K
AIETEUR NEWS
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
Guyana still to Monday Edition publicize all natural resources contracts November 16, 2020 - Vol. 13 No. 47
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Price $80
-despite mandated to do so
Online readership yesterday, 129,335
Exxon’s increased flaring takes Guyana to #5 in the world US$150M and counting CJIA renovation…
Action will be taken if
contractor fails to submit revised work plan again - Minister Edghill
Cops identify Int’l partners to CoI into 2020 streamline prime suspect help Elections vital to Guyana’s organ in security transplant transparency, of guard’s murder legislation law - US think tank
Risky gatherings can help - Emergency Medicine COVID-19 thrive Specialist warns - urges public to adhere to simple but effective precautions Have you missed yesterday's edition of The Glenn Lall Show? Tune into Kaieteur Radio at 11:00 am for a rebroadcast
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Kaieteur News
Monday November 16, 2020
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
Was this country governing itself? The opposition ran Guyana for five years. It had access to every sheet of paper involving the business of this country. And particularly with our oil, given the sharp daily exposures from Kaieteur News surrounding that same oil. And yet people that were in charge in the former government, and who lead the now opposition come before the people they swore to serve faithfully, cleanly, and competently to posture that they are all ignorant, know nothing about the oversight of this oil. The best they can offer is suspicious silence. They are studies in evasion, of discomforting silence, of near total uselessness. And that was before while they held the powerful reins of office; and again today when they are an opposition that exists in name only. The questions come in a flood: what were they doing? If none of them can speak authoritatively to what happened with Guyana’s prized oil possessions, then how was this country being governed? Who in the coalition had the interests of this society at heart and was, therefore, completely committed to doing part in the most ethical manner to protect Guyana’s prospects? Who was leading and governing and responsible for the general and specific directions of this country? If it was not them, since they know nothing, then a reasonable position arrived at is this: was this country running itself, meaning that it was operating on autopilot, floating aimlessly? If something as enormous as oil (and what took place with it during their watch) leaves today’s opposition members fumbling for words, looking totally foolish, and giving the appearance of an absence of any credibility, then what about the less visible things, the less material things that still have much meaning for Guyanese? Since this is how the opposition comes across before a disbelieving world then, for all intents and purposes, it has no persuasive power as an opposition. It cannot be trusted to hold aloft and carry the mantle of the people in ways that bring benefits, what is constructive for them. Which citizen, supporter or otherwise, can have any confidence in such a group, this kind of suspect leadership, this state of feeble presence to governance of anything in Guyana? At this point, we must be unequivocal on something, and unsparing, regardless of who is agitated by what we share as to where we stand. The 2015-2020 leaders in the coalition government had to know something about those oil transactions involving the Canje and Kaieteur Blocks. It is our belief that they just had to know, but have settled for saying that they know nothing. They are too street smart for them to be fooled into complacency, or to distance from what could have likely had a significant amount of juice for them, to not want to know, given what was involved and the potential for huge personal benefits. On the other hand, and to be fair to all, we proceed in another direction, with the assumption that the leaders in the camp of the coalition government were bent on doing what was best for the expectant citizens of this society. With them being in charge and in a position of complete oversight as to what happened with our oil blocks and the incalculable political mileage to be gained, then it was an opportunity not to be passed up, through nonchalance or negligence. No responsible government would do that, no ethical government with its finger on the pulse of the nation’s prospects would have done otherwise. Not with Guyana’s oil developments and promises being the hottest thing in this country, in the whole world for that matter. Since, this did not happen then (when in government) and is definitely not happening now for approximately 10 weeks (when in opposition), there is only one question left hanging: what is the coalition leadership really up to? What does it know? When did it know what is done with our oil? And for what purposes is it using the knowledge gained to benefit itself, at the expense of Guyanese? By any rational norm, the opposition’s silence and futile pawing in the air on our oil condemns it to beliefs centered in the worst forms of betrayals.
Why the need for aggressive production? DEAR EDITOR, Most, who possess sound senses, would not go barrelling down a dark unknown road that proves more treacherous at numerous hairpin curves and steep drops along an unending stretch of travel that alarms by the moment. But that is what I understand that Guyana’s Hon. Vice President intends to do with this country’s oil. Aggressive production it is called, which prompts me to make my own call: what’s the hurry, bub? Barring a war, I do not foresee a sustained spike in energy demand at a robust level within the next two-three years. Oil glut, Saudi-Russo hiccups, pandemic fears, and related economic strictures have all combined to beat demand senseless and into the ground, while depressing world market prices to unprofitable levels. At such levels, Guyana’s take is not as prospering. In such an environment, global and local, the opportunity is ripe to get Guyana’s oil equivalent of ‘two sweetness out of one
bone’. Meaning through a sensible production cap, which is less than whatever is contemplated by ‘aggressive’ and allow this country to develop expert trustworthy bench strength, build and refine our knowledge bases, and establish an oversight framework that gives deep insight on what is going out there below the seabed, what should be pursued, what should be held back, and only do what is best for us. That is, what is best for us to maximize our oil returns to benefit the greatest number of citizens. A lower and slower approach is wiser. It affords the time and space to learn and grow as we advance. And not just to go along with anything that Exxon shovels down our throats. I urge caution, and that we always remember that Exxon is not looking out for Guyana’s best interests, but what is best for company and shareholders. There is nothing malicious on this by Exxon; rather, it is simply the swift rapaciousness that means so
much magnificence for Exxon’s reeling bottom line. Guyana is its lifeline to get back on its foot and to the top of the hill. Aggressive production aligns prettily with the visions of company’s leaders and strategic planners. The quicker they get the oil from Guyana’s ground, the wider they can cast their nets and discover more oil gems. Aggressive, it is and must be; and should we proceed down this road, then it is highly likely that irreversible damage will be done. Let’s face this hard truth unflinchingly: in the field of knowing about our oil, we know nothing. We are illiterates. We don’t even have a canoe (or a ballahoo) to paddle along behind Exxon and peek at what it is doing, what it up to; and even if we did, we do not know enough, because Exxon is slick enough to pull the wool over eyes and wrap the ends around our necks. We are unaware of any caprices that Exxon practices. For all these reasons, I find the insistence on and haste
of the Hon. Vice President towards aggressive production to be unseemly. Again, that question comes back: what’s the hurry, bub? Why the mad rush, given all the times that we have been burned badly in our short oil history? Against my better judgment, I give the Hon. VP, the benefit of no untoward objectives, yet something troubles. Editor, I hear clearly the VP speaking of time not standing still and talking of possible new world energy order sans fossils. I understand what he is saying and the implications of where he is going. Meaning, strike while the iron is hot, as time is of the essence. First, I think that we could have revolutionary developments that render the fossil fuel sector obsolete in less than two decades. Notwithstanding that, I also think that it would take a tremendously long time to dismantle a multitrillion dollar industry of global proportions. From the foregoing, I believe that Guyana should use (Continued on page 5)
The road to a bright future requires a new vision DEAR EDITOR, Even with two percent Royalty, we could have a bright future. It is up to our President and his administration. The President should adopt a brave, bold and aggressive approach in charting a new vision for Guyana. As conditions change and opportunities arise, it is only appropriate to adapt to these changes and get aggressive in formulating new strategies. The President should direct that no new borrowing should take place from foreign countries or entities where the overhead costs such as fees and commissions should exceed five percent. At least 95 percent of the funds should be at the exclusive disposal of his administration which can be directed to value for money activities. The lender should have no role in determining who should do the feasibility study, preliminary design, detail design and implementation. The Government should be free to hire whomever it wishes based on its procurement laws. The lender should have no role in determining where supplies and materials are sourced. The government should have total control over its trading relationships. The lender should not be entitled to any concessions. The project being financed should not be entitled to any concessions. The project must be costed paying its share of duties and taxes like
everybody else. The lender and the contractors selected should not be entitled to hire foreign workers. They must first advertise locally and if they cannot source the person, then they can go abroad. When hiring from abroad, members of the Guyanese Diaspora must be given priority. All foreign workers must be subject to Visa/Work Permits same as would apply in their country and all relevant taxes same as local employees. Interest rates and repayment terms on loans must be aggressively negotiated. We must decide. We are not begging, we borrowing. So why should they line up to lend to Guyana. Right now the big money in the world is earning almost zero percent interest and subject to inflation at the same time. In some countries, they even earn negative interest. Lending to Guyana at any interest rate will be better than many other options available to them. Lending to Guyana is safe and secure. We have Oil. Lots of it. At an average of US$40 per barrel, we are worth a ton of money. This is what we have to leverage to provide safety and security to lenders. We should be able to leverage our Natural Resources Fund and future earnings from oil to obtain the best terms and conditions for loans. This would require that certain decisions be taken
with respect to the Natural Resources fund: 1. Immediately retain the services of a Wealth Management Company to actively manage the fund to maximize growth and earnings. 2. While such a company will charge up to half percent (0.5%) management fee, such a company should be able to guarantee a minimum growth of nine percent to 15 percent per year. 3. The fund should be used to guarantee loans. 4. The fund should be used to service loans/debt. 5. Funds needed for loan servicing should not exceed annual earnings of fund for the first 10 years. While this may be seen as a constraint, if you do the projections, you will see that it will more than meet the development needs of the country. 6. Assuming that 2020 is year one with fund worth 200m, given the current plans with Lisa 2 and Payara, after 10 years the fund should conservatively be worth US$16.2 B; and at nine percent earnings per year, it would have generated earnings of US$4.4 B; and can earn at least US$1.2 B in year 10. The President, having the opportunity to serve two terms can embark on this 10year programme to take us from rags to riches. And this is with just three current approved three wells. There is another more important source of funding available to Guyana. We can leverage the Natural Re-
sources Fund to issue Guyana Savings Bonds. We should start off by issuing seven-year development bonds which will on maturity double in value. If held to maturity, the effective interest rate will be 10.4 percent compounded annually. Guyanese investing in these Bonds will be exempt from any taxes when cashing their bonds on maturity. All other investors will be subject to 20 percent tax on the income portion of the bond. By creating the right conditions, you can have more money coming from the diaspora than you will know how to handle. You need to fix the procedural problems, which we currently have with the banks. Let me explain: 1. My sister in Crabwood Creek wants to send me some money. The bank will not allow her to wire the money into my account unless I contact their bank and my bank and confirm that I am ok with the transaction. 2. She decides to ask for a Bank Managers check for the amount. This was denied. 3. The amount was $600,000 Guyana. 4. Then you have the business with having to identify yourself to the bank every year; regardless of the amount in your account or the type of transactions you conduct. Concerns for money laundering in Guyana is no (Continued on page 6)
Monday November 16, 2020
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Kaieteur News
We must remember the Ethiopians Now that Trump’s no longer the name, political and eco- ment, however, is, on ThursAmericans must up their Game in prayer restrictive nomic system. Ahmed over- day last (November 12th), DEAR EDITOR, sion of the Constitution which political activities
DEAR EDITOR, I have made it a habit of watching the Al Jazeera news channel daily to stay up to date with the happenings around the world. As I view the news, I have noticed a development which is extremely troubling to me. Over the past couple of days, it has been reported that conflict has broken out in the Tigray region in northern Ethiopia. However, before I outline the troubling aspects of this conflict, I must give some chronicle to the events which led to the current unrest in the Tigray Region. In May 1991, two years after the fall of the Soviet Union, Ethiopia’s communist government, led by Colonel Mengistu Mariam, was toppled by The Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). The coalition was led by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Even though the communist government fell in May 1991, general elections were not held until August 1995. In these elections, The EPRDF sweets to power in poorly contested elections. The leader of the Tigrayans section of the EPRDF, Meles Zenawi become Ethiopia’s first prime minister. Tigrayans dominated the newly appointed government. The Tigrayan Prime Minister, Meles introduced a system of ethnic federalism, which gave the country’s main ethnic groups the chance to govern the areas in which they dominated. However, political commentators noted that though Tigrayans made up only about 5% of the population, they benefited disproportionately, as they received a great portion of the government’s infrastructural spending, while other regions languished. After Meles died in 2012, Hailemariam Dessalegn, a politician belonging to the Wolayta ethnic group became the Prime Minister of Ethiopia. Between 2015-2018, street protests broke out as many Ethiopians called for political reforms. These protest leads to Abiy Ahmed, a member of Ethiopia’s Oromo group, taking over as prime minister in April 2018. Ahmed won praise at home and abroad for opening up one of Africa’s most
saw a crackdown on corruption and past abuses. Former senior military and political officials, many of whom are ethnic Tigrayans, are put on trial. Ahmed continued to win international goodwill and recognition as he ended two decades of hostility with Ethiopia’s former breakaway province, Eritrea. This was done despite the Tigrayan regional government still viewed Eritrea as an enemy. Despite opposition to his peace programme, Ahmed pushed on. Eventually, his peacekeeping efforts resulted in him winning the 2019 Noble Peace Prize, beating out other nominees such as U.S. President Donald Trump and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. After Ahmed normalized relations with Eritrea, relations between Tigrayan political elites and the rest of Ethiopia continued to deteriorate as Ethiopia’s ruling coalition, the EPRDF agreed in 2019 to form a single party. However, the TPLF refused to merge with three other ethnic-based parties, calling the move “rushed and undemocratic”. Tensions skyrocketed to newer heights in September 2020, as Tigray held regional elections in defiance of the federal government’s proclamation, which postponed nationwide polls due in August due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ethiopian government said that the vote was illegal. In response to the “illegal” election, the federal government began to withhold funds meant for social welfare programmes in Tigray. These tensions led to TPLF attacking federal troops based in the region, as they believe that the federal government’s moves to economically strangle the region were a step too far in punishing the region. The conflict has led to bloodshed, as the Ethiopian military claims that it has killed 550 fighters. The alarming develop-
Amnesty International reported that scores, likely hundreds of apparent civilians were massacred in Mai-Kadra, a town at the western edge of the Tigray region. This is the current state of affairs in Ethiopia. It must be understood that this conflict can potentially result in a humanitarian crisis. The United Nations’ refugee agency noted that some 7,000 Ethiopians fleeing the fighting have already crossed the border into Sudan. The U.N. also says that even before the conflict in Tigray started, there were already about 96,000 Eritrean refugees and another 100,000 people who had been internally displaced in this region of Ethiopia. “Roads are blocked and electricity, phone, and internet are down, making communication nearly impossible,” the refugee agency said in its statement. “There is a shortage of fuel, and banking services have halted resulting in a lack of cash.” And this is potentially only the tip of the iceberg, as many scholars have warned that Ethiopia could break apart in the way Yugoslavia did in the 1990s. The situation is worrying to the African Union (A.U.), which has previously claimed that an unstable Ethiopia could destabilize the Horn of Africa. I have not composed this letter to say which side is right or wrong. I believe, that currently, who is right or wrong in the Tigray conflict does not matter. What matters is that many people, persons with hopes and dreams, could have those dreams dashed by conflict. Those of us who are religious must remember the Ethiopians in prayer. We must not let civilians die in vain and those who are responsible for their deaths must not go unpunished. Yours truly, Jordon Nelson
For most Americans, one of the primary things, among many that have been taught by the Trump presidency is that Americans need to ‘’tighten up their game’’. After surviving one un-
exampled and unprecedented situation after another with President Trump, it is crystal clear that the American people got played by a man reluctant to respect rules, laws, decorum and fundamental belief in democracy. Now that the presidential elections results are known, Americans have had time to review the last several years of Trump’s leadership, administration and practices. I am sure that many were floored to learn that being a
candidate for the highest office in the land is based on a “g entleman’s agreement” - (a 3-step requirement for candidacy consideration.).
Others were seemingly clueless regarding the range and scope of things that a president could get away with, as long as there is in situ a group of party enablers in control of the system of checks and balances. Whether it was the refusal to provide tax returns, honestly dealing with the emolument’s clause (a provi-
prevents federal officials from being compensated by foreign governments), or an inability to determine his business’ conflicts of interests, citizens have been handicapped in understanding the motivations behind the positions, decisions and actions of the president or his administration. The use of taxpayer dollars to prop up fledgling Trump golf courses, private companies and governments, booking stays at his hotels to curry favour and no clear line between his business interests and his role as president, are cause for serious review and implementation of enforceable rules regarding future practices. Americans learnt that an
(Hatch Act violations). The Hatch Act bars federal employees from utilizing the power of their official position to advance partisan political outcomes. Additionally, there has been no immediate course of action for the president’s deception regarding the severity of COVID-19. When the Trump administration refused, or was slow to get needed supplies to address a major health pandemic, states often had to fend for themselves. The administration will not be held culpable for the unnecessary loss of lives, nor would the aides who caused 545 children to be intentionally separated from their parents, pay a personal
imbalance of ethics of elected officials often left the executive branch bereft of significant checks on its power. What was the reaction on learning that the nuclear
price for such blatant injustices. The list of inappropriate, questionable, or outright il-
codes and all of the nation’s secrets were entrusted to someone who was clearly behaving unstable? Frankly, America was not prepared for a snake-oil salesman to win the White House, and was also less positioned to deal with the blurring of lines, such as using the people’s house, for purely
legal behaviour, by the 45th American president and his administration is long, but the ending is somewhat short. The bottom line is Americans need to review what is encouraged and what is required of a U.S. President. Trump has shown the weaknesses in the system and now is the time to fix them. Better late than never or there will be more regrets than ever. Yvonne Sam
Why the need for aggressive production? From page 4 the next two years (or less) to put its arms and mind around what we have, through accumulating as much wisdom on what we have, and what is the best way, that structured strategy, on how to go about exploiting it. To this point, Exxon has been calling all the shots, which our political leaders
parrot slavishly. Now is the time, and this is one, on which we can slow things down, not to a crawl, but to that pace which is safe and securing of our future. We must stop being like a shop owner, who cannot read nor write, and one who depends on his workers and partners to tell him how much stock he has in the warehouse, how quickly he must
reorder, and how fast he must sell. Such dependency is a recipe for the disaster of promised bankruptcy. Aggressive production means we run the risk of running ahead of ourselves and tripping over our feet. Let us not do this. Let us get this one right and on our terms. Sincerely, GHK Lall
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The Mike and Sarah Show DEAR EDITOR, I remember distinctly the Mike and Sarah Show of five scintillating months. All Guyanese, whether gleeful winners or sore losers, should remember them too for the grand designs that played out under their covers of electoral oracles and protectors. Those two, who were less of Letterman and Winfrey, and more like Morton Downey and Sally Jessy, made so much possible here. The catch is in what they made possible and for whom. Sure, it was under the blanket of democracy, the same kind raging in the pristine United States presently. Let’s get something straight: Guyana’s American sponsored democracy is not of the kind favoured by North Korea, only slightly indistinguishable from that practised by Persia’s Reza Pahlavi. After all, look what they had, what happened, from what America made possible. I sense history repeating itself. After all their noble efforts on our behalf to show us many things about the underpinnings and transparencies of democracy, it is perplexing that the Mike and Sarah Show has gone largely off air. But, the ever irrepressible Michael, in archangel fashion, fashioned a whip to beat the devils out of the current stalemated U.S. elections. Like Stalin, Mao, and Kim, this American has his own electoral best practices. Unlike those three, Mr. Pompeo is
wise enough to sense a déjà vu moment, since it should be eerily reminiscent of the long Ides of March lived here, when Guyana’s sovereignty was assassinated in one foul oil and geostrategic conspiracy. Ah, Brutus and innocent Calpurnia now suddenly not having any dreams to share with Guyanese. Former insider, John Bolton, confirmed this, when he criticized Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for saying that Trump won a second presidential term. The revered Mr. Pompeo had this to say, “There will be a smooth transition to a second Trump administration.” He should know that he is not dealing with some natives clustered around the Arthur Chung Conference Center, which is what Mr. Bolton indicated. “I think it’s delusional for Mike to say that, and I must say I think he’s eviscerated his credibility internationally.” I agree that Secretary Pompeo lost whatever credibility he had with his blinding hypocrisy on the issue of his boss’ loss. In view of how he refereed Guyana’s elections here, Secretary Pompeo is in the wrong business: he could be an Olympian gymnast, a celebrated pole vaulter. Today, whenever the man opens his mouth his tonsils trip over his tongue re American electoral truths. Further, Mr. Bolton thinks that there are “very few people” in the U.S. govern-
ment who believe that Trump won. I agree, as there is no genuine oomph in their postures, their body language lacks passion and conviction. I confess to having a recurring nightmare: it is March and America is Guyana. My other concern is over the welfare of the auspicious and audacious other half of the Mike and Sarah Show. For five months, it was one exciting episode after another that dominated our airwaves, consciousness, and consciences. But I wonder about her conscience nowadays. I understand public servants must comport themselves properly, and diplomats obey conventions. But earlier, Ms. Sarah was the heavy, and very good at it; she is due a Medal of Honour and Guyana’s Cacique Crown of Honour. If some Guyanese had their way, there would be the prefix that spells “dis” before that recognition repeated. But today, the voluble and vibrant Excellency is a pale shadow of herself, a penumbra of zero potency and less intensity. Now, who is King Liar over there and Queen Wilhelmina the Silent here. As much as I may wish to be scorching, I have regard for people named after luminous Scriptural characters, I settle for kind and gentle, which I am better at than George H.W. Bush. Lord, how I love America. Sincerely, GHK Lall
Diwali in my Village: Looking Back Not So Women especially would khaki-coloured paint job with Long Ago a flat, very fine stucco finish sit around the jaata to grind Written by GARY Girdhari My brothers and sisters and I would sense that a holiday festival was near. A number of activities seemed to be increasing around the house – a few days before Diwali. The hustle and bustle was obvious. Work in the rice field was tailored so that no one would have to go to the backdam on that day. (Except one or two of the older boys would accompany our father before sunrise [we said “before tea”] to cut fresh grass for the bulls, give them adequate water, and clean up the area where they rested. Late in the afternoon one of us would go again ‘to water the animals’ and give a final feed.) In my village, the weather was always hot, with either sunny, dry days or wet, warm rains. During the time of Diwali, it was mostly dry, sunny and hot. Front yard and back yard would be weeded of any tall grass and weeds. Parapets and drains were cleaned. The dwelling area at the bottom-house and the kitchen was swept and daubed with a mixture of mud and cow dung. This was part of the women’s or older girls’ chores. There was the quick method of spreading a thin dilute mixture with a coconut branch broom. Using a heavy mixture was the preferred method in our household because when it was dry, it looked immaculate like a new
City integrated coastal zone management DEAR EDITOR, The 200-year infrastructure of Georgetown, the celebrated Garden City of the Caribbean in the days of sugar, is over-run with incongruous land uses, poor sanitation and sidewalk vending. A new wave of development generated by the emerging offshore oil and gas industry threatens to worsen these problems, but new inflows of capital also present opportunities for curing them by creating a tourism-oriented infrastructure. This potential benefit, however, will by-pass the city unless it is captured by a comprehensive list of coastal management policies and an appended integrated coastal zone management programme. This programme is an attempt to coordinate the work of all agencies having land use decision-making powers over the coastal area of the country in order to ensure optimum protection and efficient management of this fragile ecosystem. Each policy is a summary of a problem and an intent to address it. Policy guidelines
are every possible precaution that should be taken in pursuit of the cure. Each land use control agency is required to ensure that its actions are consistent with the policies, a control process that is supervised by an umbrella agency like the EPA. The resulting process of coordination will ensure comprehensive coverage of the issues on the coast. The zoning map is a physical plan of the subject area setting forth the uses that are allowed in a given zoning district. An overlay map shows specific access and other environmental issues to be addressed when a development is proposed. The combined maps constitute an integrated management plan. An example of the specific issues to be fixed is the question of access to the littoral, that strip of land between the low and high water marks on which the public has an inalienable right to fish, walk and swim, but from which he is often excluded by the prerogative of private ownership. Then there are access issues created by market forces,
such as the exclusion of fish landing and boat building uses, scenic views and those that help maintain the maritime character of small commercial harbours. And the list of illnesses, policy treatments, and instructions for use goes on. The integrated management plan is also an effective instrument for ensuring the complementarity of adjacent uses. For example, a legitimate water dependent use must, in the interest of a common tourism goal, be complementary to an upland hotel use. The integrated management plan is also an instrument for catalysing development along the waterfront and its adjacent upland. If, in the context of the rising market for shore based hotel, residential, and office uses, waterfront land is upgraded from their existing water dependent/manufacturing status to water-enhanced uses, developers will find it to their benefit to move water dependent operations to less competitive land and re-use the vacated lots for higher value shore-based water-enhanced uses, all other things
Monday November 16, 2020
being equal. Such conversions will stimulate large-scale gentrification of adjacent upland where the new socio-economic climate will, as infrastructure itself, induce higher standards of services. The riverfront and an enhanced upland will give the city the long overdue infrastructure upgrade. An uncomplementary use was, however, inserted into this scenario when the government approved waterfront lands for shore base storage uses. Studies show that these types of uses and the measures for mitigating them conflict with pre-existing hotel redevelopment programmes in the adjacent upland. The shore base storage uses under discussion would have been denied under a policy that said “protect, enhance, and restore structures, districts, areas or sites that are of significance in the history architecture or culture of the city/state”. But since there was no guiding policy, and the question of shore bases is paramount, a final decision on the (Continued on page 16)
(and felt cool to the bare feet). Every household had a fireside in the kitchen. Older Indian folks called it “chulha”. This was either on the ground or raised at table level. I observed my father and mother construct one using clay formed into blocks, with one opening for firewood and two “burners” to accommodate cooking pots. The fireside was daubed at least once a week and occasionally on special occasions (like Diwali) with a special clay from the seaside called “kadi”. A special rag and a small bucket, known as “putna”, was kept for this purpose. The kadi had a very fine smooth texture and left a light bluish grey sparkle when dry on the fireside. It was/is often said that food (such as curries, roasted corn and plantains, and “sada” roti) cooked on the fireside taste better! Maybe the burnt clay and firewood add to the flavour. Some pregnant women were also known to chip away bits of the burnt clay to nibble, presumably to satisfy a craving for minerals. My “ajie’s” (paternal grandmother) bottom-house had the only “jaata” (i.e. a mill stone or stone mill) which was also meticulously cleaned and daubed. I have had many memorable experiences – good and bad – in the jaata room. The jaata was in constant use by our household and other villagers.
yellow peas, dried corn and parched rice to make daal pouri, poulourie, and satwah. The poulourie was eaten with green mango chutney spiced with hot peppers and garlic, or used to prepare karhee. Kids would join the older folks to help grind the grains and also to listen to the local gossip, for indeed this was a time for “name talking”. The adults in our household, as in others, were obsessed with cleaning (our household was an extended one, which included the matriarch ajie and several sons, their wives, and children; so that living there was fairly cramped with little room for privacy.) Floorboards, platforms (porch), and stairways were scraped with a homemade tin ‘scraper’ and washed clean. Even the outside latrine was scraped and washed. Brick pillars were white-washed with “chuna”. Most of the cleaning was done a day or two before Diwali. But in addition to this, “kadi” clay was dug from the seaside and brought home to make diyas. Everyone joined in – some more adept than others. All of us tried to be artistically clever with our fingers to emulate the fine precision of the diyas that were bought from Georgetown. These were expertly made and baked to give a rust brown colour. Not many people (except those who wanted to show (Continued on page 16)
The road to a bright future ... From page 4 different than in other countries. Yet other countries do not have the same problems, which restricts our ability to conduct business. This is a solvable problem. You also have to decide to facilitate $US transactions. Your Savings Bonds must be in $US. Redemption of Bonds will be in $US. You will have to allow all persons the right to maintain $US accounts in Guyana. You will have to allow online transactions for the transfer of funds to and from the $US accounts. The Diaspora in North America is made up of mostly skilled and entrepreneurial persons who have accumulated significant capital over the years. These same people have soft spot for Guyana which is demonstrated by the amount of remittances this country receives including the shipment of barrels of personal items for friends and families. Development Bonds that double in seven years tax free for Guyanese will attract a lot of investment. Your need to borrow from other lenders will be significantly reduced.
A major hurdle for this programme to become a success is the application of Property Tax on amounts greater than $40M Guyana or $200,000 US. Property tax must be abolished so that the Diaspora can bring back money without having to worry about having it taxed for no particular reason. It is common knowledge that many businesses and individuals in Guyana accumulates their wealth in foreign lands; primarily to avoid the dreaded Property Tax. It is a dis-incentive to investing in Guyana and accumulating wealth in Guyana. Tax Property at the local NDC level and get rid of the Property Tax as it is currently applied. We do not have to be satisfied with two percent Royalty, but that is what we have and if we manage it right, we can become a prosperous country. Nothing can stop us from trying to improve on the two percent but in the meantime, we should manage the two percent right. Be safe. Yours respectfully, Sase Shewnarain
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No government has gotten on top of crime
N
o government, be the PPP or the PNC, has ever been able to control the crime situation in Guyana. They have all failed to address the physical security of citizens. In the case of the PNC, this failure was in spite of its heavy militarization of the society, which many felt, actually contributed to the problem rather than addressed it. It was during the rule of the PNC that choke and kickdown-the-door banditry, smuggling, backtracking and bribery for basic public services took its root. The kick-down-the-door banditry was a terrifying experience during the eighties. This caused many persons to bar up their homes with steel and wooden grills so as to prevent unauthorised entry. There was great fear in many communities because they not only robbed but also at times raped and killed their victims. This went on for a long time and drove real fear into the hearts of the population, many of whom left in droves. Citizens imprisoned themselves at home in the evening and the slightest sound, had persons jumping up from their beds and switching on lights to see whether the home was under attack. It was an awful period, which saw hundreds of millions in wealth being expropriated from hard-working innocent families. Walking the streets was no easier. Choke and rob was rampant forcing Guyanese to move around mostly in the daytime and to devise ingenious ways of securing their cash on their person. Women often placed their purses in their bosom, while men opted to hide theirs in their ‘fob’—a small pocket by the waistline of the trousers. Some went as far as hiding their cash in their underwear. If they were to be robbed, the bandits would have to virtually strip them naked.
Some actually did. The bank became a safety deposit box because no one wanted to keep large amounts of cash at home, but getting to the bank with your money without being robbed had its anxieties. Sometimes when you left your home, thieves would break into your home and take away valuables. This was in contrast to what existed in colonial Guyana and supported the argument that independence unleashed a crime wave on the society, which has remained unchecked. When Guyana was a colony, there were thieves and bandits but not as much as what happened after independence. You could leave your bicycle parked in your yard and wake up the next morning and still find it. You may not, however, have wanted to try leaving your cycle unlocked outside of a shop or store or factory, but in your yard, it was generally safe. In those days, the policemen were older and more dedicated. You would never find a policeman with an attitude when you went to a station to make a report that someone had raided your farm. They would be very concerned and eager to go out and look for those stealing your crops. There was no security despite the large number of security personnel, which indicates that tinkering with the security system is not going to help. Now with crime taking more violent forms and now related to a whole range of illicit activities such as drug trafficking, what is needed is not for the people to be fooled into believing that the existing structures can deliver security, but only if there is a change in administration. Guyana needs to think outside of the box and there is solid enough basis upon which to advance new initia-
tives. Community policing groups are no longer your neighbourhood watch teams. There are many effective community policing groups and they should be strengthened to complement the work of the police. Security now has to be more intelligence driven, and community policing groups are pivotally placed to provide such intelligence and support but not to confront heavily armed criminals. Special units are required to deal with this problem. The real nuisance to lawabiding citizens does not emanate from tens of thousands of Guyanese. Only about three thousand Guyanese represent a threat to security and it therefore is within the means of
the disciplined services to ensure that this small grouping is either deterred, or when they do engage in criminal acts, are caught and brought to justice. It is not as if there are more criminals than the security forces can handle. In ridding the country of crime, the security forces need the support of every Guyanese and community policing is an effective way of doing this. The government should seriously consider full-time community policing groups. If one thousand of these persons can be recruited at $70,000 per month, it will cost the treasury less than a billion dollars, which is not a major investment considering the returns which can be had. It is something that should be worth trying. does not need foreigners to come and tell us how to fight crime. We may need technical help such as in forensics, but we do not need any advice. Those offering such advice and help are often more interested in their own national security concerns rather than in helping the people of Guyana.
Dem boys seh ...
Justice gat to be even and blind Dem Boys bin always hear how de scales of justice must be even. Dis dem boys tek fuh mean dat justice must be fair and evenhanded. It must also balance the demands of the individual with dat of society. But the one dem boys really think dat is more important to de rule of law is the one which seh dat justice must be blind. It means dat you must approach any case without any preconceived notions of who is guilty or who is innocent.
In other words, you must have an open mind and not arrive at a conclusion before yuh hear de case. So if, one day, de DPP come and withdraw a case, it is not fuh anybody fuh impute any ulterior motives to the withdrawal as if it was a cover-up. If you come to a verdict even before the case conclude, it would imply dat justice was not blind. Dem gat some people also feel dat dem gat transport fuh certain wuk. Dem feel dat de new government should not
dismiss them. Well, once yuh is not a public servant, yuh nah gat no right to no wuk. De government can move yuh with or without reason. De government gat fuh wuk with whom dem comfortable with and if dem prefer somebody else dem gat a right fuh let you go. Is jus like if you tek somebody fuh wuk in yuh house. If you nah comfortable with them, you gat to let them go whether or not dem is a good worker or not. Talk half and remember de scales and de blindfold.
So forget about foreign assistance. Decentralize policing by employing fulltime community policing. It will make a difference and the benefits will seep over into other crime fighting
areas and Guyana will be much safer, not totally safe but still safer. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Monday November 16, 2020
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In escalation of Ethiopia war, Tigray leader says his forces fired rockets at Eritrea
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ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - The leader of Ethiopia’s rebellious Tigray region confirmed yesterday that his forces had fired rockets at the airport in Eritrea’s capital, a major escalation that raises fears of a wider war in the Horn of Africa region. Accusing neighbouring Eritrea of sending tanks and thousands of troops into Tigray in support of an Ethiopian government offensive, Debretsion Gebremichael said his forces were under attack “on several fronts.” “Our country is attacking us with a foreign country, Eritrea. Treason!,” Debretsion said in text messages to Reuters, without providing further details or evidence of his claims. With access restricted and most communications down in Tigray, Reuters could not independently verify assertions made by all sides about the 12-day conflict. Government officials in Eritrea and the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa could not be reached for comment. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed tweeted yesterday that Ethiopia was more than capable of achieving its objectives in Tigray “by itself” but did not specifically address Debretsion’s claims. Last week, Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh Mohammed told Reuters: “We are not part of the conflict.” The U.S. State Department’s top diplomat for Africa, Tibor Nagy, denounced the attacks by Tigrayan forces on Eritrea and condemned what he called their “efforts to internationalize the conflict in Tigray”. Abiy launched the campaign in Tigray on Nov. 4 af-
ter accusing local forces of attacking federal troops based in the northern state, which borders Eritrea and Sudan and is home to some 5 million people.The government accuses Tigray’s leaders of treason and says its military operations are aimed at restoring the rule of law. Tigrayans dominated the governing coalition before Abiy, an Oromo, came to power in 2018. They say he has marginalised them since, which Abiy denies. The conflict has killed hundreds on both sides and threatens to destabilize other parts of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. At least 20,000 Ethiopians have fled into Sudan, the United Nations said on Sunday. The International Crisis Group, a think-tank, warned on Nov. 5 that any involve-
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ment by Eritrea in the conflict could in turn draw in Sudan. Egypt and Sudan launched a joint military exercise on Saturday, according
to Egypt’s defence ministry. The neighbours are deepening their ties amid a dispute with Ethiopia over the giant dam that Ethiopia is building on the Blue Nile. Mehari Taddele Maru, a professor at the European University Institute, said the conflict would “turn the Horn of Africa into an international theatre of war” and that by drawing in rival regional forces it would “change the nature and terms of the proxy wars already being fought in Yemen, North Africa and the Middle East.” Eritrea and Ethiopia fought a devastating 19982000 war. Abiy won a Nobel Peace Prize last year for making peace with Ethiopia’s neighbour, but Eritrea’s government remains hostile to the Tigray leadership after their leading role in that war.
Diwali in my Village: Looking Back Not So... From page 6 off, or those who could really afford) used these. We took pride in moulding our diyas which we later placed in the sun to dry. On the day of Diwali after our chores, our mother would caution us to bathe clean and put on clean clothes, then oil ‘han and foot’. An air of merriment filled the house. The kitchen was the busiest place. My mother was multitasking in the overall management of the household affairs. Mostly she would be busy cooking and giving orders: “Bring this, bring that. Don’t”.... The aroma of the foods filled the air in and out of the house. Staple foods for the day was boiled rice, paratha roti, daal puri, and a variety of vegetable curries, such as bigan, bhagee, pumpkin, katahar, etc. – no meat, shrimp or fish. As children, we looked forward to such festivals in anticipation and excitement because we were also treated to some other traditional Indian foods that my mother would prepare fresh. She made mitai, gulgula, ghoja, sweet-rice (aka kheer or rice pudding), and biganee, poulourie and bara. These were special treats for us. A day of labour in the kitchen would lend itself to moments
of rest and relaxation until late afternoon. Just before dark, the diyas were readied: they were filled with vegetable oil or ghee, in which homemade cotton wicks were arranged. My father and mother would take one diya into a bedroom and solemnly light it – before six o’ clock. It must have been a moment of reverence and likely done with a silent prayer according to their Hindu beliefs. We never heard anything and we never asked. This diya would be burned with ghee and, on and off, my father would concentrate the soot on the concave of a tablespoon to make kaajal (also called kaajar). Kaajal was always part of the medicine cabinet for adorning the baby’s forehead with a tikah (to ward off “bad eye”), and for treating eye colds. They would walk out quietly and then the other diyas were lit. The children were allowed to place the diyas in and around the house – in rows on the stairways and walkway. We the children
wanted to have many diyas, for this would make us the envy of others. And with this kind of selfish thought we would walk in the vicinity of neighbours to make comparison. Diwali night was special for us. It bought joy, gladness and friendliness to our house and the entire village. Our village, which did not have electricity, became ‘electrified’ on that night. Although only Hindus celebrated this festival in our village, everyone (Blacks, Christians and Muslims) would walk the public road in larger than usual numbers to admire the displays and frolicking. Children in our household would strain to keep their eyes open – to help top up the diyas with oil, to listen to stories told by the adults, and to wait for the last flicker from the diyas even as our eyelids drooped in obeisance to the darkened night and the deep ventriloquistic sounds of crickets, frogs and toads. This is how it was many years ago in my rural village of Leguan, Guyana.
City integrated coastal zone... From page 6 lots could still be deferred to the agenda of an urgent meeting to look into the use of other riverfront lands for the establishment of a consolidated shore base for the Caribbean as a whole. Meanwhile, citizens should use their pickets and pens to ensure that oil and gas pulls the city out of its 200-year past. Fitzroy Collins
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Monday November 16, 2020
Peaty breaks 100m breaststroke short course world record
Adam Peaty of Britain reacts during the FINA World Swimming Championships in South Korea last year. (Reuters/Kim Hong-Ji)
(Reuters) - Britain’s Adam Peaty set a world record for the short course 100 metres breaststroke at the professional International Swimming League (ISL) in Budapest yesterday, finishing in a time of 55.49 seconds. The previous record of 55.61 seconds was set by South African swimmer Cameron van der Burgh in Berlin 11 years ago. “It’s my first short course world record, which I struggle with, but no-one works harder on the last length and that one was for my family,” Peaty told the BBC. The Olympic breaststroke champion also holds world records for the long course 100m breaststroke and the 50m breaststroke.
Monday November 16, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) If you're feeling irritable and wrung out today, Aries, it may be a result of putting far too much pressure on yourself. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Consider whether or not you're spending enough time with everyone who's special to you, Taurus. If more hours are going to work colleagues, friends, or partner, there might be an imbalance that you need to look at. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) If your partner acts quickly on his or her passions today, Gemini, you will probably want to slow things down a bit. " CANCER (June 21–July 22) Consider planning a romantic interlude, Cancer. With the influence from today's planetary aspects, it will be easy to connect with that special someone. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) If someone takes too long to do something today, Leo, your temper may flare up. Patience isn't always your strong suit, and you may believe in the "if you want it done right, do it yourself" philosophy. VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22) You might find it rather tough to take criticism today, Virgo. This is something that's hard for many to hear, but it truly depends on your perspective.
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LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Be careful not to fall prey to your own idealism today, Libra. While this is one of your most admirable qualities, as it contributes to your romantic, creative nature, too much of anything can be harmful. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Don't be surprised if you feel a real need for some breathing room today, Scorpio. As much as you enjoy the company of others, you need to have time to yourself as well. See if you can work in a private space or simply shut your door.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) If things haven't been going too well with those you spend most of your time with, Sagittarius, it might be time to consider your expectations of them. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) A little romantic time with your special someone may be in order today, Capricorn. With the dayto-day chaos of working and living, it can be tough to get some quality time alone.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Take it slow and easy today, Aquarius. With the energy from the day's aspects, rushing around isn't likely to get you too far. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) It may be time to look at where you are in life, Pisces. Are you where you thought you'd be? If so, congratulations. This is a real accomplishment. If not, take heart.
Thiem edges Tsitsipas in ATP Finals opener Austria’s Dominic Thiem in action during his group stage match against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas. (Action Images via Getty Images)
LONDON (Reuters) London’s last edition of the ATP Finals opened yesterday with a repeat of last year’s final but this time Dominic Thiem prevailed against Greek defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas. Just as in their showdown 12 months ago, the quality was high but the atmosphere was distinctly flat inside an empty O2 Arena as U.S. Open champion Thiem won 7-6(5) 4-6 6-3. Rafa Nadal, bidding to claim the only major title to elude him, starts his challenge later against Russian debutant Andrey Rublev in the day’s other London Group match. “It was a tough match, both of us served well and conditions were fast,” Austrian Thiem, playing at the elite year-ender for the fifth time in succession, said on court. “I know how important it is to have a good start in the first match here.” The ATP Finals, in its 50th edition, is being staged in London’s O2 Arena for the 12th and last time before it moves to Turin and sadly plans for a vibrant farewell party in front of the usual sellout crowds has been scuppered by the COVID-19 pandemic. The cavernous arena, which holds close to 20,000 people in tournament set-up, was dark and empty as the players walked on court to the usual fanfare and music. And they provided a high-quality match. There was nothing between them in the first set but Tsitsipas, who saved the only break points on offer, looked set to take the opener when he led 4-1 in the tiebreak, only for Thiem to hit back. On set point down Tsitsipas had the court at his mercy with an easy put-away but Thiem guessed right to get back into the point with a lob and then forced an error. Tsitsipas took the second set with an early break but Thiem broke early in the decider and that proved sufficient.
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Monday November 16, 2020
Hamilton takes seventh title with Turkish triumph Lewis Hamilton with the trophy after the race. (Motorsport Images)
ISTANBUL (Reuters) Britain’s Lewis Hamilton shed tears of joy as he won a record-equalling seventh Formula One world championship in Turkey yesterday and became the most successful driver in the sport’s history. The Mercedes ace put on a masterclass in wet and slippery conditions to take a record-stretching 94th career win at the Istanbul Park circuit and secure the title with three races to spare. Ferrari great Michael Schumacher is the only other driver with seven titles to his name, a number once thought unlikely to be matched, but most of the German’s records have passed to Hamilton. So crushing was the win that Hamilton lapped sole rival and team mate Valtteri Bottas with 12 laps to go. The Finn,
who had to finish at least sixth, spun repeatedly and ended up 14th. Hamilton already had more race wins, pole positions and podium finishes than anyone in the history of the sport but, despite starting a season-low sixth, the 35-yearold was determined to add to the tally. “That’s for all the kids out there who dream the impossible. You can do it too man, I believe in you guys,” he whooped over the radio after taking the chequered flag. The Briton finished 31.6 seconds clear of Racing Point’s second-placed Mexican Sergio Perez, after passing him with 22 laps to go, in a race run behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.“Seven is just unimaginable but when you
Lewis Hamilton leads the field during the race. (CLIVE MASON - Getty Images) work with such a great group of people and you really trust each other, there is just no end to what we can do together,” said Hamilton, who has yet to sign a new deal for 2021 but is set to stay.“I feel like I’m only just getting started.” Hamilton’s 10th victory of 2020, and fourth in a row, took his points tally to an insurmountable 307 with Bottas on 197. Hamilton was congratulated after parking up by Perez, who still has no seat for 2021, and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel who completed the podium in a race full of spins and changes of lead.
“I told him that it was very special for us because we can witness history being made today,” said Vettel, a fourtimes world champion with Red Bull and on the podium for the first time this year. “There is no doubt Lewis is the greatest in terms of what he has achieved.” Bottas, who said over the radio four laps from the end that he wished the race was already finished, also went across to shake the hand of a man who won his first title with McLaren in 2008 and then Mercedes in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Mercedes had already won the constructors’ championship for a seventh year in a row, an unprecedented feat. While Perez started third and eked out his intermediate tyres for 48 laps, Canadian team mate Lance Stroll saw his dreams of a first win disappear after leading from his first pole position. He finished ninth, the slide down the order starting
when he pitted on lap 36, but the team moved up to third overall in the constructors’ standings. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was fourth, after passing Perez on the last lap for second but then sliding wide, with Spaniard Carlos Sainz fifth for McLaren and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen sixth. Red Bull’s Alexander Albon was seventh — after also leading early on — with Lando Norris eighth for McLaren and taking a bonus point for the fastest lap. Australian Daniel Ricciardo was 10th for Renault, who fell from third to fifth. Hamilton said there was a point where he thought the race was slipping away from him, and the leaden skies and constant threat of rain added to the sense of uncertainty, but he kept believing. When the team suggested he pit for fresh tyres towards the end, given the safety of his lead and the amount of laps done on the worn
intermediates, he over-ruled them. “I lost a world championship in the pit-lane, I learned my lesson from 2007, that’s for sure. I felt like I really had it under control and I was going to deal with the rain if it dropped,” he said. F1 Drivers’ Championship Standings 1. Lewis Hamilton 307 2. Valtteri Bottas 197 3. Max Verstappen 170 4. Sergio Perez 100 5. Charles Leclerc 97 6. Daniel Ricciardo 96 7. Carlos Sainz Jr. 75 8. Lando Norris 74 9. Alex Albion 70 10. Pierre Gasly 63 11. Lance Stroll 59 12. Esteban Ocon 40 13. Sebastian Vettel 33 14. Daniil Kvyat 26 15. Nico Hulkenberg 10 16. Kimi Raikkonen 4 17. Antonio Giovinazzi 4 18. Romain Grosjean 2 19. Kevin Magnussen 1 20. Nicholas Latifi 0 21. George Russell 0
Mane scores as Senegal qualify for Africa Cup of Nations finals CAPE TOWN (Reuters) Senegal became the first country to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations finals after a late goal from Sadio Mane secured a 1-0 victory away at Guinea Bissau yesterday. Mane, who also scored last Wednesday when Senegal beat Guinea Bissau 2-0 at home, netted with eight minutes remaining to ensure they maintained their 100 percent record in Group I where they are guaranteed a top-two finish and therefore a place at the finals in Cameroon in January 2022. Senegal have 12 points from four games, six ahead of second-placed Congo and nine ahead of Guinea Bissau
in third spot. Senegal were runners-up at the last Cup of Nations tournament in Egypt in 2019. Mane’s Liverpool team mate Naby Keita scored for Guinea as they stayed top in Group A with a 1-1 draw away in Chad. Ahmat Abdaraman equalised just before halftime for Chad, who collected their first point after three successive defeats. The tiny Comoros Islands boosted their hopes of a first ever qualification as they beat Kenya 2-1 in Moroni to go top of Group G. After drawing in Nairobi last week, the Indian Ocean islanders set off frenzied celebrations as El Fardou Ben
Mohamed and Faiz Mattoir scored to ensure a famous win, which puts them on the cusp of a place in the finals. Earlier on Sunday, Saidi Ntibazonkiza scored twice and Youssouf Ndayishimiye added the other as Burundi beat Mauritania 3-1 in Bujumbura. Burundi are one point behind second-placed Mauritania in Group E with both countries left with two qualifiers to play in March. The top two teams in each of the 12 qualifying groups
advance to the finals except in Group F where the highest finisher besides Cameroon, already in the finals as hosts but also playing in the preliminaries, goes through.
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“I don’t think anyone is near my records” - Usain Bolt
Joan Mir is the first new MotoGP champion since Marc Marquez in 2013 and becomes the first rider to win the crown in Moto3 and the premier class.
Valencia MotoGP: Mir seals title, Morbidelli beats Miller to win Motorsport - Mir is the first new MotoGP champion since Marc Marquez in 2013 and becomes the first rider to win the crown in Moto3 and the premier class, after coming home a safe seventh in at Valencia. Miller got the better run into Turn 1 off the line, but ran wide and allowed Morbidelli to come back through, while his SRT teammate Fabio Quartararo went off at Turn 2 after running out of room in the braking zone. This dropped Quartararo down the order, with his race lasting until lap nine when he crashed at Turn 6 having once again dropped out of the points, completely ending his championship hopes. Mir navigated the opening lap safely, putting his Suzuki into 10th while Suzuki teammate Alex Rins had leaped up from 14th to seventh. Morbidelli engaged supremely consistent pace in the opening laps to quickly build a buffer over the chasing Miller and KTM of Pol
Espargaro. By lap seven his lead stood at seven tenths, with Morbidelli opening that gap up to 1.2s by the 13th tour. Then the SRT rider’s lead started to come down, with Miller getting to within a second by lap 18 and continuing to eat into Morbidelli’s advantage over the next few tours. With five laps to run, Miller was just three tenths behind Morbidelli, though the Italian responded in turn to get his lead back up to half a second. Miller nailed his run out of the final corner to use the brute power of the Pramac Ducati to pass Morbidelli into the first corner at the start of the final lap, and just about held on despite running wide. Morbidelli threw his Yamaha back up the inside of Turn 2, with Miller retaliating at Turn 4 – though this was once again countered with a daring raid on the inside of Turn 5 from Morbidelli. The Italian clung on by 0.093 seconds on the run to the chequered flag to score
his third win of the 2020 season, with KTM’s Pol Espargaro a distant third. Alex Rins was fourth on his Suzuki, but it wasn’t enough to delay Mir’s coronation. Rins beat Brad Binder (KTM) and the Tech3 of Miguel Oliveira. Mir pipped Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso to seventh, with Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro and Yamaha’s Maverick Vinales rounding out the top 10.The final points were taken by Pramac’s Francesco Bagnaia, Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi, Cal Crutchlow on the LCR Honda, Stefan Bradl (Honda) and Ducati’s Danilo Petrucci. Takaaki Nakagami crashed out late on at the final corner attempting to take third from Espargaro, while Joahnn Zarco fell from his Avintia Ducati on lap six. Not since Kenny Roberts Jr. in 2000 has Suzuki won the riders’ title in the premier class, with Mir becoming just the sixth Suzuki rider in history to be crowned MotoGP world champion.
SportsMax - Notwithstanding the presence of athletes like Noah Lyles and Christian Coleman, two of the world’s fastest men, 100 and 200m world-record holder Usain Bolt does not believe his records are under threat. Bolt set world records of 9.58 and 19.19 for the 100m and 200m, respectively, at the World Championships in Berlin in August 2009. Since then, Lyles has perhaps come closest to the 200m record when he ran a personal best 19.50 in Lausanne in July 2019. Lyle’s personal best in the 100m is 9.86. Meanwhile, Coleman, the 2019 100m World Champion ran the fastest time since Bolt’s retirement when he clocked 9.76 to win his world title in Doha. Speaking with Marca Sports Weekend recently, Bolt said while there are many elite sprinters vying for his title of world’s fastest man, none is near his records that have been standing now for more than a decade.
Usain Bolt does not believe his records are under threat.
“I think no one will get to my records (soon),” he said. “I don’t think anyone is near my records. “The level that took me to my records was a long way and took a lot of effort. My physical attributes, the fact that I’m tall, really helped. I think it’s going to take a while until someone gets there.” At the 2016 Olympics, Bolt became the first sprinter in history to win three consecutive Olympic 100m and
200m titles (2008, 2012 and 2016). He also won 100m World titles in 2009, 2013, and 2015. He won the bronze medal in London in 2017. He also won 200m world titles in 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015. He is the first man to run faster than 9.7 seconds for the 100m and the only man to run faster than 10.6 seconds. He is also the only man to run faster than 19.20 seconds for the 200m.
World-leading time for Alia Atkinson in dominant 100m breaststroke win in Budapest
2020 Frank Worrell Lecture Series will feature presentation by CWI President Ricky Skerritt SportsMax - Cricket West Indies President Ricky Skerritt will deliver the feature address titled “Reforming Cricket West Indies - For Improved On-Field Results” at the 20th anniversary of the Frank Worrell Lecture Series today, Monday, November 16, when the regional board will once again pay tribute to the late West Indies great, the first Black man to be appointed captain of the West Indies cricket team. The lecture series is set to start at 7:30pm (8:30pm ECT) and will also be available on UWI TV. In December 1960, Worrell led the team on tour of Australia where history was cre-
Frank Worrell Alia Atkinson came out yesterday with a vengeance winning the 100m breaststroke in impressive fashion.
ated in the first Test at the Gabba in Brisbane that ended in a memorial tie. It was the start of a series which would go down in history as the one “which saved Test cricket and kept it alive”. Thei annual lecture would normally be held to an audience at the Cave Hill Campus
of the University of the West Indies – where Sir Frank Worrell is buried overlooking the Three Ws Oval – alongside his other famous teammates Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Everton Weekes. However, due to COVID19 protocols, Mr Skerritt will deliver his address virtually.
SportsMax - Having to settle for three second-place finishes on Saturday, Alia Atkinson came out yesterday with a vengeance winning the 100m breaststroke in a time just shy of her world record. The 31-year-old Olympian won the swim in 1:02.66, just out her world record of 1:02.36 in the semi-finals of the International Swimming League. It was the only time under 1:03 this year and is her fourth fastest time ever in the event.As the London Roar make the push for the final, Atkinson stepped to meet the occasion winning by a clear 0.89s over Bennedetta Pilato (1:03.55) of reigning champions Energy Standard and Emily Escobedo
of New York Breakers (1:04.31). She was also a member of the Roar’s 4x100m medley relay team that clocked 3:46.59 to finish second to Energy Standard’s 3:45.58. The win earned Atkinson and her team a valuable 15 points, which she added to the 12.5 points she won on Saturday. It was another day of standout performances from the 31-year-old Jamaican who was second to Pilato (28.86) in the 50m breaststroke, touching in a quick 29.30. Also on Saturday, Atkinson was seventh in 100m butterfly in a new national record of 57.13, breaking the record of 57.21 set on November 9.
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Kaieteur News
Kell Brook beaten by Terence Crawford in four rounds in title fight Brook (left) could not recover from a right hand in the fourth. (Top Rank)
BBC Sport - Terence Crawford retained his WBO world welterweight title by beating Briton Kell Brook in four rounds in Las Vegas on Saturday. Former IBF welterweight champion Brook, 34, was caught by a right hand from the American and had to take a standing eight count in the fourth. Crawford then landed a flurry of shots before the referee stepped in and stopped the fight. The win means 33-yearold Crawford is unbeaten in 37 fights. He had not fought since December 2019, while Brook, who started well, last fought in February 2020.
“I was trying to gauge the distance. He had good distance,” said Crawford, who beat Britain’s Amir Khan in April 2019. “I was trying to find my rhythm. That is why it was so competitive at first. I couldn’t get my shots off.” Crawford said he was “looking to secure” a fight with eight-weight world champion Manny Pacquiao from the Philippines. “We were close to securing a Pacquiao fight prior to this fight but, being that Covid was getting out of hand and fans couldn’t attend the fight, we had to put a halt to it,” he said. “Now, we going to go back to the drawing board and
try to revisit that fight.” In September, Pacquiao’s special assistant said the 41year-old was in talks to fight Irish former UFC world champion Conor McGregor in 2021. Brook, who was not working with regular trainer Dominic Ingle because of the coronavirus pandemic, instead had Carlos Formento in his corner. “I got caught with a shot I didn’t see,” said Brook, from Sheffield, whose three losses in his 39-fight career have been against Crawford, Gennady Golovkin and Errol Spence Jr. “I have always said that if I am in a fight, and am going to lose, I am going to go out on my shield.”
GOA signs “Brighton Plus Helsinki 2014 Declaration on Women & Sport” “The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) is pleased to advise that on the 05th October, 2020 we signed onto the “Brighton Plus Helsinki 2014 Declaration on Women & Sport”, a release from the GOA informed. The original “Brighton Declaration” was signed in May of 1994: “The first international conference on women and sport brought together policy and decision makers in sport at both national and international level, in Brighton, UK from 5 – 8 May 1994. It was organised by the British Sports Council and supported by the International Olympic Committee. The conference specifically addressed the issue of how to accelerate the process
of change that would redress the imbalances women faced in their participation and involvement in sport. The 280 delegates from 82 countries representing governmental and non-governmental organisations, national Olympic committees, international and national sport federations and educational and research institutions, endorsed the Brighton Declaration, which provided the principles to guide the action intended to increase the involvement of women in sport at all levels and in all functions and roles.” The “Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration”, signed in June 2014, updated the original Declaration, with the main aim being: “To develop a
sporting culture that enables and values the full involvement of women in every aspect of sport and physical activity.”Ms Nicky van den Bos, Programme Director, International Working Group (IWG) on Women in Sport has acknowledged and welcomes the GOA’s addition. This brings the GOA in line with many other countries, in their desire to develop a sporting culture that enables and values the full involvement of women in every aspect of sport and physical activity.The Women in Sport Commission under the Guyana Olympic Association was recently appointed under the leadership of executive member Mrs Tricia Fiedtkou, the release noted.
‘No doubt about Keemo’s talent’ - WI bowling coach Estwick convinced Paul will bloom once he get chances SportsMax - West Indies bowling coach Roddy Estwick does not believe there should be any doubting the talent of all-rounder Keemo Paul but believes it is crucial to see the player getting more red ball cricket under his belt. The 24-year-old Paul has been included in a 15-man Test squad to face New Zealand this month. The player was previously invited for the team’s tour of England but along with Darren Bravo and Shimron Hetmyer, declined to participate for health reasons. His selection has not been entirely without controversy, with some believing the player to be too inconsistent to play Test cricket, particularly with the way he bowls. Estwick believes, however, that a few of those inefficiencies come down to not playing the format enough. “Keemo is very talented player, obviously he hasn’t played first-class cricket for a while because he has been with the West Indies and on the T20 circuit. It’s good to have him back to see where
Keemo Paul
he is at. We have two first class games coming up to see where he is at,” Estwick told members of the media. “We know the talent of Keemo Paul there is no doubt about that, a wonderful talent player. He reminds me of someone like the late Keith Boyce from Barbados who represented the West Indies. Very athletic fielder, good mover,
excellent timer of the ball,” he added. “Remember Keemo is only 24 so it’s about how hard you work and how much preparation you put in. Once Keemo can do that and he can get first class cricket under his belt, there is no doubt about his talent. The last time he played a full first-class season he got 40-odd first-class wickets.”
Dustin Johnson beats Tiger Woods record with dominant Masters victory Metro.co.uk - Dustin Johnson beat a record set by Tiger Woods by recording the lowest score in Masters history to claim victory at Augusta. Woods scored 270 over 72 holes when he claimed his first green jacket in 1997 and Jordan Spieth matched the record in 2015 when he finished 18 under in Georgia. But Johnson eclipsed both as he cruised to victory, bouncing back after a nervy start on the final round to add to his US Open victory from 2016 to take his Majors tally to two. The World number one had a four-shot overnight lead going into the final round but his advantage was halved after back-to-back bogies on the fourth and fifth, giving the likes of Cameron Smith and Sung-Jae Im a look-in. Johnson has an unfortunate track record of blowing leads at Majors, having led going into the final day on four occasions only to end up empty-handed. His start to the final round must have brought negative memories flooding back but the 37-year-old showed outstanding mental strength to recover his composure through the back nine. The American recorded consecutive birdies on the 13th, 14th and 15th to become the first player to go 20 under at Augusta in the history of the tournament. Johnson’s competition failed to make inroads, allowing him to extend his lead to five shots as he entered the 18th. While no official spectators were present to witness history, a throng of club members circled the 18th as Johnson kept his nerve to hold par on the final hole to finish 20 under. Johnson has finished in the top-10 four times at Augusta, most notably in 2019 when
Dustin Johnson won the 2020 Masters. (Getty Images) he tied second with Brooks Koepka and Xander Schauffele as Tiger Woods got his hands on a fifth green jacket. But it was Woods handing over the green jacket this time around at an unprecedented Masters tournament. The Masters - Final Leaderboard 1 – Dustin Johnson (-20) 2 – Cameron Smith (-15) T2 – Sung-Jae Im (-15) 4 – Justin Thomas (-12) 5 – Rory McIlroy (-11)
Monday November 16, 2020
Kaieteur News
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World Test Championship finalists to be decided by percentage of points earned ESPNcricinfo - Finalists f o r t h e Wo r l d Te s t Championship (WTC) will be decided by the percentage of points they have earned from those they have actually contested for. The ICC’s cricket committee has chosen this option for the first edition of a disrupted WTC, though final approval will be given by the CEC (chief executives’ committee) this week. The ICC’s last quarterly meeting of the year begins on Monday (today) this week. The other option under consideration by the committee was to treat Tests not played in this league cycle because of the pandemic as draws, and split the points. That has been ruled out, though in making this choice, there was acknowledgment within the committee that the ‘least bad’ option had to be found, this WTC cycle completed to be able to move on to the next one. The approach does not drastically change the
chances of those in the running for the final, scheduled to be played next June in England. New Zealand might see it as a better opportunity to finish in the top two: if they pick up the maximum of 240 points from their two home series against West Indies and Pakistan - and they’ve won their last six Tests at home against them - they end up with 420 points (out of 600 contested) or 70%. That would put them ahead of England and not far off India, although it would still come down to two pivotal upcoming series: India vs Australia and then India vs England, and both those series are of four Tests or more. England are also trying to reschedule their postponed series with Sri Lanka, which, if it goes ahead, could have an impact. As things stand only India and England have a realistic chance of playing all six of their respective WTC series. Pakistan can play six series but one against Bangladesh
wouldn’t have been completed. At least one committee member made the intriguing suggestion of tweaking the league to include two semifinals and a final, though that was not taken up. Fitting three WTC Tests, potentially all into an English summer, was thought to be unfeasible. The squeeze in the calendar, as members try to salvage what they can of bilateral commitments as well as their two T20 leagues, is why there is such a push to make sure a WTC final is staged. Postponing the final altogether was the favoured option among boards when these discussions began earlier. But given that the second WTC cycle starts with India’s Test series in England, before attention turns to the T20 World Cup in India, and that the year ends with the Ashes, playing an inaugural WTC final amid that would dampen its impact. In any case, playing out a final to a first season
World Test Championship points table as of November 2020. (ESPNcricinfo Ltd)
Tim Paine and Virat Kohli shake hands. (Getty Images)
during the second season would dilute the idea of the league. Scenarios · If New Zealand get the maximum 240 points from their home series, they will get to 70%. · If Australia win all four Tests at home against India, they’ll go up to
86.67%. If they lose all three Tests to South Africa (if the series happens), they’ll drop to 69.33%. · If India lose all four Tests against Australia and win all five against England, they’ll get to 480 points and 66.67%. If they win all five against England and lose 3-1 to Australia, they’ll have 510
points and 70.83% (marginally ahead of New Z e a l a n d ’s m a x i m u m possible score). If India win 5-0 against England and lose 2-0 to Australia, they’ll have 500 pts and 69.44%. So even two draws in Australia will not be enough for India if New Zealand sweep 240 points at home.
Lewis Hamilton Mercedes team members celebrate as he comes in for the win. (Anadolu Agency - Getty Images) Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium with the trophy after the race. (Reuters/Ozan Kose)
Hamilton takes seventh title with Turkish triumph Valencia MotoGP:
Mir seals title, Morbidelli beats Miller to win
rt o p S
GOA signs “Brighton Plus Helsinki 2014 Declaration on Women & Sport” Mr Kalam Juman–Yassin, President of the GOA with Mrs Tricia Fiedtkou, Assistant Treasurer at the signing of the document.
Joan Mir ‘can’t believe’ 2020 MotoGP title win.
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