demerara. This is according to Environmentalist, Ms. Melinda Janki. According to the environmentalist—who is also a practicing Attorneyat-Law—“even experienced gas producers in Russia and the USA have had explosions and fires.” To this end, she posits, “a fire or a gas explosion at Wales would threaten the lives of residents and destroy property.” According to Ms. Janki, “It would also put in grave danger our brave but underfunded and ill-equipped fire service personnel.” As such, she was adamant in her adumbration, “the government simply cannot justify spending a billion US$ to put people in danger.” An inferno erupted inside the eTecK Park in Point L i s a s , M o n d a y evening—after a chemical factory went up in flames in the Natural Gas Industrial Zone. According to reports out of neighbouring T&T, scores of firefighters from Southern Divisional Headquarters, Central Division, Tunapuna, Wrightson Road, Princes Town and Siparia firefighters risked their lives for hours on end, to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other establishments near Pacific Avenue, Point Lisas. The Point Lisas Industrial Estate comprises 103 companies involved in the production of petrochemicals such as methanol, ammonia and urea—akin to the proposed development at Wales in Guyana and to be powered and supplied using natural gas from the Stabroek Block. Scores are now on the breadline as the fire gutted Gemini Inks Caribbean Limited resulting in millions of dollars in losses.

Fortunately, there were no injuries and firefighters were able to prevent the blaze from spreading to other companies in the eTeck Park at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate. While Fire Service Association President Leo Ramkissoon congratulated the officers for their efforts, especially since they had to battle over 100 small explosions with limited equipment, he is concerned that the Fire Service is

projects to accompany a natural gas fired power plant to primarily power an industrial park at Wales Development Zone (WDZ), in addition to supplying power to the national grid. The industrial zone, according to the administration plans envisions ventures similar to T&T, such as the production of urea/fertilizer and other associate products. The Ministry of Natural

natural gas for, “natural gas driven developments and growth.” According to that invitation, the decision on Wales was taken after extensive evaluation of multiple sites with ExxonMobil Guyana Limited. The oil major is currently undertaking the necessary geophysical and other studies required to map the route for the gas pipeline along the sea's topography.

The fire that erupted at the petrochemicals industrial zone.

lacking important equipment to effectively perform its duties, including rescues. The sentiments by Ramkisson echoes concerns raised by Ms. Janki's in relation to an underfunded and ill equipped Guyana Fire Service. Reports emanating out of T&T said that for over three hours, the firefighters also battled to stop the blaze from spreading to nine containers filled with flammable chemicals on the eastern and southern sides of the eTecK Park. The fire was believed to have originated from a Mastermix warehouse, but later it was said to be a building adjacent to Mastermix housing Gemini Inks, a printing supplies company. The Government of Guyana is actively pursuing private investors for joint participation in gas related

Resources had earlier this year invited private investors to provide an Expression of Interest (EoI) to partake in Joint participation in the proposed gas-to-shore project with the Government and Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana. According to the advertised EoI, the Government and EEPGL are looking for partners “in designing or utilising the outputs from an NGL (Natural Gas Liquids)/LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) facility and related f a c i l i t i e s . ” This includes, according to t h e M i n i s t r y, d e s i g n , construction, and financing of a power plant fuelled by natural gas, where the power will be delivered to the Guyana Power and Light's (GPL) distribution grid. This is in addition to industries that can utilise

Additionally, works are underway with regards the onshore aspect of the pipeline with soil testing and other studies currently being undertaken. The WDZ encompasses over 14,000 plus acres of land of which approximately 1,300 acres will be set aside for heavy Industry/gas-related investments. The project, according to stakeholders, is expected to see some 27 kilometres of pipeline being laid out and buried from the Crane, West Coast Demerara (WCD) location to Wales, in addition to some 200 plus kilometres of pipeline from the Stabroek Block where the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel is located. According to the administration, WDZ will be the location for the

termination of the gaspipeline measuring over 225 km from the Liza Area. Additionally, it will involve the establishment of a gas-processing plant (GPP) and a Natural Gas Liquids Facility (NGL) capable of producing at least 4,000 bbl./day, including the fractionation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). With regards to the use of additional gases, the invitation detailed that responses dealing with NGLs should provide details of expectations on markets (local and regional), expected input prices, expected sale prices, level of investment on required infrastructure, proposed changes to the current configuration of the existing market, and ability to work with local partners and Government.

VAT collection grew by $8.9B at mid-year - despite GRA’s complaint that registrants not filing returns

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alue-added tax (VAT) and excise tax collections grew by $8.9 billion, or 21.5 percent, when compared with the level at the end of June 2020. This is according to the Ministry of Finance Mid-Year Report. The Report states that VAT increased by $1.2 billion to $27.4 billion, when compared with the same period in 2020. The growth reflected in this area was primarily due to a $1.8 billion increase in VAT collections from imported goods and services, outweighing the $0.6 billion contraction in VAT collections from domestic supplies. The figures undermine government's stated commitment to reduce taxes and

ease the cost of living during their elections campaigns. Moreover, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) mere weeks ago complained about the “drastic reduction in filing of VAT returns by VAT Registrants”. Earlier this year, a host of tax reductions were announced by Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh. These included lowered water rates and removal of VAT on residential and individual data usage, as well as on certain food and household items. The Government had also promised no new taxes. While those reassuring words were welcomed by the Guyanese tax payers with open arms, the Mid-Year Report suggests that “Internal revenue collections totalled $66.6 billion, an increase of 19.1 percent over the (Continued on page 6 )

Thursday November 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Exxon's Report reveals…

In three months, 4th project will flare two-thirds of gas Liza Destiny burnt in two years S

tabroek Block o p e r a t o r, E s s o Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), has informed local authorities that it intends to burn 120 million standard cubic feet of gas per day for three months (90 days) during the start up of the Yellowtail Project. The ExxonMobil subsidiary made this disclosure in the project's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The document for the fourth Stabroek Block development project specifically states, “…startup flaring for the Project will be temporary and may require flaring for 90 cumulative days at the rate of 120 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd).” It was keen to note that this is just a “conservative assumption.” The company also thought it prudent to advise local authorities that in its home country, the United States, flaring offshore may occur for up to one year with regulatory approval. S h o u l d t h e Environmental Protection

Flaring on the Liza Destiny FPSO .

Agency (EPA) approve this, it would mean that ExxonMobil will burn 10.8 billion standard cubic feet of gas in three months. This would be more than half of the gas that was flared via the Liza Destiny vessel from December 2019 to September 2021, which totals approximately 17B standard cubic feet of gas. Even as it disclosed that a significant volume of gas would be flared during start

up of the project, the oil company was keen to note that the oil vessel (a Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading –FPSO vessel) for Yellowtail has been designed to re-inject associated gas under routine conditions, except that which will be used as fuel gas, flare pilot gas, and background flare gas. It said, too, that a flare system will be provided for the collection and safe

disposition of hydrocarbon gases resulting from nonroutine relief, blowdown, and maintenance events. In addition to this, EEPGL said temporary, non-routine flaring will occur during equipment maintenance, process upsets and during commissioning and start-up while adding that estimated flaring is higher in 2026 due to start-up. In this regard, it said start-up operations on the FPSO include temporary

flaring, which is standard within the industry until the gas compression and reinjection system are fully commissioned. Following the initial start-up period, EEPGL shared that flaring (beyond flaring of pilot gas, purge gas, and other de minimis streams described in this chapter) will take place when necessitated by shutdowns, upsets and emergency conditions, planned or

unplanned maintenance, production re-starts following shutdowns, and potentially commissioning and startup of new units or renovation of existing units. Furthermore, EEPGL said flaring volumes associated with start-up will be further refined based on schedule optimizations to achieve pilot flare (the burning of one million standard cubic feet of gas or less) as early as feasibly possible. It said too that its facility will be monitored on a 24hour per day basis to manage operational events that may cause flaring. EEPGL said this monitoring will provide the capability to intercept and deflect events that may result in flaring to the extent possible. Finally, the Exxon subsidiary said lessons l e a r n e d f r o m commissioning, start-up, and operation of other FPSOs in Guyana will be reviewed and appropriate mitigations put in place to avoid recurrence of issues found in the past. DANGERS OF FLARING Extensive research (Continued on page 16)

'Dig deeper in climate talks for the sake of vulnerable nations' ...Commonwealth Secretary-General urges leaders Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has appealed to world leaders attending the UN Climate Change Conference COP26 to close the gap in ongoing negotiations this week in Glasgow, with millions of lives and livelihoods on the line in climate-vulnerable countries.Secretary-General Scotland delivered her statement today to the resumed high-level segment of the conference, hours after a draft outcome document was released by the United Kingdom, as chair of the summit.She said, “If we lose vulnerable nations who have

battled with courage and resilience, we lose the fight against climate change.” “If the gaps on emissions are not closed, if improved access to climate finance does not materialise, we risk the most vulnerable nations amongst us being subsumed by sea level rises and being engulfed by debt, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.” “Do not grow weary and lose heart. Dig deeper, come together, and close the gap in these negotiations.” More than 2.5 billion people live in the Commonwealth's 54 member countries, 60

percent of whom are under age 30. That includes 32 small states and 14 of the least developed countries of the world which are facing the brunt of the climate change impacts. The Secretary-General added, “Millions are already losing lives and livelihoods from the impacts of climate change, but they are fighting. We must too. “They know that, without action, the force and frequency of violent weather, fire, shortages of food, water and the threat of rising seas will continue to intensify until it overwhelms them. They require

inclusive, just and equitable actions.”Climate-related disasters in the Commonwealth doubled in number from the period 1980-1990 (431) to the period 2010-2020 (815), with economic damages increasing from US$39 billion to $189 billion over the same time frames. In earlier discussions at COP26, the SecretaryGeneral reiterated the call for developed countries to deliver the promised US$100 billion in annual climate finance to support developing nations, both for adaptation as well as mitigation purposes.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland She added that funds also need to be accessible to the smallest and most vulnerable countries, who currently have difficulties tapping into finance due to lack of capacity and data. She highlighted key Commonwealth initiatives responding to the climate crisis, including the Commonwealth Climate

Finance Access Hub, the Commonwealth Blue Charter, the Call for Action on Living Lands and the Disaster Risk Finance Portal.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 11, 2021

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Pervasive lawlessness Occasionally, citizens write to complain about lawless behaviour in their communities, sometimes right in front of their gate. Though the circumstances described may, sometimes, not actually meet the strictest definition of serious crime, they do represent what is disorderly, and amounts to quality-of-life issues. Even though weapons have not been known to be drawn or displayed, there are ongoing fears that it is just a matter of time and circumstance, before such are brought into action, with possibly lethal or severely harmful consequences. The point is that they are there, and when alcohol and other substances are involved, things could deteriorate in a blink. Citizens have complained about what they call chronic lawlessness in such far apart communities as the East Coast of Demerara, the Linden Township, and the West Bank Demerara. Though less talked about in the public space, by no means should it be taken for granted that such lawlessness does not occur in the Ancient County (Berbice) or Essequibo. The hinterland communities struggle with party loving, money spending, and merry making as outsiders and locals joining together to have a good time. The complaints follow a regular pattern. First, there is a well-attended establishment, which serves alcohol, and may or may not have peddlers of flesh. When such carnal delights are in the offing, then the crowds thicken, and the free-forall is more blatant. The noise can be deafening, and neighbours have complained from Kitty to Robb Street to almost every other street and village where such fares of the night are part of the fast crowd. Somehow the police is noticeable by its lack of presence, despite repeated calls from impacted residents. When law enforcement members do turn up, it appears as if it is more for the appearance of doing something, than actual doing anything meaningful and lasting. For as soon as the police ranks have turned their backs and moved on in their vehicles the noise and reveling begins with renewed energy and volume. Too often, the police personnel who turn up seem to be on friendly terms with managers, and going through the motions. In off business hours, they can be seen transacting what looks like business with controllers of such troublesome places of entertainment. It is one matter when the partying is confined to inside liquor establishments. It is quite another when shops close their doors, and revelers decide that the party has to continue unchecked outdoors, meaning, right there in the street in front of somebody’s home, family, and possibly younger children. This is when things take on a different complexion altogether. The arguing (what passes for a good Guyanese gaff among friends) rises to higher volumes and in the open air, with vulgarities in full flow, and without a care in the world for the people living in the area. Citizens subject to such abuses are not only disturbed and upset, but they are also angry, feel menaced, and consider themselves helpless. The late-night partygoers can be observed urinating in full public view, blocking people’s entrances, and making a general menace of themselves. They usually leave behind a nightly pile of garbage, which ranges from condoms to empty liquor bottles to the vile stench of their hours of carefree ‘sporting.’ Sometimes, they even defecate on people’s bridges or other nearby surroundings. To add to the distress of affected communities and their residents, many of the alcohol-fuelled partyers own cars, which they rev unconcernedly in the wee hours and disturb the general peace of once tranquil communities. But before they get to this stage, which could be the looked-for signal that they are about to move off, the juiced-up boom boxes in their vehicles are given a vigorous workout, which is part of the showmanship that characterises drunken revelries and participants. Residents in communities tortured like this, bemoan the steady trend in these lawless situations, and the generalized decay that visit the unfortunate. Meanwhile, the police and politicians say that things are on an upward trend, and that Guyanese have never had it so good. But ask them to deal with what is agitating, threatening, and frightening, and both groups disappear. Residents are on their own, crying over their circumstances.

OGGN encourages all Guyanese to join Zoom meeting today, Nov. 11 for Yellowtail Project DEAR EDITOR, The Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN) would like to encourage all Guyanese - in the Diaspora and at home - to save the date for the EPA/Exxon Zoom public consultation this Thursday, November 11, from 6:00 -8:00 pm, Guyana Time. For New York, USA and Toronto, Canada, it is 5:00 to 7:00 pm, EST. (Zoom Meeting link: https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/8623 6094817?pwd=SnRmTUdE M 2 J J a j J a R VQzZEtKb0FaUT09, Meeting ID: 862 3609 4817, Passcode: 922752). We thank the EPA for responding to calls from concerned Guyanese for addition of this Zoom forum. We trust that most of the time at Thursday’s meeting will be allocated for citizen input so all questions can be asked and answered and stakeholder views are voiced. This is the final consultation and we encourage all Guyanese in the 10 regions who were

unable to attend in person to join this Zoom forum. Specifically, no consultations were held in Regions 7, 8, 9 and 10 so we encourage people in these regions to join this online forum. The Yellowtail Project would be the largest project estimated to produce 250,000 barrels per day. The bigger the project, the bigger are the potential environmental and operational risks and problems. The Government’s recent disclosures that they have been unable to complete audits of US$9.5 billion expenses by Exxon in the two-year limit allowed for Liza 1 and Liza 2 wells, due to lack of capacity, is quite disconcerting. Since the Government has raised the issue of lack of capacity with respect to audits, we are led to ask what other lack of capacities do we have now and will potentially have, when Yellowtail gets on stream. The Yellowtail project on a fast track for approval raises severe concerns about the Guyana government’s

capacity to perform additional responsibilities for the new, bigger Yellowtail project. The OGGN believes that when you are ill-prepared to do proper oil governance and monitoring, you should slow down, not speed up the process of approval of new projects. Yellowtail should not be rushed unless we negotiate a longer time to complete audits of oil expenses, unless the Government can secure adequate services to perform its governance and environmental monitoring, and ensuring there is comprehensive and adequate insurance coverage. We must not repeat the mistakes of Liza 1, Liza 2, and Payara. How does the EPA/ Government intend to find additional qualified and experienced personnel to do environmental monitoring? How will we get oil engineers and technical experts to understand and enforce the provisions of the EIA? Additionally, the mid-year Bank of Guyana 2021 Report

shows that “fish and shrimp production declining for two years now” (KN, Oct. 27, 2021). While there are no independent studies by the government about the effects these oil operations have on the nation’s marine life, there is speculation that the significant reduction in the production of white belly shrimp was caused by a change in salinity of coastal waters, resulting from the ongoing exploration, drilling and production of crude by ExxonMobil. When the Payara and Yellowtail wells come on stream, will the salinity problem get worse if they are dumping the produced water into the sea? This should trigger our environmental consciousness.Therefore, we encourage all Guyanese to get very concerned about what is happening in oil and gas.Please join the Zoom meeting on Thursday, November 11. Sincerely, Oil and Gas Governance Network (www.OGGN.org)

The issue with drugs is mainly a supply chain one \DEAR EDITOR, In a recent video posted on social media by Prime Minister Mottley titled “We Must Rise”, the Prime Minister emphasises the unseen value of the Caribbean people and makes an appeal to all creatives in the region, to think at scale. This post was (in my view) not only timely and pertinent, but came with every bit of class, authenticity and TRUTH that the Prime Minister is known for the world over. In recent parliamentary proceedings, I watched live as an REO faced questions about the supply of drugs to his Region. His responses appeared to be inadequate and the feeling in the room was that he was not on top of things. Questions emerged about the integrity of the process involving the timely delivery of drugs to the provincial areas of the country. This is not a technical challenge wholly specific to any one Region in this country. The simple fact of the matter is that it is

difficult to manage the supply of drugs and the process by which drugs are sourced and deployed. In my view, no one authority can be thrown under the bus for these inefficiencies. There seems to be a lack of coordinated thinking with respect to the supply of drugs, from central to local government and, as a result, a lot of lambasting is occurring, rather than rigorous problem solving, which the problem so rightly d e s e r v e s . Drugs have expiration dates. Some drugs have specific storage requirements (refrigeration); some drugs are not very durable and do not have much shelf life to begin with. Further, drugs are usually delivered on demand - for example, it makes no sense to stock a large quantity of a drug at a clinic in a far-out area if there is no demand for that drug. Maybe the drug was requested last year and finally made it to the region in the current year, only to expire a few weeks

later. It is also difficult to predict the demand for drugs without a deep understanding of the state of health in the Region. Add to that the fact that the transport infrastructure is not the same across the country. Mathematically, these situations would be interesting to formulate and optimize. Timely data alone can solve a big chunk of this problem. I envision systems of communication that update relevant authorities about stock needs in real-time. These types of decisions are obviously data-driven and require tactical responses, not just yearly requests. Lots of research, analysis and planning would be required to get going but it is what we must do. The delivery of drugs could even be automated. For example, I can even see drones being involved in some cases. Editor, one such buzzword that may win keyword of the year at the search engines is the keyword “supply chain”. The Regional drug problem in

Guyana is an example of a supply chain problem. It is not a political problem, or a racial problem, or is it “corrupt”. The University of Guyana recently initialised a Master’s programme for Supply Chain Management. My feeling is that there is going to be interesting times ahead for skilled creatives. As I write this, I see that electrification throughout the country is not optional. Internet penetration is not optional. Timely polls and population data are not optional. Special purpose web applications (think realtime dashboards and timelines) at clinics, hospitals, Regions and drug bonds are not optional. New infrastructure can also change the game. We have many more problems to which these tools can be applied. Editor, I am excited about the future of Guyana, how about you? Sincerely, Emille Giddings

It is not borrowing that hurts, but squandering DEAR EDITOR, I was highly bemused when I read an article in the media where the former Minister of Finance Minister “has expressed grave concerns over Guyana’s borrowing spree and he questioned the legality of a letter sent to the Chinese Ambassador regarding a loan

request of US$1.5B”. According to him the latter is ‘rumour’, but I will say that the former is just one of his outlandish assumptions. Not so long ago, the Coalition under his watch as the Finance Minister went on a real borrowing and squandering binge, which depleted the reserves and ran

an excessive overdraft on the Consolidated Fund. In addition, I have written exhaustively on the $30 billion Bond, which was not used for the purpose intended. According to an article in 2019, $7.4 billion was disbursed to GuySuCo since 2018 but there were no records concerning how the money

was utilized. This Government has in January this year paid a total of $606 million in just interest. This is wasteful spending! On top of all of this, they ‘negotiated’ an Oil Production Sharing Contract and a royalty rate which they now want this Government to (Continued on page 6)

Thursday November 11, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Let it be said - Guyana’s Judiciary is highly independent! DEAR EDITOR, Democracy in Guyana did not start in 2020, Guyana has been a democracy for as long I can remember. Based on a Stabroek News editorial published on October 24, 2021, titled ‘Politics and the Courts’, as well as was widely reported in the other sections of the media on the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill professor - Political scientist Professor Cynthia Barrow-Giles and law lecturer Dr Ronnie Yearwood analysis of the “judicialization of politics” in Guyana and the Commonwealth Caribbean, as expressed in a recent virtual forum. Part of the analysis focused on whether or not the courts in Guyana were “truly as independent as they really ought to be and therefore what can be done about that”. Based on the Stabroek News editorial, ‘Prof. BarrowGiles in response to a question, described some of the judgments made by the local courts as “questionable”. She said that one of the most important questions was whether or not the courts in Guyana were “truly as independent as they really ought to be and therefore what can be done about that”. Whether the decisions in turn were a reflection of the lack of independence of the courts. Her query was apparently based on “some of the judgments” of the Appeal Court, which were “highly questionable’, not the High Court rulings which the CCJ had affirmed ‘based on a report’. It is also important to note that much of the analysis was focused on events around Guyana’s 2020 elections.In my view the two professor’(s) analysis of the ‘Judicialization of politics’ in Guyana was too thin for them to have arrived at such strong (perhaps radical) conclusions that the courts in Guyana were not as independent as they ought to be. I have an opposite view which is that Guyana’s judiciary is highly independent, and the professor(s) conclusions were misplaced.These conclusions on Guyana’s Judiciary, particularly the Appeal Court, even from academics, were inconclusive. It should be noted, though, that the judiciary is certainly not perfect.I wish to list a number of instances over the past ten years where the Guyanese Judiciary performed with tremendous independence. In July 2010, the then President Bharrat Jagdeo filed a lawsuit against the Kaieteur News columnist Frederick Kissoon for an article that was published in that newspaper on June 28, 2010. In a Kaieteur News article on July 14, 2010, it was reported ‘in an ex-parte

application for the interim injunction, the President claimed that the article suggested that he is a racist and that “by extension, the State and Government of Guyana, practice racism as an ideology, dogma, philosophy, and policy…” The article further stated, “The Head of State also said that he understood the article to mean he and by extension, ‘the State and Government of Guyana, discriminate against Afro-Guyanese on the basis of their race and ethnicity.” Additionally, the then President stated that Kissoon inferred that the State and Government of Guyana, have an institutionalized policy to degrade, de-humanize and pulverize Guyanese of African descent. Also, “…that I [the President], and, by extension, the State and Government of Guyana, routinely act in contravention of Article 149 of the Constitution which guarantees to all citizens of this country protection from racial discrimination as a fundamental right and freedom…”’ What is important to note, is that in 2010, Bharrat Jagdeo, now Vice President, was the President of Guyana, he was the Head of the Executive branch of the Government and held immense power. However, he had such faith in the Judiciary, that he sought redress in the courts. In another Kaieteur News article on May 25, 2015, titled “BREAKING NEWS: Former President shows up in court to avoid Arrest Warrant Magistrate orders Jagdeo not to leave Guyana without permission.” The article stated, “Former President Bharrat Jagdeo was today barred from leaving Guyana without the court’s permission during his trial for a private criminal matter brought against him…The order was handed down by Magistrate Charlyn Artiga when Jagdeo belatedly appeared before her at the Whim Magistrate’s Court in Berbice.” It further stated “Jagdeo, who was a no show when the matter was first called a few weeks ago, turned up today in time to avoid an arrest warrant being issued for him.” The charge was that Jagdeo had uttered words causing racial or ethnic hatred, contrary to Section 139 D (1) (a) of the Representation of the People’s Act, Chapter 1:03 during a speech at Babu Jaan, Corentyne. The matter was

filed in April 2015. In another Kaieteur News article on December 13, 2015, it was reported that Supreme Court Judge Navindra Singh ruled that ‘the Magistrate court does not have jurisdiction since the facts submitted in the “case of racial incitement that Attorney–at-Law [and activist] Christopher Ram, brought against former President, Bharrat Jagdeo are insufficient to constitute the offence for which Jagdeo was charged.”In another case reported in a Demerara Waves article on August 17, 2018, it was stated that “Attorney-atLaw, Anil Nandlall wants the High Court to order the imprisonment of Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams for failing to comply with Chief Justice, Roxane GeorgeWiltshire’s order that he must activate the Judicial Review Act.” The article further stated “Nandlall is asking the High Court to order that Williams be committed to Georgetown Prisons, Camp Street, Georgetown … for failing to bring the Judicial Review Act Chapter 8:06, into force on or before the 31st day of July 2018, as ordered by the Honourable Madam Chief Justice (ag) Roxane GeorgeWiltshire on the 28th day of May 2018.” In another Kaieteur News article on September 15, 2018, it was reported that “The contempt proceedings filed against Attorney General Basil Williams have been withdrawn. The decision to withdraw the proceeding was made … after the case came up in the High Court before Justice Navindra Singh.” In a Stabroek News article on February 2, 2019, it was reported “In the event that the National Assembly is reconvened to consider extending the deadline for the holding of general elections, those members who have dual citizenship will have to be replaced in light of the recent ruling by Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire”. The article further stated that “Chief Justice GeorgeWiltshire held that former government Member of Parliament (MP) Charrandass Persaud was “not qualified” for election to the National Assembly by virtue of his own acts in acknowledging allegiance and adherence to

a foreign power to the sovereign state of Canada, in contravention of Article 155 (1) (a).”Another Stabroek News article on April 2, 2019, reported “President David Granger has received and accepted the resignation of all Coalition Members of Parliament (MPs) who are holders of dual citizenship…These members will not be returning to Parliament…when it reconvenes on April 11, 2019”. What is important to note here is that these Members of Parliament resigned based on the order of the acting Chief Justice; these were former Minister of State Joseph Harmon, now Opposition Leader, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, former Minister of Public Service, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, and former Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin.In a Stabroek News article on June 25, 2019, it was reported that Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry ruled that “Finance Minister Winston Jordan is to be jailed for 21 days if he fails to comply with a previously issued court order to pay Trinidad construction company Dipcon the more than US$2 million owed to it by the government for road construction works.”Then in a Kaieteur News article on July 6, 2019, it was reported “Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, could be sent to jail … pursuant to a contempt order issued by Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry if he fails to honour a court judgment.” In a subsequent article it was reported that ‘Full Court comprising Justices Simone Morris-Ramlall and Diane Insanally, refused to grant a stay of Justice SewnarineBeharry’s order during a hearing yesterday. The former Attorney General Basil Williams who is representing former Minister Jordan issued the Full Court with an oral notice of appeal.”Later in a Stabroek News article on July 8, 2019, it was reported ‘President David Granger has intervened to prevent the jailing of Finance Minister Winston Jordan over the government’s failure to pay the more than US$2 million awarded by a court to Trinidad construction company Dipcon for road

construction works. In a Kaieteur News article on June 17, 2021, it was reported that ‘Justice Sandra Kurtzious has reaffirmed her order to grant an award to former Junior Minister of Communities, Annette Ferguson, in the case where she sued Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, for libel. Delivering her ruling via Zoom yesterday, Justice Kurtzious upheld the default judgment on the basis that Jagdeo failed to provide any substantiated material to support his reason for failing to file a defense to the defamation claims’.These were ‘big’ moments for Guyana’s judiciary, and they must not be devalued. In December 2019, I recall being a part of a discussion with lawyers and the conversation was focused on the view that the Executive Branch and Guyanese politicians were ‘afraid’ of the Judges and that the judiciary was evolving as an admirably independent body. Based on the ten-year rapid analysis above of cases which were brought before the Magistrates Court, High Court and Appeal Court of Guyana involving the members of the executive, opposition, legislature, Presidents and Ministers of Government; in my view, Guyana’s Judiciary is functioning with a tremendous degree of independence. Guyanese judges at the High Court and Court of Appeal have adjudicated admirably in these instances, among others.Another point that came up in our discussions was whether the fact that there are more female Judges in the High Court, and the Court of Appeal was one of the reasons for the greater level independence being displayed? Whether the fact that both the acting Chief Justice and Chancellor are females was a contributory factor? In all cases above, most of the judges were females, as well as the magistrate. Perhaps these are areas which the UWI professor(s) might be interested in analyzing

further, and which could have a greater value to the development of a more inclusive and cohesive Guyanese society. Another point to note is that the Judiciary is the third arm of Government, and at a time when the executive and legislature are experiencing, perhaps one of the most challenging periods, particularly since December 2018, an additional burden has been placed on the Judiciary to adjudicate over matters of a highly political nature. It is the Judiciary, led by the Honourable Chancellor (ag) and the Chief Justice (ag) and Judges, who, to a large extent, are holding Guyanese society together, by showing judicial leadership and strength. Many sitting in their ivory towers would never understand the depth of gratitude, which the Guyanese people have towards the Judges, for their professional maturity and astuteness.Finally, I view this as an attack not only on our Judiciary but on our professional women in the Judiciary. President Irfaan Ali needs to consult with the Leader of the Opposition and confirm our two distinguished female jurists – the Chancellor (ag) and Chief Justice (ag) with immediate effect. The current Government must be mindful that it is not rolling back its own gains from its hard work on justice administration reforms, which resulted in the level of the independence shown above. The previous APNU+AFC Government benefited from the outcomes of the PPP/C Government’s inputs on these reforms, but it seems like the Government is willing to roll back this progress. However, we will protect our judiciary, our judges, and magistrates against disrespect, while we encourage and support meaningful reforms in the judiciary. Yours faithfully, Audreyanna Thomas, Rule of Law Advisor/ Advocate

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 11, 2021

Months later…

Laid-off Troy Resources workers still to be paid A massive processing plant that was set up by Troy Resources at Karouni.

Three months after a number of local workers from the Australian Mining Company, Troy Resources were laid-off they are still to receive their severance cheques. In response to the workers’ fears that they might not be paid for the upcoming holidays, the company through it spokesperson, Ajay Baksh, stated that it is doing everything possible to pay them “urgently”.Baksh exact words were, “Troy Resources Guyana acknowledges their obligations to laid-off employees and are doing everything possible to honour these obligations urgently.” Kaieteur News understands that the company had promised to pay the workers within six weeks of them being sent home, but more than ten weeks have passed and they are still to be paid. This newspaper had managed to speak with some of these affected workers. One of them, a woman (name provided) said, “for some of us our six weeks are up, we have persons who have been laid off since July-August and some in September. So a lot of people who have been laid-off and they have not

been paid.” She added, “and they have not been calling us to tell us anything. They were quick to give us our lay off letter but slow in terms of the payment.”The ex-Troy employee explained that they are the ones who have to keep checking for their money and would get the worn out excuse that the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ken Nilsson had died and it is awaiting cheques from Australia. However, as the days go by the employees are becoming worried that they will not be paid anytime soon. Another worker related: “at this point in time jobs are hard to find and no one is calling from the office to tell us anything.” The ex-worker continued, “We are broke, we are out of a job and we have bills coming up, mortgage, etc. and noone hires around this time.” The workers told Kaieteur News that they had reached out to the Labour Ministry for help but have not received any assistance. This media house had reported in July this year that the foreign mining company had upped the ante in firing locals in order to use expats to focus on un-

derground mining. Kaieteur News had noted this after reading a circular that had been disseminated to local employees by the company of its plans to lay them off. The circular was signed by the Troy Resources’ General Manager (GM) Colin Connors and a section of it read: “we have notified the Ministry of Labour that we will be laying off a significant portion of our workforce, but the final amount has not been finalised.” Seeking to underscore that Troy is closing the mine, Connors used the occasion to disclose that “we are working to progress with the development of the SMARTS Underground project”. Troy resources has since employed a foreign subcontractor based in Canada, Barrack Gold, to conduct explorations for underground mining on its concession located at the Karouni Mine, in the Region Seven location. Its spokesperson, Baksh, had said, “In the interim the company will continue in the care and maintenance status and will continue to have a skeleton crew at the mine site inclusive of a fully staffed medical center”.

VAT collection grew by $8.9B at mid-year... From page 2 same period for 2020. This was mainly due to a $5.1 billion increase in corporation tax collections from private companies in the mining and quarrying, retail trade, and telecommunications sectors”. When it comes to personal income taxes collections increased by $2.9 billion or some 16.4 percent. This increase was reportedly as a result of higher payment from companies within the oil and gas sector. Additionally, in the first half of the year, net property taxes also grew by $1.6 billion or 56.5 percent to $4.5 billion, reflecting higher payments of $1.3 billion by

privately owned companies, including those within the manufacture of beverages and telecommunications industries. “Further, withholding tax collections rose by $1.3 billion, or 8.6 percent above the $15.1 billion collected during the same period in 2020, mainly due to higher remittances from the mining sector,” the report details. More increases were recorded for Customs and trade tax collections as well as import duties with a growth of $2.7 billion to $12.3 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively when compared with the same period in 2020.

It is not borrowing that hurts... From page 4 correct. This is so barefaced. This Government was placed with such a huge burden to right the wrongs done by the Coalition that borrowing at this point is a necessity. The devastating flood and the deadly pandemic must also be brought into this scenario. What I would like to see Mr. Jordan do, is to provide evidence that monies borrowed were

squandered in a manner in which they did during their tenure in office. I refer the former Finance Minister to the countless ‘anomalies and irregularities’ and breaches (euphemism again) of the Procurement Act and Fiscal Management Act, which occurred is a most brazen manner under his watch. The evidence is glaring for all to see. The Coalition even used the pandemic to squander,

whilst Guyanese were dying for lack of a proper COVID-19 facility. Just think about the Infectious Disease Hospital at Liliendaal and the hundreds of millions mismanaged and wasted. The list of squandering under the Coalition is endless. It is not the borrowing ‘binge’ which hurts, but the squandering binge which was the Coalition’s trademark. Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

A plea to the Govt. for a meaningful salary/stipend increase for Toshaos DEAR EDITOR, I take this opportunity to highlight a worrying experience faced by all the Toshaos throughout the length and breadth of this beautiful land of ours, Guyana. Toshaos, are paid a stipend of thirty thousand ($30000) and this little amount is usually payable every two months. These men and women are elected leaders of their respective communities, who serve their communities on an almost twenty- four (24/ 7) hour basis. In the Guyana Times Newspaper, edition of 30th October 2021, I have read about the commitment made by His Excellency, Dr. Irfaan Ali, reassuring Public Servants of an increase in wages and salaries, before the end of the year, retroactive from January, 2021. I applaud the Government of Guyana for its continued efforts in addressing this issue, since it is my belief that this group of people deserve to be treated with full respect. This brings me to my main question. Which category of workers do Toshaos fall under? Should not these persons be considered as public servants, too? In my humble opinion, I think Toshaos deserve better than just a stipend. These men and

women, work tirelessly for their respective communities. Toshaos wear many caps and do the work of peace officers, police officers, councillors, receptionists, negotiators, forest rangers, managers of their respective communities, and the list goes on. The Village Councils, which they head, are like an arm of many Ministries of the Government (Amerindian Affairs, Agriculture, Health), since they are expected to execute many plans of the Government. The CSO’S and the C.I.I.P workers are being paid the same amount of stipend ($30000) and when one compares their workload to that of the Toshaos, it is very evident that Toshaos deserve to be treated with a lot more respect. The duties and responsibilities of a community leader is far more than one can imagine and I feel it has been too long that Toshaos are being neglected in this area. To make matters even worse, most Toshaos are family men and women. How can someone do all this work and still manage to provide for their families sufficiently with thirty thousand? We do encounter expenses for our school children, we have family obligations which all require money to get done.

Editor, recently pensioners were awarded a twenty-five thousand ($25000) cash grant. That was most welcomed. Farmers are in line to benefit soon for some relief cash from the Government of Guyana. Sugar workers too, were able to receive monies just a couple of weeks ago. It would not be a sin to consider paying Toshaos a salary. I humbly recommend that we be paid a sum equal to or above the minimum wage of this country. Editor, I am fully convinced, Guyana has true leaders who really care for all Guyanese, regardless of sex, age, religion, creed or geographical location. I think it is time to have our Toshaos considered as Public Servants and be paid a salary and do away with the stipend they receive presently. The festive season is upon us and just imagine our Toshaos spending thirty thousand to meet the needs of their families. Reward us with a bonus to motivate us working even harder to achieve our community goals and serving our communities better. I close here, pleading for salaries for our Toshaos. Respectfully, Vivian Edwards Village Toshao

Elections rigging and life sentences DEAR EDITOR, The media captions certainly have been arresting. Possible life sentences for those found guilty of elections rigging, and other varieties of electoral frauds. My thoughts are shared. I am all for harsh sentences to deter elections skullduggeries, even as I think that the maximum of life sentences is way out there, definitely on the draconian side. On the surface, such sound as a likely deterrent, but I introduce to the public, what I loosely term the: a) aspects of unmentionable electionsrelated matters; b) the notions of uncontemplated things; and c) the biggest of all, the law of unintended consequences. Rigging in Guyana is not limited to the post voting process alone. The underpinnings of voter registrations, hence voting eligibility, have been subject to question and controversy. Neither of the major parties is untainted. What about those responsible for execution on the ground, and how about going all the way up to the intellectual composers and arrangers of such elections’ felonies, or what ought to be? It does not require any particular brightness to trace

such illegality, pass responsible minister to the sitting president, whoever he or she is, at the time. If we are talking life sentences, then let’s apply those where should rightly terminate, immunities and all. The only sane citizen left to lead this country would be me (and I am out), since all others from top to bottom are and would be polluted; on this I am absolute. I take elsewhere. Presently, the PPP clearly has the numbers, which means life sentences for rigging would apply to only PNC operators, for all practical purposes. In view of the demographics and politics of Guyana, I would venture that there are grounds to label this a racial and racist proposal. Since I have gone so far, I can’t stop now; thus, I proceed. Editor, if a contestant is forced to function in an elections context with the ultimate of a life sentence hanging over his or her head, then matters distil to this hard place. There is nothing to lose. Numerically, I am going to lose (placing myself in the mix); judicially, I am going to lose and, therefore, all the criminally electorally stops must be pulled out and put into motion. Que sera, sera!

As an elections officer, operating under such a Sword of Damocles, why not? Let the chips fall. My visions and provocations would be for, and geared towards, all those in a losing constituency also condemned to what amounts to nothing less than a tribal life sentence, and the significance of that, especially in a time of grand developments. To repeat myself: have we contemplated these things in our excitement? Have we measured the genie being shaped and taking form in the bottle and to be let out? I restate this in a different way: if I am a voter with zero triumphant probability, then I am, for all intent, condemned to a life sentence also, alongside those who go to criminal lengths to deliver for me. I have nothing to lose, but to rally around those championing me. Have we thought of this sleeping whirlwind? One that pits a sizable segment of the population to places untravelled and unstudied? The punitive has a selfsatisfying ring to it; a word of caution: it cuts in other ways. Sincerely, GHK Lall

T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N B T . U . L . L T B . . N . U N U T L N B . U T . . L N N U T B . U . N L U BL BLUNT. B . . T . T T N N U . U L . . L B . T B . . . . N . T U T N N T U N U L L U B . L B . . . . B . T . . T . N N T U N L LU U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B . T L . . N B T . . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B . T . U . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . B . UN .BLUNT. L . . B T . . . N T U N L . . U B T . L . B . UN .BLUNT. L . . B T . . . N T U N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L B T . U . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . . . LU ...BLUN B T . . . N T U N L U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T . U B . . N L T U B . N L . . U B T . L . . N B T . U . . N L T BB T...BLU U N L U B . L . . B . T . . N N T T L U U N L L U B U T...BLU B L . . N . B . T . . N T U N N N U L U U B L . BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Thursday November 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

Daily we carry front-page photos of ordinary Guyanese demanding renegotiating of the oil contract.

Recently, 150 Guyanese lent their voices to the global energy fight. Frequently, more and more Guyanese are calling on Govt. leaders: to do something. Do over the contract. Do things the right way; do what is right for all citizens.

But it seems that President Ali ignores and the Vice President dismisses.

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Thursday November 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Region 10 Chairman flags $364M contract awarded to new company R

egion 10 elected officials, some stakeholders and residents have been vocal about the awarding of a $364M contract to an 'overnight' construction company, identified as Statement Investment Inc. Representatives of the contract that were present to sign, were well known Linden socialite Aubrey 'Shanghai' Major who was recently appointed Chairman of the Guyana Tourism Authority and co-owner of Hits and Jams Entertainment, Rawl Ferguson. In a statement, Regional Chairman Deron Adams flagged the awarding of the contract, which was done at the level of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board. It was reported that four companies submitted bids for the contract. He said the Regional Democratic Council's Public Works Committee will be closely monitoring this project, given it was awarded to a new contractor. “The Council pledges to continue to monitor these projects and hold these new contractors, the various Ministries and the Regional Executive Officer

“This area is very important in the development scope of our country because of its magnitude and because of its potential,” he noted. He said the contract is expected to be completed within 20 months, and will be able to open its doors to the students of the community in 2024. Minister Dharamlall urged the contractor to utilise labour from within the community as it will create employment for persons there.

Minister of Local Government, Nigel Dharamlall and representatives from Statement Investment Inc. at the contract signing ceremony.

Dwight John, accountable for the efficient and effective delivery of quality work on this and all other development projects funded by the taxes paid by its constituents and all Guyanese.” Adams had also expressed his disappointed that the contract was signed without his notification, as an elected official of the region. In his statement, he also pointed out the project was conceptualised in 2017 but because of logistical issues, an award was never done. Instead, the funds budgeted were used to construct the C h r i s t i a n b u rg P r i m a r y

School. “The Regional Democratic Council again takes note of the manner in which these developmental projects are being addressed, with scant regard being paid to the elected representatives of the people of Region 10,” the statement said. Meanwhile, a contractor who wished to remain anonymous, said that the awarding of such a large contract to 'party affiliates' of the current government, shows corruption in the tendering system. “It is like all you have to do is be a member of the party and you will get things, even if it is not within your portfolio and it is

totally unfair to seasoned contractors. These people does be proudly walking around telling people you have to join the party to get things and as you can see, everybody is jumping fence, because it now becomes a bread and butter issue,” The $364 million contract signing was facilitated by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. The facility will house up to 800 students. Minister Nigel Dharamlall said initiatives such as these are critical within the region, as it paves the way for development.

Regional Chairman Deron Adams

Miner remanded for allegedly killing DJ at Puruni Landing

Dead, Andre Collison. Remanded, Kurt Simeron. The miner who allegedly murdered Andre Collison called 'DJ Choppy' 38, of Bartica, Essequibo River over unpaid debts was on Wednesday remanded to prison for the offence. The defendant, Kurt Simeron, 26, of Lot 1968 La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara,

appeared in the Bartica Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Chrystal Lambert. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleges that on November 5, 2021, at a restaurant located at Puruni Landing, Middle Mazaruni, Region Seven, he murdered Collison. Simeron was remanded

to prison and is expected to make his next court appearance on December 3, 2021. According to reports, Collison was stabbed fatally around 01:00hrs last Friday, moments after he left his room in search of food and went to a restaurant located at Puruni Landing, Middle Mazaruni.The facts of the (Continued on page 16)

Thursday November 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

Par ents ar e neglecting arents are their children A few days ago, I saw a group of young boys roaming the streets. The look on their faces announced that they were up to mischief. They began by pelting a dog which was walking aimlessly on the road. Then they began to interfere with an old man. A young buxom lass passed by, and she attracted some attention from them. I wondered what next they would be up to. I did not have the time to wait and see, but I asked myself how the parents of these young boys could allow them to be straying. Parents are quick to blame the authorities whenever their children get into trouble with the law. They are quick to make excuses which exculpate themselves from blame. They often blame the lack of employment for their children taking to a life of crime, but they never blame their own failings as parents. They are quick to say that it is harassment by the police that force their children to be deviant, never accepting that it is precisely because their children get away with rogue behaviour that encourages further acts of criminality. There are far too many parents who are allowing their children to go off playing with other boys in the community or neighbourhood without adequate supervision. Some parents pay no attention to children when they are at home. I once saw a mother sitting watching television, and when she was asked where her child was, she could not give an answer. Neither did she care, as long as the child did not disturb her while she was watching, The Young and the Restless. This is how problems originate, especially for

young boys, who, as we say in Guyana, are “allowed to be boys”. They are allowed to roam free with other boys, some of whom can be bad influences. When in the company of other boys, the temptation arises to engage in some destructive behaviour, such as pelting an animal or it may be simply raiding a fruit tree in someone’s yard, or it could be interfering with a weaker child on the road. As the gang gets away with certain acts, they are emboldened to become more brazen. They may stop a school child and take away his/her money, or graduate to robbing someone of their watch or cell phone. This is why I am insisting that parents take responsibility for their children. If your child has to go out of the home, you should know at all times where he or she is going, with whom he or she will be, and what is being done. Today, too many parents are allowing their children to go off unsupervised, and when they find out some of the mischief that their children are engaged in, it is too late, because a life of crime has already taken root. I do not excuse any parent who says that he or she had no control over what his or her children became. This is an admission of failure. Children are being given too much freedom to roam as they please, and this is leading them into the clutches of bad company. While it is easy to blame those who corrupt these children, ultimate responsibility must lie with the parents who failed to supervise their children’s free time. Some parents have no fixed time for children to re-

turn home. In my house, there are fixed mealtimes, and if you are not there at the scheduled hour, you not only have to make your own meal, but you have to give an explanation as to where you were. Children must be given constructive playtime. They should be encouraged to play games with their friends, not so much because the games keep them out of trouble, but because they will learn to compete; and by competing, they will want to do better, and by aiming to do better, they will have little time to engage in deviant b e h a v i o u r . Parents also need to give children designated chores around the home, to teach them responsibility. Even if it is to make up their beds in the mornings, children should be asked to help out around the home. The problem with many children today is not that they have too little free time; rather, it is that they do not have properly supervised free time. Instead of allowing their children to get into bad company, all parents should make an effort to be involved in a positive way in the lives of their young ones, so that they will never have to receive that dreaded call that something terrible has happened to their child through involvement in crime. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Dem boys seh ...

Is time fuh school reopen fuh de vaccinated children Guyanese don’t hear, dem ears harder dan concrete. Dem seeing younger and younger people falling dead. And still dem nah guh fuh tek dem vaccine. De Minista seh how nuff ah dem people between 18 and 40 years old nah going fuh dem vaccine. Some ah dem believe dem is superman. Dem believe dat dem nah gan dead if dem get COVID because dem young and strong. But is not dat dem boys worried bout.

Is dem wah dem living with. Dem gat plenty ole people fall dead because some ah dem young and strapping ones carrying home wid de virus and infecting dem. De Minista also seh how dem adolescents – between 12 and 18 years old – also nah coming forward plenty. Well dem boys gat a solution fuh dat. Reopen schools fuh only dem wah vaccinated. Schools shoulda done reopen if all dem teenagers wah eligible fuh vaccine bin go and tek dem shot. But dem nah wan guh because dem also feel dem gan

Dem boys seh ...

survive. De unvaccinated can’t continue to hold up progress in dis country. And is time fuh reopen dem high schools fuh dem children wah get vaccinated. Who nah tek dem shot gan gat fuh stay home. If everybody wah eligible bin go fuh dem vaccine, we woulda bin in a better position to exit de local COVID-19 epidemic. But people ears hard, harder dan brick. Talk half and let dem schools reopen to dem wah tek dem shot.

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Kaieteur News

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Thursday November 11, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Something Dr. Van West Charles told me in 2011 in Linden

If the voting is free and fair for the new leader of the PNC, then after delegates would have read what Dr. Richard Van West Charles (RVWC) said in a recent interview, he is bound to lose votes. No party aficionado wants a leader who evades and declines to answer pertinent questions. Asked for his take on his f a t h e r - i n - l a w, F o r b e s Burnham, the newspaper printed the following words, “the question could not be answered at an interview divided on many topics, as the time would not permit his extensive explanation.” There are three things wrong with that attitude and it indicates a shifting personality not good for decisive leadership. First, in an interview, you do not decide the topics. You are being asked the questions. But there is enormous scope for a thinking guest to highlight issues he/she wants to be discussed. Only a mediocre politician would

say that an answer would be too lengthy and offer no comments whatsoever. Secondly, no matter how concise your answer is, you have an obligation to your host who is giving you free publicity to at least touch on the issue. Thirdly, and this must be embarrassing for RVWC when people read the interview, he went on to speak on several other topics but chose to say not one word on Burnham. How does one explain this stance? In avoiding an opinion on Burnham, RVWC showed t h e c r u c i a l d i ff e r e n c e between him and Aubrey Norton. In an interview to discuss his candidacy, Norton referred to the pitfalls of the maximum-leader syndrome and stated Burnham was a maximum leader. Norton was not afraid to criticise this aspect of the PNC's leadership because he knew there would be little fall-out. Burnham died in 1985. It

means that over half of the population wasn't born when Burnham ruled. The young delegates at the congress would not be familiar with Burnham's positives and negatives. But Norton was far ahead of RVWC when he brought up the maximumleadership syndrome. He was alluding to David Granger too. RVWC is at a disadvantage in that he cannot criticise his wife's father and he cannot extol him because Burnham's legacy is not a comforting one. This explains why Granger's prolific writings on many subjects do not include even a booklet on the long years of Burnham's reign. Granger knows that any panegyric of Burnham will lead to an ocean of questions about Granger's intellectual standing. The simple fact is Burnham was equally visionary and equally totalitarian. Only Vincent Alexander extols Burnham's

legacy and he does it embellishing it with fictionalisations that are easy to prove. In an exchange with me, Alexander wrote in this newspaper of April 10, 2021 that “National Service was v o l u n t a r y, e x c e p t f o r University of Guyana Students.” My point is, and continues to be, and which Alexander continues to ignore, who gave Burnham the legal and electoral mandate to compel UG students to do National Service, failure of which led to expulsion as what happened to this columnist in 1976? I entered UG as a feepaying student. I, and several hundreds of students, had no choice but to continue paying. RVWC is afraid these illegalities of Burnham would face him if he should touch on Burnham's legacy. A good example is paramountcy of the party. Why did Burnham order that his party, the PNC, must have

jurisdiction in terms of legal legitimacy over state institutions at a time when his party was resented by a majority of people in the world? R From which legal and V political source this W Frederick Kissoon doctrine was derived? C At an AFC election doe campaign meeting in Linden in 2011 one night, s not want to touch even RVWC and I were standing slightly on the man and his next to each other. I asked era. But Norton has. He has him if he would be writing described the PNC under about Burnham. He said yes Burnham as embodying the because there were lots of m a x i m u m l e a d e r s h i p things to be said. He was syndrome. Norton knows referring to the positive what he is talking about. qualities of Burnham. Ten Granger is an admirer of years have passed and there is Burnham. Burnham was a no publication. I would be maximum leader so was pleased if RVWC can Granger. If RVWC wins, he indicate if he is still planning will live in despair. The era of to write, and if so would the Burnham is gone. The life of publication highlight both the PNC today hangs in the the visions and political balance. (The views expressed in bestialities of Burnham. In the midst of a torrid this article are those of the battle to win the leadership of a u t h o r a n d d o n o t his father-in-law's party, necessarily reflect the

GPL to convert power generators to also use Natural Gas - LCDS 2030 T GPL to convert some gensets, to also use Natural Gas.

he Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Incorporated is preparing to convert some 106 mega watts (MW) of its existing Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) generation capacity to dual fuel engines using HFO and Natural Gas by 2026. With Stabroek Block Operator, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) and the Guyana Government already undertaking additional studies for its proposed Gasto-Shore project, the country is expected to receive some 50 million cubic feet of gas per day. This was said to be used to power a dual powered—HFO and Natural Gas—Electricity Plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD). According to the recently, released expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, in order to use natural gas for power generation, investments are needed for a pipeline to bring the natural gas to shore, a processing

plant to separate the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and the natural gas, and a gas-fired power plant. The document said several studies have confirmed that the natural gas option would reduce the cost of generation and that the Government is currently undertaking the detailed studies and the financing structuring of the project. To t h i s e n d , i t i s anticipated that a 250MW gas-fired power plant will be constructed and be in operation in 2024. According to the LCDS 2030 document, besides the natural gas-fired power plant, and in order to provide the necessary firm capacity, new reciprocating 46MW dual fuel (HFO/NG) engines had been added to the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System (BDIS) grid in 2021 and that additional capacity will be installed as part of the Natural Gas Programme. To this end, the document outlines that GPL plans to convert 106MW of their existing HFO capacity to

dual fuel engines (HFO/NG) by 2026. It said, by 2025, an additional 296MW of firm capacity will provide power to DBIS and the total capacity to generate electricity with natural gas will be 403MW.

According to the LCDS 2030 projections, this will reduce, by half, the Green House Gas (GHG) emissions associated with the electricity generation in the DBIS. “As part of the Natural Gas Programme, the LPG consumed in the country would be provided by the new separation plant and LPG production facility, avoiding the current importation.” It was noted too, that the planned offshore pipeline is designed to provide larger amounts of gas and as such, it was explained that in case new discoveries are made, the natural gas could be used for other industrial activities. According to the LCDS 2030, “in the short term, the natural gas will provide the needed firm capacity at a

lower generation cost compared to the other indigenous renewable energy options in Guyana.” It was noted however, “its (Natural Gas) availability is limited in time (20 years) and to the DBIS area” and as such the development of the solar, wind, hydropower and biomass technologies is a key priority for the future energy sector in Guyana.” The LCDS 2030 did observe that solar and wind, are intermittent energy resources, which cannot provide firm capacity unless battery storage is added.

“Hydropower and biomass resources are variable throughout the year, but in both cases the resource can be stored; and with good planning, batteries are not needed to consider the output as firm.” Additionally, the LCDS 2030, “in Guyana, solar energy, wind and hydropower are good c o m p l e m e n t a r y resources…Solar energy is available during daylight hours, peaking at noon, while wind is stronger during evening hours and at nights.” Wind, the document said,

is lower during the wet seasons, while hydropower is fully available. A perusal of the LCDS 2030 also outlines, that “GPL's Development and Expansion Programme estimates the need for an investment of US$686 million over the next five years to upgrade, expand and equip the power system to take off and manage the forecasted electricity demand, and to provide services and operate at the required reliability levels of a modern power utility company.”

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Thursday November 11, 2021

Minister Todd praises China for 'incomplete airport, COVID-19 help' Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Ms. Guo Haiyan (at left) during her meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Hugh Todd.

…agrees on mechanisms to deepen economic ties

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ith Vice, Dr. President, B h a r r a t Jagdeo, recently confirming Guyana's interest in accessing up to US$1.5B from China for a range of domestic infrastructure projects. Beijing has reciprocated calling for a deepening of trade and economic ties between the two countries. This was disclosed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which on Tuesday said Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd, having met with Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Guo Haiyan, agreed that mechanisms such as the Joint Economic and Trade Committee and Joint Private Sector Council provide amicable avenues for advancing cooperation between Guyana and China. Additionally, they agreed that such frameworks will facilitate the promotion of closer ties between the private sectors of Guyana and China, for the mutual benefit of both sides. According to the public missive announcing the new developments, “the Foreign Minister and the Ambassador agreed to continue working towards developing bilateral relations and cooperation for

the benefit of the citizens of Guyana and China.” Minister Todd during the meeting used the occasion to highlight that collaboration between Guyana and China continues to grow stronger and spoke of “the significant contributions” made by China to Guyana's development agenda, especially in the public infrastructure sector. In this regard, the Foreign Minister referenced China's role in projects in Guyana such as the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC), the still to be completed airport expansion and the construction of major roads and bridges among other initiatives. That airport project was signed secretly in Jamaica d a y s b e f o r e t h e 2 0 11 election. The project is still to be completed with government even recently tendering for repairs to the roof of the incomplete project. With regards the Arthur Chung Conference Centre that was said to have been a gift from China. More recently Chinese companies had been selected to undertake two of Guyana's largest projects to date, namely the Amaila Falls

Hydro Electric Plant (AFHEP), handed to China Railway First Group and the New Demerara River Bridge for which China's State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd was given a 'No Objection' by Cabinet—estimated to cost some US$1B. During the meeting, Ambassador Guo Haiyan used the occasion to also allude to the upcoming 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Guyana and China and noted that the Chinese Embassy is planning to observe that momentous anniversary. The ministry's statement said, “Minister Todd agreed that the commemoration also holds great meaning for the Government and the people of Guyana as it demonstrates deep friendship, growth in relations, and prospects for future cooperation between Guyana and China.” The Foreign Minister reportedly also commended China for its global outlook and its attention to developing countries and expressed gratitude for China's assistance towards addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, through the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE),

ventilators, and other medical supplies. The minister noted too that at the multilateral level, Guyana and China share common principles, including commitment to the rule of law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and noninterference in internal affairs. Minister Todd also reiterated Guyana's “unswerving commitment to the One China Policy.” The meeting represents the first such between the two officials, since Ambassador Guo Haiyan, presented her credentials to His Excellency President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, on October 29, last. The news by the foreign ministry comes days after Dr. Jagdeo defended attempting to access Chinese loans. He told reporters during a press engagement at ACCC last week Monday, that as it relates to borrowing monies from China, his administration has made it clear that it would not be accepting any financing that

comes with “political strings.” H e s a i d h o w e v e r, “Chinese financing has been readily available to the world and we believe like the rest of the region that we have to explore friends and partners from every part of the world.” To this end, Dr. Jagdeo conceded, “we tried to get financing from some other sources,” and cited Austria, as an example, that was approached for financing to construct a hospital—the children and maternal hospital. According to the Vice President, “the upfront fee” alone presented a stumbling block. He elucidated saying, “if we have to borrow €100M from Austria; we have to deduct €13M immediately and pay that back as a fee, an upfront fee, and then there is an interest rate.” He said too, such a loan would come with additional terms and conditions that one of their contractors would

have to be used. The same he said obtains with loans sourced from the UK. Dismissing the model as a western type scenario, the Vice President told reporters “they all come with ties, and pointed to loans sourced from the US and India among others. He was adamant h o w e v e r, t h a t G u y a n a currently has lots of financing needs for several projects in the works and as such the administration would be exploring every source of financing available. Referencing the publication that Guyana had requested some US$1.5B in loans from China, Vice President Jagdeo was adamant, there is no loan contracted as yet but rather a letter that speaks to access to finances, from the Chinese EXIM Bank and the China Development Bank on d i f f e r e n t terms—concessional and commercial. “That's access that's not actual borrowing,” he insisted.

Man gets three years for wounding neighbour Royen Singh, of Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, will spend the next three years behind bars after he was sentenced on Wednesday on a charge of chopping his neighbour during a misunderstanding. The 31-year-old labourer made his first court appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates' Court before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, where he pleaded guilty to the charge read to him. It is alleged that on October 29, 2021 at Lot 37 Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Singh unlawfully and maliciously inflicted grievous bodily harm to Chris Balkaran. Singh, after the charge was read to him admitted to

the court “Yes I do it” noting that it was self-defense. On the day in question, the two had a misunderstanding over the yard they both share, which led to Singh arming himself with a cutlass and attacking Balkaran. The court heard too, that Balkaran received several chops about his body and had to be rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for treatment. Balkaran who was present in court with one of his hands in cast, said that two veins in his left hand was chopped, and that he suffered several broken fingers following the assault from his neighbour. After listening to the facts of the matter, Chief Magistrate then sentenced Singh to 36 months imprisonment.

Jailed, Royen Singh.

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Thursday November 11, 2021

Court should not entertain lawsuit of 'dead' Police Service Commission - AG argues Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall, SC In his oral presentation before the High Court argued on Wednesday

that because the life of the Police Service Commission (PSC) expired on August 8, 2021, the constitutional

body has no jurisdiction to continue with the case filed to challenge its suspension by President Irfaan Ali.

“So, we can proceed upon that undisputed fact. The Police Service Commission is a body that is

constituted in a manner prescribed] by the Constitution. The way it functions is also the subject

Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall, SC. of constitutional provisions,” Nandlall said. During his argument, the Attorney General drew the court's attention to Article 226 of the Constitution and its various sub-articles. He said that a reading of those articles concludes that decisions of the PSC are made by votes and that it can only act if there is a quorum. He added that the Commission can only act if it has a quorum. Inferentially, he said “if the Commission is not constituted it cannot have a quorum in law and therefore it cannot act.” According to him, when legal proceedings are launched, they cannot continue in “autopilot”. “It must be continued as a result of the presence of parties that have a capacity in law to continue those proceedings,” Nandlall added. While the Attorney General admitted that he did not find any case laws to support the expiration of a constitutional commission, he did reference legal authorities dealing with the death of a person, who instituted legal proceedings. In this regard, he noted that the Court should no longer entertain the lawsuit for a dead police service commission. “When the life of the commission expires, it has the same effect as when a party who is before the court in the form of a human being, dies. The proceedings are not defeated but abated,” the Attorney General continued. Attorney for PSC, Dexter Smartt accepted that the life of the Commission has expired but noted that the case was filed while the PSC was properly constituted. He nonetheless said that he will rely on the Court's judgment for guidance. In this regard, Justice Gino Persaud reserved his ruling for a later date. Nandlall SC in an earlier written submission had (Continued on page 16)

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 11, 2021

Region Six man latest COVID-19 fatality - death toll moves to 952 A 52-year-old man from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) who contracted the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, has died. This is according to the Ministry of Health who reported that the man was that of an unvaccinated patient who on Wednesday while receiving treatment at a medical facility. As a result of this, Guyana's COVID-19 death toll has moved to 952. Meanwhile, in its daily COVID-19 dashboard, the Health Ministry recorded 134 new infections, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 36,439. The dashboard also shows that 16 patients are admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 57 persons in institutional isolation, 2,317 in home isolation and 14 in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 33,097 persons who tested positive for the virus have recovered.

Guyanese medical students in Cuba assured that things will get better ...Covid-19 ...COVID-19 affected access to personal care supplies

Manslaughter charge for man who allegedly killed ex-friend at Mocha

T

hirty-one-yearold Marlon Clarke was on Monday remanded to prison on a manslaughter charge which alleges that he killed his ex-friend, Paul Braithwaite, 28, of Lot 6 Barnwell North, Mocha, East Bank Demerara. Clarke was not required to plead to the indictable charge which states that on November 4, 2021, at Pepper Hill, Arcadia Street, Mocha, he unlawfully killed Braithwaite. The defendant appeared in the Diamond/Grove Magistrate's Court before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman. He was remanded to prison and is expected to make his next court appearance on January 3, 2022. According to a Guyana Police Force (GPF) report, Braithwaite and Clarke were known to each other, and once shared a friendship up to September 2020. It was reported that their friendship ended as a result of a misunderstanding over a girl, and this led to Braithwaite and the suspect getting into occasional heated arguments. Around 23:20hrs on the day in question, Braithwaite and Clarke were both hanging out at Pepper Hill, Arcadia Street, Mocha, when a heated argument erupted between them. The argument resulted in both men brandishing knives

PAGE 15

Remanded, Marlon Clarke. Dead, Paul Braithwaite. and stabbing each other several times about their bodies. It was reported that Braithwaite attempted to flee the scene, but he collapsed on the western side of the road, while Clarke ran to the Mocha Police Outpost and reported the incident, where he was cautioned and arrested. A party of police responded to the said report and, upon arrival, they found Braithwaite with several stab wounds about his body. The injured man was then escorted to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Based on the Clarke's injuries, he was also escorted to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he was seen by a doctor on duty, treated, and placed back in custody.

The Guyana Ambassador to Cuba, Halim Majeed and Mr. Quincy Younge are flanked by Guyanese students studying in Cuba.

G

u y a n a ' s Ambassador to Cuba, Halim Majeed has assured Guyanese medical students studying at the Latin American School of Medicine in Cuba that government will ensure they have better access to essentials items. This is according to a statement released by the Embassy of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in Cuba. According to the statement, the Ambassador met with the group of students last Friday with the intent of listening to their concerns, and to

explore ways and means of enhancing their welfare at this time. He encouraged the students to be optimistic, despite their temporary challenges, after listening to their concerns. It was the Ambassador's first time interfacing with the medical students in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic. “Ambassador Majeed told them that he was there to personally ensure their comfort and to encourage them to continue to study hard and get good grades. He inquired about the food situation on Campus and

explained that, with the reopening of the Cuban borders, it would be much easier to receive personal care items from abroad,” the statement read. The President of the student group, Mr. Asaph Ahmad, assured the Ambassador that they would excel in their studies, notwithstanding the present difficulties. Prior to engaging the students, Ambassador Majeed met officially with ELAM's Vice-Rector, Dr. Zusel Salazar Duany; Dr. Heidy Cantillo Vento, Head of the (Continued on page 16)

PAGE 16 WANTED

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Thursday November 11, 2021

Kaieteur News

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In three months, 4th project will flare... From page 3 conducted by Kaieteur News shows that gas flaring contributes to climate change, which has serious implications for the world. The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, was keen to note in one of its studies that gas flaring is actually a major source of greenhouse gases (GHG) contributing to global warming which could accelerate the problem of climatic change and harsh living conditions on earth, if not checked. It was noted that flaring releases carbon dioxide and methane, the two major greenhouse gases. Of these two, methane is actually more harmful than carbon dioxide. It is

also more prevalent in flares that burn at lower efficiency. Those less efficient flares tend to have more moisture and particles in them that reflect heat and are said to have similar effect on the ozone layer like aerosols do. Of the greenhouse gases researched so far, Kaieteur News understands that the global warming potential of a kilogram of methane is estimated to be 21 times that of a kilogram of carbon dioxide when the effects are considered. The Department of Mechanical Engineering has also noted that flaring contributes to local and regional environmental problems, such as acid rain with attendant impact on agriculture, forests and other

physical infrastructure. The acid rain results in environmental degradation, which includes soil and water contamination, and roof erosion. Furthermore, there have been over 250 identified toxins released from flaring including carcinogens such as benzopyrene, benzene, carbon disulphide (CS2), carbonyl sulphide (COS) and toluene; metals such as mercury, arsenic and chromium; sour gas with Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2); Nitrogen oxides (NOx); Carbon dioxide (CO2); and methane (CH4) which contributes to the greenhouse gases . I m p o r t a n t l y , ExxonMobil's EIA for the Yellowtail Project makes no mention of the foregoing.

Court should not entertain lawsuit of 'dead'... From page 14 asked the High Court to discontinue or strike out the case filed against the State by the now defunct PSC. The PSC had moved to the court to challenge President Irfaan Ali's suspension of its members after allegations of fraud and sexual assault surfaced against some of its members. Ali suspended the members of the Commission by way of letters dated June 15, 2021. By July 21, last, the PSC filed a court case challenging the President's suspension, which it argued was done unlawfully. The case has been ongoing with the AG petitioning the Court to have the name of the President removed from the list of respondents in the matter. The Court had since granted Nandlall's request. The AG is now seeking to have the PSC's application

struck out on the grounds that the life of the PSC expired on the 8th August last.. The AG noted inter alia, since the entire Police Service Commission became vacant, it cannot lawfully continue to maintain the legal proceedings. To buttress his argument, Nandlall explained that the Police Service Commission, like the other Service Commissions, can only act

through and by virtue of their constituent members. “This much is made excruciatingly plain when one examines the powers and procedures of Commissions as are outlined in Article 226 of the Constitution,” he adding that In light of the foregoing, the continuance of these proceedings in the absence of authority would be so fundamental a flaw as to make the proceedings a nullity.”

...Guyanese medical students in From page 15 International Relations Department; and Dr. Jaqueline Junco Arévalo, Director of Educational Training, and discussed, among other things, the grades of the students, issues relating to their general welfare, and observance of the 22nd Anniversary founding of ELAM on November

15. Ambassador Majeed promised both the students and the ELAM Administration that he would be sending later this week to the University, a Guyana Flag and various tokens from Guyana to be placed at a Guyana Corner in the Main Administrative Building of the University.

No major works for sea defence in Georgetown... From page 13 same. According to him, an International Consultant, Mott MacDonald a UK based group, had conducted a study with funding through a United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF) grant. He explained: “They had done feasibility studies on the entire Georgetown Sea Defence and they did designs to upgrade the entire stretch of Sea Defence from Kingston to Ogle, so we actually have designs already.” Given that the UKCIF funding only permitted the Consultancy aspect of the

proposed reinforcement of the coastlines in Georgetown, Government will be seeking financing mechanisms, he said. In a recent Climate Change Report, it was noted that Georgetown, Guyana is highly likely to be underwater by 2030. Although experts have advised on relocating residents to higher ground, the Finance minister, Dr. Ashni Singh is of the view that such a move would be costly and complicated. It was reported that the area projected to be under water by 2030 is where 90 per-

cent of Guyana's population resides. It was also stated that for centuries Guyana's capital, Georgetown, has relied on 'sea walls' – or, more accurately, one gigantic, 280-mile long sea wall, for protection. The sea walls in Georgetown's main defence because most of the coastline is between 0.5 and one metre below high tide. With more than half of the country's population in danger, it was stated that the country will need to bolster its sea wall substantially if Georgetown's central areas are to avoid massive damage.

Miner remanded for allegedly killing DJ at... From page 8 matter state that while Collison was waiting at the restaurant to collect his food order, Simeron walked into the said establishment and an argument ensued between the two men over a sum of money owed. It is alleged that Simeron then reportedly whipped out a knife from his pants waist and stabbed Collison to his abdomen before making good his escape.

Collison was picked up by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Puruni Health Post, where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment. He was later pronounced dead by a doctor at the Bartica Regional Hospital and his body was then transported to the hospital's mortuary. The defendant was later apprehended, charged and placed before the court.

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Thursday November 11, 2021

Govt. responds to climate change recommendations…

Finance Minister says relocating coastal residents complicated, costly O

ne day after the Wo r l d B a n k recommended that Guyana should invest bigger in sea defence or relocated its coastal population, Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh said that the wholesale relocating of coastal residents will be complicated and costly. While attending the sod turning of the US$32.2 million Hyatt Place Hotel located at Providence, East Bank Demerara, the Finance Minister was questioned on the recommendations that were embedded in the most recent World Bank report “360° Resilience: A Guide to Prepare the Caribbean for a New Generation of Shocks.” While speaking with reporters, Dr. Singh said, “The coast comprises the vast majority of Guyana's population, the vast majority of Guyana's economic activities, the vast majority of Guyana's administrative structure, our parliament, institutions, corporate headquarters and so on…moving away from the coast in a wholesale manner is going to be prohibitively

costly and complicated.” He noted that the reality is that a lot of the country's economic activities are located on the coast, and acres of agriculture lands. As such, Dr. Singh stated, “So moving away from the coast in a wholesale manner is not by any stretch of the imagination a simple or trivial thing.” Kaieteur News had reported that in light of the escalating drastic impacts of climate change, including ocean and sea level rises, Guyana has been identified as one of three Caribbean countries that needs to urgently, in the absence of appropriate funding and asset management systems for adequately maintaining coastal protection infrastructure—consider alternative strategies, including natural barriers and managed relocation. The World Bank warned that Guyana must invest better in sea defence or relocate coastal residents as it listed Georgetown among nine cities to be flooded by 2030. Nonetheless, on Wednesday, the Finance

The purple shade represents Guyana's low coastal plain. Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh. [DPI photo]

Minister alluded to the fact that this is not the first time the concern is raised and noted that it is also not new to those occupying lands in the coastal regions on Guyana. According to the Minister, Guyana has been doing its

part in addressing the issues in multiple ways to protect its coastland and the activities, which take place along that belt. Moreover, the World Bank report stated that climate change will in future

No major works for sea defence in Georgetown

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ith just a meagre $5 b i l l i o n allocated for Sea Defence works this year, the Sea and River Defence Department of the Ministry of Public Works has been relentlessly working to boost the country's porous coastal barriers to prevent flooding, in light of Climate Change and environmental factors. The Chief Sea and River Defence Officer (S&RDO) at the Ministry of Works, Mr. Kevin Samad, who bears the weight of ensuring the coastlines are intact, on Wednesday related that this year his Budget stands at some $5.49 billion, one billion less than last year's $6.2 billion. But even with Climate Change Reports pointing to the importance of improved sea defences, particularly in the Capital City, there are no major works scheduled for this zone in 2021.

In fact, the Sea Defence Department has streamlined its funds to other parts of the country, in need of attention. According to Samad “We still have works ongoing more to the western side in areas like Belvedere/ Bygeval and Minella. Work is also ongoing at Better Hope on the Essequibo

Coast, Zeelandia, Wakenaam, Cane Garden at Leguan, Zeelugt on the East Bank of Essequibo and Glasgow, Berbice River. We also have works winding down at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara.” When it comes to the Capital City, the Chief S&RDO explained that

although the ministry understands the importance of upgrading the sea defences in Georgetown, the present budget does not include any plans to bolster same. In fact, he said that the government is currently seeking finances to develop (Continued on page 16)

damage the coastal infrastructure and sandy beaches; sea level rise is expected to increase coastal flooding and accelerate coastline erosion. The World Bank report released on Tuesday comes on the heels of a similarly worrying report done by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which n o t e d t h a t Georgetown—Guyana's Capital City—and eight other cities worldwide are forecast to be under water by 2030, due to the rising sea level stemming from climate change. It was reported that the area projected to be under water by 2030 is where 90 percent of Guyana's population resides. For centuries, Guyana's capital, Georgetown, has relied on sea walls – or, more accurately, one gigantic,

280-mile long sea wall, for protection. The sea wall functions as Georgetown's main defence because most of the coastline is between 0.5 and one metre below high tide levels. With more than half of the country's population in danger, it was stated that the country will need to bolster its sea wall substantially if Georgetown's central areas are to avoid massive damage.The Climate Central map was created based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2021 report. According to that report, Guyana's initial national communication to the UNFCCC states that the sea level, along the Atlantic Coast, is projected to rise by about 40 centimetres by the end of the twenty-first century. This means the sea is rising at a rate of two – four millimetres each year, counting the entire century.

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CMU20Q: Guyana go down to Nicaragua who Belize, Grenada flex scoring muscles in CMU20Q end unbeaten to win Group D and qualify Guyana’s Under-20 ‘Golden Jaguars ended their campaign at the 2022 Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Championship Qualifying played at the Estadio Panamericano in the Dominican Republic with a 05 defeat to group winners, Nicaragua, last night. The win for the Nicaraguans booked their place at the 2022 Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Championship and was formalized by goals from Widman Talavera in the 32nd and 48th minute, William Palacios in the 60th and 77th with the other coming off the

boot of Keylon Batiz in the 54th minute. It was a commanding performance by the group winners against the Guyana, Nicaragua winning their opening group match against Turks and Caicos Islands 7-0 and the Cayman Islands, 2-1 to end with an enviable goal difference of 14 for and one against. The Guyanese wet into the match confident of a positive result but that was not to be as the Nicaraguans dominated proceedings even as the Te c h n i c a l s t a ff o f t h e Guyana team led by Head

Coach Wayne Dover rang the changes with a view of gaining some momentum. The first change was effected in the 35th minute when Kehance Scott made way for Kyon Alphonso. At the start of the second half, 46th minute, Alex Davidson was replaced by Ofancy Winter; ten minutes later, Kyon Alphonso came off with Solomon Austin taking his whilst the final change saw Keenan Harper coming in for Nathaniel Pydana in the 68th minute. Even with those changes, Guyana was never able to settle in and gain any

Thursday November 11, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You may experience some raw emotions today, which you should use as your ally instead of your enemy. Your heart may feel rather abused, so do what you can to gently care for it. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) The annoying restlessness that you experience today is simply a reminder that it's important to start engaging in art projects or musical endeavors that make you happy. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) People may be relying on you in many ways today, so be careful that you don't let anyone down. You may feel like judges are evaluating your performance. CANCER(June21–July22) Try not to get caught in the crossfire of a heated emotional battle today. Your happy, freedom-loving nature is too precious to be tainted by abrasive words and emotions. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You should feel emotionally stable today, but you may feel a bit unsure of yourself when it comes to data. Someone is challenging your way of thinking and demanding that you take a step farther out on the fragile limb. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Go out and see a movie. You'll be happiest in a reality that isn't necessarily yours. Fantasy and imaginative scenarios are what tickle your fancy now. Be careful of being weighed down by heavy emotional issues

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You may be faced with a choice between two different realities. Friends and family are choosing sides while you remain on the fence. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Be careful about letting your imagination run away with your emotions. Grand scenarios you work up in your head may send your heart crashing when they end unfulfilled or crushed. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your heart's in the right place today, but somehow you find it hard to execute the things you want to do. Art and music projects are especially difficult for you now. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) If you experience resistance or frustration in a certain area, you should take this as a sign that you should follow a new route. Things should flow smoothly and easily. This is one of those days in which reality is going to conflict harshly with fantasy. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Indulge your sensual nature today. This part of your being doesn't get expressed regularly. Go for a long walk with someone you love. Light some candles in your bedroom. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may experience some push and pull today. One minute you feel like you should sit back and wait for things to go your way, and the next you feel a stick poking you to get moving.

confidence; Captain Omari Glasgow was never allowed to get his way in the attacking third. Guyana’s ended with a loss, one win against Turks and Caicos Islands (5-1) and a 0-0 draw with the Cayman Islands. Guyana’s starting X1: 1. Ronaldo Blair, 2. Sealon Sue, 8. Jerome Harrigan, 4. Devon Padmore, 3. Brandon Solomon, 10. Omari Glasgow (Captain), 13. Alex Davidson, 5. Kehance Scott, 9. Darron Niles, 17. Yohance Douglas, 20. Ravi Coates. Reserves: 18. Joshua Narine, 7. Nathaniel Pydana, 6. Kyon Alphonso, 11. Keenan Harper, 15. Solomon Austin, 16. Grant Wyles, 19. Ofancy Winter.

IOC President makes urgent... From page 22 only way we can keep criminals out of sport. “Legal sanctions serve as a deterrent. “But it is striking that there are still relatively few criminal investigations in the field of s p o r t s c o r r u p t i o n . “ We should further encourage and facilitate information exchange between sport and law enforcement sectors.” Both the IOC and UNODC argue that the arrival of effective legal deterrents is long overdue. In 2013, their joint report into match fixing and illegal betting warned: “The phenomenon of match-fixing brings to the surface its links to other criminal activities such as corruption, organised crime and money-laundering. “Recent cases reveal the magnitude of the problem and indicate the dire need to address it through appropriate investigative and law enforcement tools. “In fact, a criminal justice response against match fixing would demonstrate that sporting manipulation is not a “simple” breach of sporting rules, but also an offence against the public in a broader sense. “Legislation to establish criminal offences against match-fixing is therefore needed as a complement to independent sporting sanction systems, which include bans, relegations and penalties. “The current lack of uniformity in criminalisation measures and legislative approaches calls for more streamlined action to develop standard-setting model instruments and facilitate convergence in criminal justice responses.”

Miami, Florida – The teams in Group A and Group B returned to the field of play on Tuesday in 2022 Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Championship Qualifying in the Dominican Republic, with Belize and Grenada among the teams flexing their scoring muscles. Sint Maarten 2 Dominica 0 - In Group A, the day started off with Sint Maarten collecting their first win of the tournament in a 2-0 final over Dominica. Jean Jacques Craane scored in the 37’ before Reshawn Eustace polished off the three points with a goal in the 88’. Grenada 4 British Virgin Islands 0 - Later in the day, Grenada found their scoring stride with four different players finding the back of the net in a 4-0 win against British Virgin Islands, lifting the Spice Boys to first

place in the group. Keishon Clarke (27’), Aquil Lawlite (33’), Ogiste Lemoud (45+2’) and Benjamin Ettienne (67’) netted the goals. Belize 6 Saint Martin 1 - In Group B, Belize found their scoring touch in a 6-1 triumph over Saint Martin. A brace from Eldon Reneau (31’, 83’) led the way for the Central Americans, who also got scores from Tyrese Augustine (14’), Daijon Daniels (15’), Kevin Higinio (45+1’) and Jaden Dubon (75’) on top of a Saint Martin own goal (35’). Saint Lucia 3 Anguilla 0 - The day was then rounded out by Saint Lucia’s 3-0 victory over Anguilla. Goals from Brandon Sandiford (30’) and Daneo Caroo (71’), plus an own goal, lifted Saint Lucia to the three points and first place in the group.

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Thursday November 11, 2021

CWI hosts face-to-face components of high performance coach programme t John’s, Antigua – The next stage of C r i c k e t We s t Indies’ (CWI) High Performance Coach Programme has been successfully delivered as part of CWI’s development and investment strategy to upgrade and upskill coaches across the region. A number of enthusiastic coaches from across the region participated in the week-long event at the end of October at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua, which was delivered on the back of five online modules leading into the event. The latest stage involved face-to-face practical components to build coaches’ knowledge. In addition to the technical basics of elite cricket, topics included Leadership, Programme Management, Communication, Skill Acquisition as well as Visual Te c h n o l o g y a n d D a t a Analysis. One of the highlights was a bowling master-class with iconic fast

Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Associated Press/ Andres Leighton

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Vishal Singh

bowler Courtney Walsh, who is the Head Coach of the West Indies Women’s Team. Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the legendary West Indies batsman, was among the participants and he was very positive about the programme. “It is a lot of information being passed on. There are so many different and informative things, which we have gone through on this High Performance Level 3 coaching course and I am very happy to be participating. It is very beneficial for all of us, this is where coaching is going, and

it is very necessary that we are aware and equipped to be able to share the knowledge to our players,” he said. Several other former international players participated including: N i k i t a M i l l e r, G a r e y Mathurin, Vishal Singh, Ryan Austin, and Rayad Emrit. This is the first-ever locally planned and delivered High-Performance Coach Programme (Level 3) CWI which forms a key part of the “Cricket First” strategic plan, which includes investment in building coaching depth and

quality across the region, especially considering the vital role coaches play in developing cricketers’ skills across all age groups and abilities both on and off the field. The High-Performance (Level 3) programme has been designed by CWI Coach Development Manager, Chris Brabazon, in partnership with the

University of the West Indies (UWI). It provides a number of the region’s best coaches with opportunities to further learn and develop contemporary coaching philosophies and techniques that will allow them to thrive in the high-performance environment of the West Indies Cricket Pathway. The rigorous, holistic

accreditation also consists of online discussions, tutorials, and ongoing mentoring. The course was delivered by CWI’s High-Performance staff, in conjunction with UWI representatives, to provide participants with unprecedented access to best practice case studies and frameworks from the elite levels of West Indies cricket and beyond. (CWI)

Fisherman Masters name NSC shoots support to GABF team for GSCL Inc. PM T20 Cup for FIBA AmeriCup 3X3 teams

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efending Prime Minister’s T20 Cup Masters’ champion Fisherman will be looking to retain their title when the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Prime Minister’s T20 Cup commence tomorrow. Fisherman will take on Success, Essequibo and Regal Masters in the group stage which will be followed by the semi finals. NY Doctors and Ariel Masters will also compete in this category. Manager/player Zameer Hassan told Kaieteur Sport that they will not be taking any team lightly and that they have a well balanced unit. He added that the players are excited to go into action despite limited preparation due to the inclement weather. He thanked the Almighty for making the tournament possible and expressed gratitude to their sponsors; Satrohan Sookdeo, KFC, Payless Variety Store, Bradley Mechanical Hvac Usa, Guyana Community of Services, Krishna

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Zameer Hassan

Harricharan of Legend Cook House Florida, Perfect Print, Rock Away. He also lauded the GSCL Inc. The squad reads; Denis Mangroo, Jagdish Persaud, Ramo Malone, Pooran

Singh, Zameer Hassan, Robert Mohan, Stanley Mahabir, Davanand Kannan, Bhim George, Troy Ramsaywack, Dubraj Singh, Troy Lewis and Zaki Salim.

he National S p o r t s Commission (NSC) yesterday supported the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) with $875,000 towards sending male and female team to the FIBA AmeriCup 3X3 tournament, November 12 – 14 in Miami, Florida. Set for Bayfront Park, Guyana’s Male team is drawn in Group C of the qualifying round alongside St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago, while the Women’s side will have to face Guatemala, Jamaica, as well as Trinidad and Tobago. The teams will wing out today. According to Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, the NSC is committed to “raising the attitude, altitude and aptitude of sports in Guyana.” Ninvalle reasoned that the support is in keeping with the NSC, Ministry of Sport and the Government of Guyana’s mandate to ensure that every national team and National federation is assisted in their quest to compete both locally and

Internationally. “Over the last six months, we’ve extended assistance to several sport disciplines. It is the belief of the Government of Guyana that we need to keep injecting this sort of support and that is what we will be doing, even though sometimes, coming down to this part of the year, finances are not so readily available, we thought it’s appropriate to dig deep in order to help the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation,” Ninvalle said. Basketball is listed as one of the ‘core sports’ by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. “We expect them to do well and we hope that come next year, we can assist in a much more robust way,” the Director of Sport added. Michael Singh, President of the GABF, lauded the NSC for their continued support, while reminding of their tangible assistance in April when Guyana competed at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Pre-Qualifiers in El Salvador. “These two players over a period of time, have been

assisting basketball tremendously at various levels. It basically shows the level of financial injection the Government is capable of doing,” Singh said. Guyana’s Male team will come from Ryan Stephney, Ty r o n H a m i d , Tr a v i s B u r n e t t , a n d Ti m o t h y Thompson. Spain-based professional Joy Adams will lead Jada Mohan, Kesann Charles and Tamara Hunter into action. The Men’s team will bounce into action on November 13 against Trinidad and Tobago from 11:25hrs, followed by St Lucia at 12:15hrs on the same day. If successful, Guyana will then move on to face Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic in the tournament’s main draw. Meanwhile, the Women’s team will play tomorrow against Trinidad and Tobago from 10:15hrs, followed by Jamaica at 11:40hrs and Guatemala at 13:05hrs. The Guyanese women will be hoping to join Brazil and Dominican Republic in Group D of the main draw.

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Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham pull off heist as New Zealand storm into final ESPNcricinfo - James Neesham contemplated retirement in 2017. He didn’t. Daryl Mitchell never contemplated opening the batting. He did. And together they dragged a New Zealand side adamantly trying to lose all the way to a T20 World Cup final. It was utter madness. And it came from outta nowhere. England, much like they did five years ago on a sparkling night in Kolkata, had the game in their hands. And not one but two big-hitting allrounders took it away from them. The equation was 57 off 24. More than two runs a ball. As much as conditions in this tournament have favoured the team batting second, here there was no dew. The single biggest thing that made run-scoring easy on these dry UAE pitches was nowhere to be found. That’s why Mitchell - the best T20 six-hitter in New Zealand’s domestic circuit for the last five years - could find only one boundary in the first 10 overs of a 167 chase. That’s why Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson were dismissed for single-digits. T h a t ’s w h y L i a m Livingstone could bowl four overs of his part-time all-

sorts for just 22 runs. When he finished his spell - after taking out New Zealand’s then top-scorer Devon Conway for 46 - England’s chance of victory according to ESPNcricinfo’s forecaster was nudging 80%. Neesham has had enough of these games. His Twitter timeline is a tribute to his wit - yes - but also to how badly that 2019 World Cup final broke him. He was out there in the Super Over. He hit Jofra Archer for a six. He ignited New Zealand’s hopes when they really shouldn’t have had any on that night only for them to fall so agonisingly short. Just as Neesham and everyone watching were reeling from the deja vu, Chris Jordan came up to bowl and leaked a monster six over square leg. That shot became the centerpiece of New Zealand’s breathtaking resurrection, 23 runs coming off an eight-ball 17th over including a relay catch that quickly morphed into another monster six - as one of England’s go-to men just crumbled under pressure. Suddenly New Zealand only needed 34 off 18 balls. And it was Mitchell’s cue to wind up. He set up deep in his crease. His front leg had

the good sense to keep away. Chris Woakes missed his lengths. And three brutal hits in the 19th over - two over the ropes and one onto it brought sweet, unbelievable and everlasting victory. England change it up This semi-final had all the feels of two heavyweight boxers sizing each other up. But there was no real KO punch. Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow were rather cautious at the top, their game plan dictated in equal parts by the early swing on offer and the big occasion they found themselves in. England went away from their typical T20 template attack every ball - to a more nuanced one - respect every ball. For the first time since 2014, they had to wait till after the 15th over of the game to pick up their first six. Malan and Moeen adapt - England’s approach protected them from early wickets, but that left a lot on t h e m i d d l e - o r d e r ’s shoulders. A middle order that hasn’t had too much time in the middle at this tournament. But Dawid Malan controlled things beautifully. If you’re in any doubt about that, pull up clips of his cover drives. With flowing hands and

Daryl Mitchell celebrates the win with Mitchell Santner © Getty Images

sublime timing, he guided England through the middle overs and was unlucky to miss out on a half-century. Moeen Ali didn’t make that mistake. Playing the world’s most elegant leg-side slogs, his 51* off 37 provided the finishing kick that took a good total to a defendable one. With most of England’s batting revolving around lefthanded blades, New Zealand’s best spinner Mitchell Santner bowled only one of his four overs. No dew - Guptill was caught off a flick.

Williamson was caught off a scoop. Now those shots come off when there’s pace in the pitch. And there’s always pace in the pitch if there’s dew around. New Zealand expected it to come. But it stood them up instead. Woakes - who before this World Cup was left in T20I wilderness for five-and-ahalf years - picked up both those wickets and set England on their victory march. This team prides itself in being on cutting edge of both batting and bowling.

But in Abu Dhabi - where cricket takes a time machine back to the 90s - they realised knocking it around for 160 and building on scoreboard pressure with tight Testmatch lengths had the better chance of success. And all of that would worked a treat if a big-hitting allrounder hadn’t decided to turn everything on its head. Again. New Zealand 167 for 5 (Mitchell 72*, Conway 46, Neesham 27; Livingstone 222) beat England 166 for 4 (Malan 41, Moeen 51*; Southee 1-24) by 5 wickets.

Spartans claim Ryan Boodhoo Birth Anniversary Dominoes title Australia hope to rain on Pakistan’s

Spartans chalked 80 games to emerge champions of the Ryan Boodhoo Birth Anniversary Dominoes competition which concluded recently at Turning Point. ‘Three Hundred’ placed second on 74 while Turning Point was third with 58 games. Spartans established an early lead marking 16 games in the opening round while Three Hundred made eight and Turning Point six. Spartans managed 16 in the second round to stretch their advantage while Three Hundred made 12 and Turning Point scored six to remain the cellar position. Spartans chalked 11 games in the third sitting while Three Hundred made 16 and Turning Point 12. Spartans dominance continued as they made 13 games in the fourth sitting to take their tally to 69 while Three Hundred scored 15 taking their overall games to 51 and Turning Point made 13 to be on 46 games.

parade as World Cup final beckons

The victorious Spartans team receive their prize from Barbara Marshall Spartans held on to their lead as they took their total to 69 with 13 games in the fifth sitting. Three Hundred made nine to take their score to 60 and Turning Point managed 13, taking their total to 46. Spartans made 11 games in the final sitting while Three

Hundred chalked 14 and Turning Point 12. The winners received a trophy and $200,000, second place took home $100,000 and third place $55,000. The competition was sponsored by Golyn and Sons of Stabroek Market.

ICC - Australia are tasked with doing something that no other side has managed so far at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Beating Pakistan. The pair face off in the second semifinal in Dubai today to play for a place in Sunday’s showpiece against New Zealand. But if Australia are to get there they will have to find a way past the form team of the tournament in Babar Azam’s Pakistan. The Group 2 winners dismantled India in their opening match of the tournament to set the tone for an outstanding campaign, following that up with another comfortable win over their potential final opponents New Zealand. And Pakistan, inspired by their skipper’s four halfcenturies in the Super 12 stage, cruised through as Group 2 winners with further

wins over Afghanistan, Namibia and Scotland. They are now looking to achieve what no team ever has: win the Men’s T20 World Cup without suffering a single defeat. “Yeah, Pakistan have played brilliant cricket,” Thursday’s (today) opposing captain Aaron Finch said told the world’s media. “I think the way that they’ve gone in the powerplay with the bat and ball has been really crucial to their success. “But it’s interesting how the narrative can change really quick. About 10 days ago our team was too old and now we’re an experienced team. That’s just how it all gets portrayed. From day one I’ve had a real lot of confidence in the way that we’ve gone about this with the squad that we’ve got. “I don’t think that we’ve exceeded our expectations

whatsoever. We came here with a really clear plan to win this tournament, and we’re still alive to do that.” A bad omen for Pakistan is that no team has won an ICC T20 World Cup going through a tournament unbeaten. And Australia have more than enough firepower to trouble Babar and his talented group of players. A heavy loss to England aside, Finch’s Australian team were quietly impressive throughout the group stage, with their toporder power and range of bowling options proving more than enough to see off West Indies, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and South Africa. To d a y ’s s e m i - f i n a l opponents will be a step up from that level, but Finch’s “experienced” outfit have it in them to spoil Pakistan’s party.

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USA Powerlifting voted out of the IPF The calendar is expected to help players and national associations plan their seasons. GTTA

ITTF and WTT announce strategic calendar to map out table tennis seasons

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According to a press release from USA Powerlifting (USAPL), before the 2021 International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Open Championships (Nov. 8-13) in Stavanger, Norway kicked off, IPF President Gaston Parage called for an Extraordinary General Assembly session of Congress, wherein a vote was held regarding a motion to expel the USAPL from the IPF. Of the 27 IPF member Federations present, four abstained from voting, and the other 23 — more than the two-thirds majority needed for the motion to pass — voted unanimously to remove the USAPL. This was a result of USAPL’s non-compliance with the WADA Code and ongoing violations of the Code even after their suspension from the IPF. The removal of USAPL came early into their yearlong suspension from the IPF, which was issued in August 2021. USAPL’s suspension was a result of a judgment from the IPF Doping Hearing Panel (DHP), on grounds of non-compliance with WADA’s (World Anti-Doping Agency) drug testing protocols. USAPL stated that obeying WADA’s policies would consume approximately half of their cash reserve in the first year of its application, and potentially allow for athletes to use therapeutic

exemptions allowed by WADA, like testosterone, in competition. Testosterone use is prohibited by USAPL. Per USAPL’s press release, the “vote [for its removal] came after USA Powerlifting Executives presented facts to the IPF Congress.” USAPL says the decision for their removal is due to conducting more extensive drug testing than WADA itself. WADA requires drug testing of athletes competing at the national and international levels. However, USAPL also tests at the local level. The USAPL proposed following “the Olympic model” for testing, meaning elite level lifters would be separated from local level lifters. Only the elite lifters would be subject to the WADA protocol to allow the USAPL to continue testing at the local level without violating the mandate to be WADA compliant, which specifically does not allow for the testing of local lifters. According to the IPF’s 2019 National Doping Test Reports, USAPL conducted the most urine tests of any country — 720 (396 men and 324 women). Germany was the next highest country with 350 urine tests and 55 blood tests (compared to zero blood tests for the US). And 72 countries in total listed no urine tests at all. (BarBend)

Powerlifting America approved as provisional member The IPF announces Powerlifting America as the new federation for the United States of America. Powerlifting America was approved as a provisional member by the IPF Executive Committee on 9th November 2021. More details will be announced in due course.

nsidethegames - A fouryear strategic calendar has been announced by the I n t e r n a t i o n a l Ta b l e Te n n i s Federation (ITTF) and its commercial entity World Table Tennis (WTT), which will help deliver better planning opportunities for the sport, it is claimed. The calendar establishes designated weeks scheduled for ITTF and WTT events. The ITTF and WTT believe establishing host periods for events will provide a long-term structure to the calendar, delivering consistent stories during seasons. The organisations say member associations will benefit from greater clarity, while players can plan their annual schedule. “The 2022-2025 table tennis strategic calendar is one of our most anticipated projects,” said Steve Dainton, ITTF group chief executive. “I’m extremely proud to unveil it today; this ambitious roadmap calendar will make table tennis stronger and more attractive. “When we were preparing the ITTF strategic plan in 2018, we did a survey, and 86 per cent of the

respondents indicated it was essential to have an international events calendar that is easily understood and provides a compelling narrative for the sport. “Despite all the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, we started working on the strategic calendar in 2020 in full partnership with our member associations, Local Organising Committees, commercial and media partners and fans. “Now it is ready, we are confident that we are better prepared to achieve our common goal of further developing table tennis. “We will be releasing the first part of the 2022 calendar very soon and will release more parts of the year as events are confirmed. “However, even though we are more hopeful that the world will now start to return to normalcy, based on our last 18 months experience, we need to understand that flexibility will be required as things can change very fast.” A total of 34 events will form part of the WTT Series, with four Grand Smashes planned during the season. The Grand Smashes will be the most important events on the calendar and carry the largest prize

pools. The weeks beginning March 7 and March 14 have been set aside for the opening Grand Smash event of the 2022 season. The second Grand Smash is planned to take place in the weeks beginning April 25 and May 2. Another window has been placed in the calendar for the third Grand Smash in July, with the final event held at the end of September and start of October. The seasonending WTT Cup Finals will be held in November. The women’s event is set to take place from November 21, with the men’s following from November 28. The calendar includes the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals, which are scheduled in May and June of each year. A WTT Youth Event and the ITTF World Youth Championships will be the first and last events of the year, respectively. The ITTF and WTT say this reinforces their commitment to its “Day One to World Number One playing pathway”. A minimum of nine weeks has been designated for the table tennis family to schedule events within the annual calendar.

IOC President makes urgent plea for legal sanctions to fight global criminal activity in sport Insidethegames - International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has made an urgent plea to Governments around the world to create legal sanctions against criminal activity within sport, adding that current sports sanctions “will not help at all”. Speaking at the fourth International Forum for Sports Integrity, hosted at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Bach praised the ongoing cooperation between his organisation and Interpol in terms of exchanging information and raising awareness over corruption within sport, but added a warning. “Always, however, we have to have in mind that after information exchanging the job is not done,” he said. “What we need are deterrent sanctions. “As sports organisations we don’t have the tools for really

Thomas Bach deterrent sanctions. “What can we do? “Send someone home from a sports event and say they are not welcome for the next two years. “This is not really a deterrent to a criminal. “This is why we really urge governments to make more

e ff o r t s t o h a r m o n i s e t h e i r legislation and then to issue these deterrent sanctions. “Because without this it’s a little like the fight against the windmills. “If we are limited to our sports sanctions this will not help much – will not help at all. “We need these laws from governments and official authorities all across the world so that no criminal can feel safe in any country – or sports organisation. “These guys have to go to jail.” Earlier in the discussion Ilana de Wild, director of Organised and Emerging Crime at Interpol, called for greater cooperation to combat corruption in sport. “No organisation can tackle the problem of match fixing alone,” she said. “We believe Federations should continue to work in tandem with law enforcement bodies. “It is the (Continued on page 19)

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Thursday November 11, 2021

GFF Boys U-13 Challenge Trophy

Bartica and Georgetown lead respective groups after latest round Michael Joseph and Rockcliff Adamson - Bartica ATC

Mikel Castelo West Demerara ATC

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he Bartica F o o t b a l l Association Academy Training Centre (ATC) U13 Boys’ Team got the better of hosts Rupununi to climb to the top of Group A of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) InterAcademy Boys’ U13 Challenge Trophy last weekend, while Georgetown’s victory over Upper Demerara ensured they held on to pole position in Group B. The 3-1 away win for Bartica on November 6, with a brace from Michael Joseph making all the difference after Rockcliff Adamson’s opening strike was cancelled out by Rupununi’s Josh Glasgow, took their tally to six points from their first three games. The result took Bartica above Group A rivals East Bank, who did not play in week three. Last Saturday also saw East Coast Demerara triumph 3-0 over the competition’s guest side, the National U17 Women’s Team, at the GFF National Training Centre in Providence, with goals from Isaiah Ifill, Brandon Gonsalves and Jaden Harris. That result gave East Coast temporary bragging

rights at the top of Group B, before Georgetown’s slim 10 win over Upper Demerara on November 7, courtesy of an early Omarion Lewis strike, put the capital city team back in first place on goal difference. In Sunday’s second game, a goal from Mickel Castello shortly after the half-time break gave West Demerara their first win of the new youth development competition, beating Essequibo/Pomeroon at Leonora in a closely-fought match to go level with East Bank in joint second place in Group A. The U13 Boys’ tournament is part of the GFF’s ground-breaking ATC programme, the first of its kind in the Caribbean and launched in 2017. The ATC is an elite and selective national youth development programme that gives girls and boys aged between 6-19 a weekly, structured training curriculum that is anchored in the GFF football philosophy and delivered consistently throughout the G F F ’s n i n e r e g i o n a l associations. The competition involves all nine associations with teams from their respective U13 ATC

groups, alongside the domestic-based National U 1 7 Wo m e n ’ s T e a m participating as a guest side. A primary purpose of the tournament is to identify players to participate in the Caribbean Football Union Boys’ U14 Challenge Series in 2022. Meanwhile, on Saturday, November 13, in Group A, B a r t i c a t a k e o n We s t Demerara at 13:00hrs at the Bartica Community Centre G r o u n d w h i l e Essequibo/Pomeroon will play East Bank at a venue to be confirmed. In Group B on Sunday, November 14, Upper Demerara will face the domestic-based National U17 Women’s Team with Berbice going up against East Coast Demerara. Apart from talent identification for the upcoming CFU tournament, the U13 tournament provides an opportunity for the GFF to assess the quality of work being carried out by the ATCs in all nine Regional Member Associations and to test logistics for future InterAcademy and IntraAssociation tournaments which will be a key feature in the 2022 national football season.

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Rosignol edge Bartica Beacon in exciting friendly - RMA’s prep. for Supe-16 year-end tourney intensify As teams zoom in to plans for the Guyana Football Federation/Kashif & Shanghai year-end Super16 tourney, clubs have been making the rounds to whip themselves into the best possible shape given the challenges presented by covid-19 presented. On Saturday last, the community of Bartica which has been enjoying somewhat of a boost in terms of competitive sports, once again hosted another club. This time it was Rosignol United from the Ancient County which was entertained by Beacon Football Club. The friendly match took place at the Bartica Community Centre Ground and all covid-19 protocols were observed. The home fans were left disappointed however as Rosignol came from behind to win the encounter, 2-1. Beacon had enjoyed the lead after

Neil Linton (left) and Okifi Patoir

scoring in the first half much to the delight of the capacity crowd. But the visiting team, led by 17 year-old Michael Jordon showed grit, perseverance and determination to piece

together a better second half display which saw them scoring two unanswered goals thanks to strikes off the boots of Neil Linton and Okifi Patoir to silence the home fans and take the win, all in a friendly atmosphere.