Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR NEWS

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

Accused to

Tuesday Edition November 16, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 43

face trial after 14 years on remand

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 90,342

Govt.’s Mid-Year Report

misleading, economy did not grow this year - Jordan Police yet to charge regional officials accused of fraud in school feeding programme PS caught in Dust from cement bond forces cancer patient kickback scandal, to wear mask in home file sent back to DPP - EPA investigating

Change ExxonMobil’s contract

for the third time

Govt. courting Middle Eastern group for agricultural investment

US$900M Gas-to-shore, oil projects will significantly Exxon Report Reveals…

impact marine resources

Local and Regional experts decry EM's shambolic EIA during online consultation and expose their inability to answer hundreds of questions and concerns posed to them on this forced project, Yellowtail, and all the leaders quiet. @11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 16, 2021

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Exxon Report reveals…

US$900M gas-to-shore, oil projects will significantly impact marine resources

Map showing the location of the Liza Phase One, Two, Payara and Yellowtail fields in the Stabroek Block.

PS caught in kickback scandal, file sent back to DPP for the third time The file for the Permanent Secretary (PS) attached to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, who is fingered in a kickback scandal, was last Friday sent back to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) chambers for the third time by the police seeking further advice.

On October 7, 2021, the PS, Sharon Hicks, 42, of 811 Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara (WBD) was arrested at her Quamina and Thomas Streets, South Cummingsburg office during a police operation.

Following the incident, she was immediately sent on leave, pending the outcome of the matter.

The police subsequently sent the case file to DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C, for legal advice, but the file was sent back for the investigators to make necessary corrections, before resending the file to the Chambers.

On the second occasion when the file was sent to the c h a m b e r s , t h e Communication Officer for

Permanent Secretary (PS), Sharon Hicks the DPP’s office, Liz Rahaman, told this publication that the file was once more resent to the police for further corrections to be made.

Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum has since confirmed that the file was forwarded back to the DPP’s chamber for a third time.

According to reports, a sting operation was setup after a businessman who usually provides security services for the Ministry,

reported to the police that the PS was demanding money from him before she signed off on his invoices.

Hicks and the b u s i n e s s m a n ’s f a t h e r reportedly had a deal, in which she would help him secure a contract with the Ministry and in return, he would pay her a $200,000 ‘kickback’ each month.

After the businessman’s father died, he took over his father’s business and that is when Hicks approached him to strike the same deal with him, to which he first agreed.

However, after reportedly paying Hicks for three months, he became tired and reported the matter to the police.

As such, the sting operation was setup and marked notes were handed over to the PS by the contractor while in her office.

After Hicks collected the money, a plainclothes police rank walked into her office, identified himself and cautioned her. She was cautioned of the allegation and arrested.

While the Peoples’ Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government appears preoccupied with the revenues to be had from various ExxonMobil-led projects, a key report from the American multinational has warned that there will be significant impact on the nation’s marine resources, due to the cumulative impact of those oil related activities.

This disclosure was made in the project documents for the Yellowtail development in the Stabroek Block, operated by ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL).

The report which formed the premise for the recently concluded countrywide consultations on the Yellowtail development, noted that there are several exploration and development activities planned or are already in operation by EEPGL. These include the US$3.5B Liza Phase I Development, the US$6B Liza Phase II Development, and the US$9B Payara Development projects.

EEPGL said, it is continuing with a rapid exploration drilling programme in the Stabroek Block alongside works on its fiber optic cable installation project, an onshore Guyana Office Campus, and the US$900M Gas to Energy Project.

It is also poised to drill 24 wells across the Kaieteur and Canje blocks which border the Stabroek concession.

Additionally, EEPGL said there are three other oil and gas operators that are planning exploration programmes in blocks adjacent to the Stabroek

Block.

With this in mind, EEPGL said its planned together with the other operators could c u m u l a t i v e l y, h a v e a significant impact on some resources.

It said, these impacts include but are not limited to, air quality and climate via increased emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, marine water quality via the discharge of drill cuttings and associated increases in other water borne articles, special status fish via changes in distribution due to altered water quality, special status seabirds via attraction to offshore facilities or disturbance from project activities, marine mammals via vessel strikes, special status marine turtles, “marine fish via degraded water quality”, riverine mammals via behavioral changes or displacement as a result of increased vessel traffic within Georgetown Harbour, and ecological balance and ecosystems via introduction of invasive species via ballast water discharges.

It said too that the oil related activities will result in changes in marine nutrient cycle, resulting in localized and temporary changes in phytoplankton (a type of microalgae) species distribution, and impacts on gene flow.

In spite of the foregoing, EEPGL said citizens and local authorities ought to be assured that the project will adopt a number of embedded controls, mitigation measures, and management plans.

The ExxonMobil subsidiary said, these are considered sufficient to address the contributions of the project to cumulative impacts.

According to project documents, the Yellowtail Project is expected to cost Guyana over G$1.8T. It is expected to consist of drilling approximately 41 to 67 development wells, including production, water injection, and gas reinjection wells; installation and operation of Subsea, Umbilicals, Risers, and Flowlines equipment; installation and the operation Continued on page 8

APOLOGIES Kaieteur News in its November 4, 2021 publication, under the caption ‘Local company lodges complaints over ‘unfair practices’ by foreigners,’ reported that Universal Janitorial Services and Supplies, Ian Edwards, accused Arrow Oilfield Services Inc. of misrepresenting itself as a foreign owned company.

He further accused the company of ‘bid sponsor impersonation,’ charges it vehemently denies.

Arrow Oilfield Services Inc., in denying the allegations asserts that its shareholders are Guyanese and that the assertions have caused its international clients to express hesitation in doing business with them in future, and that it is in possession of correspondences between the two companies to corroborate its claims.

As such, Kaieteur News apologises for any inconvenience caused.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 16, 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

Guyanese have a choice to make

G

uyanese are at a place they have never been before. Whether rich or poor, educated or untutored, or wise or untroubled, all citizens are at crossroads. Every citizen or, at least, a solid and sound core of them, need to make a choice. It is a simple, but tough choice, the most fateful of choices, for whatever they decide could take them to a different place, and make or break this country.

The choice is straightforward: stay as they are and exist in some fashion, as they have always done, comforted them.

Or, on the other hand, they can come to an appreciation of their obligations as citizens of a society, as parents and breadwinners, and as members of a democratic nation, and what such entails, especially what it demands of them.

The former is deciding to stay disengaged, as though what occurs across Guyana, are some news stories from another country, hence, none of their business. Nothing could be more wrong, more self-destructive, since what is going on in Guyana today is everyone’s business, regardless of how involved or indifferent they may be. If they were indifferent before, that has to be a thing of the past, and starting from yesterday. Already, much time has been lost, which means that Guyanese are beginning with a disadvantage as they struggle to come to grips with where they stand, what they must do.

One of the ways they must not be, cease to be, is lethargic and unconcerned. They must not be so indifferent, as to take for granted what political leaders fill them with, that they remain unmoved and silent, while sitting on their hands, without care or concern.

Guyanese can take it silently, while Chinese companies pay three percent royalties, and receive huge plots of prime gold land cheaply, while locals pay eight percent taxes, and have to fight each other for a small space to mine.

They have to decide how much more of leadership secrets they are willing to absorb, how many billions in American dollars to dish out to Exxon, with PPP leaders not even bothering to check.

The bottom-line is, their present and future, as well as that of their children, are at stake, and something which no man or woman should take lightly. This is not somebody else’s business that is happening someplace else, but right here. It is our business.

It is why we say that sitting silently, to make oneself small is no longer an option. We have what could be a filler of dreams for all in this tiny population; or, in the next breath, if left to the known ways of politicians, could turn out to be a killer of the same dreams and aspirations long harboured in the breast of Guyanese. We have had our share of the terrible consequences resulting from when we leave important matters, huge money matters, in the hands of ruling political groups and their leaders alone. It is no longer a recipe for disaster, but the unsparing realities of actual disaster upon disaster, thanks to the trickeries and corruptions of leaders. And this brings us, willingly or unwillingly, to the second choice before all citizens of this blessed land.

Guyanese can decide that they want more than just existing, meaning, they desire to live with pride, and at some standards higher than ever before. Those standards are not going to come from wishful thinking, or through trusting the good graces of clever leaders. They will only come after working for what is due to us, and belongs to us.

We must stand up, and speak out. The more citizens that do so, the more astute political leaders and their insiders are quick to discern that the old ways are under siege, and their practices are coming under sharp scrutiny. Guyanese have to be fearless today, but they have to be sensible.

They must recognise that the enemy is our leaders, those who promise them the world, while delivering worms. Those who divide them, and then use them for their own purposes and advantages. If Guyanese have any dignity left, they will want to live, not merely exist. They know the choices that they have in front of them.

“Every Problem has a Solution.”

DEAR EDITOR “Every problem has a solution,” say many secondary school students. Some students note; “life is a gift of God that must be cherished,” and “life is wonderful.” Yet other students emphasise: “talk, talk, and talk about problems,” and “everyone has a purpose in life.” These represent a spectrum of views from students who constituted a sample survey on the suicide problem that afflicts Guyana. The project was conducted by NYGM with logistical support from the Ministry of Education.

The fleeting optimism that prevailed when the reported suicide rate declined (by about 21%) between 2016 and 2020 partly in response to initiatives linked to the National Suicide Prevention Strategy 2015-2020, (NSPS), has dissipated as the para-suicide (attempt) rate has been moving aggressively in the opposite direction. While in 2012 the para-suicide rate was 2.5 times higher than the suicide rate (WHO), survey data for 2014 indicate that para-suicide had continued to increase at a rate of 6 times higher than that of suicides. The escalation of the para-suicide rate has continued to the present. The Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony reports at the recent “Mental Health and Well- Being” (MHWB) Conference that for every suicide case there are about 20 para-suicides. Guyana is still ranked among the top five countries in the world with one of the highest suicide rates.

Consistent with the WHO’s Mental Health Plan of

2013, which has suicide prevention as an essential component (with the goal of reducing suicide by 10% by 2020), Guyana produced the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, 2015-2020 after consultations with stakeholders, including health professionals, health care providers, and civil society. What role did empirical research findings play in the development of this strategy is not clear. Neither were young people involved in the process of consultation. Notwithstanding, even the few reports on mental health and suicide that were prepared have not been acted upon, laments Dr. Harry Bhairo at the Guyana MHWB conference. Given their firsthand knowledge of this problem, students could play a vital role in suicide prevention.

The NYGM survey of 111 students drawn from 7 Secondary Schools and comprising all ethnic groups with an average age of 15.4 years, illustrates an awareness and concern of the suicide problem among this constituency. For example, 38 students (34.2%) report that suicide victims were their friends; 14 (12.6%) say the victims were their extended family members; while 5 (4.5%) students indicate that the victims were villagers.

Students have been touched directly and indirectly by cases of suicide. They have, accordingly, recommend the introduction of special TV, radio, and recreational programs to address the suicide problem as well as emphasize the need to identify risk factors and having the service of guidance counsellors in each

school. Of the suicides committed by Indo-Guyanese 84.7% are by Hindus while 15.3% are by Muslims (Kay Shako: 2015). The Hindu rate is 2.7 times more than that of Muslims. No information is available for Christian IndoGuyanese. An interesting question emerges. If IndoGuyanese Muslims and IndoGuyanese Hindus grow up in a similar cultural milieu and socialized in the same way, why is there this wide disparity in suicide rates between Hindus and Muslims?” Is it a question of differential access to counseling or better opportunities? Research is needed to study this phenomenon. Another perplexing issue pops up. Guyana, which has an almost similar ethnic structure of population and cultural background as Trinidad & Tobago (T & T), has a suicide rate 2.3 times more than that country. Could this difference be explained by the factor of economic distress? For example, T & T has a per capita GDP that is 2 times more than that of Guyana? Or could the difference be explained in terms of the greater rate of urbanization in T & T compared with Guyana? Urbanization reduces the risks of suicide in Guyana. Or are there other forces at work?

While the NYGM survey was conducted a few years ago at the Anna Regina Multilateral School, the main results are applicable to existing social conditions. Updates to this survey have been made from information derived at subsequent workshops, interviews conducted with para-suicides, and con-

tent analysis of secondary source data, including newspaper articles/letters.

Findings include: (i) the most common method used by both suicides and parasuicides are hanging and poison; (ii) the suicide rate among Indo Guyanese is 56 per 100,000 compared with 8 per 100,000 for AfroGuyanese. Indo-Guyanese rate is 7 times more than AfroGuyanese rate; (iii) suicides are committed mostly by rural residents, they are under 40 years, are mostly males (except that in cases of parasuicides, most are females), are pre-dominantly (80%) Indo-Guyanese, are of working class (irrespective of ethnicity) with low educational background; (iv) suicide and para-suicide is either planned or spontaneous; (v) mental illness (bipolar disorder) is linked to many suicides (quantative data not available); (vi) blocking the easy access to poison and other lethal weapon reduces suicide: (vii) precipitatory (contributory) factors include hopelessness (anomie), loss of status, poor health, rejection, alcohol and drug abuse, isolation, low self-esteem, and a genetic connection; (viii) most students (85.4%) are optimistic that suicides and para-suicides are preventable with timely intervention and counseling. Suicide should not be considered as a personal family misfortune but as a societal problem that cries out for greater understanding and humane action.

Regards Dr. Tara Singh

NPTAB is not needed anymore: Criteria and standards mean nothing DEAR EDITOR The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) award of a $346 million contract to a local entity totally inexperienced in construction reveals the state of this countrymeaning- the operation of the minds of Guyana’s political leaders, and those in our institutions that ensure compliance with their dictates. It is pointless to create a stink about this, because tomorrow, there will be another outcome either at NPTAB or from some other agency or person of the state. It will confirm the essence of what I present today; possibly something more outrageous.

I memorialise this coldly and clinically, but it should not mask the utter meaningless of most, if not all, of our state apparatus.For starters, I congratulate the winners of the $346 million Bamia school contract on their good fortune, the power and fidelity of their political friends. Secondly, I thank the spokesper-

son for being truthful, which went something like this: “we have not built anything, but we can manage money.” In my own words, they build legacies. And now I go where this must, and leave the rest to observers, as to what we have for checks and balances, what we have for policies and procedures, and what we have for independence and integrity.

The latter applies to anyone and anywhere that we desire to look, and to do so critically, but honestly.For we have a ‘national tender board’ and this results.

We have procuring entities and bodies, and I have arrived at this place: call off the charades, and do away with them. Officially I say this because, whether tenderer or procurer, Guyanese have been accustomed to seeing numerous advertisements informing the public about this or that project in the millions, sometimes billions. The advertisements have a format, with detailed descriptions of job, requirements. They are

called ‘Invitation to Bid’ or ‘Expression of Interest’, among a small tight string of helpful information. They speak of compulsory criteria, specifications, skills, track record and equipment necessary, as starting points. It is reluctantly accepted that the lowest bid does not determine the winner, and similarly that almost everything else is nonnegotiable, particularly track record and vital qualifications and skills of contractors bidding.Now, when no experience in physically building (anything) is casually tossed out the window by NPTAB, I reach this place. NPTAB is not needed anymore. Criteria and standards mean nothing.

The supposed search for and selection of so-called independent and principled Guyanese to oversee institutions like NPTAB, procurement boards, and procurement tribunals might as well be discarded into the dustbin forthwith. They are a joke.

Other than for window dressing, as eye shadow and face

foundation that runs and smears. We all look and are sorrier for it. Because then, anybody could say anything to justify their good fortune; and it stands, since that is the way things are today.I proceed into other areas. Likewise, the Police Complaints Authority, the police itself, the judiciary, and GECOM (and many others of like stature) are all subject to manipulating to perform like puppets dancing the jigs of ministers and leaders, should circumstances demand.

What happened with the $346 million award was glaring. it revealed that the President meant business when he committed to ‘dismantling onerous regulations.’

I congratulate him too: on this one he has delivered, and in spades.

Instead of asking how much like this left to come, it is better to rephrase as: there must be many more like this waiting.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Tuesday November 16, 2021

Guyanese companies among 240 exhibitors at FITCE 2021 DEAR EDITOR Seven companies from Guyana along with Guyanese owned companies in the US and the Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) are among 240 exhibitors from more than 50 countries that will participate in the Florida International Trade Conference and Expo (FITCE) which opens here on Wednesday.

Also, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), blenders and bottlers of Guyana’s internationally acclaimed El Dorado rum is among the sponsors of two receptions that will have among the guests several current and former presidents, prime ministers and ministers of government, diplomats and private sector officials from countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and Europe.

Guyana’s minister of tourism, industry and commerce, Oneidge Walrond is listed to make a presentation at a forum on ‘Doing Business with the World’ at which trade and investment opportunities in Guyana will be highlighted.

DDL’s executive chairman,

Komal Samaroo and GACC’s president Wesley Kirton will also be among the speakers at the two- day conference which ends on Thursday, November 18.

Organizers expect more than 2,000 attendees at the event.

GACC’s secretary Melinda Gordon says that the chamber is currently finalizing one-on-one meetings for several of the Guyanese companies with foreign companies which would have an interest in sourcing imports from Guyana, investing in Guyana or becoming manufacturers’ representatives for products and services needed in Guyana. She disclosed that the chamber’s president Wesley Kirton is spearheading these efforts.

“The expo’s world marketplace will provide for Guyanese companies to network among numerous international companies while various plenary sessions and workshops will cover issues such as how to bring your business to the USA, key steps to importing to the US and the effective use of tech-

nology. Time has also been set aside for matchmaking sessions among companies with interest in each other’s products and services,” Gordon said.

A number of meetings is being arranged for DDL with government and private sector officials from Africa and Latin America with a view to expanding the company’s market share in these regions for its world acclaimed El Dorado brand of rums while its chairman, Komal Samaroo will be meeting with officials of the World Trade Center corporation to continue on discussions that begun in 2020 for the establishment of a World Trade Center in Guyana.

At the last FITCE, held in 2019, Guyana had the single largest delegation with some 22 exhibitors. This year’s participation by companies from Guyana has been curtailed due to Covid-19 vaccination requirements for entry into the USA, which do not allow for Sputnik-5 vaccinated persons.

Regards Wesley Kirton

President Ali’s meetings, participation at COP26 benefits all Guyanese DEAR EDITOR, Guyana’s participation at the recent 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) has re-established the country as a leading example for net carbon sink even as the country updates its energy strategies and programmes.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali in his recent international travels as a result of COP26 has caused more investors and major financial institutions to reach out to officials and businesses in Guyana seeking investments opportunities.

COP 26 will complement the local oil and gas support sector as Guyana’s targets and ambitions will be in keeping with the expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

For example, GAICO Construction Inc. is positioning itself to play an important role in the massive

development slated for Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), with a US$25 million investment in a marine facility at Nismes, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Mr. Editor, President Ali’s vision for Guyana is one that is futuristic and as a proud son of Region Three, the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSI) will support this vision in every aspect as actions have already commenced for the construction of a marine facility, which will comprise a wharf, dry dock, and lay down and storage yard for construction materials to supplement the region’s development, including the US$900 million gas-to-energy project which will also create significant opportunities for businesses and persons.

All this development will stimulate hundreds of jobs for Guyanese particularly those persons who were terminated when the Wales Sugar Estate

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was closed in 2017. Moreover, President Ali’s visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has propelled Guyana with transformative steps into the future and it shows Guyana’s economy has investorfriendly policies.

The Head of State has shown his Government’s business-friendly policies and natural richness that poises the country for massive expansions.

Guyana is the most resource-rich country in the English-speaking Caribbean.

If we speak about world food production, environmental services, world-class ecotourism, freshwater potential, mining opportunities, research and development, human transformation, health, and educational services, then you can see why all eyes will be on Guyana going forward.

Also, the country’s tourism potential was also (Contienued on page 6)

Guyana Police Force must be equipped with Tasers to deal with violent criminals.

DEAR EDITOR I would like us to focus our attention on a recent video post, where the police was confronted with a violent criminal as they attempted to make an arrest.

In that video we see two lawmen engaging in a violent struggle with a belligerent individual.

In the ensuing fraca they were met with some stout resistance, in fact, the lawmen were physically assaulted being punched and tossed around as the criminal gained the upper hand.

This caused one Facebook commentator to say, why didn’t the officer who was armed, uses his weapon? Why didn’t he use his weapon, a common practice used here when subduing belligerent offenders?

However, in this instance the officer chose not to apply to his weapon, probably, cognizant of the legal and political repercussions he would have to face.

But the question still lingers why suffer bodily harm by a criminal? Should he rather to suffer the blows and humiliation than react with subduing force?

Well, the lawmen chose the passive role in this case, which is a welcoming spectacle to a crowd who gloated in the idea of an officer being beaten by a criminal.

And this has been a problem facing Law enforcement ever since, how to react in such demanding circumstances?

Now, this brings into question how well is our lawmen equipped to deal with violent criminals? Are they well trained or properly equipped to deal with such situations? I think not, some may say the policemen should have shot him a move that could have caused him irreparable harm, we are all too familiar with these situations.

So, let us see what is the most sensible and proper way we can deal with violent persons

when making an arrest.

It is my firm belief that the police should be equipped with Tasers, that device would have brought a quick and tactical end to that violent confrontation. A quick application of some electrical power would have immobilized him and put everything in order.

If I should add, there are instances where the police in their bid to make an arrest was met by a hostile crowd gathered at the scene, the mob who were active participants in the obstruction of justice, pulling and tugging even throwing in punches to defend their criminal comrade.

This sort of behaviour must be curbed immediately if we are to make any headway in crime fighting.

So, I am again making the suggestion that the minister get our lawmen properly equipped with Tasers to adequately deal with such situations.

Respectfully Neil Adams

Due diligence needed in vetting nominee for UK High Commission DEAR EDITOR, It has been over fifteen months since this administration took power. There has not been any appointment to London or Brussels as yet.

When will these and other posts be filled? Who will be the UK High Commissioner?

Will there be proper vetting or will the government embarrass itself and nominate someone with a fake (or kak) degree? We have had enough individuals with kak degrees in high positions; they have been disasters. One with a kak

doctorate ran a major state company some time ago and look what happened to that company. When I engaged that individual some time ago, there was something amiss about his intellect and management ability. I suspected right away he was a fraudster doctor. Investigations revealed later on that he bought a doctorate from a university without walls – in other words a kak degree.One does not need a degree for a diplomatic appointment although educational training is an asset. A

kak degree is not an asset – it is a characteristic of fraud and dishonesty. Such a character should be rejected for any appointment. Individuals with genuine degrees should be preferred. While it is not known who is being touted for Guyana’s high (Continued on page 6)

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Tuesday November 16, 2021

GUYANESE SERVED WITH PATRIOTISM IN US ARMED FORCES DEAR EDITOR, Last Thursday, America observed Veterans Day, the day set aside to pay tribute to those who served in the US armed forces, in particular those who were sent to war.

It had not dawned on me that many, many Guyanese and other West Indians served in the American armed forces and were sent overseas, some seeing military action until Wednesday evening when I went to a ‘viewing wake’ for a Guyanese in Queens.

He was given a military funeral inside the funeral home where his bodied lie.

The US army gave a fitting military send off to Prahalad R Sewgobind, formerly of Whim, Corentyne – full honors with the blowing of the bugle amidst utter silence, the salute and the folding of the US flag by members of the armed forces. Sewgobind, like so many other Guyanese served in Vietnam, and he was also sent to guard the border in South Korea. Sewgobind and other born Guyanese became patriotic Americans defending the US flag.

Sewgobind (popularly known as Golo in the greater

Whim area) would have been so proud to know the US army honored him with such a grand send off for his contributions in protecting the US as so many other Guyanese did; many were not given proper recognition for their contributions. Guyanese were small in percentage of the US population during the 1960s and 1970s and later decades. But their numbers in the armed forces especially during the Vietnam War was large and their percentage in the armed forces would have been larger than their size in the US population. Minorities or people of color were over represented in the armed forces.

Guyanese, like other West Indians, started coming to the US in late 1960s in the thousands as foreign students or visitors. Almost all of them were males except some females who came to do nursing. Almost all of them overstayed and or violated the conditions (like working illegally) of their visas and were subject to deportation; some were deported. They could regularize their status if they got married to an American or someone with legal residency

or citizenship. As some narrated to me, because of racial prejudice, their options were limited to a Black American or a Puerto Rican as there were no Guyanese American with whom to get married to regularize their papers (obtain green card). Some got married and obtained spousal green card sponsorship. Cultural taboo on exogamous relations restricted IndoGuyanese marriages and as such spousal sponsorships.

Some engaged in ‘business relationship’ marriages for green card sponsorship.

Illegal immigrants and foreign students were offered a kind of amnesty and green card if they joined the armed forces, which meant military action in the raging war in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos (Indochina). The latter offer led to many Guyanese joining the US army. After a quick period of training, they were deployed to Vietnam. Indian Guyanese and Indo-Trinis made up an outsized number of troops in Vietnam – multiple times their share of the American population. An Indo-Trinidadian informed me when he arrived in Vietnam in 1970, he was shocked

VARIOUS STRATEGIES NEEDED TO DEAL WITH FLOODING IN THE CITY

DEAR EDITOR, On reading a letter to the editor in this daily November, 13th 2021, by one Mr. Emille Giddings, in which he advocated the deepening of drains to absorb more water, I recalled a recent article by the BBC News on the concept of sponge cities used in China to deal with flooding.

The approach aims at creating landscape to absorb more water, slow the drainage flow by meandering drainage instead of straight lines, and lastly a sink to hold water for when

it cannot be emptied into the river.Editor I confess, that I am not a Hydrological engineer,

but given our efforts to drain the water from the city as quickly as possible via pumps and sluices have not always been successful, incorporating or adapting some

strategies from the sponge city concept into our drainage plan may just give us the advantage we need in dealing with excessive rainfall in the city.

Sincerely, Suryaveer

at the number of IndoGuyanese in his battalion and platoon and in the artillery section. When the war was over in 1975, they were brought back to the US; some were redeployed to Europe or Korea to guard borders against communist forces.

The family of those who served in the armed forces received a cheque as a token of appreciation. I recall some family members boasting on the Corentyne of getting money from the US government for their sons serving in the US army. The family of those who died in action received financial compensation. It was a $100K during the second Iraq war. Families received support while members were in the forces.

It is not known how many Guyanese joined the armed forces in the late 1960s and 1970s during the height of the Vietnam war. Guyanese also saw military action in other wars like against Serbia, Iraq invasions (1990 and 2002), Afghanistan, etc. It is not known how many Guyanese died in action in Vietnam or elsewhere and or how many were injured or suffered PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disor-

der). Guyanese were known to have died serving the American nation. There were news reports of several killed in Iraq (second invasion) and Afghanistan from New York and New Jersey. This writer went to a couple of funerals of Indo-Guyanese Americans killed in the Middle East. Several cousins and family members served in the US armed forces as soldiers and Air force pilots.

Although they served with honour and fought to protect all Americans, Guyanese were treated with dishonour because of their color and ethnicity.

Racism has been rife in the US since the birth of the nation in 1776. And every group of Americans that came to the country has had to fight for equality, respect and dignity.

Indians, in particular, were prohibited from settlement in the US because of their race with laws specifically excluding them from settlement in the US even though Indian soldiers defended US forces and the American nation in WWI, WWII. The barriers against Indians and other non-White immigrants were removed in 1965, when, be-

cause of the Vietnam war, the US experienced a shortage of skilled labourers and opened the border to them resulting in a flood of professionals from India in various fields (medicine and engineering in particular) to help build America.

Guyanese, like other immigrants, have made enormous contributions to the US protecting it as well as providing labour in so many areas. But their contributions are left out of the classrooms and history books because of their color and ethnicity. They are overlooked in academia and doling out of resources. In a demographic way, it’s sort of a hidden history.

It’s hard to quantify how many Guyanese (by national origin and race) served in the military during the Vietnam War and later years, because the Pentagon didn’t officially keep count by country of origin or even by race. A proper study is needed on Guyanese role in the US armed forces and economic contributions to the nation. Oral histories of those who served should be recorded for posterity.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Due diligence needed in vetting...

From page 5 commissioner’s position to the United Kingdom, rumour circulating is someone with a kak degree (calling himself doctor) is being given the nod. People posted as top diplomat have an agenda – advocate for developmental assistance, skills transfer, investment, etc. Whoever is the person, he or she must be skilled and competent in diplomacy, international rela-

tions, trade, business, and the like. He or she must be able to promote Guyana for investment and champion developmental assistance especially in the oil and energy sector.

Moreover, the person must be of impeccable integrity, excellent educational background, and one without a sordid past and one who the country has confidence. A person with a kak degree would lack those skills. Ac-

crediting nations, especially UK and the EU, should conduct due diligence on the character of the nominee. Character should also include a check on claims of educational background. The nations should reject anyone who claims to have a doctorate that is not from an accredited university.

Yours truly, Calvin Braithwaite

President Ali’s meetings, participation at COP26...

From page 5 highlighted, especially its sustainable tourism development drive. President Ali must be commended for his drive behind Guyana’s

transformational agenda and the development of its human resources.

The R3PSI awaits the implementation of the Head of State policies that will

progress the lives of all Guyanese.

Regards Halim Khan Head of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSI),

Tuesday November 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 16, 2021

Govt.’s Mid-Year Report misleading,

economy did not grow this year - Jordan Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan has lambasted the administration over what he intimates to be a misleading MidYear financial report saying, despite its lofty account of a 14.5 percent growth in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the actual growth is closer to less than zero percent.

Additionally, the reported 14.5 percent

growth rate is not only misleading but means nothing to the average person, since the figures in themselves are misleading. He made the assertions over the weekend while being a guest on Christopher Ram’s ‘Plain Talk’ Programme aired on Channel 7, where the two local financial experts discussed the most recent report released by the government.

Ram, an eminent Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law, in grilling his guest, had pointed to the fact that the document reflects a 14.5 percent GDP growth rate and that the non-oil economy grew—which is already absorbed into the overall figure—by only 4.8 percent and was asked to give his views on, “what does it mean for the country and the average person.” To this end, the former Finance Minister responded bluntly, “not much.”

He qualified his position by pointing to the fact that “the growth is being driven by the oil, oil as you well know from the old socialist days it’s an enclave sector; it’s a sector that is out there contributing very little to the economy.”

A position also observed by Ram, who reflected that in neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) the sector accounts for only three percent of its national earnings despite its numerous onshore facilities such as refineries.

“If oil grows by 14 percent it means nothing much to us, if agriculture grows by 14 percent

Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan

14.5 percent growth recorded, is compared to a 2020 base. He used the occasion to recall that in 2020, “you had a lot of problems,” referencing the economic slowdown that impacted the global economy as a result of the pandemic.

Elucidating his position, the former Finance Minister further pointed to the fact, “if you notice carefully the non-oil GDP of 4.8 at half year, is same as the non-oil GDP in 2019.”

As such, “you haven’t really grown.”

According to Jordan, at present, “…for the average person, they (are) worse off, they haven’t seen a salary increase in two years.”

Compounding the situation, he pointed to the fact that the inflation rate is higher this year, in the face of no real growth in economy. In addition to the thousands of lost jobs since 2019, Jordan noted that the price for virtually everything has gone well above the inflation rate.

This, he explained, impacts in the poor even more since they do not have a savings to “fill that gap.”

CONTEXT Challenged by Ram that “you used to play up GDP growth” during his tenure as a Eminent Chartered Accountant and Finance Minister, Jordan was quick to point Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram out the context of the inquiry, and pointed to the fact that the growth rate of less than zero percentage, is being had in a situation where it means a lot to us,” he asserted. The former Finance Minister under the ousted coalition A the inflation rate is above five percent. He Partnership for National Unity, Alliance for qualified his position further by referencing Change (APNU+AFC) administration, the fact that without oil in 2019—production explained that this obtains, since growth in the commencing in December 2019—Guyana agricultural industry, redounds to growth in the still recorded at the time about 4.7 percent earnings of thousands of Guyanese. This, he growth rate, in the context of very low said contrasts with the petroleum sector, which inflation. He said too, that at the time there while it is heavily capital intensive, employs was GDP growth above the inflation rate with a $70,000 minimum wage. very little persons—however better paid.

Two years later, Jordan said that non-oil DECEPTION Compounding the situation, the former growth is 4.8 percent, coming from a lower Finance Minister in exposing the deception base in 2020 and even though overall growth being employed in the report, sought to put is 14.5 percent, this is highly influenced by the numbers in context, pointing out that the oil which in itself, presents a problem for Guyana’s accounting and the misleading figures being presented to the nation lauding growth.

From page 3 ACCOUNTING of a Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) PROBLEMS vessel in the eastern half of the Stabroek Block; and— Ram in his line of ultimately—project decommissioning. questioning had pointed to the Initial production is expected to begin by the end of 2025 fact that the Mid-Year Report or early 2026, with operations continuing for at least 20 for this year recorded an years. overall balance of payment The project is expected to employ up to 540 persons shortfall of US$67.4M, during development well drilling, approximately 600 compared to US$2.8M the persons at the peak of the installation stage, and 100 to 140 previous year. As such Ram persons during production operations. questioned, “...if we are Over the last two weeks, the Environmental Protection earning all this money from Agency (EPA) has held several meetings with stakeholders oil, why are we witnessing a to explain the workings of the project. These discussions deficit?” were started after the nation had a mere 10 days to digest To this end, the former over 7000 pages of technical data on the project.

Finance Minister lamented, Today is the last day for persons to submit any that this was one area of the commentary on the project to the EPA. Continued on page 18

US$900M gas-to-shore...

Tuesday November 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

The local fishing industry is on the brink of extinction

A woman called in to a recent edition of The Glenn Lall Show which is aired on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays on Kaieteur News.

The caller bemoaned her declining fortunes as the owner of fishing boats.

She complained about the present plight of the industry.

She claimed that she has already been forced to park two of her vessels.The working vessel is bankrupting her because the catch cannot compensate for the expenses of sending the vessel out to sea. She is losing money every time the vessel goes fishing.Her story is being reproduced throughout the fishing industry in many parts of the country. In some cases, fishers have complained that they are catching less than 30 percent of their usual intake.

One local representative of the fishing industry was quoted as saying,This is affecting their livelihoods. The industry is running at a loss and with each day, the situation is getting worse.It is therefore not surprising to learn that fish production declined by a massive 17.1 percent in 2020 and shrimp production by almost 15 percent. The export earnings from fish was also reduced by US$25M, far more than was earned from the sugar industry.We are told that this year production is down by more than 20 percent.To add to the woes of fishers, operating costs are rising. Both the price of fuel and fishing equipment have been said to have skyrocketed.The future looks bleak for the local fishing industry. And this is dread news for the economy. A senior government official agrees that the fishing industry is collapsing.The consequences will be terrible.

Thousands of Guyanese rely on fishing for their livelihood

and fish is a vital part of the local diet.

Jobs, incomes and food are threatened by the decline in the fishing industry and particularly by the poor catches by fishers. A number of fish processing plants which employ thousands of persons, especially women, could face closure unless the situation is arrested.Guyana is likely to soon become a net importer of fish. This would be a crying shame.Glenn Lall believes that the problems in the fishing industry are no accident. He believes that there is a link between the plight of our fishers and the start-up of oil production. In fact, the problems of fishers have worsened since seismic surveys and drilling for oil commenced.He believes that it is the nerve-wrecking noises from the seismic surveys and the dumping of water from the oil production process which are responsible for chasing away fishing stocks from our waters.Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) however disputes this. Al Jazeera recently quoted a senior EPA official as saying that the causes for the decline in fishing catches were climate change and pollution, but that there was no link established between the decline in the fortunes of the industry and the oil and gas operations.

The fishers however, are not all buying that. Some of them are adamant that the oil industry is destroying the country’s fishing industry.And to think that royalties have been fixed at a paltry two percent. All the royalties which will be derived from the oil industry will be insufficient to compensate Guyana for the losses to the fishing industry.

It is yet another example of how instead of gaining from oil, the people of Guyana are

losing.A much bigger Field Development Plan is coming.

The fear is that Yellowtail will administer the final rites to the country’s fishing industry.

Yet, as was reported in another section of the media, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of Yellowtail contains “no comprehensive mapping of the fish nurseries, in Guyana or in neighbouring countries that might be feeding our fishery sector. There are no indications whatsoever in any baseline study done, including the marine baseline study done, of what the migratory patterns are of commercial or noncommercial fish compared in that whole zone of mud that extends all the way from Northern Brazil.”The government does not seem to have any answers to give to fisher folk. And the frustration is growing as exemplified by the female caller to The Glenn Lall Show who lamented her inability to take care of her family.Since the government does not accept the link between the oil exploration and production and low fishing catches, it should be redisposed towards proving itself right. It should commission an independent study to determine the proximate causes of the decline in fishing catches by local fisher folk.

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

Dem Boys Seh…

Dem tief nah interested in learning skills

De guvament planning fuh have a confidential programme to help convicted prisoners who wish to turn dem life around. Dem boys wan laugh when dem hear dis.

Yuh can’t solve crime by being soft with dem prisoners.

Right now dem gat nuff people when de popo go fuh arrest dem, dem resisting. And dem gat cheerleaders. But wait and see wah gan happen.

Dem criminals nah interested in turning dem life around. Dem interested in turning dem arrest around so dat dem gan be free to roam

de streets and to rob innocent people.

De guvament wasting time and money behind dis initiative. Dem prisoners nah interested in learning no skills. Dem already gat a skill; dem know how fuh deprive yuh of yuh property.

Dem know how fuh steal, beat and brutalise.

Dem nah want no confidential programme. Dem want dem freedom fuh continue to do wat dem does do good.

No skill dat yuh can teach dem gan allow dem fuh earn more dan dem does earn from

stealing. Dem nah gan change dem ways behind bars, so instead of wasting time, try and mek dem do some hard wuk during dem incarceration.

One time, dem had a prisoner who was on good behaviour. De warden decide fuh give he a break. He tell he if he fit up a few counters in de prison’s kitchen, he gan reduce he sentence.

De prisoner tun to he and seh, “Is counter fitting dat land me in jail.”

Talk half and buss laugh with dem boys over dis story hay.

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Tuesday November 16, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

There should be term limits for PNC leaders Here are four things you need to reflect on if you take an interest in where Guyana is heading.

1 - Vincent Alexander long ago observed that leaders of political parties should have term limits. 2 Most of the trade unions are headed by leaders whose tenure is longer than 25 years.

3 - The constitution of the AFC says that a leader “MAY” not run after holding office for two consecutive terms. Note the emphasis on the word “MAY.” In January 2017 at the AFC’s congress at the Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary School, Khemraj Ramjattan in contesting for a third term cited the

constitution and the word MAY. The constitution does not prevent a third term for a leader. 4 - Basil Williams told me on the balcony of the High Court many moons ago that the leader of the PNC has enormous jurisdiction in the party.

These items should be considered by the PNC as it is currently in the throes of leadership confrontation. It is unthinkable in a country with one of the youngest populations in the world to have people serving as organisation heads for 20, 30, 35 years. The implication of such longevity is very disheartening to such a young country.

If a sports organisation

has a chairperson who has a two-term limit, it means that over a period of 25 years you would have had several persons with experience in administration and travel.

Several of these chairpersons would have travelled the world, meet their counterparts from other countries and would have broaden their minds on how sports are organised.

The same principle applies to trade unionism.

After 25 years, with term limits, the trade union movement would have had several leaders with knowledge of how to negotiate with the business world and the government.

The end result of all of this is

that the trade union movement would have more talent at its disposal.

Ta k e t h e c o n t r a r y situation. If you have an organisation head ruling for 30 years, then the skills and experience are not distributed in the society.

This single person has all the experience and knowledge locked away in his/her head.

When you have such a young population, then without term limits, the country will lose. Young talented folks would not want to wait until they are in their sixties to reach the apex of their organisation.

The year 2025 is our next general election. If Harmon is the PNC’s leader he will be in his seventies. If it is Aubrey Norton, he will be 68. If there are no term limits in the PNC then both Harmon and Norton, if they keep on winning in their party’s leadership, will be in advanced age. But the young PNC aspirants will also be in advanced age if they have to wait another 20 years to become leader.

The youthfulness of Guyana’s population makes it urgent for all organisations to have term limits. The PNC should learn from the mistakes of its current leader, David Granger, and incorporate into its

constitution term limits for leader, chairman and g e n e r a l secretary.

To a rg u e against term limits is to push an open door. It is a winFrederick Kissoon win formula. No one can lose with leadership. term limits. Mr. His two main rivals – Granger, many strongly argue, was a decent human Carl Greenidge and Faith not involved in corruption. Harding – were absent from B u t h e d i d n o t h a v e Guyana for long periods and leadership qualities and there were no other credible leadership qualities are what persons willing to contest. a politician needs to win Mr. Corbin was then hardpressed to find someone to elections.

T h e A P N U + A F C ’s take over the PNC. I believe legitimate and clean defeat Corbin and Dr. Rupert in the March 2020 election is Roopnaraine who birthed too complex a situation to A P N U , m a n a g e d t o put down to one factor only. p e r s u a d e G r a n g e r ; So it is an academic non- Roopnaraine being a longstarter to cite Mr. Granger as standing friend of Granger. the reason for the defeat. But But his performance as his flaws featured in major president was bitterly disappointing and it was ways.

Guyana is too small a hurting the credibility of the nation living in compact PNC and the government. physicality, for the head of a The lessons of the past must political party to remain always be internalised. The u n c o n n e c t e d w i t h t h e PNC should learn by population. This was one of imposing term limits on its the major flaws of Mr. leaders. It will be good for Granger. I have written it the PNC’s future.

(The views expressed in before and I am repeating it, I believe Mr. Granger entered this article are those of the politics reluctantly after the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t PNC got into a dilemma with necessarily reflect the t h e R o b e r t C o r b i n opinions of this newspaper.)

Tuesday November 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Thieves steal winches from West Bank kokers — replacement estimated to cost around $5.1M

By Shervin Belgrave Thieves over the weekend stole two winches from kokers at Bagotsville and Nismes, West Bank Demerara (WBD), Region Three.

Speaking with Kaieteur News yesterday, Chairman of the La Grange/Nismes Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Anjanie Seebaran, said that the first winch was discovered missing from the Bagotsville koker on Saturday last. It is believed that the thieves who are yet to be identified might have stolen it sometime on Friday night or during the wee hours of Saturday.

The ‘winch thieves’ reportedly took a break on Saturday night but then struck again sometime on Sunday evening, this time stealing the winch from the Nismes koker.

Seebaran related that the winch from the Nismes koker was

discovered missing yesterday.

She pointed out that the Regional Engineer, has since estimated that it can cost somewhere around $5.1M to replace the winches at both Kokers.

“The engineer confirmed with me that one winch cost approximately $1.5M and the estimate for a contractor to install two winches at separate Kokers is around $2.1M,” Seebaran said.

Luckily, she continued, “the Region won’t have to spend $3M to purchase new winches to replace the stolen ones because her NDC has a used one in its bond and the regional administration department also has one in stock.”

Seebaran pointed out that the only expense that Region will have to incur as a result of the theft, is payments to a contractor to install them and that the process of hiring one has already begun.

Bagotsville and Nismes under water some two weeks ago as a result of the a Koker attendant not attending to his duties.

The NDC chairman explained that the winches are used to open and close the doors of the kokers when necessary.

During high tides it is required that the kokers be closed to prevent the villages from being flooded.

When the tide is low, the kokers are opened to drain out excess water from the land, especially during or after a heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture last evening in a public statement condemned the “theft of winches from critical sluices in Region Three” According to the Ministry, Region Three officials believe that thieves might have gained access to kokers from the Demerara River.

They were led to this conclusion because of the “location of the kokers and the size of, and weight of the winches” Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, was quoted in the statement urging persons to desist from such acts.

According to the Agriculture M i n i s t e r, t a m p e r i n g w i t h government structures are a criminal offence and persons found deliberately interfering with any such structure will be made to face the full force of the law.

According to the Ministry, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has since been working closely with Region Three officials, to remedy the situation as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the La Grange/Nismes NDC Chairman, Seebaran related to Kaieteur News that theft of winches is not the only problem that Bagotsville and Nismes have faced recent times and cited as example, negligence of a koker attendant, causing both villages to be severely flooded some two weeks ago. That attendant has since been disciplined for his wrongful actions.

Tuesday November 16, 2021

Photo of the Bagotsville Koker with its winch missing.

The current state of the Nismes Koker.

La Grange/Nismes NDC Chairman, Anjanie Seebaran and Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Three, Jagnarine Somwar.

Tuesday November 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday November 16, 2021

GTI inks MoU with equipment supplier to Dust from cement bond support agricultural machinery programme forces cancer patient

to wear mask in home ...EPA investigating

Another section of the family’s home blanketed in cement dust.

Managing Director, Renger van Dijk, on behalf of Farm Supplies Limited, hands over the Doosan Forklift to GTI Principal, Ms. Renita Crandon Duncan in the presence of other officials and representatives of FARMSUP and GTI The Guyana Technical Institute (GTI) recently received a Doosan forklift from Farm Supplies Limited (FARMSUP), following the signin of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a three year partnership agreement, aimed at assisting in the provision of equipment for vocational i n s t i t u t i o n ’s A g r i c u l t u r a l Machinery Programme.

The MoU was inked on Friday last by FARMSUP Managing Director, Renger van Dijk, and the GTI Principal, Renita Crandon Duncan.

Speaking on behalf of FARMSUP, Managing Director, Renger van Dijk in his remarks stressed on the importance of supporting the educational sector.

“This is a mutual partnership between the school and our

company that works very well,” he said.

According to the FARMSUP Managing Director, “we also benefit by getting students who join our company, work hard, and move up in very high ranks within the company.”

He recalled “our first partnership was signed in 2012,” and that “nine years after, we are proud to be in continuous partnership and to be donating a Doosan Forklift for the benefit of the students in training.”

GTI’s Principal, Ms. Duncan in her remarks expressed profound gratitude for the opportunities offered to the students by FARMSUP, and that she looks forward to a fruitful and reciprocal relationship in the years to come.

She also used the occasion to

thank FARMSUP “for always having GTI as their number one partner and is most grateful for the contributions made.”

The objective of the partnership includes support to GTI by providing the necessary tools and equipment for the Agricultural Machinery Programme on an annual basis. This is to assist with training through guest lectures and other facilitations.

According to Ms. Duncan, the equipment will also assist with provision of industrial attachments for students, personal protective equipment for staff and students on an annual basis, repairs needed to the Agricultural Machinery workshop on an annual basis coupled with the employment of the top two graduates from both the day and evening programme.

Berbicians to benefit from upgraded eye-care as Ming’s Optical expands

A

cancer patient who resides at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD) is now being forced to wear masks in her home, as a result of air pollution caused by the dust particles permeating the atmosphere as a result of a nearby cement bond.

The ailing woman’s husband, Fazil Zaman, recently reached out to this newspaper after being ignored for months by the r e g u l a t o r y s t a t e b o d y, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

According to the man, he wrote a letter to the EPA since July of this year, but has gotten no response.

The frustrated man said, he even visited the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) in a bid to get some relief for the woman who is presently on treatment.

The man explained, “I living there for the past 15 years but like three years ago, this businessman buy a piece of land and put up a cement bond. The noise is extreme and the heavy machines when they work they shake up the whole house”.

Although he is affected by the noise, Zaman noted that the real issue is the cement pollution.

“I can’t open my house doors, the windows or anywhere. My house inside is full with cement

dust. I reported the matter to the EPA, my son wrote them a letter and they keep saying that they are coming, they coming, but they never came.”

Zaman said, “I report the matter to the NDC but they don’t even want to come and visit my place because them and the man so close.

Everybody just makes promises that they would come but nobody came,” the perturbed man complained.

He noted that due to his wife’s illness, she also suffers respiratory issues and the cement dust only makes matters worse.

“She getting a lot of breathing problems and she just got to lock up whole day and deh in the house. She can’t come out. If she wants to come downstairs she have to put on masks because of the cement dust.”

Zaman told Kaieteur News that his wife was diagnosed with stage three Cancer back in March this year.

Public Relations Officer at EPA, Kwesi Isles, told this newspaper that the department is in receipt of the complaint and is scheduled to visit the area today to investigate.

Isles said he wished to thank Kaieteur News for bringing the issue to the attention of the EPA and acknowledged that the agency presently has several complaints backlogged that require attention.

Ming’s Optical re-opens their Corentyne, Berbice location.

Eye-care giant Ming’s Optical has expanded and re-opened their Corentyne, Berbice location. The modest re-opening ceremony saw in attendance Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony at the new l o c a t i o n a t Wi l l i a m s b u r g ,

Corentyne, Berbice. The previous branch operated at a smaller capacity just two lots away.

Dr. Michele Ming, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ming’s Optical, in an interview with media operatives, said that they had

initially opened their Berbice branch in 2013 but were operating only on Saturdays.

As such, a decision was taken to have a tent in place to offer more space to accommodate persons and Continued on page 18

The windows of the Herstelling family’s home covered in cement dust.

Tuesday November 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

Removing accident victims from GRA temporarily relocates scene more harmful than helpful Smyth Street operations

- GMO

Force’s CCU Public Relations Officer, Stan Gouveia Public-spirited citizens can actually cause more harm than good by transporting accident victims with spinal injuries which can cause them to become paralysed or even die, as a result of them trying to assist.

This, according to Government Medical Officer GMO), General Practitioner and Acting Medical Superintendent at Upper Demerara Hospital/Linden Hospital Complex, Dr. Elber O. Borrego Almaguer, who told this publication in an invited comment recently, “the most

Govt. Medical Officer, Dr. Elber O. Borrego Almaguer common injury that people get in an accident is called spinal injury. [So] when a person gets a spinal injury mostly in the back or in neck; when moving those people from the accident, we need to use some specific techniques, because we need to avoid producing more injuries in these people that already got trauma,” Dr. Almaguer explained.

As such, he cautioned that persons who are not trained to handle these types of situations must avoid

Dead, 17-year-old Romeo Edghill removing the injured victims to another location.

He said, persons should instead wait until trained Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) from the hospital or the fire department arrives, to remove the injured person.

Dr. Almaguer, highlighted that Guyana and other lesser developed countries in the Caribbean have a shortage of providing sufficient medical response vehicles.

Additionally, it was noted that victims can very many times “sue in millions Continued on page 17

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) will be temporarily moving its Licence Revenue Operations from its Smyth and Princess Streets, location to the GRA’s Parking Lot, Lamaha Railway Embankment, Camp and Lamaha Streets, later this month.

GRA gave the announcement in a release which said operations at the new location will take effect from Monday, November 29, 2021.

In order to facilitate the relocation, the office at Smyth Street will be closed on Friday, November 26, 2021 from 12 noon.

According to the GRA, this move is a temporary one, which stems from the need to demolish the existing structure at Smyth Street and reconstruct a modern, more functional office space for the comfort of both staff and customers with optimised service.

The hours of operation at the Railway Embankment facility will be: MondaysThursdays from 7:00AM to 3:30 PM, and Fridays from 7:00AM to 2:30PM.

Auto-dealers however, will be granted three halfhour slots daily to complete their transactions.

The allotted times are: · Mondays to Thursday 7:00AM - 7:30AM, 11:30AM - 12PM, and 3:00PM-3:30PM, and· Fridays 2:00PM - 2:30PM. Services, which will be available at this location, are motor vehicle registration, change of registration, transfer of registration, motor vehicle examination, and motor vehicle licence.

A drive-through system will be in place for persons whose only transaction is purchasing of motor vehicle licence(s).

All registration and examination services at this facility will be rendered by appointment. This includes hire cars in corporate yellow and mini buses to be registered in ‘G’ series.

R e q u e s t s f o r appointments can be facilitated through an online m a i l b o x lroappointments@gra.gov.g y or Whatsapp on 655-0806 during the aforementioned business hours.

Upon receipt of request, a confirmation notice will be sent. Persons visiting this location to lodge documents for motor vehicle registration purposes MUST also present the said vehicle (s) on the date of the appointment.

In the case of Motor Ve h i c l e T r a n s f e r transactions, both parties MUST be present for the processing of the said transaction.

The GRA release states too that customers will access the facility from Camp Street, using the inner lane of the eastern carriageway that flows south towards Lamaha Street. The first gate, near to the northern side of the facility will be used for entry, while the other gate further south will be the exit point.

GRA wishes to remind taxpayers that the COVID19 Emergency Measures published in the Official Gazette dated October 30, 2021 are in effect, and encourages all to comply with them; including wearing masks at all times, sanitizing hands and practicing social distancing.

PAGE 16

Tuesday November 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

‘African Swine Fever’ outbreak triggers immediate ban on importation of pork

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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.

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

3 bedroom homes for sale,H aslington, Onderneeming, Tuschen.Call:223-6035, whatsapp 673-6210.

Office space.New! Modern!

A/C Backup,near giftland mall power. 635 sqft,US $800 per month.Call:600-4343.

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.

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

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

Heavy machinery,truck drivers and housekeeper needed.

Call:680-9125.

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

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

Live in shop attendant (female) 18-25 yrs,$25,000 wkly.

Call:610-3974.

Skilled carpenters, masons, welder and labourers to work long term in Georgetown & Linden.Call:602-9469,6157526.

One experienced domestic to work Georgetown 2 to 3 days per wk,vaccination required.

Tel:226-2322.

Taxi & Minibus drivers.

Call:628-1183,225-3234.

Motor Lorry drivers needed and Porters. Tel: 627-1835.

Beautiful! Clean! Safe! Fully furnished 1 bedroom apt,for December reserve,US $90 per day.Cal:600-4343.

VACANCY

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.

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

FOR SALE Household used: Dining tables,Mirrors,Side & Center tables,Floor lamps, Carpets.

Call:655-3070,662-2652.

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

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE Parfaite Harmony.Tel:6839146.

Exist for Security Officers, Male & Female. 18yrs & above. Contact: 223-4172/ 632-0099 Pump Attendant/Cashier, shifts (6AM-2PM & 2PM10PM).ShellStation ProvidenceE.B.D, email: Shellramsburg@gmail.com.

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.

The importation of pork and pork products have been put on an immediate ban, following an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the Caribbean.

ASF differs from Swine Flu as it does not pose risk to human health but can infect pigs, if they are exposed to contaminated pens, trucks, clothing or feed, whereas Swine Flu can be passed on to humans and is spread from direct and indirect contact with pigs infected with the virus.

Pigs can also be vaccinated against Swine Flu but not against ASF. Already over 2,000 pigs have already been killed, according to JAVMA News, owing to at least 24 outbreaks of the disease in the Dominican Republic. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) reported that the first case of ASF in the Region was discovered in domestic pigs in the Dominican Republic on July 28, 2021.

It is also the first confirmed case in the Western VACANCY Maid to cook and clean for East Bank.Call: 615-9132.

Vacancy exists for 1 certified Auto Mechanic with minimum 10 yrs experience.

Call:231-8737.

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.

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

Call:643-1429,600-8457, 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.

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

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

Maintenance workers & labourers to work with P.S.G.C.S. Preferably from E.B.D. Call: 621-6969/6157784.

TO LET 3 bedroom house in Albertown, 2 bedroom apartment in Eccles New Scheme.

Cal:628-1183,225-3234.

4 Marketing Personnels.

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

LAND FOR SALE 102 GoodHope Mahaica, 500ftx42ft Roadside. Call: 691-8420.

Hemisphere since the 1980s.

The Guyana Livestock and Development Authority (GLDA), the organization that oversees and manages livestock related matters locally has since put local farmers on alert for the disease.

In addition to the host of other measures, the Livestock Authority said, “In light of the recent outbreak of African swine fever in the Dominican Republic, the Ministry of Agriculture wishes to advise the general public to not visit pig farms while in ASF affected countries (and) when returning from overseas do not bring pork and pork product”.

Additionally, “Remember to properly clean, wash and disinfect your clothing and footwear prior to returning or visiting Guyana,” the GLDA warned.

The Authority also noted that travellers arriving from countries infected with the African swine fever, will be required to report same to the Customs and Quarantine Officers.

Furthermore, such travellers are encouraged not to go near pig farms for seven days.

While ASF is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild pigs, it poses no risk to human health, but can have devastating impacts for our livestock sector.

The disease causes diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite and weakness, heavy discharge from eyes and nose, high temperature, respiratory distress and reddening of the skin in tips of ears, snout, tail, extremities, chest and abdomen of an affected swine.

Despite challenges with poor quality images …Safe City CCTV program successful in solving crimes - Deputy Commissioner

D

eputy Commis sioner of Police, W e n d e l l Blanhum, in his Crime overview, and Christmas policing presentation for this year, is seeking to assure the public that the Guyana Police Force has full command and control of the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) centre on a 24hour shift system.

To this end, he noted that despite challenges faced by some poor quality images, CCTV images and recordings were successfully used to assist in the investigations and prosecution of individuals for serious criminal offences, real time monitoring and information dissemination to commanders and patrol officers.

The Safe City System is a component of the US$32M National Broadband Project, which was received from the Chinese Government over four years ago.

There were over 100 CCTV cameras installed across the city as part of the Smart Street Safe city Program.

The Minister of Public Security at that time, Khemraj Ramjattan, had impressed that that the system will enhance the capacity of the police.

He described it as a combination of personnel and technology that will take Guyana forward, in terms of security.

This publication had previously reported that the high-tech system is capable of performing facial and [car] licence recognition.

Several police vehicles are also equipped with cameras and radios that can be traced and accessed at any time.

From the security control room, the operators have access to all the cameras across the city that they can pull up on a big screen as they keep watch.

Tuesday November 16, 2021

Brazilian national wanted for Baramita murder

Wanted by the police, Genelson Alves Oliverais.

Brazilian national, Genelson Alves Oliverais, is wanted by the police in relation to the murder of his countryman, Gilson Carlos Da Cruz Carvahloc called “Negung” a gold miner who was stabbed to death a month ago following a dispute over gold.

Kaieteur News had reported that ‘Negung’ was allegedly murdered on October 21, last, following a drinking spree at a location in Central Baramita, Region One. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Oliverais, is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers: 226-7065, 227-1270, 2267476, 226-7065, 227-9271, 2271611, 227-1149, 227-1270, 2256940-9, 225-3650, 226-1928, 911 or the nearest police station.

All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Information reaching this publication had revealed that around 20:30hrs that day, the men who are known to each other were imbibing alcohol in the vicinity of Johnny Phillips

Hotel, when a heated argument ensued between them.

Kaieteur News was told that the argument related to a quantity of gold that one of them had brought back from working on a mining operation located at the Guyana/Venezuela border.

During the argument, the suspect reportedly armed himself with a knife which he used to inflict the fatal injuries on ‘Negung,’ who according to detectives, was stabbed several times to his chest and rib area.

According to police reports, while the men were working at the border area, the deceased and the suspect had an ‘old grievance’ over some raw gold which led them to frequently threatening each other.

Those incidents however, were never reported to the police before.

‘Negung’ was taken to the Baramita Health Center, where he was officially pronounced dead.

Accused to face trial after 14 years on remand Neville Chandrawattie, the man accused of the murder of gold and diamond dealer, Dharamchand Mangra in 2007, has been scheduled to begin trial in the Georgetown High Court, next Wednesday.

Chandrawattie called ‘Sunil’ of Sparta, Essequibo Coast, had evaded the police for six years after the crime was committed.

He was eventually arrested and charged in 2013 for murder.According to reports, in 2007 Chandrawattie was employed by the gold dealer as a General Manager of the El Dorado Trading in Port Kaituma, when he along with others planned a robbery on the company.

It was reported that during the robbery, Mangra was

shot and killed as the robbers escaped with cash and a quantity of raw gold valued at some $93 million.

The police reportedly failed to arrest anyone for the robbery up until, 2013 when Chandrawattie, was caught executing another robbery in the gold mines.

It was after his arrest, Chandrawattie reportedly admitted to the crimes.

The accused remained on remand until his case came up in the Magistrates’ Court. Following a preliminary Inquiry (PI) in the Magistrates’ Court, the accused was remanded to prison to face a trial in the High Court.

When he appeared at the High Court for a virtual hearing yesterday, Chandrawattie

For several months now, residents of Independence Boulevard, Albouystown— commonly referred to as Punt trench—have been reporting to police their fears of a mentally ill man who traverses the streets threatening them sometimes with a knife, ice pick or an old rusty cutlass.

The mentally-ill man identified as “Safie,” is said to reside at the back of a yard located in an alley next to the Church on ‘Punt Trench’ between Barr and Hunter Streets, Albouystown.

At the time Kaieteur News visited the area, he was

observed sitting on a bridge, and according to the residents, they are not only afraid that he might harm them, but that someone might also harm him too.

They said, they would like the police or the relevant authorities to look into the matter and take him to a place where he can receive the necessary treatment needed.

One resident (name provided), related that ‘Safie’ had tried to attack him multiple times with a ‘rusty’ cutlass.

“Some mornings when I heading out to work, he does deh on the road corner, and when he see me passing he

Murder accused: Neville Chandrawattie called ‘Sunil pleaded not guilty to crime.

He is being represented

by Attorney-at-Law, Siand

Dhurjon, while the case for the prosecution is being led by State Counsel, Cecilia Corbin.

Albouystown residents fearful of mentally ill man

55 new COVID-19 cases

The Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday reported it has recorded a total of 55 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 36,872.

A breakdown of new cases per a region indicates that Region Four accounts for the highest new infections with 23 new cases being recorded.

Region Six recorded 13, while Regions Two and 10 each recorded nine new cases Region One accounted for just one of the new reported infections.

According to data provided in its latest COVID19 dashboard, there are 15 patients admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 56 persons in institutional isolation, 2,244 persons in home isolation and 11 in institutional quarantine.

To date, a total of 33,598 persons who tested positive have recovered.

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

does start threatening that he gon chop me up. Sometimes he does run you down.”

Another female resident related to this publication, “I am more fearful for the children, because sometimes they would taunt him and he would chase after them”.

She added too, that ‘Safie’ also has a habit of sneaking up behind you with a knife and ice-pick and recounted that it happened to her once.

“It was a very scary experience”.

Another resident recalled that on Saturday last, she was forced to lodge another report with police against

‘Safie.’

She said, that the mentally-ill man would frequently stalk her and on Saturday, he snuck up behind her and she started to scream out of fear.

‘Safie’ reportedly retaliated by threatening to hurt her but luckily before he could have advanced a n y f u r t h e r, s h e w a s rescued by one of her male neighbours passing by.

The residents said that they would like him to be removed from the community because his presence can prove to be harmful to them and to himself.

Berbice teen raped while heading to the shop

P

olice in Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne) have arrested a 29-year-old man

for allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in Berbice. Kaieteur News was reliably informed that the reported

incident allegedly occurred on Saturday last at

approximately 10:50 hrs.

The teenager was said to be making her way to a nearby shop when the accused grabbed her from behind.

This publication was told that he reportedly dragged her into the nearby bushes and raped her.

As a result, the victim started to scream and a male

passerby who heard her raised an alarm after which the suspect escaped.

The victim was later seen and examined medically by a doctor while the suspect was contacted, told of the offence committed, was cautioned, arrested and was placed in custody pending further investigation.

Removing accident victims from...

From page 15 of dollars before the court of law.”As such, he was adamant persons should wait until the EMTs arrive to render medical assistance to the victim.

Guyana Police Force’s Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) Public Relations Officer, Stan Gouveia, in an invited comment corroborated, that persons usually

remove injured victims from accident scenes, which is proving to be both helpful and harmful.

One such instance illustrated recently, involved a 17year-old youth who was employed as a construction worker, and was reportedly struck off his motorcycle along the East Coast Demerara, Railway Embank-

ment by a white Spacio motorcar.The teenager was subsequently picked up in a conscious state, with help from public-spirited citizens, and placed in an ambulance which rushed him to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

He was examined by a doctor on duty who pronounced him dead on arrival.

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 16, 2021

Berbicians to benefit from upgraded...

From page 14 that resulted in them operating more days, she said.

According to Dr. Ming, with the new and improved location, they will now operate Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 AM to 2 PM. The services to be offered include eye testing, eyecare, glaucoma testing and a wide variety of eye glasses

and contact lenses to choose from. Monitoring of eye diseases will also be done with a staff that includes six Optometrists to tend to those visiting the location.

“They really need the care here in the whole Berbice, and they need a lot of facilities for the eye care, not just the eye care spectacles, but the total package, because the key is

early detection to get all the diseases early. There is a lot of diabetes here, a lot of hypertension, glaucoma, and cataract”, Dr. Ming said.

According to Dr. Ming, there will be a Pediatric Optometrist, and she is expected and will provide eye care services for children which include vision therapy and more.

Govt. Mid-Year Report misleading, economy...

From page 8 country’s accounting structure that “I have problems with, balance of payments.”

He told Ram, this was an issue raised with the Governor of the Bank of Guyana recently.

The former Finance Minister in explaining the predicament, pointed as example to the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels that are being built in Singapore but it is not being accounted for financially in that country. The government of Guyana, he said, will have to pay for the FPSO, one way or another, but it is not reflected in the statutory financial reports and operates more like “it’s an offshore online account story.”

IMBALANCE

He was adamant, that for ExxonMobil Guyana to extract money in the order of 75 percent of crude extracted for repayments, “you have to have in prior years, the investment they claim that they put in, reflected on the balance of payment, because you can’t extract something that you didn’t inject in the first place.”

According to Jordan, he was unaware as to what date is handed to the administration by ExxonMobil, “to reflect the investment, the imports and so on.”

He used the occasion to remind that ExxonMobil does not resell its 75 percent cost oil, the same place Guyana sells its entitlements, and as such, the country export earnings on the 75 percent recovery is not reflected in the bal-

ance of payment when it is however reflected as part of the GDP growth.

This, he said, ends up with a huge imbalance in the country’s recorded balance of payments.

Jordan further explained, saying this will obtain since, “you’re counting all the petroleum that has been extracted in a single year—and all of that petroleum for the purpose of the balance of payment you assume is sold—so how is the Bank of Guyana taking account of all the petroleum and not just the piece that Guyana is getting and selling on balance of payment.”

Jordan was adamant all of these transactions have to be taken into account across the board.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 16, 2021

PAGE 19

Food import bill to hit record high Global food trade has accelerated and is poised to hit an all-time record in both volume and value terms, according to a new report released last week by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

While global food trade has shown “remarkable resilience to disruptions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic”, rapidly rising prices of food commodities and energy pose significant challenges for poorer countries and consumers, who spend large shares of their incomes on these basic necessities, FAO says in its new Food Outlook.

Back in September last year, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha told a forum that Guyana produces 59% of the food for consumption, which means that food import dependence is at 41%.

He further explained that Food Import B i l l s t o o d a t GUY$45Billion.

Last Friday President Dr. Irfaan Ali warned citizens to brace for an increase in cost of living as a result of the global supply chain crisis.

The President said, “What are we doing today is presenting you with the facts, with reality, with what the government is doing to address issues that are global in nature, how we are defining policies to address these issues, the impact global challenges is having on our economy, and the way in which the government is addressing those challenges.”

To this end, he added that he believes that it is very important for all Guyanese to understand that “We do not live in an isolated environment and we are part of the global community.”

The President said that Guyanese are part of the process of globalisation and what occurs globally; while highlighting that the country is also affected by global challenges.

Pointing to the impact of the pandemic, which caused tremendous increases in cost of living, the President noted that the closure of major players in international markets, factories, terminals, and port facilities has created severe backlogs for shipping.

According to President Ali, the delay costs are then translated into new prices that consumers are facing globally. He said, “So the net effect of all of this is increased costs at the production level and increased costs at a logistics

- FAO warns as Guyana battles rising cost of living

Guyanese have been crying out about the high cost of living. level and that combined increase is what is driving up prices globally, and Guyana is not excluded from this phenomenon.” “This situation, as I speak to you, is compounded and the forecast suggests that the supply chain prices” are underpinning “the widespread hype and freight increase is expected to last a bit longer.”

Meanwhile, the FAO said in the report that the global food import bill will reach an all-time high in 2021 and surpass US$1.75 trillion, marking a 14 percent increase from the previous year and 12 percent higher than earlier forecast in June 2021. The increase is driven by higher price levels of internationally traded food commodities and a threefold increase in freight costs.

Developing regions account for 40 percent of the total and their aggregate food import bill is expected to rise by 20 percent compared to 2020. Even faster growth is expected for Low-Income Food Deficit

Countries, due to higher costs more than higher food import volumes. Developing regions are facing sharp increases in the prices of basic staples such as cereals, animal fats, vegetable oils and oilseeds, while highvalue foods, such as fruits and vegetables, fishery products and beverages are driving the bulk of the increases for developed regions.

Issued twice a year, Food Outlook offers FAO’s reviews market supply and demand trends for the world’s major foodstuffs, including cereals, vegetable oils, sugar, meat and dairy and fish. It also looks at trends in future markets and shipping costs for food commodities.

TAKEAWAYS World output prospects for major cereals remain robust, with record harvests expected in 2021 for maize and rice, although cereals utilization for human consumption and animal feed is forecast to grow faster. Following a tight

balance in 2020/21, preliminary forecasts for the 2021/22 season point to some improvements in the overall supply situation for oilseeds and derived products, but their respective end-season stocks could remain below average.

World sugar output in 2021/22 is forecast to rebound after three years of contraction but still fall short of global consumption.

World sugar trade is foreseen to decline slightly because of

reduced availabilities in key exporting countries and rising prices. World meat production in 2021 is forecast to expand, principally triggered by a swift output rebound in China, especially pig meat.

Notable demand-led output expansions are expected in all major producing regions, except Oceania. A growth slowdown in global meat trade is likely due to anticipated declines in imports by leading

importing regions, especially Asia and Europe.

Global milk production in 2021 is forecast to expand, with anticipated increases in all major producing regions, led by Asia and North America. Global trade in dairy products is also forecast to expand, amid the ongoing economic recovery from COVID-19 market disruptions. However, in recent months, the import growth rate has slowed down due to rising domestic production and sluggish consumer demand.

Fisheries and aquaculture output in 2021 is forecast to grow by 2.0 percent from the 2020 level, signalling that new market dynamics resulting from the pandemic – which exacted a heavy toll on this sector – appear likely to endure in the long term. Fish trade is bouncing back despite high freight costs and logistical delays.

Financial instruments such as futures and options related to major agri-food commodities have failed “to attract the speculative fervour marked by other high-priced years”, the report observes.

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 16, 2021

PAGE 21

Govt. courting Middle Eastern group for agricultural investment

T

he Ministry of F i n a n c e d i s c l o s e d yesterday that it hosted a meeting with senior officials attached to Elite Agro LLC, one of the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) leading companies in the growing, sourcing, importing and marketing of agricultural products.

The meeting was held with Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, D r. A s h n i S i n g h a n d Chandra Pratap Singh, Business Development Director and Emil Moukarzel, Chief Operating Officer (CEO) of Elite Agro LLC. The engagement served as a follow-up to earlier meetings held between President, Irfaan Ali, and officials of Elite Agro LLC. It also forms part of the President’s implementation strategy for the diversification of Guyana’s non-oil sector.

During the meeting,

Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh (left) along with other government and private sector officials during discussions with representatives from Elite Agro LLC. Minister Singh explained to the officials of Elite Agro LLC that traditionally, agriculture has been an extremely important anchor in Guyana’s economy while adding, that it is the government’s intention to ensure it remains an important anchor in the non-oil economy. He also

indicated that with Guyana looking to expand its agricultural sector there are currently, two big streams of opportunities available to Elite Agro LLC, either to be a direct investor or to facilitate trade in agricultural commodities to other export destinations.

“Guyana has vast

expanses of very rich and fertile land for agriculture.

We have been for a long time a large-scale producer for specific agricultural crops such as sugar and rice, but we are now exporting a number of other commodities which are ready for large-scale cultivation, and other crops

that are poised for rapid expansion as well. We also produce a wide selection of livestock and meat for consumption,” Dr. Singh pointed out.

Wrapping up the meeting, Minister Singh indicated that his Government alongside the private sector is aggressively

pursuing investment as quickly as possible, as this will aid in expansion of Guyana’s economy as well as facilitate job-creation.

“We are a very stable environment, both politically and economically. Guyana is now a place where we are having conversations with all of the big companies of the world (and not just in agriculture) and this is a signal of how attractive we are for investment,” the Finance Minister concluded.

Accompanying the Finance Minister at the meeting were Ministers of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, Tourism Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond and Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Paul Cheong.

Other private sector representatives included David Fernandes—head of a consortium dealing with the expansion of corn and soya-bean production in Guyana.

POLICE YET TO CHARGE REGIONAL OFFICIALS accused of fraud in school feeding programme

Police are yet to institute formal charges against the Regional Officials fingered in a multi-million dollar ‘fraud’ in relation to the supply of dietary items for the Kato School Feeding programme in Region Eight.

The issue was raised yesterday during an examination of the Region’s expenditure by the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

The period under review was from 2016 and 2017.

In 2016, it was discovered that the prices for items purchased were higher than that of similar items purchased by the Region from other suppliers.

The discrepancy led to a special investigative audit which was undertaken in 2017 and that probe revealed that the items were overpriced to the tune of $33.663M. The investigation also revealed that the purchases were made from a particular supplier. As a result of the suspected fraud, the matter was reported to the police and an investigation was launched.

During the PAC meeting y e s t e r d a y, R e g i o n a l Executive Officer (REO) for Region Eight, Peter Ramotar said, that based on his examination of the report he can only conclude that the breaches amounted to collusion.

A sitting of the Parliamentary PAC. Ramotar is of the view that the collusion may have led to no one being charged.

He assured PAC however, that there is now strict adherence to the guidelines and systems to avoid a recurrence.

Members of the PAC were more concerned that the officials who fingered in the misdeed remained on the job even after the findings, when the public sector rules allow for the person to be sent on administrative leave and further, interdicted if

charged.

Former Permanent Secretary of the then Ministry of Communities Emile McGarrell told the PAC that no one could be found at the time to replace the officer at the time, so they remained there for a time.

In 2016, former REO of Region 8, Rafel Downes, lost his job as spending in the Region became ‘highly questionable’ with regards to the school feeding programme.

It was reported, that the

prices paid for items associated with the school feeding programme were way above market prices.

It was reported as example, that a senior female official of the region used her office to swing a deal to purchase items from a Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) business place, with which she had close associations.

Downes, lost his job after he was unable to answer PAC member who raised questions about the spending

in the region, for the year 2015.

When asked why five of the defaulting contractors who owed the Region millions of dollars were once again awarded contracts in 2016, the former REO also could not answer.

Downes’ appointment was later revoked by regional authorities after confidence was lost in his performance.

Auditor General Deodat Sharma explained that while some regions are paying for

the school feeding programme from their budget, in other cases, it is the Ministry of Education that is picking up the tabs.

However, he said the problem came when hundreds of millions of dollars were being plugged into the programme which targeted all the Regions with locally-produced biscuits and juices could not be accounted for. Sharma had identified Region Eight for among those guilty of rogue spending.

PAGE 22

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 16, 2021

Tuesday November 16, 2021

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Kaieteur News

NFL roundup: Cam Newton leads Panthers to win in return to Carolina Reuters - Cam Newton ran for a touchdown and threw for a score in his first game back with Carolina as the Panthers stunned the Arizona Cardinals 34-10 Sunday at Glendale, Ariz.

The Cardinals (8-2) had the best record in the league and one of the top defenses, but the Panthers scored 17 first-quarter points and were in control throughout the game.

Starting quarterback P.J. Walker did much of the work for Carolina, finishing 22-for29 for 167 yards with an interception. Christian McCaffrey gained 95 rushing yards and 66 receiving yards for the Panthers (5-5).

It seemed unlikely Newton would play with such a short preparation window af-

ter the Panthers signed him Thursday. Instead, Newton scored the game’s first points on a 2-yard run with 11:12 left in the first quarter. His second touchdown came on a 2yard pass to Robby Anderson later in the first quarter.

Packers 17, Seahawks 0 AJ Dillon scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns on short runs as Green Bay (8-2) blanked visiting Seattle (3-6) with light snow falling at Lambeau Field.

The game marked the first time Seattle has been shut out since 2011.

Dillon, who finished with 66 yards on 21 carries, scored from 3 yards out with 10:37 remaining and from 2 yards with 1:56 left.

Quarterbacks Russell Wilson of the Seahawks and

Aaron Rodgers of the Packers returned after missing time, but the game ended up as a defensive battle. Rodgers completed 23 of 37 passes for 292 yards, and Wilson went 20 of 40 for 161 yards.

Eagles 30, Broncos 13 Jalen Hurts was 16-for-23 passing for 178 yards and two touchdowns, DeVonta Smith had four receptions for 66 yards and two scores, and visiting Philadelphia beat Denver.

Darius Slay returned a fumble 83 yards for another touchdown to help the Eagles (4-6) continue their road success. All of Philadelphia’s wins have come away from home.

Teddy Bridgewater was 22-for-36 passing for 226 yards and Melvin Gordon III

Tuesday November 16, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A number of interesting visitors could show up today.

Perhaps you're having a party or hosting an activity.

These callers could include people in the sciences.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You've had recent success in your profession. You've worked hard and learned things, and this hasn't been lost on those above you in the hierarchy.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Publications could bring some fascinating new knowl-

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today should be very fortunate, particularly where love is concerned. Relations with your special someone could be closer than ever.

edge your way. You'll want to discuss it with friends. Conversations about any subject should be informative and beneficial since your mind is so

perceptive and retentive.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Valuable tips to increase your income could come your way today, possibly from a close friend or colleague. You should feel well and look particularly attractive.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Romance and art are the keys today. You could feel spiritually inspired by great music, paintings, poetry, or drama. You might want to share these feelings with a special someone.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You should feel especially romantic and sexy today.

Tonight should be wonderful if you can spend it in the company of your significant other.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Social events could take up a lot of your time tonight, and you may enjoy being in contact with friends you haven't seen for a while.

Conversations should be fascinating. You may even discover a new interest.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today you won't be indifferent to anything. Good news could elevate you to near ecstasy. Bad news could send you to the depths of despair.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Work and career matters could finally bring you the success and good fortune you've been hoping for.

This may be acknowledgement for effort and dedication as well as hard work.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) A desire to learn through a group activity - a lecture or workshop, perhaps - might put you in the middle of a crowd. You'll find it exhilarating. If you're planning to attend such an event, don't go alone.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Love of someone from far away could be very much on your mind today, and perhaps love for the place where the person lives.

You may be bored with your routine and anxious to embrace adventure.

ran for a touchdown but had a costly fumble in the fourth quarter for Denver (5-5), which had its two-game winning streak stopped.

Patriots 45, Browns 7 Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for a season-best 100 yards and a pair of touchdowns to help New England rout visiting Cleveland for its fourth consecutive victory.

The rookie running back carried the ball 20 times in just his sixth game of the season for the Patriots (6-4), who have won five of their past six games.

Cleveland (5-5) lost starting quarterback Baker Mayfield to a right-knee injury suffered on a hit by Patriots linebacker Matt Judon late in the third quarter.

Backup Case Keenum re-

placed Mayfield and was 8of-12 passing for 81 yards.

Mayfield finished 11-of-21 passing for a career-worst 73 yards, with one touchdown and an interception.

Titans 23, Saints 21 Ryan Tannehill threw a touchdown pass and ran for another as host Tennessee won its sixth consecutive game by defeating New Orleans.

Tannehill completed 19 of 27 for 213 yards for the Titans (8-2), who withstood a potential tying two-point conversion attempt by the Saints with 1:16 remaining.

Trevor Siemian, making his second start at quarterback since Jameis Winston suffered a season-ending knee injury, completed 19 of 34 passes for 298 yards with

two touchdowns for the Saints (5-4).

In other results: Lions 16, Steelers 16 (OT) Cowboys 43, Falcons 3 Washington 29, Buccaneers 19 Bills 45, Jets 17 Colts 23, Jaguars 17 Vikings 27, Chargers 20 (Field Level Media)

South Africa...

From page 25 hosts, they become hostile toward you very quickly.”

The Ghana penalty row overshadowed four qualifiers on Monday involving countries already eliminated from the competition to fill five places reserved for Africa at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Kenya completed their schedule by edging fellow east Africans Rwanda 2-1 in Nairobi, where Michael Olunga and Richard Odada scored early for the hosts and Olivier Niyonzima halved the deficit.

Victorien Adebayor notched a hat-trick as Niger hammered Djibouti 7-2 in Niamey, a late Euloge Placca goal earned Togo a 1-0 win over Namibia in Soweto and Guinea-Bissau and Sudan drew 0-0 in Marrakech.

Hosts Namibia and Guinea-Bissau had to play in neutral venues as they do not have international-standard stadiums.

Phil Simmons, Kraigg Brathwaite ...

From page 26 finishes the year like that,” Simmons said.

Brathwaite, meanwhile, believes Da Silva would see a return to form with the right type of support from the team’s leadership.

“He has been doing a superb job in times before with some very important partnerships. One of the keys to situations like this, for me, is making sure you have good communication with him, just let him know that he can do it, it’s as simple as that and for him to believe in himself,” Brathwaite said.

“I know he is fully capable of doing well. Obviously, we all go through little slumps.

We all still learning as players but I think he has been putting in some good work and we look forward to him doing well.”

The first Test begins at the Galle International Stadium on November 21.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Tuesday November 16, 2021

Argentina, Brazil meet in qualifying with eyes on Qatar SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil is already the first South American team to secure a direct spot in next year’s World Cup. Secondplace Argentina is nearly there, too.

Anyone thinking today’s qualifying match between the teams will not be decisive hasn’t considered how much pride will be at stake in the region’s superclasico.

Copa America champion Argentina is determined to upstage Brazil and show Lionel Messi he has a decent shot next year of winning the only trophy missing in his career.

Victory in front of home crowd could also mean, pending other results, securing qualification for Qatar 2022.

Brazil is aiming to complete the best South American qualifying c a m p a i g n i n h i s t o r y, although coach Tite is still expected to continue experimenting with his lineup with an eye on the World Cup. Only 25,000 fans in San J u a n , i n A r g e n t i n a ’s northwest, will be at the stadium to watch the teams play a full game for the first

time in this edition of World Cup qualifying. The first encounter was stopped after seven minutes of play in September by Brazilian authorities enforcing protocols in place for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brazil leads qualifiers with 34 points, six ahead of Argentina. Both teams have completed 12 games, one fewer than the other eight teams in qualifying.

Ecuador remains third with 20 points, while Chile, Colombia and Uruguay have 16 points. Peru is back in contention with 14 points, two more than Paraguay and Bolivia and seven more than Venezuela.

The top four teams in South America earn direct entry to the World Cup. The fifth-place team goes into an intercontinental playoff for a spot in Qatar.

Also today, Bolivia will host Uruguay, Colombia take on Paraguay, Venezuela face Peru and Chile play Ecuador.

ARGENTINA vs.

BRAZIL Argentina can secure a World Cup spot if it beat Brazil and if two of three other teams — Uruguay,

Brazil’s Neymar leaves the field at the end of a qualifying soccer match against Colombia for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at Neo Quimica Arena stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Thursday, Nov.11, 2021.

Brazil won 1-0.

(AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Argentina’s Lionel Messi walks during a qualifying soccer match against Uruguay for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 12, 2021. (AP Photo /Matilde Campodonico, Pool) Chile and Colombia — fail to win.

The toughest part of Argentina’s night will surely be beating the undefeated Seleção.

Messi is being spared for the match against Brazil because of a knee injury that stopped him from playing some matches for his club Paris Saint-Germain and also for most of Argentina’s 1-0 win at Uruguay last

Friday.

The derby against Brazil is always a major contest, and thousands of fans in San Juan stood in 2-mile long lines to get tickets. Hotels in the region are full.

Confidence is high among fans to see a team that has not lost any of its 26 latest matches.

Brazil will also have a key player missing, with midfielder Casemiro

suspended after the 1-0 win against Colombia. He’ll likely be replaced by Fabinho. Coach Tite is set to continue making changes to his lineup, possibly with Matheus Cunha replacing Gabriel Jesus up front. Eder Militão will also take the place of Thiago Silva.

Seleção right-back Danilo said the team needs to continue developing despite already earning a direct entry

to Qatar. Another target for the squad, he said, is to top the 43 points that Argentina earned to qualify for the 2002 World Cup. “This is Brazil vs.

Argentina, there is every ingredient of a global derby of two teams with great players, amazing skill and a lot of history,” Danilo said in a news conference. “Our objective is to go there and win three important points.”

Serbia shock Portugal to join Spain, Croatia at World Cup AP - Spain, Serbia and Croatia are heading to next year’s World Cup. Sweden, Portugal and Russia aren’t — not yet, anyway.

Aleksandar Mitrovic’s 90th-minute header left Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal stunned in a 2-1 win for Serbia in Lisbon, which gave Serbia an automatic qualifying spot at the World Cup in Qatar. Portugal still has a chance to qualify, but it must navigate a four-team bracket in the playoffs in March.

All of the teams which booked a World Cup place in Europe on Sunday did so with dramatic late goals.

Spain only needed a draw in its last game against Sweden to qualify, but Álvaro Morata made sure in the 86th minute with the only goal in a 1-0 win to leave veteran Sweden star Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s hopes of a n o t h e r Wo r l d C u p appearance depending on the playoffs.Croatia laid siege to R u s s i a ’s g o a l o n a waterlogged field quickly turning into a swamp, and was finally rewarded when a Russian defender scored an 81st-minute own-goal, enough for a 1-0 win.

Serbian players celebrate at the end of the World Cup 2022 group A qualifying soccer match between Portugal and Serbia at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Sunday, Nov 14, 2021.

(AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Russia, too, heads to the playoffs, which start March 24 and will sort 12 teams — 10 group runner-ups and two with strong records from the Nations League — into three brackets of four teams. Each bracket has one World Cup place. The draw takes place Nov. 26 in Zurich.

GROUP A Portugal was in a strong position when Renato Sanches scored the opening goal after just two minutes against Serbia, but Dusan Tadic kept Serbia in the game with an equalizer in the

33rd. Mitrovic’s late header silenced the crowd and shocked Portugal’s players, including Ronaldo, who sat on the field at the final whistle.“It was an amazing game, fully deserved,” Mitrovic said. “I think we deserved to win the game and to be in Qatar.”

Beating Portugal for the first time marks a turnaround after Serbia failed to qualify for the European Championship.There’s one positive for Portugal. Its comparatively strong record in the group means it will be

one of the seeded teams for the playoffs in March and will get a home draw for the single-leg bracket semifinal game. Portugal last missed a World Cup in 1998.Ireland won 3-0 at Luxembourg in the other Group A game.

GROUP B Substitute Morata scored the winner for Spain after Dani Olmo’s long-range shot bounced off the post to send Spain to its 12th consecutive World Cup.At the age of 40, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was bidding to reach his first World Cup since 2006 with

Sweden — he didn’t make the squad in 2018 — but couldn’t change the game after coming off the bench in the 74th.That ended a campaign which seemed to be under control for Sweden before a shock 2-0 loss to Georgia on Thursday.

In Athens, already eliminated Greece and Kosovo drew 1-1.

GROUP H The runners-up from the 2018 World Cup, Croatia, had to brave 2018 host team Russia and the weather to book its place at next year’s tournament.In driving rain on a waterlogged pitch which forced Croatia to switch its game plan to long shots and crosses, an owngoal from Russian defender Fedor Kudriashov handed Croatia a win and a place in Q a t a r a s g r o u p winner.Croatia dominated the game against a Russian team for which a draw would have been enough to finish first, but poor shooting and some solid saves from goalkeeper Matvey Safonov made for a tense finish.

Russia will be seeded in the playoffs.

Third-place Slovakia eased to a 6-0 win over Malta

with a hat trick from attacking midfielder Ondrej Duda. Slovenia beat Cyprus 2-1.

GROUP J On a night of drama for other big European teams, Germany stayed calm in a straightforward win.

Germany qualified last month and has spent this week burnishing its already impressive goal difference to +32, the best in European qualifying at the moment.

Except for Hansi Flick’s winning record as Germany coach, there wasn’t much riding on the 4-1 win over Armenia, a team which had only the slimmest mathematical chance of qualifying for the playoffs.

Two goals from Ilkay Gundogan helped Flick earn his seventh win from seven games in charge.

North Macedonia remains in contention to reach a World Cup for the first time after beating Iceland 3-1 to secure a spot in the playoffs. Eljif Elmas scored twice for his team, which will be unseeded.

Romania beat Liechtenstein 2-0 but missed the playoffs because of North Macedonia’s win.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 16, 2021

PAGE 25

Following is the full list of results:

Fourth LonLam Classic

Briton John wins senior clash; Alex Leung tops junior field; Clevecia Spencer takes female race The top five ladies, Clevecia Spencer, Suzanne Hamilton, Shenike Tiexeira, Savannah Hyles and Rashanna Knights.

The Fourth edition of the LonLam Classic Circuit Cycle Race held in the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden on Sunday last was a resounding success with the nation’s best athletes invading the Town, many walking away with a t t r a c t i v e p r i z e s .

Held under the theme, “Investing in Passion, Riding with Integrity”, the

Linden Bauxite Flyers Cycle Club (LBFCC) organised event saw over $400,000 dollars in cash, trophies and other incentives awarded to the respective category winners and other t o p p e r f o r m e r s .

There were seven (7) events contested on the day from BMX to racing cycles and according to the organisers, all and

sundry enjoyed the day’s activities which saw races pedaling off from KD&J Supermarket in Amelia’s Ward.

Sponsors of the activity were Banks DIH Ltd, Guyana Breweries Inc., KD&J S u p e r m a r k e t , C e v o n ’ s Wa s t e Management, Brazo’s Workshop, Ministry of Natural Resources and Region 10 Tourism Committee.

Veterans U50 (5 laps) No. Name Club 1 Walter Grant-Stewart Continental 2 Kwame Ridley Kaieteur - Attack Racing 3 Nigel London Linden Bauxite Flyers Veterans O50 (5 laps) 1 Andy Spencer Team Evolution 2 Garfield Lorimer Unattached 3 Nigel Carrington Unattached BMX Boys Under 9 (Lap 0.5) 1 Marvelous London Unattached BMX Girls Under 9 (Lap 0.5) 1 Hadassah NeddUnattached Juniors (Lap 4) 1Alexander Leung We Stand United 2 Sherwin Sampson Team Alanis 3 Aaron Newton We Stand United BMX Boys Open (Lap 1) 1 Samuel Bellamy Linden Bauxite Flyers 2 Julian Gordon Linden Bauxite Flyers 3 Jahame Henry Linden Bauxite Flyers Junior/ Juveniles (School Boys BMX - Lap 1) 1 Jedjuan Hensords 2 Sorren Frank 3 Steve Burnette Females Open (Laps 3) 1 Clivecia Spencer Team Coco 2 Susan Hamilton Linden Bauxite Flyers 3 Shenika Texeira Unattached 4Savannah Hyles 5.Roshannah Knights Juveniles (Laps 3) 1 Akon Europe We Stand United 2 Mark Lewis Linden Bauxite Flyers 3 Nivonne Wilson Team Alanis Racing Cycle Open (Laps 15) 1 Briton John We Stand United 2 Jamual John Foundation 3 Paul DeNobrega Team Evolution 4 Walter Grant-Stewart Continental 5 Marcus Keilier Kaieteur - Attack Racing 6 Curtis Dey Team Evolution

South Africa want Ghana qualifier replayed after disputed penalty AFP - South Africa demanded yesterday that a 2022 World Cup qualifier against Ghana be replayed after a controversial penalty cost them an African playoffs slot.

TV replays showed Ghana defender Daniel Amartey apparently diving during the Group G decider on Sunday, leading to a p e n a l t y A n d r e Ay e w converted for a 1-0 win and first place.

Ghana and South Africa finished level on points and goal difference and the Black Stars won the section because they scored seven goals, one more than Bafana Bafana (The Boys), over six matches.

“Justice needs to be served and the match

replayed,” South African Football Association chief executive Tebogo Mothlante told reporters as he slammed the refereeing of Senegalese Maguette Ndiaye.

“The match officials decided the game, which is not supposed to happen. We will write to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, asking them to investigate how the game was handled.

“We have already told the match commissioner in Ghana that we will be making a formal complaint.

We were very disheartened by the actions of the match officials.”

In a 2018 World Cup qualifier, a wrongly awarded penalty helped South Africa defeat Senegal, who

successfully appealed to FIFA for a replay, and won it to help reach the finals in Russia.

“We are looking at the precedent where FIFA ordered us to replay Senegal and we think the same decision should be taken regarding the Ghana game,” added Mothlante.

The VAR (video assistant referee) system is not being used for African World Cup qualifiers, but will be utilised for all 52 matches at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon from January 9.

- Alleged biased referees There have been allegations of biased African refereeing for decades with inadequate TV coverage often making it impossible to judge controversial

decisions.FIFA president Gianni Infantino told CAF officials last year that he would like to create a panel of African referees, paid by the world governing body.

“They will stand or fall on their performances,” he stressed. “Spectators in Africa must be confident that

Ghana’s defender Daniel Amartey (front) won a controversial penalty against South Africa (AFP/ISSOUF SANOGO)

they will always witness impartial refereeing.”

However, there has been no move toward creating a panel to handle World Cup, Cup of Nations and CAF club competitions matches.

A retired African international referee, speaking to AFP on

condition of anonymity, said “luxurious accommodation and gifts” had been offered to him regularly on assignments.

“You get treated like a pop star from the moment you set foot in a country, but if the result goes against the (Continued on page 23)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 26

Tuesday November 16, 2021

GFF under-13 ATC Trophy Challenge GSCL Inc PM T20 Cup 5 Sampson, Grosvenor power Bartica make it to semifinal unblemished Ariel to glory in open division

P

laying at the B a r t i c a Community Centre Ground, the Bartica Football Association’s ( B FA ) u n d e r - 1 3 s i d e defeated West Demerara under-13 2-0 last Saturday to book their place in the semifinal of the Guyana

Football Federation (GFF) boys under-13 Academy Training Center Trophy Challenge.Michael Joseph’s purple patch continued when he netted in the 14th minute of the match and an own goal in the 65th minute accounted for the second goal.

West Demerara didn’t

give up and had several raids of Bartica’s final third but couldn’t find a piercing strike to open up the game.

At the end of the group round-robin stage, Bartica are at the pinnacle with nine points after winning three of their four games and losing one.

Quentin Sampson accepts his man-of-the-match prize from Prime Minister retired brigadier Mark Phillips in the presence of GSCL Inc President Ian John.

By Zaheer Mohamed A new champion was crowned in the open category when the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc Prime Minister’s T20 Cup 5 concluded on Sunday night at the National Stadium, Providence.

Ariel did well to maintain their unbeaten streak as they defeated Regal by eight wickets in the final to take their first title.

Speedboat and Regal have over the years dominated this division, but Ariel have proved that they are now a force to be reckoned with following some fine allround display.

Essequibian Quentin Sampson was consistently brilliant and along with Shauz Grovesnor were instrumental in their team’s accomplishment. Sampson and Regal’s Chien Gittens made attacking centuries in the preliminary round, and an exciting finale was anticipated given that the two leading batsmen were on opposing sides, however the final result had a lot to do with what transpired around

them.

Regal failed to captialise on a solid start following their insertion. Openers Sachin Singh and Patrick Rooplall put on 66 in six overs as Regal looked on course for a huge total. The pair hardly encountered any hiccups as they looked positive from the onset with Singh hitting one four and two sixes and Rooplall striking two fours and a similar number of sixes.

However, with the introduction of Sampson, the scoring rate dropped considerably. Sampson removed both openersSingh was bowled for 23, while Rooplall was caught for 31.

Sampson then accounted for danger man Gittens without scoring before Richard Latif was caught off Chandreshaker Arjune for 13 as Regal slipped into further trouble.

Skipper Fazal Rafiek, the only other batsman to reach double figures, hit a solitary boundary before he was taken off Dayanand Singh for 14 as Ariel bowlers

maintained their c o n s i s t e n c y. J o n a t h a n Fernandez sent back Sewchand Budhu (06) and Kelvin Orford (01), and along with Keyon Sinclair mopped up the rest of the batting as Regal were bowled out for 129 in exactly 20 overs. Fernandez grabbed 4-24 from four overs and Sampson 3-7 off four.

Latif provided Regal with the breakthrough when he disturbed the stumps of David Lukenauth for seven and an exciting final seemed likely, but Grovesnor and Brian Mangar steadied the chase nicely to put their team on course.

Grovesnor struck five fours and two sixes in a well controlled unbeaten 50 while Mangar was bowled by Fazal Rafiek for 40 with one four and five sixes.

Sampson struck a cameo 25 not out with four sixes as Ariel replied with 133-2 in 11.2 overs. Sampson who hails from Caria Caria, Essequibo was named manof-the-match and most valuable player with 231 runs and eight wickets.

Former GCB President Fizul Bacchus passes on Former President of the Guyana Cricket Board Fizul passed away yesterday following a prolonged illness. Bacchus was also the President of the Essequibo Cricket Board and Pomeroon Cricket Committee. The Essequibo Cricket Board has extended condolences to his family.

Former Secretary of the GCB and ex-Cricket West Indies Director, Anand Sanasie portrayed Bacchus as a polite individual who served the sport well.

Sanasie said Bacchus was always willing to render assistance and wanted to see t h e g a m e g r o w. T h e Essequibian was also a GCB

Fizul Bacchus representative on Cricket West Indies.

Team Bartica

Phil Simmons, Kraigg Brathwaite back Joshua Da Silva to return to form against Sri Lanka SportsMax - West Indies coach Phil Simmons and Captain Kraigg Brathwaite have both backed wicketkeeper/batsman Joshua Da Silva to return to form during the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka later this month.

In nine Tests, the 23year-old Trinidadian has scored 372 runs at an average of 23.25 and has two halfcenturies to his credit. He made his debut against New Zealand in Wellington in December 2020, making 57 in the West Indies second innings.

Scores of 42, 20, 92 and 20 followed against Bangladesh in February this year as well as 46 against Sri Lanka in March.

The 42 was made in the first innings of the first Test at Chattogram during a 99run sixth-wicket stand with Jermaine Blackwood and his second innings 20 was made in a 100-run sixth-wicket stand with Man of the Match Kyle Mayers.

In the second Test at Dhaka, Da Silva made 92 and featured in a sixthwicket partnership of 88 with Nkrumah Bonner which was

Joshua Da Silva followed by a seventhwicket partnership of 118 with Alzarri Joseph, notwithstanding that latter’s contribution of 71 as the West Indies secured a 2-0 series win.

Since that time, Da Silva’s form has dipped significantly.

He had scores of 1 and 20 in the second Test against Sri Lanka in March and followed in June with a disastrous series against South Africa against which he had scores of 0, 9, 7 and 0 and then 21, 13, 6 and 15 against Pakistan in August.

However, his form away has been more encouraging averaging 39 while his home

average is just under 14.

Asked during a recent press conference, asked whether he was concerned about the form of his wicketkeeper, who has played major roles in matchwinning partnerships in Bangladesh earlier this year, Simmons said the good news is that Da Silva seems to bat better away than at home.

“A dip like that is always a concern but his away form is a lot better than his home form so we hope that that is not a coincidence and that that is a strength of his, so we are away now and hopefully he lives up to how he started the year. Hopefully, he (Continued on page 23)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 16, 2021

PAGE 27

Cricketers at the academy poses with the coaches.

BCB hosts successful one day Dr Tulsi Dtal Singh Academy in West Berbice - Local coaches excited at been given opportunities

T

he Berbice Cricket Board on Sunday last hosted a one cricket academy at the Cotton Tree Cricket Ground for close to forty youths in the West Berbice. The academy is the second of four that would be organised across the county by the board under the Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh Coaching Programme. The first one day academy was held on the 7th of November at the Rose Canje Ground for youths in the New Amsterdam/Canje area.

Berbice Cricket Board Public Relations Officer,

Simon Naidu, expressed delight at the success of the academy and hailed the hard work of the West Berbice Cricket Association in organising the event. Naidu noted that the hosting of the academies were been done in conjunction with a social skills developmental seminar in each of the four sub associations.

The BCB for the first time also used the services of three local cricket coaches in Travis Hardcourt, Shamal Angel and K. Sejoc. They were guided during the day by senior coach Leslie Solomon.

The three coaches expressed gratitude to BCB President Hilbert Foster for fulfilling his commitment to use local coaches in the area as part of a developmental plan to allow them to grow.

Special emphasis was placed on batting stance, bat grip, running between the wicket, fielding, bowling run up, physical fitness and wicketkeeping.

The coaches were also on the lookout for any special talent for recommendation to the Berbice junior selectors for the upcoming intercounty under-15 tournament.

Guyana’s Joel Alleyne (left) and Christopher Franklin in the center. (File photo)

ITTF Panam C/Ships

Team Guyana’s last shot Today Guyana will have their last shot of medalling at the 2021 International Table Te n n i s F e d e r a t i o n ( I T T F ) P a n a m Championships in Lima, Peru, when the team of Shemar Britton, Joel Alleyne and Christopher Franklin spring into action.

Earlier in the tournament, the Guyanese suffered first round exits in each of their four singles’ matches (Miguel Wong the other

player) while going down agonisingly to Canada in the men’s doubles after being two games up.

A female team had qualified to represent Guyana but a correspondence from the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) detailed that the team was unable to participate due to some unforeseen circumstances.

Foster, who is personally spearheading the organising of the academies, stated, that his board was committed to making sure that every potential talent is given the opportunity to excel and follow in the footsteps of Rohan Kanhai and Basil Butcher.

The coaches also used the historic coaching manual published by the BCB and among the topics covered during the day were mental preparations, attributes of a batsman, ways of dismissals, importance of discipline and leadership.

Head Coach Leslie Solomon and WBCA

President David Black led the off the field lectures on the different topics.

Solomon shared that the vibrant board not only wanted to develop outstanding players on the field but also to produce role model ambassadors for others to emulate.

Rockaway Group of Companies supports Cane Grove SC Rockaway Group of Companies has rendered support to Cane Grove Sports Club of East Coast Demerara.

Chief Executive Officer of the entity, Hafeez Ali presented a quantity of cricket uniforms to the club on Monday last.

Ali said that he is happy to support the club and encouraged its members to take the game seriously as it promotes discipline and unity. He pledged his continued support and noted that he wants to see the development of the game at the club. Munishram Sancharra of Cane Grove Sports Club expressed gratitude to Ali and said his club mates are delighted for the support.

Ali, who owns the Rockaway Legends team, also plays for Everest Masters.

CEO of Rockaway Hafeez Ali (right) presents one of the uniforms to Munishram Sancharra of Cane Grove SC.

Briton John Johnwins winssenior senior Briton clash; Alex Leung Leung tops topsjunior juniorfield; field; Fourth LonLam Classic Fourth

Clevecia Spencer takes female race Top six seniors, Briton John, Jamual John, Paul De Nobrega, Walter Grant-Stuart (2nd left), Marcus Keiler (left) and Curtis Dey (right).

GSCL Inc PM T20 Cup 5 t r o Sp Sampson, Grosvenor power unblemished Ariel to glory in open division

The victorious Ariel team with their hardware.

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