Kaieteur News

K

AIETEUR NEWS

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

Bosai offers $2M to

injured employee whose

Friday Edition November 12, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 46 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 73,322

- victim files lawsuit

medical bill costs $20M

ExxonMobil in talks with th SBM to build 4 FPSO

despite no Govt. approval Toshaos begging for increase on $30k stipend ...Shuman , other leaders says they should be paid a salary like ministers

Labourer in Thieves take up search of job residence in home of couple in rickety boat on vacation found dead in river

Massive discrepancy found in flood relief distribution

The protest continues for change to ExxonMobil’s contract. ...Region Six Chairman says NAREI received over 7641 complaints

Fly-by-night company wins $346M contract to build primary school ...owners known for promoting football, Disc Jockeying 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

PAGE 02

Friday November 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

Exxon in talks with SBM to build th 4 FPSO despite no Govt. approval Prosperity - another of the production vessels that ExxonMobil had proceeded to construct, even before receiving government approval.

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

E

sso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)—ExxonMobil Guyana—is currently in talks with Dutch Floater Specialists, SBM Offshore for the construction of another multi-billion dollar Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Vessel.

That vessel is for ExxonMobil Guyana's fourth and largest oil field development which is to operate in the Stabroek Block at the Yellowtail site to comprise up to 67 wells—production and reinjection. Notably the company only on Thursday wrapped up its public scoping exercise via a zoom session, to inform its Environmental Impact Assessment studies after which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would, after an assessment, decide on whether to provide environmental authorisation.

A c c o r d i n g t o international reports, the talks include the potential for some future platform assembly in Guyana. This publication understands discussions include potential made-in-Guyana requirements to build part of future production units.

This according to a Reuters report, which attributed the sentiments to Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo. "We are hoping that more and more of the components could be fabricated in Guyana," Jagdeo said this week It was noted that the deal for the fabrication of the latest FPSO could be had within six months.

Netherlands-based SBM Offshore has been awarded Exxon contracts to build Guyana's first three FPSO, namely the Liza Destiny for the Liza I Oil Field, the Liza Unity currently being hooked up to the subsea installations (Continued on page 22)

Friday November 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 03

Bosai offers $2M to injured employee - victim files whose medical bill costs $20M lawsuit B

osai Minerals Inc., a Chinese operated Bauxite Mining Company based in Linden is now the subject of a lawsuit after a former employee Fabian Anthony, filed an application alleging inadequate compensation for severe head injuries suffered while on the job.

Anthony was offered $2M as full compensation by the company but outlined in his court documents filed by his attorney, Eusi Anderson, that the amount represents a mere 10 percent of his medical bill. The medical bill, he claims has amounted to $20M. Fabian Anthony, who worked as a heavy-duty mechanic for the company has asked the court to award him in excess of $100 million for his injuries.

The 30-year-old father of four had been employed with Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Inc. for over a decade before “the life altering accident,” which occurred on February 2, 2020. According to court documents seen by this newspaper, Anthony claims that he was hit to the head by an object which

became dislodged from a crane on that date.

The former heavy-duty mechanic claimed that he was injured although numerous complaints were filed with the company before, about workers' safety.

As a result of the accident, Anthony claims that he suffered head injuries.

He was knocked unconscious immediately and his skull was left visibly open. The court papers detailed that a further medical examination showed that the victim suffered severe head injuries including a massive puncture to the skull, left temporal epidural hematoma, right occipital laceration, left temporal bone open depressed fracture, cerebral contusion, and posttraumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage.

According to the documents, to fix the damage to his skull, Anthony underwent emergency surgeries performed by Guyanese Neurosurgeon Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi on February 2, 3, and 5, 2020 at the St Joseph's Mercy Hospital but he still suffers

Injured ex-Bosai employee, Fabian Anthony. long term medical issues as a result of the injuries. The claimant says he still experiences bouts of fainting, severe headaches, extreme forgetfulness, spatial displacement, and that he has amnesia of over 85 per cent of his life before the accident.

He claims that many nights, he wakes up violently screaming because of severe pain. Added to this, the victim claims that he suffered short term memory loss. He claims that there were moments in the first few

Guyana-Norway US$250M agreement…

Single largest chunk of money spent on managing forest Since the signing of the US$250 million GuyanaNorway agreement in 2009, three of those projects are still ongoing and the chunk of the monies was spent on the management of the forest. The aforementioned were highlighted in the People's Progressive Party/ C i v i c ( P P P / C ) administration Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 draft.

A table in the draft, which summarises Guyana's earnings plus associated investment income, illustrated that out of the 12 projects under the GuyanaNorway agreement, eight are completed, three are ongoing and one is still to commence.

The total sum of US$166,400,000 was allocated for the 12 projects, a n d t h e s u m o f US$50,400,000 was already expended.

Out of the total sum spent the single largest chunk of US$12, 600, 000, was spent on Transforming Forest Management – Monitoring, Reporting, Verification (MRV) System.

The projects that were completed are: Micro and Small Enterprise Development; Amerindian Development Fund – Phases I and II; Institutional Strengthening; Cunha Canal Rehabilitation; Climate Resilience Strategy and Action Plan; Support for EUFLEGT Implementation; LCDS Communication and Outreach and Transforming Forest Management – MRV System. The following are ongoing: Amerindian Land Titling, ICT Access and eServices for Hinterland, Poor, and Remote Communities and Sustainable Land Use Development and

The letter which was written to Anthony's attorney outlining the settlement of $2M.

Management, while the largest project, Solar Power across various Regions is still to commence.

According to the LDCS 2030 draft, at that time the Guyana-Norway partnership was the second largest I n t e r i m R E D D + arrangement in the world, and for the period 2009 to 2015, Guyana received a total of US$212.52 million dollars in payments to be invested in the LCDS. It was also noted that the programme has been and continues to be an overall success.It was further disclosed, however, that a few areas impacting its effectiveness include the slow pace of intermediation for transfer of resources, mixed successes working with partner entities, and slow pace in some cases of national implementation bodies.

months after the accident when he could not recall his children, his mother, his wife, which schools he attended or even who he was. Anthony claims that he had to be reintroduced to his children and told who they were to him because he had forgotten everything about them. In addition to the list of medical issues resulting from the injury, the father of four said that his sexual performance has also suffered by as much as 75 per cent.

Anthony stresses that as a married man, only aged 30, this is a serious issue with consequences that will last for decades. At present, the victim claims that he is financially embarrassed and unable to afford overseas medical care to restore his brain and bodily functions to the level they were before the accident. He says his salary from Bosai Group Guyana Inc. did not exceed $240,000

per month.

The claimant said that he worked for six days per week on 12-hour shifts. At this point, He is also unable to ascertain whether National Insurance Scheme or any other insurance, will be able to cover the costs for specialist medical care needed but only available overseas.

As a result, he has detailed in the Statement of Claim, that the estimated cost of his medical expenses including surgery overseas will cost at least $20M. This includes medical expenses for indefinite seizures prophylaxis and pain management. He calculates his loss of earnings to date to be about $15 million.

He wants in excess of $50 million for negligence of the company that resulted in the accident that has altered his life. The document noted too that Anthony's lawyer

(Anderson) prior to filing the lawsuit reached out to the Bosai Minerals Group to try and reach a reasonable term of settlement for his client.

However, Anderson claims that Bosai has not accepted liability but has made an offer of settlement. The company outlined in a letter that it is offering Anthony $2 million as “full settlement” for his claim.

Anderson said that this is not even close to enough of what his client needs. The lawyer nonetheless noted that under the Common Law of England which is applicable in Guyana, the Bosai Minerals Group owes a duty to Anthony to take (Continued on page 6)

PAGE 4

Kaieteur News

Friday November 12, 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

Paying without verifying What is going on in this country? Who is in charge of what goes on here? Who knows exactly what ought to be known regarding costly ventures that, from the record, keep being repeated? This is what was brought to light again by this paper, “Contractor paid without verification of works -PAC hears” (KN November 9). When is this confounded nonsense going to stop; be a thing of the past?

The related news story is ugly, shabby, and sickening.

Nobody does business like this anywhere in the world.

At least, they have something, some piece of paper with the name of some senior officer signing off, so that there can be a show, even if it is flimsy of doing what was required. But, because this is Guyana, and the now standing political and public service culture, things like these happen, and will continue to happen. It is because of the kind of people that we elect, and those that they put in charge to get the business of the people done. They (both the ruling politicians at the time and the cooperating bureaucrats that they select) only want to do business a certain way. A way that is crooked and leaves little by way of a paper trail to follow, and any clear picture of who was in charge, and who has to answer.

The problem is further compounded by the fact that in the rare instances, someone is found on whom to pin responsibility, there are no penalties. What we have had is something called jawboning, which is nothing more than a quick meaningless tongue lashing in public, and everybody feels good that that hard duty is over with, then it is back to what is the norm. That is, more awarding of contracts to people who don’t deliver, engineers who dodge responsibility, and seniors who protest that they were not on the spot, which means that they have no oversight responsibility for what happened, and should be given a pass. They usually are, because nothing happens, except that the Guyanese taxpayers keep paying, with no one verifying anything.

The article referenced is but one example of the usual vulgarity that takes place in this country. The Regional Executive Officer (REO) said that she “was not present in the Region when the contract was being supervised.” She pointed to her predecessor. The prior REO could give a damn for what is alleged to have been his time and area of oversight, since the reports are that he is not responding to attempts at contacting him.

Next in line, was the regional engineer who said that he was not the engineer in charge at the time. In his defense, the engineer did inform the PAC that the works to the teachers’ living quarters in Region Two (Supenaam area) “was one which was to be examined on a daily basis, but this was not done…so the overpayment went to a concrete base that wasn’t properly constructed and some sheet lots.” The startling thing about this was that nobody knew anything about the ‘paying without verifying’ until the auditors made their rounds. And as if to add more insult to injury, the six-figure amount overpaid to the contractor has not been recovered.

Regarding the certificate of completion, everybody is distancing from that, and all are disowning any responsibility. To make matters worse, there is a shortage of relevant documents. After all, no one can audit what is not present and physical. This is a real cluster cluck, where public officers and contractors conspire and collaborate to cheat citizens time after time.

We have seen this before, and presented many instances of this before. The most recent example of paying without verifying (checking) is that US$9.5B disaster, which Guyana’s Vice President says we must pay because we don’t have the quality of auditors we need. The regional officers say what happened was years before them. Now, Guyana’s Vice President tells the nation that we will be paying without verifying, because for almost two years we didn’t have the right kind of auditors. Who is in cahoots with whom? Who is joining with other locals and foreigners to rob the Guyanese people blind?

Guyana is in business but not for Guyana DEAR EDITOR, Guyana for how many years now has been doing business with foreign governments and corporations, can anyone tell me of any of these business partnerships that Guyana was better off from? I can’t think of any, as the sensible principles of business was never applied in the interest of Guyana, like mutually beneficial contracts to both parties, good faith negotiations on sharing gains and losses, etc. Looks like Guyana always absorb losses while the other party take all the gains. So many times, in the news you read, had the government done this or that, Guyana would have saved or made billions, so why these things were not done, who is in charge doing what? So now we are in the oil business as the oil genie cannot go back in the bottle. With the current oil contract, it looks like the streak of Guyana’s business failings will continue. The Grade so far, for management on environment, local content and insurance, has been a fail. The general framework for the oil business is: Stage 1 (the upstream activities) which includes, exploration, locating, and production, Stage 2 (the downstream activities) refining, storage and transport, Stage 3 (end user activities) marketing, supply and distribution to retail users.

Stage 4 (Financial) includes, trading, settlement and banking of the proceeds

of the sales.

As in business you can have the best product, but unless you can take it to market, get a fair price and the money in your hand, it means little. It is stage 4 where the main dagger of exploitation is struck in the hearts of third world countries, as they have no say in this stage. This is the situation Guyana finds itself, Jagdeo is correct it will take time to see benefits of oil as Guyana has no say in the banking aspects of the oil proceeds, the oil money goes to bank in the USA where Exxon takes its profits, pay their own people first then send whatever they like to Guyana, where they dictate how the money is spent mostly on infrastructure to help oil extraction, not on Guyana’s debt or to reduce poverty, so Guyana has to stay in debt and poor so they always have you like the coils of a camoudie around you, this is evident of other countries who for decades were producing oil and mining precious metals, yet are poor and in debt just like Guyana is now, had no say in stage 4 of the oil process. Even if Guyana gets 50 percent royalty and a fair share, as long as Guyana does not control the banking for its resources, much won’t change. Added to questions about the deal, added questions have to be asked such as, where is Guyana’s oil being marketed?

At what price? And, where do the proceeds of sales go. It’s called “following the money”…if the opposition

questions it, they have no chance of getting into power, if the government dare asks, they would get kicked out of power. Look at all the big cities in the developed world, the shiniest, fanciest buildings are the banks and financial companies, where trillions of dollars trade weekly in all kinds of financial instruments...e.g. stocks, swaps, futures, etc...a significant amount is oil and precious metals from third world countries...the bankers and traders however, usually are not from the third world, since in world banking/trading that’s where the money and honey is. It was Libya’s Ghadafi who proposed a bank for Africa to let Africa’s revenues from its resources be managed. He was demonised and met his demise eventually as that idea will not be tolerated from those exploiting Africa. The Democratic Republic of Congo, formally Zaire, has one of the highest poverty rates in the world, the highest death rate by violence in the world more than the war zones of the Middle East although they have the richest land of resources in the world, because the government gets changed fast like changing clothes as the exploiters want to extract as much resources as fast as possible, without a bit of care for its citizens, as chaos reigns daily. Before oil drilling in Guyana, the ambassadors of the ABC countries and the EU were proclaiming loudly how Exxon and the Government in power should ensure Guyana’s oil wealth

must go down to the people, since the oil started coming to the surface, they have gone dead silent, as the people they were talking about are not the Guyanese people. The World Business News has projected oil will hit $125/barrel by June 2022, most affected countries are already making plans on this price, where is Guyana’s plan?

Guyana’s economy is changing from the way Guyanese knew it from independence, it is time we hear from the finance and economic ministers about long term plans on this new economy. Past and current government ministers correctly say they don’t know the interest rate on the debt as the real cost of borrowing is different than the original agreement, however had they taken the time or interest, they could have given a reasonable estimate. We need to now raise our debt ceiling, debt to revenue ratio, because if debt is not managed and defaults, it causes the currency to collapse which will be devastating to Guyana. So in this new economy, Guyana needs long term plans for the following which it doesn’t have; environment, local content, insurance for oil activities, debt management, socio economic programmes, poverty reduction, agriculture and fisheries management etc…and the opposition shouldn’t try to use this against the government, as its collection of pensioners don’t have a plan either.

R. David

PARANOID PERSONALITY DISORDER AND ITS INFLUENCE IN SOCIAL SETTINGS DEAR EDITOR, I am a final year BSc in General Psychology student at the American University of Peace Studies Inc. located in Georgetown, Guyana. In undertaking the course Theories of Personality, I thought of bringing awareness to the general public on one of the 10 personality disorders – Paranoid Personality Disorder and its influence in social settings, that is, the surroundings or environment in which social activities occur. Prior to my studies in this field, I was not aware of the existence of personality disorders and my interaction thereafter with members of society, save for some in the medical field, confirmed my belief that this is an alien subject. Additionally, due to the lack of practicing psychologists in Guyana, I am deeply concerned about persons being misdiagnosed with a clinical disorder rather than a personality disorder when displaying certain

symptoms. One can also be deprived of treatment to improve their mental health because often times we as Guyanese conclude, “she stay suh” completely ignoring a cry for help.Let us consider this scenario: Mrs. John is 35 years old with no prior history of a medical condition.

After careful consideration, she was promoted to supervisor because even though she is no “social butterfly,” she accomplishes her tasks.

At her first evaluation at the end of the month she reported feeling that the other senior officers are against her envying her promotion and that ever so often the staff in her department is whispering about her.The manager suggested Mrs. John have lunch with staff during the lunch break to get to know them in a less formal setting which can boost their working relationship.She refused on the grounds that, “You never know when something you

say in company will be used against you.” As the evaluation progressed Mrs. John became guarded and evasive but during the latter part, feeling criticised, she became agitated and verbally aggressive. When the evaluation report was submitted to higher authorities it was proposed that Mrs. John visit a mental health professional.

Since this was a recommendation from her employer, she hesitantly agreed to one visit but not without threatening to sue the company for trying to destroy her reputation.

Personality is the total sum of the typical ways of thinking, feeling and acting that makes each person different from other people.

(Lahey, 2012).

Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions that are characterised by inflexible and atypical patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. These inner experiences and behaviours often

differ from the expectations of the culture in which someone lives. (Carey, 2021).PPD is classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) under Cluster a Personality Disorder, a term used to describe eccentric personality disorders like Paranoid Personality Disorder.

People with eccentric personality disorders display behaviours that may seem odd or unusual to others.

The exact cause of Paranoid Personality Disorder is not known, but it likely involves a combination of biological and psychological factors. There is some evidence of increased prevalence in families with a history of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and delusional disorder while some evidence suggests a link between this disorder emotional and Continued on page 6)

Friday November 12, 2021

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

Mental Health and the prospect of wealth DEAR EDITOR, There is a lot of talk of oil wealth and much fanfare regarding its implications on the lives of Guyanese in the coming decades. Most notably; multi billion dollars investments into infrastructure from fancy hotels to oil tankers of grandiose propositions.

While this is a fantastic feat; it begs the question, why aren’t we making similar investments into the absolute and most critical aspect of our country’s asset.

Why aren’t we investing in the mental wellbeing of a population that would be unprepared for prospects of “much” wealth? Mental Health has long afflicted our country, we have one of the highest suicide rates in the world, gender-based violence is at an all-time high, abject poverty is ever more glaring as the pandemic rages on, spiraling blue collar and violent crime, and minority groups like the LGBTQ+ community and refugees from Haiti and Venezuela, are pushed to the fringes of society to exist in obscurity. A lot of these social ills are manifestations of unresolved psychological issues, stemming as far as the formative years of development.

Human development is a complex phenomenon that involves a combination of our inherited biological characteristics and environmental influences. Hence, our personality is shaped by these factors; it is generally accepted by the scientific com-

munity that when certain personality trait becomes too rigid and inflexible, it may lead to the development of a personality disorder. People with personality disorders have consistent patterns of thinking and acting that differ from what society considers usual or normal.

According to the American Psychological Association “childhood trauma is one of the leading causes of developing a personality disorder. Findings from one of the largest studies of personality disorders, the Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders Study, offer clues about the role of childhood experiences.

One study found a link between the number and type of childhood traumas and the development of personality disorders. People with borderline personality disorder, for example, had especially high rates of childhood sexual trauma.”

As stated in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is the standard reference book for recognised mental illnesses, “borderline personality disorder is marked by unstable moods, poor self-image, chaotic relationships, and impulsive behaviour (such as sexual promiscuity, substance abuse, over-spending, and reckless driving).” The Child Care and Protection Agency in its 2020 report said that “3,129 children between ages 1 to 18 were either abused

physically, sexually or verbally; neglected, abandoned or witnessed abuse. The figures also showed that 688 girls between the ages of 14 and 18 and 127 boys were sexually abused.” (Stabreok News, 2021). The Rights of the Child Commission Chairperson, Ms. Aleema Nasir at the time of submitting the commission’s annual report for 2017-2020 stated that “there is a lot of neglect, a lot of abuse and a lot of incest”.

These findings are worrying as this disorder can manifest due to these unresolved traumas, as it’s the most common of all the personality disorders and it is often misdiagnosed as Bi-Polar Disorder.

Psychologist Abraham Maslow in his paper “A Theory of Human Motivation and subsequent book Motivation and Personality” talks about the hierarchy of needs, starting from physiological needs all the way up to selfactualisation.

In our society, there is soul sucking poverty and poor social services; many of our citizens’ struggles to have access to food, clean water and shelter. Lacking these needs may fuel a natural craving to fulfill a basic innate need by any means necessary. Hence, a lot of persons are developing Anti-Social Personality Disorder. According to the American Psychiatric Association “AntiSocial Personality Disorder is a pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others.

A person with antisocial per-

sonality disorder may not conform to social norms, may repeatedly lie or deceive others, or may act impulsively.”

As such, we can attribute poverty as one of the leading causes of the ongoing crime wave, influencing persons to become criminals as a means of survival to meet their basic need. Our multi blended cultures and ethnicity that wraps the fabric of Guyanese society is one of our greatest strengths. However, we cannot use the cookie cutter approach in identifying and mitigating mental health issues in the different faucets of our society.

Our mixture of individualistic and collectivistic cultures has made this plague of mental health even harder to address, as some portion of society “will sweep it under the rug”, while another portion may say “toughen up and get going”. Suicide is at the forefront in our battle with mental health and it is predominantly higher in the communities of Indian descent.

Ministry of Health data states “It was found that Region 2 had the highest number of suicides followed by Region 6, with the East Indian population bearing 68% of suicides, followed by AfricanGuyanese with 10% in 2017 as stated by Director of the Mental Health Unit, Dr. Util Richmond-Thomas (DPI, September 10, 2019). There can be considered a link between the collectivistic cultures of Indians and how this contributes to persons developing De-

The joinder parties must have representation on the Guyana Elections Commission DEAR EDITOR, As it stands the members who form the GECOM Commissioners consists of three members from the government side and three members from the opposition benches and the chairwoman as the casting vote.

After the 2020 General Election there has been a change in the electoral landscape of Guyana in that there is the presence of the smaller parties. These parties together form an opposition group commonly called the Joinder Parties. A small group of parties, some may say, but

together they play a significant role in a Guyana Body Politic today, in this regard, I am putting forward the argument, that this joinder party grouping be represented in GECOM. The point is, the commission should now be the overarching conglomerate of individual parties which should accurately represent the democracy that now exists, and a reformed GECOM should do just that. It must be a body that reflects our political landscape in a just and meaningful way.Now, to make all parties on an even

keel there should be a coming together of these individuals to elect two persons to the post of commissioners on the GECOM’s Board.

The chosen figure of two is arrived at so that when you sum up the total number of commissioners there would be a total of eight persons, representing all the political parties, with the chairwoman coming in as a casting ninth vote being an uneven number. The configuration should read 3+3+2 + 1 = 9.

The one casting vote of the chairwoman brings the total to the required uneven

number of 9, in the event that there is a tie. I hope this would be an eye opener for a reconstituted and more democratic GECOM. The point I am making is that the joinder parties were that influential to gain a seat in parliament and I do not see why they cannot be represented at GECOM? That cluster of parties by virtue of their presence, have earned themselves a place in parliament and as such must be seen on A Guyana Elections Commission committee of persons.

Respectfully Submitted, Neil Adams

pendent Personality Disorder.

The American Psychiatric Association defines Dependent Personality Disorder as “a pattern of needing to be taken care of and submissive and clingy behaviour. People with dependent personality disorder may have difficulty making daily decisions without reassurance from others or may feel uncomfortable or helpless when alone because of fear of inability to take care of themselves.

This culture places emphasis on the goals of the group and smothering is ever pervasive. Whenever these individuals are forced to be independent and face the stressors of life, they are often unable to cope. There is a low level of autonomy, selfidentity and, most times decisions are made for you and you are unable to have an input. These are ideal characteristics for someone to develop a low self-esteem and self-confidence.

Another factor that can contribute to the high rate of suicide of males in these regions may be due to stagnant socio-economic environment.

“According to research funded by the International Labour Organization (ILO) the closure of four sugar estates severely compromised the livelihoods of the laid off workers leading to increased instances of suicide, alcohol consumption and crime.”

(Stabroek News, June 11, 2021).

Archaic gender roles dictate males are to be providers and protectors. Males aren’t supposed to be able to regulate emotions and express feelings. Hence, in harsh economic climates, they may feel frustrated, and that frustration is then directed onto their spouse. Ever so often in our communities, we find our-

selves reeling from another murder suicide or brutal domestic violence. Ultimately, this may evolve in Anti-Social Personality Disorder in individuals who commit these offenses. As women develop sensory adaptation and become desensitize to the violence. Children in the household mould these behaviours and the cycle continues. Here again, another broken moral compass.

Our infrastructure to aid in our fight for adequate mental health services is bleak.

“Guyana has been making very poor steps in addressing mental health issues and the state of its treatment hospital has been described as “sad”. The country’s Chief Psychiatrist, Dr. Bhairo Harry, called out the authorities for inconsistent action on addressing the plethora of mental health-related illnesses.

Dr. Harry told the opening of the Guyana Mental Health and Well-being conference that several plans had been put in place to further develop the level of psychiatric care in Guyana but most, if not all, of those plans have been abandoned.” (Stabroek News, November 9, 2021). Our laws are outdated and colonial as the current law states “Everyone who attempts to commit suicide shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and liable to imprisonment for two years,” according to the Minister of Health. (Newsroom, 9 November, 2021.) After 55 years as an Independent nation, the silent plague continues to eviscerate our society with no end in sight, a raging pandemic will only add to this national issue as we the citizens anticipate much “wealth”.

Kishan Narine Student American University of Peace Studies

Is the leader losing his gripÿW-T-fDEAR EDITOR, With the overturning of the leader’s suspension order, paving the return to the party’s fold, on the eve, no less, of nomination day for congress, of one of its ardent members, is suggesting the self-imposed-on-leave leader

is losing his grip, is being sidelined and thus the beginning of being phased out.

Is this the transformational rebirth of the party, dominant in the country’s history for decades?

Shamshun Mohamed

PAGE 6

Kaieteur News

Friday November 12, 2021

Paranoid Personality Disorder and its influence in social settings From page 5 or physical abuse and victimization during childhood.

The essential characteristic of people with Paranoid Personality Disorder is paranoia; a relentless mistrust and suspicion of others without adequate reason to be suspicious. These individuals are always on guard, believing that others are constantly trying to demean, deceive, harm or threaten them.

Doubting the commitment, loyalty, or trustworthiness of others they are hypervigilant for potential insults, slights, threats and disloyalty. They read hidden meanings in the innocent remarks or casual looks of oth-

ers and closely scrutinize them for evidence to support their suspicions. If they perceive attacks on their character, they do not forgive the person who injured them.

They tend to counterattack or react with anger in response to these perceived injuries.

Persons with this disorder are reluctant to confide in others or reveal personal information for fear that any information they divulge will be used against them.

They doubt the faithfulness of their spouse or partner and can be extremely jealous, often questioning the activities and motives of their spouse or partner in an effort to justify their jealousy. Can

you now identify some of these symptoms in Mrs. John or perhaps someone you know? Do you see Mr. John being subjected to constantly reporting his whereabouts, having his phone conversations checked and/or being traced via an app or private detective?

Since they have trouble with trusting others, people with Paranoid Personality Disorder have an excessive sense of self-sufficiency and autonomy and feel the need to be in control. Someone with Paranoid Personality Disorder does not see their suspicious behaviour as unusual or unwarranted. Rather, they see it as defending themselves

against the bad intentions and deceptive, untrustworthy activities of those around them. However, those around them may believe this distrust is unwarranted.

According to the DSM-5, for a diagnosis of Paranoid Personality Disorder, a mental health provider will look for the presence of a persistent distrust and suspiciousness of others which must be accompanied by at least four of the other symptoms as listed in the manual.

They will also want to rule out paranoia stemming from a psychotic episode linked to another condition, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or depression with psy-

chosis. Also, symptoms must have begun by early adulthood.

Humans are social creatures who long to fit in with certain groups.

The connection created in social settings whether at home, school, and work, in the community or wherever one becomes socially engaged is key to physical and mental health.

The thinking and behaviours associated with Paranoid Personality Disorder, however, can interfere with a person’s ability to function socially. Their generally unfounded beliefs, as well as their habits of blame and distrust, interfere with their ability to form close or even workable relationships. The fingerpointing and twisting of the other person’s words to mean something else can take a heavy toll. The verbal insults, lack of sensitivity to the feelings of those in their presence, and the stubborn belief that they are always right can make someone feel like they are ‘walking on eggshells’ when around them.

If a person with Paranoid Personality Disorder does form a close relationship, the relationship is often accompanied by jealousy and controlling tendencies. And their jealousy and controlling behaviour can make it difficult for their partner to maintain other relationships and social ties, leaving the partner feeling isolated and alone.

Their partner or anyone close to them may feel frustrated or exhausted and lose hope while others may stay away altogether.

This can ultimately result in persons not wanting to be around those with this disorder.

The lack of social support will further deteriorate the condition of the individual with Paranoid Personality Disorder and comorbidities such as depression, anxiety, social phobia (social anxiety disorder), posttraumatic stress disorder, alcohol use disorders and borderline personality disorder will surface if not already present.

Professional treatment, which focuses largely on psychotherapy, can help someone with Paranoid Personal-

ity Disorder. A therapist can provide support to develop skills for building empathy and trust, improve communication with others in social situations and relationships and better cope with other Paranoid Personality Disorder symptoms. However, the first major challenge is for the person with Paranoid Personality Disorder to recognize there is something disjoint about their thinking and willingly embrace the need for treatment.

Trying to force someone with Paranoid Personality Disorder into seeking help will often backfire, adding to their resistance and fueling their paranoia that people are conspiring against them.

Secondly, the suspicion and mistrust felt by people with Paranoid Personality Disorder poses a challenge for the therapist because trust is an important factor of psychotherapy.

However, professional help is critical for individuals with Paranoid Personality Disorder to function socially and be reintegrated back into society.

Do we have sufficient expertise in Guyana to help individuals with personality disorders?

Do you know of anyone who was diagnosed with a personality disorder or more specifically, with a Paranoid Personality Disorder? I am of the opinion that our culture allows us to nonchalantly say as a passing joke, “she head na good” or “something wrang wid she” without reaching out. This disorder, however, is real with real effects as are the others. I therefore implore you the readers to be more attentive to the behaviour of those around you and extend a caring hand where necessary.

If you know someone or if you believe you show some of the symptoms synonymous with this personality disorder, help is available.

Kindly make contact with the American University of Peace Studies Inc. on Facebook or on telephone number (592) 652-2344.

Veronica Baxter Student American University of Peace Studies Inc.

Bosai offers $2M to injured employee...

From page 3 reasonable care to avoid acts or omissions which can reasonably be foreseen as likely to injure its employee.Further or in the alternative under the Common Law, he contended that the company owes his client a duty of care to ensure

that his work environment is free of all harms and hazards.

Once the matter goes to trial, Anderson says that the negligent breaches of the company resulted in his client suffering severe head and general injuries will be highlighted in his pleadings.

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 Friday November 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

No Government should be so irresponsible.

The PPP Govt. is so irresponsible, it is not just endangering, but criminal.

COVID-19 deaths are increasing, yet the Govt. reduces curfew hours.

A curfew of midnight to 4 a.m. is no curfew at all.

Once again, PPP leaders show how they are indebted to the private sector, and care little about ordinary Guyanese.

PAGE 07

PAGE 08

Kaieteur News

Friday November 12, 2021

Fully vaccinated man among latest COVID-19 fatalities A fully vaccinated man is among the three new Covid-19 deaths announced by the Ministry of Health on Thursday.

The three deaths have pushed the COVID-19 death toll to 955.

According to the ministry, the latest fatalities are that of a fully vaccinated person and two unvaccinated persons who died over a two-day period (November 9 to 10) while receiving treatment at a medical facility.

The fatalities are that of a 60year-old woman from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and two men. The fully vaccinated 63year-old from Region Three ( E s s e q u i b o I s l a n d s - We s t Demerara) and a 73-year-old from Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

Meanwhile, in its latest edition of the COVID-19 dashboard, the Health Ministry recorded 94 new cases, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 36,533.

The dashboard also shows that there are 17 patients admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 53 persons in institutional isolation, 2,232 in home isolation and 13 in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 33,276 persons who tested positive for the virus have recovered.

Friday November 12, 2021

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

The dilemma of treating the mentally ill who are also destitute

T

here are a great number of sus pected mentally ill persons walking around the streets of the country. There are a great many others who are not mentally ill but simply destitute but who are treated as “mad” people.

Mental illness is a disease like any other illness. It afflicts the mind instead of the body but because the mind controls bodily functions and actions, an illness of the mind can have degenerative effects on the physical ability and constitution of mentally-ill patients.

There are treatments for mentally ill patients, but these are often extended and costly. As such, there has not been any significant attempt at addressing mental illness as a serious public health concern.

Perhaps because there are more mentally ill persons off the streets than on the streets, it is assumed that the problem is under control. Another reason may be the difficulty in identifying from among the destitute just who are mentally ill and just who are only simply deprived and mimicking madness just as a survival mechanism.

If it is tough off the streets, imagine how tougher it is on the streets, for those who have to exist day-to-day, hand-to-mouth, without permanent shelter and often having to relieve themselves in public.

As such, there is need for a plan to address the growing numbers of destitute and the mentally ill persons on our streets. We should not wait until a major international event is held before taking steps to shelve these problems temporarily.

During 2007, the government in the haste to present a good face for the hosting of Cricket World Cup undertook a lastminute effort to bus many destitute individuals into shelters. The public was as-

sured that this would have been a continuous effort.

Today there are just as much, if not more destitute persons on our streets than there were in 2007, questioning just how effective and sustained has been the campaign to get dwellers off the streets and into a more comfortable environment where they will be less exposed to risk, can be given regular meals, a place to sleep and eventually reintegrated with their families and friends.

Then a few years ago, there was a campaign to remove persons off the streets. It was even reported that some of the persons removed were placed in the mental hospital in Berbice.

Unfortunately, one of those individuals escaped from that institution and drowned in one of the rivers in the area. This raised concerns not just about the institutionalising of persons but also about the security at the said institution.

It had long been reported in Guyana, that the security at the mental hospital in the past had left much to be desired since in the past persons from that institution could have been seen regularly unsupervised and wandering all around a town in the area.

A number of questions therefore emerge. What are the procedures that are used to determine admission to a mental institution? And have persons been forcibly institutionalised in mental asylums in Guyana?

There has so far been no evidence that any illegal actions have taken place as regards the institutionalising of mentally ill persons within Guyana. But at the minimum no person should be admitted to a mental home or institution without a medical referral from a competent professional.

Since a mentally ill person

cannot be expected to make a rational decision to be admitted, the laws of most countries usually provide for that person to be institutionalised upon the recommendation of medical professionals. The situation is obviously compounded since a person cannot be assumed to be mentally ill, taken off the streets, seen by a doctor and then referred to a mental institution.

If the person is taken to a hospital or clinic and is then seen by a doctor, then the person can lawfully be institutionalised.

But who takes the person to the hospital or clinic? If someone is forcibly taken away to be seen by a doctor, can that person be said to be abducted?

If Guyana is to address the high incidence of destitute persons on its streets, it cannot do so without examining the laws and regulations pertaining to the institutionalisation of the mentally ill.And for the simple reason that amongst the hundreds of destitute on our streets, there are many mentally-ill persons, how these persons are going to be treated is another problem.

Then there is the financial concern. In a country in which there is competition for health resources, it is never going to be easy for governments to convince the public that more should be spent on the mentally ill.

In fact, if the average citizen knew just how much money is required to be spent to treat a mentally ill person back to good health, they would gasp at the sums and many perhaps would argue against such expenditure.

This is always unfortunate because mental illness is not incurable; most mental conditions are treatable and in fact if treated early, allow the patient to return to a normal existence.

Dem boys seh ...

Popo pun de prowl Yuh ever notice how when people doing a lot ah stupidness pun de road, de police never around.

Dem boys noticing how people double parking pun de same side ah de road and de police never around fuh catch dem or not bothering to tek action.

But de one time, you mek de slightest ah mistake, dem pull yuh in de corner and asking yuh whether it gan be leff or write.Christmas deh round de corner. And dem traffic ranks nah waiting fuh last minute shopping.

Dem stocking up early fuh mek sure dem pantry nah gan empty.

Is all round dem deh stop-

ping vehicle. Nowadays yuh nah know wha is road block and what is routine stop.

Popo riding round with motorbike – dem does call dem anti-crime unit – and dem mekkin’ traffic stop and want see papers.

Den deh gat some wuh love dem big truck. Dem always stopping dem big truck.

But yuh gat some nowadays hunting in packs.

Dem does come together and set up dem own road block.

Dem stopping vehicle and if dem nah find nothing, dem does ask yuh fuh put on yuh trafficator and brake light.

Dem looking fuh wan excuse fuh throw de book at

Dem boys seh ...

yuh.

De curfew push back so dem nah prowling late fuh see who breaking de curfew.

But dem still looking fuh see who drinking and driving.

De other night de popo stop a man and notice a bottle pun he seat.

Dem ask de man “What yuh gat in dat bottle?”

De man answer, “Plain water.”

One ah dem popo tek a sip and exclaimed and seh “This is red wine.”

De man looked at de popo, raise he eyes heavenward, and said, “THANK YOU JESUS, YOU’VE DONE IT AGAIN.”

Mental illness is also like any other illness and just as how great sums are going to be spent this year on dialysis, then perhaps some attention should be paid to the

cause of the mentally ill.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Friday November 12, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Guyana cannot be like this, Mr. President. Please intervene I have known the CEO of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) for over 15 years.

He is a likeable person. His professional treatment of citizens in any job before he became CEO of CH&PA was of high standard.

My young cousin with three small children and a wife secured a house lot from the state. I took him to the CEO for final settlement and the CEO was his usual competent self. The issue was solved in minutes by the CEO. That was that. A month ago, my cousin called to say the officer that deals with him indicated that his lot is not yet fixed. I knew there was something wrong because the CEO fixed it. There had to be a little error somewhere that could easily be solved by me since I was involved.

The officer's last name I don't know since my cousin

said in dealing with her since last year, he only knows her by her first name, Gaitree.

For one month, I have been trying by phone to contact Gaitree or any other person, I repeat any other person, at the CH&PA. I have been unable to make telephonic contact with CH&PA. Here is my appeal to the President about CH&PA. I quote from my column titled, “I am urging President Ali to try this experiment” of Wednesday, September 8, 2021: “Here is a little piece of advice for President Ali. It will work and it will open his eyes to the radical overhaul he has to make to this country.

Ta k e o n e o f t h e subordinates in his office, put him/her in a room with a telephone and tell him/her to try for one hour each day to get through to the Central Housing and Planning

Authority (CH&PA). I am telling the president that young man or young lady will not get through after one month's try. How do I know that? Because I tried the experiment. I called just before I started this article here. Guyana has to move on. We cannot go on like this. Do something Mr. President. I am willing to help.”

I wrote that appeal to the President nine week ago.

Just to speak to Ms. Gaitree, on an issue that would take maybe two minutes, I drove down to CH&PA to meet this lady. There were no parking three blocks east and west of the CH&PA. I turned into Hadfield Street, Werk-en-Rust and almost had my car struck by a heavy-duty truck.

My cousin and I waited outside the office of Ms. Gaitree. The female orderly outside her office said she

was somewhere in the building. This could take hours so I left my cousin and went all over a three-level building looking for this lady, I ran into a former student and asked her for Gaitree.

My student telephoned Gaitree, she answered.

Gaitree was in her office. My student took me to Gaitree's office. Gaitree is a selfassured person but so am I, so a clash was inevitable. I told her it was unconscionable for me to drive from Turkeyen just to get a response from her that would take two minutes. I told her I was trying for a month and I left messages and with my mobile number.

Much to my amazement, Gaitree asked me if I was questioning her competence when the issue at hand was my suffering. I emphatically stated that her competence

was not the subject but what I had to go through to see her. Her cell phone was on her desk, I asked for the number. She said she has Frederick Kissoon my mobile number and t o anyone by she lifted two pieces of phone at the CH&PA. Not to paper to show me she had it.

When she showed me her remind you this is a large number, I said, “so you got country.

It appears to me that my messages but never called.” Gaitree said to me, Gaitree is a hard-working, “I was about to call you.” busy public servant. I believe The tiny mistake was cleared this. She is not the problem. up in less than three minutes. The problem is the system. My That could have been done cousin went back the next day (Wednesday) as instructed. At on the phone.

Imagine if my situation 9AM he was at the CH&PA. At was replicated in a resident 3PM, he called to say he was of Mahaica. That person still waiting. I spent my entire would have had to travel way life fighting for Guyana's down to Georgetown for a improvement. I am tired.

(The views expressed in matter that takes three minutes to resolve. So, in the this article are those of the space of nine weeks, I have a u t h o r a n d d o n o t written two columns about necessarily reflect the the impossibility of talking opinions of this newspaper.)

Friday November 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Friday November 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

Massive discrepancies found in flood relief distribution - Region Six Chairman says NAREI received over 7641 complaints T h e N a t i o n a l Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) has confirmed that there have been massive discrepancies in the distribution of flood relief grants and announced that over 2641 additional complaints have been lodged by farmers in the administering of the scheme.

The 2641complaints have been added to the over 5000 that were previously reported, Regional Chairman David Armogan told the Thursday 11 t h November 2021 statutory meeting of the Region Six RDC. During the chaotic first phase of the cash distribution, several farmers had lodged complaints, alleging massive fraud.

Following these reports Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said that there will be a onemonth extension for farmers to get registered and verified to receive the flood relief grant.

“During the one-month period, NAREI alone received 2641 more complaints because the earlier one was over 5000.

Right now the verification process is on so who have the proof that indeed they lost, their names will be put on the list to receive the grant, but those who are intent on making mischief will not be put on the list.” Armogan said. Three locations were identified to facilitate the

Region Six Chairman, David Armogan

one-month process and those locations were the Regional Democratic Council in New Amsterdam, The Albion Sports Complex in Albion, Corentyne, Berbice and No. 63 Village (NAREI), Upper Corentyne, Berbice.

According to the Regional Chairman, already, there have been several reports of persons registering more than once.

He added that there have also been instances where farmers already collected monies but has now sent their wives to collect as well.

“Some people have booked their name here (at the RDC) then went to Albion and book their name, then went to Skeldon and book their name too, so they are looking to draw money

three times or something, and that is some of the things we have started to discover.

So it is going to take some time”, he disclosed. In other cases, the Chairman said that persons would have registered that they incurred losses due to the flooding, but they have not planted rice in years. These reports he said will have to be dealt with by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Additionally, for persons who would have received their cheques but were faced with the issue of incorrect spelling of their names, the Ministry of Agriculture together with the Ministry of Finance is in the process of preparing the cheques and are ensuring that the names are correctly spelt.

Friday November 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Friday November 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

BOSAI signs pact to hike workers' salary B

OSAI Minerals Groups and the N a t i o n a l Association of Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Agreement which will see employees receiving wages and salary increases along with other benefits for the periods April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022, and April 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022.

Thursday's signing took place at the Ministry's Lot 82 Brickdam, Georgetown head office, with representatives from both parties present. It comes after several conciliation sessions that were steered by the Chief L a b o u r O f f i c e r, M r.

Dhaneshwar Deonarine in a bid to bring both parties to an amicable resolution, the Ministry of Labour said in a press release Thursday evening.

The ministry said after being alerted to workers taking strike action last month, it swiftly intervened and engaged both the union and the company. “A meeting was held on October 22, 2021, and at that meeting, proposals were made by the

Officials of the Ministry of Labour along with the representatives of BOSAI Mineral and NAACIE following the signing of the agreement.

Chief Labour Officer to bring the strike action to an end.

This then saw the signing of a Te r m s o f R e s u m p t i o n agreement between the parties,' the press release added.

The terms of resumption agreed to were as follows: 1. The Union shall call off the strike with immediate effect.

2. The Union undertakes

to ensure that there is full resumption by tomorrow, October 23, 2021.

3. There shall be no victimization by either party and the status quo ante shall remain.

Following the signing of that agreement, the ministry facilitated approximately six hours of conciliation. The Chief Labour Officer thanked BOSAI's

management and the union for their patience and understanding as the Ministry served as the conciliator guiding the entire process.

BOSAI's management also thanked the Chief Labour Officer for facilitating the signing of the agreement, adding that it is cognizant that all labour laws must be followed and it is

always open to dialogue to sustain industrial relations.

The union also thanked the company for its willingness to listen to the concerns raised and thanked the Chief Labour Officer for facilitating the entire process.

Representing BOSAI were Mr. Eric Yu, General Manager; Mr. George Zhou, General Manager ag.; Ms. Truedel

Marks, Human Resources Manager; Mr. Orin Barnwell, C h i e f E n g i n e e r, a n d Consultant; and Mr. John Domer, Chief Security Officer. Meanwhile, the union was represented by Ms. Karren Mapp, General Secretary ag.; Mr. Bernard Crawford, General President ag.; and Ms. Whitney G r a h a m , J u n i o r Vi c e President.

Friday November 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Friday November 12, 2021

Friday November 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Friday November 12, 2021

Labourer in search of job in rickety boat found dead in river

L

abourer in search of job in rickety boat found dead in

river A 54-year-old labourer, Jamieson De Abreu, called “Major” who had left his home on Monday at Maria Henrietta, Region 10, on a hunt for work was found dead floating in the Berbice River two days later.

De Abreu's decomposing remains were found around 08:00hrs on Wednesday close to a small village called Wiruni in the Berbice River.

He was last seen alive leaving the Maria Henrietta landing on Monday sometime after 06:05hrs paddling downriver in a small dilapidated wooden boat.

Kaieteur News understands that the man had left his home that morning in search for work.

According to the Toshao of Maria Henrietta, Denzel Hartman, De Abreu had moved to the village some two years ago and lived alone in a small wooden house. He did a number of jobs, such as farming, land clearing, construction or any job he could find.

Kaieteur was told that before heading to do his job hunting that morning, he stopped at a shop and credited two cigarettes. He reportedly gave the shop-owner three peppers for the favour and assured her that he will return to pay but he never did.

Realising that it was unlike De Abreu not returning home his neighbours raised an alarm and a search party was launched but they never found him.

However, on Wednesday someone traversing the river noticed a corpse floating in the river.

Police were alerted and it was retrieved and identified to be that of the missing labourer De Abreu. Police reported that no marks of violence were seen on his body except for suspected fish bites to the face and upper part of the body.

His body is currently at the Kwakwani Regional Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.

Friday November 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Investment in primary health care urgently needed to ensure COVID-19 recovery in the Americas W

ith countries in the Americas reporting severe disruptions in essential primary health care services, urgent investment is key to improving health systems continuously weakened by the pandemic, said Pan American Health O r g a n i z a t i o n ( PA H O ) Director Carissa F. Etienne. “ C h r o n i c underinvestment has made the Americas vulnerable to

COVID-19,” Dr. Etienne said on Wednesday in a media briefing on COVID19. With cases rising in some parts of the region following a two-month decline, it is vital that countries remain vigilant and prioritize public spending in heath so that no one is left behind.

“Few countries invest as much public spending in their health services as they should, leaving them prone to shortages in health personnel

Sales clerk held at gunpoint during robbery at JohnnyP Supermarket A 28-year-old sales representative of the Johnny P Supermarket was held at gunpoint during a robbery Tuesday night at the South Ruimveldt Park shopping c e n t r e .

The Kaieteur News understands that two cashiers, ages twenty-eight and twenty-six were on duty at the Supermarket during the t i m e o f t h e r o b b e r y.

It was alleged that the twenty-eight year old stepped out of the supermarket's Western Union office, leaving the door open, and preceded to the front of the supermarket to conduct a transaction for a customer.

Upon his return, he was confronted by one of the suspects who was armed with

a handgun, and held him at gunpoint. The suspect then ordered the 28-year-old to hand over his articles. This include an iPhone 11 valued at $180,000 and a gold ring v a l u e d $ 11 2 , 0 0 0 a n d additionally one HP laptop valued at $75,000, property of his 26-year-old co-worker.

The victims were then ordered to lay on the ground as the suspect made good his escape with the above mentioned items and an undisclosed amount of cash which belongs to the establishment. He was then joined by his partner in crime who was waiting outside for him. They escaped on a motorcycle which was parked in front of the s u p e r m a r k e t .

and essential supplies.” With the pandemic siphoning off financial and human resources, many countries have reported interruptions in vital areas, such as routine immunization programs, support for chronic conditions and mental and reproductive health services.

Despite these disruptions, public investment in health has risen in many countries to ramp up ICU capacity, increase hospital services, and deploy COVID-19 vaccines. But these increases cannot be a short-term trend, the Director said.

All countries should increase public expenditures in their health systems to the recommended 6% of national GDP or higher and should ensure that 30% of this

funding goes to first level care.

“Primary care, as you have heard us say over and over again, is the backbone of our health systems,” Dr. Etienne said, and more important than ever. “It's at the primary care level that COVID-19 testing, contact tracking and tracing and immunizations take place.”

As economies remain strained, countries face difficult choices about how to spend limited funds. “We cannot forget that health is an investment, not an expense,” the Director said. “As we learned with COVID-19, health is at the core of vibrant societies.

It keeps people working, kids in schools, companies productive and economies

growing.”

And with financial institutions making loans available and donors pledging support, there has never been a better time for countries to take advantage of these resources to maximize public investment in health” Dr. Etienne said.

Turning to the COVID-19 situation in the region, Dr. Etienne said that in the past week, countries reported 700,000 new COVID-19 infections and 13,000 deaths.

Several countries, including parts of Colombia and Bolivia and the Southern Cone countries, are seeing upward trends after relaxing public health measures. In the Caribbean, Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico have reported a drop in new

infections while cases are rising in the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.

High numbers of cases are also being seen in the Cayman Islands and Dominica.

Va c c i n a t i o n r a t e s , however, continue to pick up pace, reaching an overall coverage of 48% in Latin America and the Caribbean.

PAHO continues to work with manufacturers to secure additional doses, the Director added.

The organization has signed supply agreements with three manufacturers of W H O E m e rg e n c y U s e Listing (EUL) vaccines and is in final negotiations with a fourth supplier of mRNA vaccines.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Friday November 12, 2021

Fly-by-night company wins $346M contract to build primary school ...owners known for promoting football, Disc Jockeying

P

opular Disc J o c k e y , Entertainer turned radio and television station owner, Kerwin Bollers has now ventured into the construction industry along with famed local football promoter, Shanghai Major.

Under the auspices of Statement Investment Inc., DJ Rawl Ferguson on Tuesday signed the contract for the construction of a $346M school at Bamia, Region 10.

Football promoter, Shanghai Major also listed as one of the company's principals for that new construction company.

That contract was signed at the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. Minister Dharamlall at the time of the signing said that the project is expected to be completed within 20 months.

Dharamlall had also indicated that an engineering firm would be contracted

during the course of the construction.

Regional Executive Officer, D ight John, who inked the contract w on behalf of the Region pointed to the need for a school in the locale considering the expanded housing drive.

According to Reports, Substantive Minister, Nigel Dharamlall, during the signing ceremony said such initiatives are critical within the region, as it paves the way for development.

“This area is very important in the development scope of our country because of its magnitude and because of its potential,” he noted. The school is expected to be ready for opening in 2024.

Minister Dharamlall urged the contractor to utilise labour from within the community as it will create employment for persons there. “Part of the vision of His Excellency is to ensure

that whatever resources we place into different regions, that employment creation is one of those outcomes, as well as wealth generation.

So, this is not an investment in a school alone, but it is also an investment in the wider economy of Region 10.”

The bids were opened by the Nati nal Procurement and Tender oAdministration Board (NPTAB) in July of this year, at which four companies made submissions. This publication understands that the company that has secured the contract was incorporated just over a month ago.

Meanwhile, on Thursday this newspaper reported a statement by Region 10 Chairman Deron Adams criticising the award of the contract, to the unknown builders, which was done at the level of the National

Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall, addressing the contract awardees on Monday (DPI photo) Procurement and Tender Administration Board. It was reported that four companies submitted bids for the contract.

Adams said the Regional Democratic Council's Public Works Committee will be closely monitoring the 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, 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 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 that the project

was conceptualised in 2017 but because of logistical issues, an award was never made. Instead, the funds budgeted were used to construct the Christianburg Primary 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.

Friday Friday November October 29,12, 2021 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

Toshaos begging for increase on $30k stipend

Indigenous leaders are calling for an increase in their stipend .

...Shuman , other leaders says they should be paid a salary like ministers

By Devina Bagot “It is unfortunate that we are in this state as a country where Toshaos leaders are not being paid equal to their responsibilities, although there has been a consistent and continuous call by myself and others to ensure that that does not remain.”

This is the position of Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Lennox Shuman.

His comments came on the heels of a letter to this newspaper by Village Toshao Vivian Edwards.

In a letter to Kaieteur News, the Toshao said: “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 g o e s o n . T h e Vi l l a g e 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”.

He added that these Amerindian Village Leaders should be treated with more respect as $30,000 per month does not suffice to pay expenses and put food on the table throughout the month.

“The duties and responsibilities of a community leader are 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,” the Toshao argued.

The Village leader said that an increase to match Public Servants minimum wage would be appreciated.

“The festive season is upon us and just imagine our Toshaos spending thirty thousand dollar to meet the needs of their families,” she concluded.

A n o t h e r To s h a o , Bradford Allicock of Fairview, Region Nine said that the issue of an increase to the current stipend was only recently discussed when the Toshaos in the

Region met for a Regional Conference. In fact, a proposal along this line was shared with the Government with no response to date, he said.

“The last time the stipend was increased was under the previous administration. A lot of Toshaos asked the question because indeed we're looking forward to an increase in our stipend cause as Toshaos a lot of work we would have to do and we have to just stick at one job as a Toshao, because the (Amerindian) Act says that we should not have more (Continued on page 22)

Former Toshao and current Deputy Speaker, Lenox Shuman

PAGE 22 WANTED

FOR RENT Office space for rent,air conditioned,water & wifi, East North Cummingsburg $100,000 per month.Tel:2236218,226-5546.

SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES,AIR CONDITIONER, WASHING MACHINE, FREEZER,SALE OF AC'S. TEL#629-4946, 2254822.

3 bedrooms bottom flat, Located Peter Rose St Queenstown $150,000 per month.Tel:223-6218,2265546.

Bond Space,900 sq ft,2 office space,spacious parking Eccles.Tel:223-6218,2265546.

Unfurnished 2 bedrooms apt, Mon Repos $100,000 per month.Tel:223-6218,2265546.

Live stock experience person with small family to live in Ya r o k a b r a , m o n t h l y $100,000.Call:675-0587/2259304.

One housekeeper to work 3 days per week age 40-55 yrs.Must be able to speak spanish and english,6248591.

One handyman age 20-45 yrs.To work at Old Road Land of Canaan,salary per month $65000.Tel:6248591,655-7405.

1 domestic maid.Call between 9AM-5PM.Tel:2265793.

Heavy machinery,truck drivers and housekeeper needed.

Call:680-9125.

Cashier and operator to work at ice house.Call:223-7165.

4 bedrooms self-contained house,Farm EBD $4,000 USD per month.Tel:223-6218,2265546.

FOR SALE Transported house lots for sale.Gated community,4Mil per lot.Call:671-9015/6221957.

1 43 ft boat with 500lb 2 3/4 bangamary seine + 600lb ice box $3.1 neg.Call:698-3206.

Pure breed Rotweiler (male) fully vaccinated.Call:6983206.

4 bedrooms self-contained house,Atlantic Garden $4,000 USD per month. Tel:2236218,226-5546.

Commercial building ground floor 32x41 ft,Carmichael St $300,000 per month.Tel:2236218,226-5546.

1 bedroom apartment, topflat situated in La Penitence preferably single or working couple.Call:225-5796.

3bedroomshouse, Queenstown $170,000 per month.Tel:223-6218,2265546.

FOR RENT

Fully furnished self-contained bedrooms house, Bougainvillea EBD $3,000 USD.Tel:223-6218,226-5546.

1 bedroom apartment to rent in Blygezight Gardens.Fully grilled air conditioning & free wifi.Contact 673-3100.

Fully furnished house 3 bedrooms.Price $5,000 USD, Located Atlantic Gaden.

Tel:223-6218,226-5546.

Semi furnished 2 bedrooms upper apartment.Price $1,200 USD,LocatedPrashad Nagar.Tel:223-6218,2265546.

Fully furnished 3 bedrooms house.Price $4,000 USD, Located Richmond Hill, P r o v i d e n c e . Te l : 2 2 3 6218,226-5546.

Fully furnished 3 bedrooms house.Spacious parking Windsor Estate $4,500 USD.Tel:223-6218,226-5546.

Fully furnished 6 bedrooms house AC, hot & cold bath ,backup generator, Eccles NewScheme$3,500 USD. Tel:223-6218,226-5546.

Fully furnished 3 bedrooms house,Republic Gardens $3,000 USD.Tel:223-6218,2265546.

Friday November 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

VACANCY 2 web developers/IT Technician. 5 CXC,2 yrs experience, computer literate & Driven.

Call:643-1429,600-8457, email:mariobraam.jc.coo @gmail.com.

Exist for Security Officers, Male & Female. 18yrs & above. Contact: 223-4172/ 632-0099 Immediate vacancy exists for One female cashier to work@Del Ice Co.Call:6429191,231-1408 between 8AM-1PM. Pump Attendant/Cashier, shifts (6AM-2PM & 2PM10PM).ShellStation ProvidenceE.B.D, email: Shellramsburg@gmail.com.

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

WANTED Supervisor, Counter Clerk, Hymac & Diesel Mechanic to work in charity. Call: 2235273/688-0417.

1 able bodied driver, ages 25+. Must have truck license.

Ice Factory Mon Repos, Call: 220-3459, between 8-4.

One male able bodied clerk.

Call: 225-2313/226-1497.

1 living in general domestic cleaner.Contact 637-4605.

Waitress for bar.Call:6576547.

1 Mechanic with the knowledge of welding,driving would be an asset.Call:6189186/225-9304.

One female cook to work Iteballi landing & one for bush.Call:672-7275.

One landscaper to maintain playfield,operator John Deere.Tel:609-9310.

Vacancy for persons to assemble bicycles.Apply at Alabama Trading,65 Robb St Bourda.

Hiring professional certified Chef,Assistant cooks & Counterstaffs.Apply at Veronica's Snacknette,106 Brickdam 652-0451,651-1152.

One salesman,5 subject cxc.Experience in writing bills,stocktaking & cashing.

Keyfood Trading,Mc Doom village.

2 Hr Managers.Must have 5 CXC,2 yrs experience, computer literate & Driven.

Call:643-1429,600-8457,e mail: mariobraam. jc.coo @gmail.com.

1 maintenance.Must have 5 CXC,2 yrs experience, computer literate & Driven.

Call:643-1429,600-8457,e mail:mariobraam.jc.coo @gmail.com.

Exxon in talks with SBM to build From page 2 while the third development, Payara is well underway.

That oilfield will be produced using the FPSO—Prosperity—another of the production vessels that ExxonMobil had proceeded with constructing, even before receiving government’s approvals.

The company has in recent years been coming under increasing public scrutiny and receiving criticism over its high handed approach towards projects in Guyana with negotiations being done for project costs to be recovered through cost oil and for which the Guyanese authorities have little to no input.

This much is illustrated in the current situation where the company is already in talks with the Dutch Ship Builder even before it completes the public scoping exercises locally.

Exxon has said it sees potential for installing 10 FPSOs in its massive Stabroek oil block, which encompasses 6.6 million acres (27,000 square km) off Guyana’s coast.

The first six vessels are expected to bring the country’s daily production rate to some 1 million barrels of oil and gas per day (bpd) by 2027, consortium member Hess Corp, said last month.

Hess in its recent earnings call with shareholders had indicated that the first FPSO produced 124,000 bpd in the third quarter while the second floating platform that can produce 220,000 bpd arrived in October, with initial output due early next year.

SBM has already started building the third vessel for the Payara Field in the Keppel Shipyard, Singapore, with output from it expected in 2024. The fourth vessel is aimed at producing 250,000 bpd starting in 2025, pending government approval and project sanctioning, Hess VACANCY 4 Marketing Personnels.

Must have 5 CXC,2 yrs experience, computer literate & Driven.Call:643-1429,6008457, email: mariobraam. jc.coo @gmail.com.

1 Accountant.Must have 5 CXC,2 yrs experience, computer literate & Driven.

Call:643-1429,600-8457, email:mariobraam.jc.coo @gmail.com.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Complete Sawmill Operation, Yarakabra,Linden Highway.

Call:625-4393.

said.

According to reports, with the fifth FPSO, Exxon is expected to organize bids and open competition for contractors, welcoming new builders to one of the world’s largest offshore markets, one of the people familiar with the talks said.

Kaieteur News had reported that EEPGL, on behalf of itself and its co-venturers, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, is seeking an environmental authorisation from the EPA for its fourth project development in the eastern half of the Stabroek Block.

The area that will be developed as part of the project is located approximately 203 kilometres (approximately 126 miles) northeast of the coastline of Georgetown, Guyana.

As part of its regulatory role, the EPA, considering recommendations from the Environmental Advisory Board and other government entities, is responsible for deciding whether and under what conditions to grant EEPGL’s application for environmental authorisation which was filed with the EPA on April 1, 2021.

Based on an initial assessment of the application, the EPA determined that an EIA was required in support of the Application.

The purpose of the EIA is to provide the factual and technical basis required by the EPA to make an informed decision on EEPGL’s applica-

tion for environmental authorisation.

According to project documents, Yellowtail will consist of the drilling of approximately 41 to 67 development wells (including production, water injection, and gas re-injection wells); installation and operation of Subsea, Umbilicals, Risers, and Flowlines equipment; installation and operation of a Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel in the eastern half of the Stabroek Block; and— ultimately—project decommissioning.

EEPGL has said the FPSO will be designed to produce up to 250,000 barrels of oil per day.

Onshore logistical support facilities and marine/aviation services will be used to support each stage of the Project. EEPGL is expected to use proven and good international oilfield practices. The company said it has incorporated many embedded controls into the overall Project design to reduce environmental and socioeconomic impacts.

The initial production is expected to begin by the end of 2025–early 2026, with operations continuing for at least 20 years. The project is expected to employ up to 540 persons during development well drilling, approximately 600 persons at the peak of the installation stage, and 100 to 140 persons during production operations.

Toshaos begging for increase on...

From page 11 jobs as a Toshao.

The cost of living is high, so waiting to collect $30,000 a month and if you have a large family, that would not be able to cover all of the expenses especially with children attending school and so on,” he explained.

The more than 40 Toshaos in the Region had joined in the call for the monthly allocations to be increased, Allicock said.

Meanwhile, Shuman himself a former Toshao shared that he supports the call for more resources to be made available to Amerindian Village Leaders to enable them to better function in their capacity.

According to Shuman, “I think it is unfortunate that we are in this state as a country where Toshaos are leaders and they are not being paid equal to their responsibilities, although there has been a consistent and continuous call by myself and others to

ensure that that does not remain”.

In fact, the Deputy Speaker said Toshaos' stipend should be equivalent to a Minister's salary.

“I strongly believe that each Toshao should be paid what the ministers are being paid.

When you look at them they are the councilors, they are the village leaders, they are the Mayors, they are the family that everyone goes to for help and I think they should be paid equal to a Minister.”Similarly, Shuman said he shares the view that Executives of the NTC should be treated with equal importance and be given certain privileges, including a place to stay and a vehicle and driver for required visits to the Capital City.

The Toshaos Council presently has a 114 member body. It would cost the Government just under $8million, on a monthly basis, to increase the Toshaos allowance to the $70,000 minimum wage.

Efforts to contact the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai were futile.

The Minister's staff only related that the Minister was busy and other staff would return a call.

Friday November 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

New school in Region 8 to cost $45M The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) on Thursday opened bids for three governmental projects at their Ministry of Finance office.

One notable project is that of the construction of a new primary school at Kanapang, in Region Eight- a project which falls under the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. The construction of the new school is pegged at some $45,840,095, according to the engineer's estimate.Kanapang is a small Amerindian Village located in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) which is home to about 200 persons. The small village borders that of neighbouring Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development – Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) Construction of Primary School at Kanapang Village located in Region Eight.

Guyana Defence Force Supply and delivery of Electrical cables.

Guyana Energy Agency Design, supply and installation of transmission lines to accommodate the solar PV plants at Bartica and Lethem in 2 Lots.

Bandit beat, rob Super-bet cashier An 18-year-old man who is employed as a cashier at the Papie Superbet shop in Tuschen, Public Road, East Bank Essequibo, was assaulted during a robbery while he was closing up the facility Tuesday night.

The incident occurred around 21:00 hours. The victim was closing the shop when a man approached him.

D u r i n g t h e confrontation the suspect drew a knife from his waist and dealt the teen several lashes about his body, after

which he slammed him against a wall.

The suspect then made his way over to the cashier area and grabbed a total of $367, 000 cash from a box.

Subsequently he made good his escape on foot.

An alarm was then raised and the police were summoned.

The cashier was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty, who treated the injuries he suffered to his right side jaw and sent him away.

Thieves take up...

From page 16 the grill-work protecting the kitchen window situated on the rear western side of the home before prying it open.

Kaieteur News visited the scene and observed that the entire bottom and top flats were ransacked. It was observed too that a door leading to the top flat had been pried open also.

Kaieteur News understands too that this is not first time that the owners had their home burglarised.

Back in August there was a similar occurrence.

Anyone who has information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect/s, are asked to contact the family on 624-1021, 683 3795 or the nearest police station.

Brazil. Kaieteur News understands that the community currently has only one learning institution which houses both nursery and primary school students. This wooden-structure which has been erected for over 15 years now, is currently in a dilapidated condition. Other projects for which bids were

- engineer's estimate

opened yesterday are the supply and delivery of electrical cables for the Guyana Defence Force and supply and installation of transmission lines for solar plants at Bartica and Lethem.

Below are the company and their bids:

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Friday November 12, 2021

Inside the ransacked home.

The mattress that was removed from one of the rooms.

The couple's home located at Henrietta, Essequibo, Region Two.

Thieves take up residence in home of couple on vacation T hieves have not only burglarised the Henrietta Essequibo, Region Two home of a couple on vacation but also reportedly taken up residence there in the nights.

Kaieteur News was told that since the couple, a businesswoman, Farida Khan and her husband left the area to travel abroad, their two storey concrete home has become a primary target for criminal elements in the Anna Regina Community and has been burglarised several times in

t h e l a s t t w o months.According to reports reaching this newspaper, the house was discovered burglarised on Wednesday around 08:30hrs by the caretaker who was left in charge. The caretaker said that he does not know when the break-in occurred but residents hinted that the home was targeted multiple times in the last two months.

Sources close to the investigations said that apart from ransacking the house a n d c a r t i n g o ff w i t h valuables, such as a weeding machine, electrical items

and construction tools, they believe that the perpetrator/s had even occupied the home for a period of time.

Investigators noted that there were bottles of liquor throughout the home along with cigarette butts. A mattress was even removed from one of the rooms in the house and placed on the floor in a secluded area in the home which suggests that the burglar(s) were using it to sleep.

This publication was told thieves gained entry to the home, by tampering with (Continued on page 23)

Friday November 12, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 25

COP 26 Climate Change commitments ‘far from enough' Un Secretary General, Antonio Guterres

…every country, city, company must radically reduce emissions now - UN SG As climate talks wrap up in Glasgow, Scotland with regards concrete measures to stem the effects of climate change and mitigation and adaption efforts, United Nation's Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, warns that the pledges made thus far by countries are 'far from enough'.

The Secretary General sentiments come on the heels of the previous day's announcement of a USChina cooperation agreement — “that I consider an important step in the right direction.”

To this end, he cautioned however, “promises ring hollow when the fossil fuels industry still receives trillions in subsidies, as measured by the IMF (International Monetary Fund).

Speaking to the closing

of the 26th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), sponsored Conference of Parties (COP26), Guterres noted that the confab underscores a core truth: “The climate action struggle requires all hands on deck. It is everyone's responsibility.”

To this end Guterres expressed optimism saying, “I am inspired by the mobilization of civil society; by the moral voice of young people keeping our feet to the fire; by the dynamism and example of indigenous communities; by the tireless engagement of women's groups; by the action of more and more cities around the world; by a growing consciousness as the private sector aligns balance sheets and investment decisions around net zero.”

He was adamant however, that “Governments need to pick up the pace and show the necessary ambition on mitigation, adaptation and finance in a balanced way.”

According to Guterres, “We cannot settle for the l o w e s t c o m m o n denominator; we know what must be done. Keeping the 1.5 goal within reach means reducing emissions globally by 45 per cent by 2030.”

He noted however, the present set of Nationally D e t e r m i n e d Contributions—even if fully implemented—will still increase emissions by 2030.

According to the latest joint analysis of the Nationally Determined Contributions by UNEP and UNFCCC, we remain on a catastrophic temperature rise track well above 2 degrees

Celsius.

As such, Guterres was adamant, “net-zero pledges require rapid, sustained emission cuts this decade.”

The Un Secretary General was unwavering, in his adumbration that every country, every city, every company, every financial institution “must radically, credibly and verifiably reduce their emissions and decarbonize their portfolios starting now.”

Last week, a number of countries committed to working collectively to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030.

More than 1,000 cities around the world have committed to reaching net zero by 2050 or earlier -sometimes far earlier.

It was noted too that the G20—including the three l a r g e s t p u b l i c

financiers–have committed to ending overseas coal financing.

To this end Guterres reiterated, “that is why I have been calling for the formation of coalitions of countries, international financial institutions and private finance – as well as renewable energy companies – to support this momentous shift and to organize coalitions in support of specific countries that need to speed up their energy transition.”

He observed that some 30 Member States and regional development banks have pledged immediate support for the clean energy transition in countries and “I urge more financial

institutions and investors to follow suit.”

To this end, Guterres noted that “the announcements here in Glasgow are encouraging – but they are far from enough; the emissions gap remains a devastating threat; the finance and adaptation gap represent a glaring injustice for the developing world.”

As such, Guterres was adamant, “we need even more ambition in future revised Nationally Determined Contributions.

We need pledges to be implemented, we need commitments to turn concrete, we need actions to be verified, we need to bridge the deep and real credibility gap.”

PAGE 26

Kaieteur News

Friday November 12, 2021

Friday November 12, 2021

Hayley Matthews’ all-round show gives West Indies series win ESPNcricinfo KARACHI, Pakistan Hayley Matthews’ all-round show gave West Indies Women an unassailable 2-0 lead as the visitors beat Pakistan Women by 37 runs in the second ODI in Karachi.

Chasing 154, Pakistan were 111 for 5 at one stage but lost their last five wickets for just five runs, to be bowled out in 39.2 overs.

Matthews was the most successful bowler for West Indies, picking up 4 for 26 with her offspin.

Like in the first ODI, Pakistan opted to field after winning the toss. Unlike in the first ODI though, the decision seemed to work in their favour as medium-pacer Fatima Sana dismissed Rashada Williams and Kyshona Knight cheaply to have West Indies 31 for 2 in the 12th over.

Deandra Dottin and

captain Stafanie Taylor tried to stabilise the innings by adding 33 for the t h i r d wicket before Dottin was r u n o u t f o r 3 4 . Ta y l o r, Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle all scored useful 20s but none of them could reach 30 as the Pakistan bowlers kept striking at regular intervals.

Omaima Sohail and Anam Amin took care of the lower order as West Indies slipped from 143 for 5 to 153 all out, with Kycia Knight retiring hurt for 19.

Muneeba Ali and Sidra Ameen started the chase in a sedate manner; at the end of the powerplay, Pakistan were 24 for no loss. However, they could add only three more before Shakera Selman had Muneeba caught behind in the 13th over. Ameen fell soon after, lbw to Matthews for 11, leaving Pakistan 39 for 2.

Javeria Khan and Sohail

took the side past 50 before the former was run out for 24.

In the next over, Matthews removed Iram Javed to make it 75 for 4. And when Anisa Mohammed sent back Aliya Riaz, all Pakistan’s hopes hinged on Sohail.

Sohail found an ally in Sana and the two added 31 for the sixth wicket. They had brought it down to 43 required from 56 balls when Matthews castled Sana for her third wicket.

From the other end, Shamilia Connell bowled both Sohail and Nashra Sandhu in the space of three balls to all but seal the game.

Scores: West Indies Women 153 (Dottin 34, Matthews 26, Fatima Sana 2-19, Amin 2-21, Sohail 225) beat Pakistan Women 116 (Sohail 27, Javeria 24, Matthews 4-26, Connell 3-18).

Friday November 12, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Communication with your romantic partner could be more psychic than verbal today, although the conversation should be heartfelt.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Good news may come today. Whatever it is should make you very happy and cause you to be too hyper to sit still.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Ideas for creative projects that might earn more money could buzz through your mind. There might be so many that you have to scramble to write them down so you don't forget any.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your imagination might soar into the wild blue yonder today. You may envision wonderful new plans for your future.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Romance is at the top of your priority list today. A deep conversation may take place with your partner, perhaps to sort out your feelings about the relationship.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Young visitors bring out the best in you today. Have you prepared some delicious food for your guests?

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today an organization dedicated to spiritual pursuits may open its doors in your neighborhood. This might be of special interest to you and your partner.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today you need to address financial issues. You may have to find a bit of extra money in your bank account or budget. Chances are this isn't a large sum, but enough to make a difference to you now.

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your mind could be of service to others today. You've been doing very well for yourself, and you're thinking in terms of sharing your good fortune somehow.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Career matters are probably going well for you, but you might be unsure if you want to continue along this track.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Are you planning to attend a lecture or workshop? This is a good day for it. Your mind and emotions are working together to bring insights your way.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Inspiration and insights that come through dreams could give you the boost you need to get your career on track. You may have been kicking different ideas around for a while, but what you realize today could motivate you to act.

Virat Kohli: India man arrested over rape threats to cricketer’s daughter BBC News - A man has been arrested for allegedly threatening to rape the 10month-old daughter of Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli after the team’s dismal performance in the T20 World Cup. He was arrested in the southern city of Hyderabad on Wednesday.

The Indian team has faced a deluge of online abuse after losing back-to-back matches in the ongoing tournament.

The trolling appears to have begun after India’s loss to arch-rival Pakistan.

It was the first time India lost a match to Pakistan in a World Cup. After entering as clear favourites to lift the trophy, the Indian team crashed out of the tournament, sparking shock and anger among fans back home. Relations between India and Pakistan have always been frosty and a cricket match often sparks tensions.

Soon after the game against Pakistan ended, Mohammed Shami, the only Muslim in the Indian cricket team, was bitterly trolled and abused online. Some social media users even accused him of deliberately giving runs to the Pakistani team and labelled him a traitor.

Kohli was attacked after he spoke out against the incessant trolling of Shami -

GFF expands COVID-19...

From page 28 Centre - 9am to 3pm The expansion of the vaccination programme builds on clinics held last weekend at the GFF National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara and in Linden.

“We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the public, the football community, the Government of Guyana and our frontline health workers for the incredible support they have shown for this crucial vaccination campaign so far,” said GFF President Wayne Forde.

“Everyone who wants to take part in our year-end festival of football, including players, match officials, staff, coaches, fans and vendors, must be able to show proof of vaccination to access these competitions,” Forde said.

“As such, we kindly urge our entire community to get vaccinated, both to protect our loved ones and to help us safely deliver a memorable return to play for senior men’s and women’s football during this end of the year celebration.”

Virat Kohli and his team were viciously trolled after their shock defeat in the T20 World Cup he criticised “spineless people” on social media for attacking Shami over his religion, and said the Indian team stood “200%” behind Shami. His comments created a stir, and many irate fans directed angry messages at him and his wife, Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma.

Sharma has also been trolled in the past when some fans blamed her for the Indian

side’s disappointing performance.

Despite widespread trolling - especially against women, who have complained of receiving violent and graphic threats - arrests are rare.

Police said Wednesday’s arrest is part of an ongoing investigation in Mumbai city into several Twitter accounts that had allegedly made disparaging statements against Kohli and Sharma.

Kohli’s manager had filed a police complaint against the rape threat, posted from an anonymous handle. The Delhi Commission of Women had also sent a notice to the Delhi Police about the threat against the toddler.

According to local media reports, the 23-year-old man who was arrested is an engineer who lives in Hyderabad.

After screenshots of his alleged rape threat went viral on social media, he reportedly changed his name on Twitter to pose as a resident of Pakistan. An Indian factchecking website later identified him as Indian.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 28

Friday November 12, 2021

F1 is Brazil’s biggest event since pandemic hit

S

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, of The Netherlands, celebrates his win in the Formula One Mexico Grand Prix auto race at the Hermanos Rodriguez racetrack in Mexico City, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021.

(Francisco Guasco, Pool Photo via AP)

AO PAULO (AP) — Organizers at Interlagos are aiming for a triumphant return to the Formula One circuit this weekend, with all 170,000 tickets sold for the three days of action.

Formula One cut Brazil from its 2020 calendar because of restrictions in place for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Race organizers and local authorities on Wednesday said the 2021 edition will be the biggest total attendance for an event in Brazil since the virus hit the nation.

The Sao Paulo Grand Prix, renamed for this year after a company tried to take the race back to Rio de Janeiro, was allowed to open for full capacity only weeks ago when the state government eased restrictions for November.

Brazil has reported more than 610,000 deaths from the coronavirus, but the rate has sharply reduced all over the country. More than 57% of its people aged 12 and over are now fully vaccinated. Those figures are at around 70% in Sao Paulo.

Ticket sales began in June, with every batch sold within

minutes. Prices ranged between 650 Brazilian reals ($100) and 12,800 Brazilian reals ($2,300).

“We will have a full home after a difficult year,” race organizer Alan Adler told a news conference. “We didn’t know whether we would have a Grand Prix, then whether we would have people attending, and today we are celebrating we will have 100% of our attendance.”

Interlagos will host the 19th of the 22 races of the season.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, the winner of the latest GP in Mexico, leads Mercedes driver and defending champion Lewis Hamilton in the championship by 19 points with four races left.

Verstappen won in Sao Paulo in 2019.

Mercedes now leads Red Bull by just one point in the constructors’ championship.

Fans at Interlagos will have to wear masks when they are not eating, show vaccination certificates and bring evidence of a negative test for coronavirus.

Many events in Brazil have shown multitudes of fans to largely ignore those protocols as soon as action begins.

“We are ready to take 20%

more attendance in comparison with 2019, so we added to our structures,” Adler said, crediting the success in attendance to younger fans.

“Previously, parents dragged their children to the race here.

Now it is seems to be children taking their parents to Interlagos,” he said.

Many analysts expected Formula One to lose some interest in Brazil due to the absence of local drivers on the grid and a move that took the series off the screen of Brazil’s popular TV Globo. But organizers said that did not materialize; there are only a few VIP seats on sale for Sunday’s race.

Interlagos will also have the extra ingredient of holding the season’s third qualifying sprint race on Saturday. The two previous qualifying sprint races were held at Silverstone and Monza.

The grid for the Sao Paulo GP will be determined by the result of Saturday’s race instead of the traditional timed lap qualifying format, which will take place on Friday instead to set the positions for the sprint race.

GFF expands COVID-19 vaccination drive in preparation for year end festival

Georgetown: The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will accelerate its nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive tomorrow, Saturday, as the football community continues to join forces with national health authorities to protect players, match officials, coaches, staff and fans in the run-up to the hotlyanticipated year-end football bonanza.

The GFF has slated three tournaments for its COVIDsecure “return to play” schedule to mark the resumption of senior competitive football during

the Christmas holiday season: the GFF-Kashif & Shanghai Super 16 Cup, the GFF Women’s Super 16 Cup, and the GFF Futsal Championship Cup. All competition participants and fans will be required to show official proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to access all tournament venues.

On Saturday, November 13, players, match officials, coaches, staff and fans will be able to attend Ministry of Health Emergency Operations Centre vaccination sites in Berbice, Linden and West Coast

Demerara, as follows: Berbice Football Association New Amsterdam Scotts School Ground 10am to 3pm Corriverton Springlands - FACT Pavement - 10am to 3pm West Coast Demerara Football Association No. 5 Village No. 5 Ground - 10am to 3pm Upper Demerara Football Association Linden Egbert Benjamin Exhibition and Conference (Continued on page 25)

Kaieteur News

Friday November 12, 2021

PAGE 29

GSCL Inc Prime Minister’s T20 Cup bowls off today

By Zaheer Mohamed The fifth edition of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc Prime M i n i s t e r ’s T 2 0 C u p commences today at several venues in Demerara.

The tournament will be played in three categories Open, Masters over-45 and Legends over-50.

Six teams will contest the open division, six teams will battle in the over-45 segment

and eight teams will face off in the over-50 category.

The teams have been divided into two groups in each category, and the top two teams from each group will go through to the semi finals.

Regal Legends are the defending champions in the over-50 category and will be looking to add to their trophy cabinet. Although they possess a formidable lineup,

t h e y c a n e x p e c t s t i ff competition from the likes of Floodlights, Wellman and NY Hustlers in the group stage. Orlando Legends, NYSCL Legends, Rockaway and Carpet Doctors will contest group B in this category. Mahendra Hardyal will lead Regal Legends which include Eon Abel, Rudolph Baker, Eric Thomas and Unnis Yusuf.

Among other players

...Guyana men’s team to participate From page 33 received formal confirmation from the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Americas that Guyana’s men’s team have gained qualification to the Pan American table tennis championships after being initially listed as the first reserve team while the Women’s team were selected to participate in the championships based on their world rank position.

A correspondence from the GTTA noted that both teams’ qualification is a significant feat for table tennis in Guyana since it positions the nations among the top teams in the region.

The men’s team comprises of current national champion Christopher Franklin, Caribbean men’s bronze medalist Shemar Britton, Joel Alleyne and Nigel Anthony Bryan.

Based on the new ITTF world ranking systems, which is geared towards encouraging participation in ITTF events, players are now awarded participation points

for playing ITTF rank competitions whereas the old system required wining and advancement in draws of a competition for players to receive world ranking points.

With the restart of competitions occurring globally in Table Tennis and world ranking becoming a major factor in determining qualification for key events given the Covid-9 pandemic, it has become important that the GTTA to have players participate in key competitions and training camps.

The Pan American championships will be used to select the teams for the World Table Tennis championships in Chengdu, China in March, 2022.

The team led by National Champion and Captain Christopher Franklin departs on the 12th November The women’s team who qualified for the championships based on their world rank will not be participating in the competition due to some reasons beyond control.

- Trophy Stall onboard expected to be on show in this segment are Anil Beharry, Rickey Deonarain, Mike Singh, Wayne Jones and Lloyd Ruplall.

Fisherman Masters are the defending champions in the over-45 segment and they have echoed confidence of retaining their title. They will battle in the group stage against Success, Essequibo and Regal Masters. NY Doctors and Ariel Masters will also compete in this category.

Fisherman team consist Zameer Hassan, Ramo Malone, Dennis Mangroo, Jagdesh Persaud, Robert Mohan and Bhim George.

Some other players set to be on show in this category are Mohendra Arjune, Saheed Mohamed, Roy Persaud, Sheldon Perch, Mark Fung, Keith Fraser, Tyrone Sanasie and Khemchand Dindyal.

Defending open champion Speedboat will once again be looking to prove their worth in this division; however they can expect challenges from the likes Success, Airport and Ariel. Name Brand and Regal are the other teams in this division.

Speedboat comprise of Greg Singh,

Wazeer Hussain, Shazim Hussain, Lennox Marks, Safraz Esau and Beepaul Bandoo.

Among other players expected to be on show in this division are Anand Bharat, Ameer Khan, Sachin Ramsarran and Reyaz Esau.

Meanwhile, Trophy Stall has thrown their support behind the tournament which will culminate on Sunday at the National Stadium.

At a simple ceremony held yesterday at their South Road location, the entity presented the trophies to the President of the GSCL Inc Ian John. John stated that over $1M in prizes are to be won and the tournament has attracted a number of overseas teams which will add to its enthusiasm.

He added that they have been given approval for 40% capacity crowd during the finals and noted that all covid guidelines will be observed.

John informed that fans entering any venue during the competition will have to show their vaccination cards.

The other sponsors are Banks DIH, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Elegant Jewellery and Pawn Shop, It’s our life ARD Youtuber, Crown Mining, Dinar Trading, D y n a ’s E m b r o i d e r y, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Permaul’s Trading, Rajiv Ghandi University, P and P Insurance, Star Party Rentals, Lucky Star Boutique, Price Chopper Store and Associate Packers.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Friday November 12, 2021

NBA roundup: Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins stars in win over Wolves Reuters - Andrew Wiggins scorched his old team for a season-high 35 points Wednesday night as the Golden State Warriors overcame a career-best 48point performance by the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards for a 123110 victory at San Francisco.

Stephen Curry chipped in with 25 points for the Warriors, who won a sixth straight despite losing Draymond Green for the rest of the game in the third quarter with a bruised right thigh.

D’Angelo Russell, playing for the first time in the Bay Area since the Warriors traded him for a package that included Wiggins in February 2020, had 18 points for the Timberwolves, who lost their sixth in a row.

Thanks in large part to Wiggins’ 22 points in the first half, the Warriors led most of the way, including

by as many as 20 late in the second quarter and early in the third.

Lakers 120, Heat 117 (OT) Malik Monk scored five of his season-best 27 points in overtime to help Los Angeles post a victory over visiting Miami.

Russell Westbrook had 25 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds for his 187th career triple-double and third for the Lakers. Anthony Davis registered 24 points and 13 rebounds and Avery Bradley made five 3-pointers while scoring 17 points for Los Angeles.

Bam Adebayo had 28 points, 10 rebounds and six steals for the Heat, who lost their second straight game.

Tyler Herro scored 27 points and Kyle Lowry recorded 18 points and 11 assists. Miami star Jimmy Butler sustained a right ankle injury and didn’t play after scoring seven points in the first quarter.

Celtics 104, Raptors 88 Jayson Tatum finished with 22 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists as host Boston avenged an earlyseason blowout loss to Toronto.

Tatum was one of six scorers in double figures for the Celtics, who have won three of four. Dennis Schroder added 20 points, and Robert Williams added 16 points and 13 rebounds, including a career-high eight offensive boards.

Scottie Barnes had 21 points and seven rebounds for the Raptors. Fred VanVleet had 16 points and six assists, and OG Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. scored 14 apiece.

Wizards 97, Cavaliers 94 Kyle Kuzma drained a pair of 3-pointers late in the fourth quarter to fuel visiting Washington to a victory over Cleveland.

Montrezl Harrell recorded 24 points and 11

Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) shoots the basketball against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jarred Vanderbilt (8) during the first quarter at Chase Center. (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports) rebounds off the bench and Kuzma added 22 points to send the Wizards to their third straight win. Bradley Beal, who entered We d n e s d a y ’s c o n t e s t averaging a team-leading 24.2 points per game, was limited to just 13 following a disastrous 4-of-19 performance from the floor.

Ricky Rubio had 20 points off the bench and

Darius Garland and rookie Evan Mobley each scored 19 for the Cavaliers, who were denied their first five-game winning streak since March 28-April 5, 2018. Reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Week Jarrett Allen collected 13 points and 10 rebounds for his fifth straight double-double.

In other results: Bulls 117, Mavericks

107 Pistons 112, Rockets 104 Hornets 118, Grizzlies 108 Spurs 136, Kings 117 Nuggets 101, Pacers 98 Bucks 112, Knicks 100 Nets 123, Magic 90 Suns 119, Trail Blazers 109 Thunder 108, Pelicans 100 (Field Level Media)

Kaieteur News

Friday November 12, 2021

PAGE 31

Wade, Stoinis tee off at the close to put Australia in final ESPNcricinfo - Second night in a r o w, s e c o n d t o u r n a m e n t favourites - Pakistan this time - paid the price for conservative batting in the first innings and were consumed by the curse of the defence. They looked in much more control than England did in Abu Dhabi, with Australia needing 62 off the last five with just five wickets in hand. They had two batters, who had barely batted in the tournament, but Matthew Wade and Marcus Stoinis got the better of possibly the best attack of the tournament with clean hitting.

It will be tempting to paint Hasan Ali, whose 18th over went for 15 and who dropped Wade in the 19th before he unfurled a hat-trick of sixes, as the villain, but the match was lost when Pakistan scored just 71 in the first 10 overs on arguably the best batting track Dubai has rolled out all tournament.

They somehow got to 176 thanks to Fakhar Zaman’s 32-ball 55. Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan then kept Pakistan’s noses ahead - Shadab’s 4 for 26 are the best figures in a T20 World Cup semi-final - but Stoinis and Wade had the final say.

Babar, Rizwan get stuck Mohammad Rizwan was in the hospital till late Wednesday night, getting treated for flu-like illness.

He cleared the fitness test on match day, and there was no way Pakistan were splitting a successful opening partnership. Asked to bat first, the

Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman both struck fifties to power Pakistan © AFP/Getty Images questions for them was: do you go for a par score and ask your bowling to bail you out, or do you try to provide them some cushion?

Rizwan attacked almost everything. His approach was clear the moment they saw what a belter the pitch was. Babar Azam, though, failed to help his partner out.

Together they let Australia take out their fifth bowler’s quota for just 31 runs within the first 10 overs. Glenn Maxwell bowled an over to two right-hand batters with no boundary attempts. When Babar finally slogged Adam Zampa to be caught at long-on, Pakistan were 71 for 1, and had once again left themselves needing 120 off the last 10. At what is considered the best

time to bat in T20s, Babar scored at 114.7 per 100 balls.

No-balls help Pakistan out Backloading their best bowlers, Australia managed to put Rizwan and Zaman under immense pressure. Mitchell Starc conceded just three off the 13th. Zampa gave five in the 16th. Rizwan and Fakhar kept trying to hit, but nothing came off. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, though, ended up bowling two high full tosses which got deposited - with one of the free hits going for a six too. This was just the momentum Pakistan needed, reaching 158 for 2 in 18 overs.

Cummins sucks momentum out Cummins, though, bowled a

superb 19th over, with slower ones into the pitch, conceding just three runs and also taking out Asif Ali. The template was set for Starc in the 20th over, which gave him Shoaib Malik’s wicket and also just a single to Zaman. However, Starc went back to attempting yorkers in the end and conceded two sixes.

Boom boom Afridi First ball to a right-hand batter, and Afridi ripped off the front pad of Aaron Finch. It was plumb.

Second ball to a right-hand batter, Mitch Marsh had his toe taken off, only to survive an lbw on an umpire’s call. Australia 1 for 1 in 1.

Warner sets up the chase Given the kind of finish, it is easy to forget the man who set the chase up. David Warner was in sublime touch, hitting three sixes in his 30-ball 49, one of them an incredibly powerful hit off a ball almost rolling along the ground. He looked nothing like a batter who had just been left out by his IPL side, and Pakistan needed to get him out if they were hoping to compete.

Shadab keeps Pakistan in Shadab actually did nothing extraordinary. He bowled like he usually does. Good length, high pace, slight variations. Nor did the pitch do much for him. It is just that the batters kept attacking him, and they kept mis-hitting. Except for Warner, who walked when he thought he had nicked a slider that he actually hadn’t, Shadab had little agency over his other three wickets.

Marsh and Steven Smith slogged him to deep catching fielders, and Maxwell switch-hit for the same result. By the time Shadab was done, Australia needed 74 off the last seven overs.

The Stoinis-Wade finale Australia might have lost four extra wickets than Pakistan at this stage because of the risks they took, but they had 12 extra runs. Those 12 extra runs proved to be the difference in the end as Stoinis and Wade didn’t panic and finished the game off with one full over to spare, roughly worth 12 runs.

It wasn’t Hasan’s night, though.

With 62 required in five overs, he bowled a no-ball in the 16th over to give away 12. Then he went for 15 in the 18th, which can happen to any bowler when batters are swinging for the hills. In the 19th, 20 required off 10, Hasan over-ran a catch in the deep, possibly the first big error from Pakistan in the field.

What should have been 20 off nine with one bowler in was now 18 off nine. Wade then unleashed his pace hitting, pouncing on the small errors Afridi made in length. Two of the sixes were ramps, using Afridi’s high pace to his advantage. Rauf ended up not bowling 25% of his quota because Hasan was given the 18th. That was not the first mistake Babar made on the night.

Australia 177 for 5 (Warner 49, Wade 41*, Stoinis 40*, Shadab 426) beat Pakistan 176 for 4 (Rizwan 67, Zaman 55*, Starc 2-38) by five wickets.

Soccer Star Accused of Hiring Masked Men to Hammer Her Teammate With Metal Bars

D

aily Beast - Last week, two stars of French w o m e n ’ s soccer—Aminata Diallo and Kheira Hamraoui—were in

the same car traveling home from a team dinner when a group of men in ski masks dragged them both out of the vehicle and clobbered Hamraoui’s legs and hands

Aminata Diallo of Paris Saint-Germain has been arrested over a possible connection to a brutal attack on teammate Kheira Hamraoui. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier - PSG/PSG via Getty Images)

with metal bars.

With her teammate recovering from her injuries, Diallo took Hamraoui’s place in the Paris St.Germain starting lineup Tuesday night as they played against Real Madrid in a prestige Champions League match.

Diallo was arrested by Paris police as part of their investigation into the brutal attack on her teammate.

T h e s h o c k i n g development was announced in a statement from PSG, with France’s top team writing on Wednesday: “Paris Saint-Germain can confirm that Aminata Diallo was taken into custody this morning by the Versailles Regional Police Service as part of the proceedings opened following an attack on the Club’s players last Thursday evening.”

It added: “Paris SaintGermain condemns in the strongest possible terms the violence committed... Paris Saint-Germain is working with the Versailles Police to

clarify the facts. The Club is paying close attention to the progress of the proceedings and will study what action to take.”

France’s most respected sports newspaper, L’Equipe, reported that Diallo is suspected of playing a part in hiring two masked men to drag Hamraoui out of her car and attack her in an attempt to take her out of action. The two French national team players both play in midfield for PSG, and Diallo has effectively acted as Hamraoui’s understudy this season. On the night of the attack, Hamraoui had

reportedly accepted a ride home from Diallo after the team dinner. Diallo was said to be at the wheel when both women were pulled outside by the masked men, but Diallo was only restrained by them while Hamraoui was hammered with iron bars. The 31-year-old is still recovering from injuries to her legs and hands.

Diallo played in PSG’s 40 Champions League drubbing of Real Madrid on Tuesday, but Hamraoui missed the match due to her injuries. The two masked male attackers have yet to be tracked down by police.

Khiara Hamraoui after scoring for PSG during a preseason friendly in August 2021. (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

The news of the arrest immediately drew comparisons with the 1994 attack on American figure skater Nancy Kerrigan, who was struck on the knee in the women’s locker room of the U.S. Figure Skating National Championships in an assault planned by the ex-husband of rival Tonya Harding.

Harding has always denied being involved in the attack but pleaded guilty to hindering the prosecution of her ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly. The attack was the inspiration for the fictionalized 2017 biopic, I Tonya.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Friday November 12, 2021

Guyanese Lambert to officiate in NCAA conference finals What’s the excuse now Roger?

Letter to the Sports Editor

Dear Sir, Now that the West Indies team is out of the world cup, the naysayers had simply been proven right.

It will be interesting to hear what Chairman of selectors Roger Harper have to say about this recent debacle.

It all started with poor selection in the first place, the omission, retention and recall of players that in no right thinking country could been in that squad.

Pakistan immediately comes to mind.

With the installation of Ramiz Raja as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PTCCB) by no other that Prime Minister and former captain Imran Khan, he immediately set out to change the team selected, the results by Pakistan thus far

needs no mention, by dismantling the POWERHOUSE India, and winning every other game so far, is simply remarkable.

I remember seeing Ramiz Raja in 1988 at Bourda, bowled by Curtley Ambrose with his ninth delivery in test cricket.

He is as feisty an administrator, a player and a commentator, good signs for Pakistan cricket.

In contrast, Roger refused to correct the mistakes by the selectors after the likes of Romario Shepherd, who proved his all-round ability, Sherfane Rutherford, who was more than consistent and deserved selection, the obvious blunder to recall Ravi Rampaul and an out of sync Oshane Thomas is criminal.

He said, no matter the critics at that time, the team wouldn’t be changed.

I am making a personal appeal to President Skerritt and VP Shallow, dismantle this selection panel if they refuse to do the honorable thing, resign.

On this same note, bon voyage Christopher Henry Gayle, you have done us proud, hope to see you knighted sooner than later, best of luck DJ Bravo, a true stalwart of the game.

We need new vision, new direction and a comprehensive revamp of this team as we move forward.

Come on Roger, your slip is showing, resign and save this region further embarrassment.

Regards, Ronald Shepherd.

Lionel Messi set to play against Uruguay after injury

Argentina’s Lionel Messi.

(AFP/JUAN MABROMATA)

Argentina superstar Lionel Messi is set to make his return from injury in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, his coach Lionel Scaloni said yesterday.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner missed the last two matches with his club Paris SaintGermain due to knee and hamstring issues.

He had been expected to miss today’s crunch clash against neighbors Uruguay but now appears to be fit to play.

“Messi is in good shape and if that continues he will play,” said Scaloni.

“In principle, he’s available. If he’s in good shape you already know what I think about his game and his status in the team.

“We will take the final decision this (Thursday) afternoon.”

Argentina were due to train at their base on the outskirts of Buenos Aires on Thursday afternoon before traveling to Uruguay.

When Messi linked up with his national

team on Monday he was training apart but he joined his teammates on Wednesday.

“It’s easy to live with Messi, who always wants to play, because I also want him to always play,” said Scaloni.

Argentina sit second in the single South American World Cup qualifying table, six points behind runaway leaders Brazil but nine points ahead of Uruguay, the highest placed side outside the automatic qualification sports.

Scaloni’s team are on a 25-match unbeaten run and lifted the Copa America in July, beating Brazil 1-0 in the final at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracana stadium.

It was Messi’s first ever major title with his country having lost the 2014 World Cup final and three Copa America finals prior to that. Following their trip to Uruguay, Argentina will host Brazil in San Juan on Tuesday.

Kayode Lambert flanked by his assistants for a photo op before a game.

O

verseas based Guyanese football referee, Kayode Lambert, has been plying his trade in the United States where he now resides and his consistency and experience has now seen him being afforded the opportunity to officiate in today’s NCAA men’s East Conference finals that will see Tennesse Wesleyan University being pitted against Point University from 12:30hrs.

During an invited comment with Kaieteur

Sport, Lambert expressed great excitement to have this opportunity.

He shared that he has been officiating for over 18 years and at times, juggling both his professional life and refereeing become very hectic resulting in many opportunities being turned down in the past.

The 42-year-old referee credited his solid foundation gained in his formative days in Guyana which has helped him in many ways to fully understand the basics.

“My long term goal is to

help develop some referees back home. We (Guyana) are always in need of referees, I want to make contact with the Guyana Referees Association where I can create a software to help them track the performance of referees. I think Deion Inniss is still around that circle so I will make contact with him and show him my plans”, Lambert posited.

In conclusion he revealed that, “My humble foundation in church still keep me going, all praises to God.”

AIBA promotes equal opportunity at Men’s World Boxing Championships

A

IBA showcased its commitment t o e q u a l opportunity by providing support to 18 National Boxing Federations, as well as the first-ever Fair Chance Team, during the Men’s World Boxing Championships in Belgrade.

The 2021 AIBA Men’s W o r l d B o x i n g Championship, which finished on 6 November in Belgrade, Serbia, featured 88 AIBA National Federations.

The winners of each of the 13 weight classes benefitted from unprecedented prize money, with gold medallists earning $100 000 each, in addition to solid gold medals and champions’ belts.

In the build-up to and during the event, AIBA supported the National Boxing Federations from the following countries: Cameroon, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Georgia, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Nepal, Nicaragua, Palestine,

AIBA has promoted equal opportunity at its Men’s World Boxing Championships.

Puerto Rico, Tanzania, the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, and Venezuela. The support included helping cover travel and accommodation costs for the members of the teams. The same assistance was also given to the Fair Chance Team, which aims to support boxers who may not be in their native countries or may not be able to represent those countries due to humanitarian reasons.

Four medals were picked up by the countries that received AIBA support.

Sakhi Alakhverdovi and

Lasha Guruli from Georgia, Alexy De La Cruz Baez from the Dominican Republic and Paul Nigel from Trinidad and Tobago all won bronze medals. “I dedicate this medal to AIBA President Mr. Umar Kremlev who has always supported the Dominican Republic Boxing Federation, which allows us to do our job,” said bronze medallist Alexy De La Cruz Baez. “Thanks to him and his help, we managed to win this medal. Without his assistance, it would not have been possible. I dedicate this bronze medal to you, Mr. President.”

Kaieteur News

Friday November 12, 2021

Petterson-Griffith, Taharally headline Guyana team for FESUPO C/Ship in Ecuador

T

he Guyana a m a t e u r Powerlifting Federation has named their team for the Fiscalizado por la Federación Sudamericana de Powerlifting (FESUPO) scheduled for December 6 in Ecuador.

The team includes Carlos Petterson-Griffith, Nadina Taharally, Wasim Mohamed and Franklyn Brisport-Luke.

The full squad reads; Nadina Taharally 76 kg, MI – Classics; Franklyn BrisportLuke 66 kg MIIClassics/Suited; Nairanjan Singh 83 kg MIV – Equipped; Carlos Petterson-

Carlos Petteron - Griffith Griffith 93 kg Open Classics/Suited; Wasim Mohamed 93 kg Open – Classics; E. Gordon Spencer 93 kg MIII – Equipped; Roger Rogers 120 kg MII –

Nadina Taharally Classics; Gonsalves Romario 66Kg Open – Classics; Adams Paul 83 kg Open – Classics; Williams Bjorn 105 kg Open – Classics.

PAGE 33

Guyana men’s team to participate in PanamT/T C/Ships in Joel Alleyne (left) and Nigel Bryan will both be on team Guyana for the Panam Championships.

Lima, Peru The Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) has named their team for participation in the 2021

Senior Pan American Table Tennis championships that is scheduled to begin tomorrow and conclude on

the November 19th in Lima, Peru.

The GTTA recently (Continued on page 27)