Kaieteur News

K

AIETEUR Greenidge hands Pres. Ali NEWS

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

ultimatum on ICJ case as 'infighting deepens'

Wednesday Edition November 17, 2021 - Vol. 14 No.44 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 85,953

. ...calls for removal of Ministers’ involvement in case management

Exxon signsth'large'

contract for 4 project

despite no approval PPP Candidate signs off 'independent' draft for Exxon's EIA …consultant claims it was a mistake

Contractor bids less than half of Engineer's estimate for Prison School The protest to change all foreign contracts continues.

Exxon scrambling for baseline data on fisheries sector

Opposition submits motion demanding reasons for Govt.'s failure to audit US$9B oil expenses

Guyanese should be worried about rapidly

increasing debt

- Former Finance Minister Jordan

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

PAGE 02

Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 17, 2021

Guyanese should be worried about rapidly increasing debt - Former Finance Minister Jordan Guyana’s midyear report on its financial performance and standing as a country reported its total stock of debt to be some US$3B and according to former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, the country’s ballooning debt should be of concern to all Guyanese.

According to Jordan, the administration’s signaled intention to borrow several billions more is based on the

Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan assumptions that oil resources will continue to earn at current world market prices at some US$80 per barrel.

Jordan gave his assertions during a ‘Plain Talk’ discussion with host, Christopher Ram, and in expressing his concerns about the level of debt, coupled with the fact that the administration is keen on taking on more, he drew reference to Ghana.

According to the former finance Minister, the fact that none of the large scale projects have been factored into the equation should be of concern.

Jordan referenced a recent confirmation on the part of Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, and first reported in another section of the media, that Government was looking to access some US$1.5B in loans from China.

The former Finance Minister noted that at half year, the debt stood at US$2.9B and along with the proposed loan from China, there is also another amount to the tune of some US$1.9B from the Islamic

Development bank to be secured.

He drew reference, too, to the fact that only recently, Head of State President Irfaan Ali announced an intention to approach the United Arab Emirate (UAE) to tap into their ‘sovereign wealth fund’ for investments in Guyana.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e President had announced an intention to approach the Kuwaitis with an interest in accessing their investment fund.

The former Finance Minister noted, too, that among the external debts being contracted by the administration are several loans that are not being factored into the equation.

These include the Gas-toshore initiative, the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project (AFHEP), and the New Demerara River Bridge.

These additional debts, to be contracted according to Jordan, do not even include the regular borrowing from institutions like the World Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the Inter-American Continued on page 14

Wednesday November 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 03

Greenidge hands President Ali ultimatum on ICJ case as ‘infighting deepens’ In what is now being described as an ‘untenable situation’, Foreign and International Affairs stalwart Carl Greenidge—who was retained as an Advisor to President Irfaan Ali for Guyana’s border case with Ve n e z u e l a a t t h e International Court of Justice (ICJ)—has handed the President an ultimatum, namely to remove Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd, from the management of the case, among other demands.

The information now coming to light is documented in a letter by Greenidge to the President outlining his grievances while highlighting infighting, involving at least two Government Ministers namely, Gail Teixeira and To d d , i n a d d i t i o n t o Guyana’s Ambassador to Suriname, Keith George.

In a letter dated April 7 last, to the President, Greenidge drew reference to a specific meeting of the Ministerial Advisory Committee, where he described the behavior of the named Ministers as, “out of place, offensive and calculated to offend.”

Qualifying his position, Greenidge informed the President that during the

...calls for removal of Ministers’ involvement in case management course of the brouhaha that erupted, many of the claims made, “are ridiculous and suggest that the Minister(s) not only have a problem with me, but with the external lawyers.”

According to Greenidge, in his missive to President Ali, “the drama of the meeting, including allegations about monetary motives of the legal team,” was documented in a video recording.

He told the president that taping of the session, according to Minister Todd, “was for the benefit of the lawyers.”

He was adamant, however, that “such action would incense and antagonize any set of advisors, let alone ones that have worked so long with successes for the Government of Guyana.”

With regards to Ambassador George, Greenidge told President Ali in his missive that “whilst Ambassador George is not without skills, [a] Lawyer and in combination with Ms. Skeete, he cannot replace…our external lawyers and the Maritime Expert, “that however seems

Advisor on Borders, Carl Greenidge

Head of State, President Irfaan Ali

Guyana’s Ambassador to Suriname, Keith George

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd

to be the Ministers’ unstated intention.”

According to Greenidge, “no one ever suggested to me t h a t Ve n e z u e l a i s Ambassador George area of expertise, but it seems his views about his preferred role, as apparently, does the Minister.”

He was adamant, “whether he should play a more prominent role—as head of the Frontiers Department, Co-Agent or as Agent to the ICJ,” is a matter for Government to decide on.

According to Greenidge, “while the decision is not for me, it would affect my

assignment.”

He further contended that Ambassador George is already Head of Mission to a s t r a t e g i c neighbour—Suriname—and further contended that the plenipotentiary representative to that country, “would certainly not be able to adequately conduct any of the ICJ related task(s) from Suriname, let alone be

considered the expert on Venezuela.”

According to Greenidge, “I am happy to be involved in the ICJ case, but I have no wish to add to the problems I already have, a constant and unsought battle with two of your Ministers and as such, “a few decisions need to be made at this point in order to help control the current situation and prevent damage to our chance of

winning this case.”

The former Foreign Affairs Minister served under the previous administration, but was retained as an advisor on the border case, told President Ali, “My position as Agent and Advisor to the Minister is now untenable in light not only of the questioning and misrepresentations of my judgments and decisions” in addition to other factors.

To this end, Greenidge in handing his ultimatum to the President called for video recording of the tenuous meeting to be destroyed and that his assignment be confirmed “and the reporting Continued on page 15

PAGE 4

Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 17, 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

Oil sorrows - is Guyana a prime candidate?

T

he Guardian published an article on November 9th titled, “A wealth of sorrow: why Nigeria’s abundant oil reserves are really a curse.” Undoubtedly, it can be said with accuracy that that is the cursed oil reality of woeful Nigeria. Increasingly, this looks the likely fate of Guyana, too.As identified in the Guardian’s article, all the indicators are present in Nigeria, have been so for many decades, with the results confirming that Nigeria, “the sixthlargest global exporter” and holding “the tenth-largest proven oil reserve in the world” is living the nightmares of resource curse and the “paradox of plenty.” For all the plentiful oil that it has in the world, and all the revenues that flowed over the years from it, Nigeria is a sick and sorry state.Its institutions are weak and ineffective, and corruption is so widespread, as to impact most of its citizens, who fare much more poorly than their peers in other countries who are less resource gifted. Its export earnings, which should have made it the envy of the world, have done the opposite.

On a comparative basis, there are “lower growth rates, lower levels of human development, and more inequality and poverty.” The culprits (we prefer the much stronger criminals) responsible for such bewildering states are poor political governors, and pathetic institutions. When taken together, it makes for grim reading.As we examine what is not altogether unfamiliar news, it is obvious that we already have some of the draining negatives that are the savaging realities of Nigeria, along with Venezuela, and other Third World countries that really belong high in the pack of rapidly developing ones.

The case could be made that, if the oil wealth was managed politically sensibly and cleanly, from the inception, then Nigeria and Venezuela should have been at the lower end of top tier countries in the world. With due considerations for the volatility of world market prices for oil, they ought to be far ahead of where they are today.

Nigeria and others should not be lagging behind, like some resource poor state brethren.The people who study these developments, the vast expanse of national horrors, and actually possess authoritative and respected positions on oil related phenomena, have pointed to what is arguably the biggest problem. It is corruption, and whenever it raises its monstrous head, it is chronic and toxic, and makes for anemic societies. Men are responsible for corruption. Crooked and callous men, who are so twisted, that they brutally murder the aspirations of their people, while taking care of themselves.

Though Guyanese do not need the enlightenment, The Guardian identified them as the exploiters: “multinationals, national and foreign governments, the foreign financiers and investors, alongside the structures of states and private actors in oil exporting countries.” We quietly ask our fellow Guyanese to take a slow, long, and careful look at each of those groups, and the conclusions have to be that we have all of them right here in Guyana, and right now in these very early days of our oil producing and exporting. Like vultures around a fat prize, they gorge themselves, while a good many Guyanese already sense that they are going to end up like Nigerians or Venezuelans.Guyana has these rapacious multinational exploiters, with Exxon being the foremost.

Regarding exploiters in the form of “national and foreign governments” we are well versed in the ways of both the prior Coalition Government, and the current PPP Government, and outside ones running to help, but mostly themselves. In fact, this all started to take shape and substance some 20 years ago, under a previous PPP Government. The “financiers and investors” from America to the Middle East are flocking here, vultures of identical feather. And there are the “structures of state” with the local EPA and state media standing in front of the line, as caricatures of what they should be. Last there are the “individual actors” who would be that less than one percent of Guyanese (around 50) in the political and private sectors, that meet every definition of the word “super elite.”When all this is considered, it is now undeniable that the casket of oil sorrows has stopped in Guyana’s yard, and it isn’t going anywhere.

PPP leaders smarter and slicker today DEAR EDITOR, It took slightly over a year for things to take shape since the PPP returned.

What is confirmed in steel is that the PPP leaders spent their time in the political wilderness to refine their modus operandi on return; it had to do with governing differently.

The five years prompted party and top people to perform postmortems on their body of work for the previous 23 years.

The undocumented conclusion was that many huge mistakes were made. An integral part of the vision was how to do things differently, not repeat the leadership and ministerial failures of previous decades.

After a mere year, the record is that party and its influential bigwigs have comprehensively tidied up their act.

Every area of error was studied: never again. We

cannot go about matters like before, but approach and implement differently. By now, the keen should have noticed something: repetition of the word ‘differently’ thrice. t should be powerfully glaring that I am not using ‘better’ for leadership and governance, but differently frequently.

I regret disappointing those whose expectations were otherwise. Indeed!

Differently from the PPP was never about examining, learning, and changing towards improving for what is nationally better.

Rather, today PPP leaders are smarter and slicker, not cleaner or purer; which some of them never were.

The loopholes that led to failing, and opened the door to endless embarrassments, have been closed. One of those loopholes was openness.

Also, potentially

troublesome human obstacles are purged. Today the PPP is a study in secrecy.

Cheating spouses are tightlipped, or go to the extent of keeping clothes and skin free from suspicious odors.

Today, PPP leaders have proxies to tie up loose ends, carry baggage, and parade in numerous masquerades.

They operate under different names: agencies and boards, to name some grateful and always well-populated with ready and willing performers to jump high and dance any jigs.

It is a lovely company of Guyanese nationals with one thing in common: they have all sworn allegiance not to the constitution and flag of Guyana, but to political men, one, who controls their destinies I applaud them for choosing well.

Rarely, have I come across people so lacking in selfrespect and basic honor.

Even rarer, I am yet to encounter so many of them in such a small space. Per square kilometer, Guyana must boast, and Georgetown houses, the densest concentration of weak and troubled people anywhere.

All know their roles, and the limits of such.

Given who and what he has setup, the big kahuna is a fulltime consultant.

Nobody dares to speak.

There are no whistleblowers, no guardians of democracy, no concerned Guyanese around anymore.

All want a piece of the action, and they will do anything for it.

Revered leaders, there is only one such main man who call all the shots and name the ones to be blessed to do certain jobs.

Forget about oil-dorado.

This is a den of thieves, one hell of a predator’s ball.

Sincerely, ghklall

A call for a review of the tax system regarding vehicles DEAR EDITOR, I pen this letter with increasing concerns that in this drive for developing Guyana, the Guyanese are the last to benefit if ever. What is the true benefit to Guyanese? Is it $25,000 Covid-19 relief fund or $19,000 cash voucher per child?

BUSINESS INCENTIVE FOR GUYANESE Have you ever been to GoInvest? If you need land or tax exemptions it’s the place to get help from. Guyana needs foreign investors. We need people with capital and knowledge to bring invest-

ment into Guyana. I am in no way denying this need. But we also need to have a level playing field so that Guyanese can also build and develop businesses.

Guyanese need to have access to tax exemptions and lands for business purposes.

There must be training available and access to funding for persons with business ideas.

We need to build capacity at every level for our own people. There must be an equal opportunity drive if not, we will soon be foreigners in our own land.

VEHICLES

There are great incentives to owning OLD vehicles in Guyana. We are a dumping ground for outdated and high-maintenance vehicles. It is time to be forward-thinking.

To change the very look of the country and to encourage persons to own better and low maintenance cars we need to change the tax structure on vehicles. At the moment it’s the foreigners who have large capital and/or tax exemptions who can afford the upgraded vehicles. What is the benefit to the government to have its road littered with old vehicles? It is time to change the

very thinking of the Guyanese people and the world towards Guyana.

This is a call for a review of the tax system regarding vehicles. Balance the equation.

Allow our middle-class and working citizens to have a greater incentive to remain in Guyana.

Far too long we have to leave Guyana to own better houses and nicer cars.

It is time to change and to support the holistic development of the Guyanese people.

Regards I am a Guyanese.

THE POLICE HAVE TO BE MORE VIGILANT IN DEALING WITH NOISE NUISANCE DEAR EDITOR The recent call for commuters and by extension members of the public to record and forward to the police those who breach the law on loud music in public transport does not seem a lucid one, (GT Nov 15).Of course mini-bus operators are not the

only ones guilty of this malpractice. Private motor cars can be heard traversing city streets and elsewhere in full breach of the noise nuisance law. But, that aside, this call is an open call for law abiding citizens to be assaulted and injured, even killed, not to mention there expensive

phones and other equipment to be damaged and stolen. In the process persons can be marked and targeted. Who will want to open themselves to such consequences when a large number of minibuses are owned by the police who have to police the system?

Talk about cat watching milk.

No, it is not an all-consuming practical call. The police have to be more vigilant, even calling out those buses which might be owned by their superiors.

Is there a noise level gun like there is for speed?

Regards Shamshun Mohamed

15 MONTHS INTO OFFICE, PPP YET TO OPEN ANY OF THE CLOSED SUGAR ESTATES DEAR EDITOR, I refer to your news report on the comments by the Vice President on GuySuCo and the $250,000 to displaced sugar workers. Is government really interested in rehabilitating GuySuCo? Or is the plan to allow it to collapse and then re-distribute the land to friends, families, and cronies?

Some fifteen months into the administration and none of the four sugar estates

closed by APNU has been reopened as promised in the PPP manifesto and by the Vice President. None is under cultivation and only a few hundreds of the terminated 7,500 workers have been rehired.

It is abundantly clear that the only movement Guysuco has had since this government has been in office is moving backwards; it appears that workers are not better off than under the last

administration. The coalition did not fool the workers. It closed down four estates and vowed to dismantle them. The PPP promised to reopen the estates but has failed to do so. If cultivation had started in August 2020, in three months, there would have been harvesting and restarting of the factories.

Large sums of money in the billions of dollars have been expended on Guysuco under this current

government under what staff say is the worst management in the history of the company.

Also, money given to some displaced workers is simply to appease them and reduce their wrath as government allows Guysuco to collapse.

Such compensation is not an investment in Guysuco as it does not add value to the company. The money is short term relief to the workers and will add no value to Guysuco (Continued on page 6)

Wednesday November 17, 2021

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

Good gesture from Mohamed Enterprise DEAR EDITOR I write to hail Mohamed Enterprise for its kindness and generosity for the educational grant given to the young man, Parmesh Ramgobin, from Essequibo who excelled at last June’s CXC. In so doing, Mohamed Enterprise recognizes and rewards academic excellence as a motivation for others to excel. Mohamed Enterprise demonstrates a social commitment to helping students of limited financial means.Others should follow suit.There are many businesses that have been doing extremely well financially but hardly any of them seek to help the less fortunate in our midst and none of them offer financial assistance to students who are in need of help to continue their education. In fact, some of them get a lot of government business, contracts, but don’t help the poor. On this note, Mohamed Enterprise stands

tall. Mohamed’s grant to this youngster highlights the fact that hard work and achievement truly does pay off. The youngster will receive financial assistance to pursue his university education.Parmesh Ramgobin excelled at the 2021 CSEC. He sat 20 subjects and received 15 ones and 5 twos grades.

The normal amount of subjects is between eight and 10. A minimum five is needed for entrance into university.

The kid also happens to be among the top performers in the country and the West Indies in 2021. Parmesh’s parents, Dinesh and Chandrawati Ramgobin, expressed pride in their son’s achievements and gratitude to Mohamed for his assistance. Parmesh comes from a family of five and humble background. His father is a fisherman and his mother a housewife. He told reporters that his father’s income has

not been sufficient to provide for the family and his education. So Parmesh sold chips to raise money for his books, internet bills, transportation, and private extra lessons.

Transportation cost was very high. So he had to help raise money to help his family to fund his education. I read that he used to wake up early in the morning, fried his own chips, packaged it, and market it himself. An outstanding performer at CSEC (CXC or Caribbean Examinations Council) 2021, he is very grateful for the financial assistance rendered to him by Mohamed Enterprise of Guyana.The Managing Director of Mohamed’s Enterprise Mr. Nazar Mohamed met with the Essequibo’s top CSEC student and honored him with a hefty cheque to further his education. It is reported that Mr. Mohamed, was moved by the story of Parmesh and his CSEC

Unfair competition for the GDF to win contracts or participate in public bidding processes DEAR EDITOR, I read an article in the Village Voice online news on November 10, 2021, titled ‘GDF wins $44.4M contract to build hospital’. The story was also published in other sections of the media. I find the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) participating in any public bidding process, as extraordinary and am surprised that the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and our Chambers of Commerce, allowed this to pass.

I will get straight to the point. The Guyana Defence Force is a state agency and is funded by the state. The President is the Commanderin-Chief, and the Defence Board is a state entity, therefore the GDF cannot bid for a government contract without the knowledge of the President and the Defence Board. Additionally, the GDF cannot participate in a public procurement (bidding/ tender) process along with private sector entities. As such, this contract must be made null and void.

A few years ago, when the GDF was involved in Chartered flights, I think members from the private sector, rightfully, had issues with the decision. So what makes it right now? Mr. Jerry Gouveia is the National Security Advisor, as well as a former Chairman of the PSC. Surely, he must know that this is unfair competition and should advise the government accordingly.

Can the Guyana Defence Force indicate whether the computers, which were used to type the bid or the transportation that was used to submit the bid was not bought with state funds or donated by a foreign government? Or that the personnel who put the bid together were not trained with funds from the state or at no time received training by foreign governments.

How does a foreign government explain to its citizens that their tax paying support is contributing towards the Guyana Defence Force’s capacity to participate in an unfair

competition (bidding) with the private sector? Will the salary being paid to those GDF members who will be working on this project come from the government funds or the project? Will their salaries be stopped for the period when they would be working on this project and recommence after the project is completed? Will their pension and other benefits for the period of the construction of the hospital be stopped also?

There are clear lines of demarcation for the operations of government and state agencies and the private sector which includes different accountability requirements. While I understand that members of the Guyana Defence Force are highly trained and skilled, and there is scope for greater involvement to apply their expertise to other areas of development, this must be done in the proper way. The engineers in the GDF can be seconded to the Ministry of Public Works with (Continued on page 6)

achievements and decided to further honor the young man on his tremendous accomplishment.

He told reporters that in keeping with his corporate social responsibility, he commits to funding the young man’s education through his academic journey.

Mohamed is applauded for recognizing the importance of investing in our students’ futures and making it even more affordable for these students to pursue postsecondary education especially in Guyana at UG where the VC has been taking steps to boost achievements.I want to convey to Mr Mohamed how much I appreciate the support provided to this youngster.

The kid’s story of struggling to fund his education is very moving.

While a high school student in Guyana and university student in New York, I too

worked my way to pay tuition and habitable expenses and for sitting GCE. I lived hardship and went on to earn multiple doctorates and MAs through hard work and the support of others.

I too endeavour to help the less fortunate with their education. This grant from Mohamed will no doubt lighten the financial burden of the kid in college and launch him on the path to success.

Hopefully, he does not have to work as hard as in high school to pay for his schooling. He can now focus more on the most important aspect of school: learning. Mohamed told reporters that he hopes that his grant will help to empower the student to continue pursuing his educational goals and will significantly help the youngster with his education as well as encourage others to excel in lower grades so they can also become recipients of grants.

Clearly, it shows that Mohamed is generous and caring, and unselfishly give to support the educational endeavors of deserving students.

Mohamed’s Enterprise stands out as a shining beacon and where other companies have failed the nation.

There are so many others doing extremely well but don’t offer “a jil” to anyone.

Some small businesses also help the less fortunate, but most big businesses have avoided their corporate social responsibility. Hopefully, Mohamed’s generosity will inspire others to give back to students in need.

The young boy was extremely happy with the assistance from Mohamed and expressed his gratitude.

He has already started the University of Guyana reading for his BSc in Biology.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

The Local Insurance Industry is more than Capable DEAR EDITOR I refer to an article in another section of the press where it was stated that a Trinidad Insurance Broker has entered the local market.

The article gives the impression that the local insurance industry is bereft of qualified persons and international linkages. Nothing can be further than the truth. The insurance industry in Guyana is over 150 years old and has produced some of the leading and most qualified insurance personnel in the Caribbean, including former presidents of the Insurance Association of the Caribbean. The insurance broking industry in Guyana is over 50 years old with local brokers having experience of 50 years, 45 years etc. The local insurance broking industry has some of the most qualified people you can find in any insurance broking house anywhere including Fellows of the Char-

tered Insurance Institute (FCII), which is the leading English insurance qualification, Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) which is the leading American Insurance Qualification, ARM and AINS – which are Risk Management and Insurance qualifications from the USA. The local insurance broking industry has also been using, for over 50 years, Lloyds of London Brokers to place cover that the local companies cannot carry. As a matter of fact, the local in-

surance broking industry has been very proactive in the training and development of the local industry. In 2019, Marsh – the leading insurance broker in the world, in collaboration with its local partner here - ran an oil and gas seminar, not only for the local insurance industry but also for representatives of the EPA, the Bank of Guyana and the Ministry of Natural Resources. Another local broker brought in Arthur J Gallagher to discuss Oil and Gas (Continued on page 6)

PAGE 6

Kaieteur News

Unfair competition for the GDF...

From page 5 a supervisory or monitoring and evaluation or even active construction roles, but the GDF cannot compete with the private sector in tender processes for contracts.

President Ifraan Ali is talking up Guyana as a leader, but Guyana cannot be a leader, regionally and internationally if it does not

confirm to established norms, values, and principles.

What will distinguish Guyana as a leader is when our leaders and institutions adhere to regional and international principles and norms.

Principles are universal and is a critical element in finding common ground with other countries, regions and

internationally. Additionally, the GDF ought not to be having budgetary challenges when Guyana has US$534M in the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) or what is called the oil money fund.

This is unfair competition, and it must not be allowed.

Yours faithfully Audreyanna Thomas

The Local Insurance Industry...

From page 5 insurance and to firm up strategic linkages.

A local insurance company also brought in Willis to run a seminar. So, Mr. Editor, the local insurance broking in-

dustry has been at the cutting edge with highly qualified and experienced personnel and strategic linkages to top broking houses in London and Houston.

These local brokers have

served the Guyanese well and I’m sure they are in a position to continue serving them well.

Regards R. Dias

Wednesday November 17, 2021

15 months into office, PPP yet to...

From page 4 as these workers can no longer contribute to resuscitating the industry.

The workers are being fooled.

They are unwitting contributors to their own demise by not speaking up or taking actions to salvage their fate.The capital money invested in GuySuCo has been squandered by inept, authoritarian management.

Does the CEO have the skills and knowledge of sugar production to transform the company? It is clear that management is totally incapable of doing anything good for Guysuco? After more than a year in the position, GuySuCo has not been transformed. This raises the question of whether government is serious about rescuing GuySuCo. Is it that

the CEO is retained to guarantee the failure of the company? Are secrets being protected? Is the Ministry removing him for nonperformance tantamount to kettle telling pot it is black?

Ditto higher government officials?

The VP said personnel would be brought in to strengthen management. A month later, there is no replacement of management.

And there is no effort to investigate the issues raised about GuySuCo’s management’s, loud outbursts against senior staff.

As others have complained, staff terminated or forced out have not been given due process hearing. Staff are fearful of filing complaints under their name for fear of victimization. They know their

fate if they speak out. More and more staff are submitting their resignation at GuySuCo and at NDIA. Government has been silent and inactive at GuySuCo hoping the problem will go away. Instead, it has worsened.

The government should come clean on its intention for GuySuCo as public money is being used to fund the company.

Are the workers being taken for a ride? Is it the intention to scrap the industry? Has management been instructed to take measures to guarantee the failure of the company? Is GuySuCo’s land being earmarked for friends of top ranks of the ruling party and cronies?

Yours truly, Samuel Gittens

T N U L B . . .

T B N U T L N B T .

U .

L .

L T B . .

N .

U N U T L N B .

U T . .

L N N U T B .

U .

N L U BL BLUNT. B . .

T .

T T N N U .

U L . .

L B .

T B . . . .

N .

T U T N N T U N U L L U B .

L B . . . .

B .

T . .

T .

N N T U N L LU U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T . .

U .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B .

T L . .

N B T . .

U .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B .

T .

U .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L .

B .

UN .BLUNT. L . .

B T . . .

N T U N L . .

U B T .

L .

B .

UN .BLUNT. L . .

B T . . .

N T U N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L B T .

U . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T . . .

LU ...BLUN B T . . .

N T U N L U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T .

U B . .

N L T U B .

N L . .

U B T .

L . .

N B T .

U . .

N L T BB T...BLU U N L U B .

L . .

B .

T . .

N N T T L U U N L L U B U T...BLU B L . .

N .

B .

T . .

N T U N N N U L U U B L .

BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Wednesday November 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

The VP is now saying that the gas-to-shore project could cost more than US$900M. Ha, ha!

We saw that coming and told readers that before.

Just like we had warned and said that Exxon's US$10B UNCHECKED bills will be paid in full. Anything some people touch always suck the life out of everybody else, especially their money.

Guyanese know people like that; they should look at their leaders.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Wednesday November 17, 2021

PPP Candidate signs off ‘independent’ draft for Exxon’s EIA

D

espite the clearcut requirement by law for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of oil g i a n t E x x o n M o b i l ’s Yellowtail Project to be produced by an independent organization, the draft document was co-signed by PPP candidate in the 2020 elections, Shyam Nokta, thereby sparking questions with regards to the credibility of the document.

During the Consultative session of the Yellowtail project, hosted by the local Environmental Protection A g e n c y ( E PA ) a n d consultancy firm Environmental Resources Management (ERM) and Exxon’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL),

…consultant claims it was a mistake

Managing Director, Environmental Management Consultants, Shyam Nokta Environmentalist Simone Mangal-Jolly highlighted this flaw, even as she questioned the legitimacy of the document.

She argued, “The EIA

document introduction says that the study is produced by an independent body and, in fact, the Environmental Protection Act requires this. However, it is cosigned by Mr. Shyam Nokta who as you are aware” has a close relationship to “the governing party. He was on the Party’s list of candidates for the 2020 General and Regional Elections. As far as we in Guyana know, we have elected this Party…to govern Guyana. How is it that this can be an independent EIA when there is a clear link to the highest level of power in the governing party?”

Ms. Mangal-Jolly further noted that the EIA document never referenced a conflict of interest and that there was also no explanation of how such a conflict was addressed in the production of work.

“Can this EIA qualify as independent and can the EPA be considered as acting independently of the government that supervises it directly?” she questioned.

In response to MangalJolly’s concerns, ERM representative, Jason Wiley, explained that Nokta’s signature was, indeed, on a draft version of the NonTechnical Study (NTS) and

e ven though his data was used in the production of the EIA, his company was not directly involved.

“Mr. Nokta’s signature was on a draft version of the NTS that got posted by mistake. We apologize for that. His company was involved in some of the studies that were conducted previously, not as part of this EIA. We did use that data in this EIA, but his company was not directly involved in this EIA. Again we apologize for that confusion,” he stated.

Wiley said his understanding is that a new version of the NTS has been

posted on the EPA’s website without Shyam’s signature.

Also jumping to the defence of the party affiliate was the Executive Director o f t h e E PA , K e m r a j Parsram. According to him, a list of approved Consultants was provided by the developer, which was examined by the Agency and found that Nokta’s company, Environmental Management Consultants EMC was not listed.

“A list was provided by the developer and we examined that list and clearly Mr. Nokta or EMC is not or was not on that list, so he is not part of this list of Consultants that we have approved. I think if you look at the EIA itself, there should be the list of Consultants who actually

Wednesday November 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

Give locals a bite at the cherry It is good to learn that investors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are in Guyana examining investment opportunities. The country should not hedge too much hopes on anything coming from that part of the world; they have long talked the talk but failed to walk the walk.

Last November, the country hosted a delegation from the UAE. Nothing has materialised as yet from this mission. Well not quite, Guyana was able to buy some vaccines at double the world market price from that country. Guyanese therefore should not get excited. The oil rich Middle Eastern countries have no interest in investing in Guyana. They will come here and sell whatever they can sell but it is too much to ask them to invest in Guyana.

I am willing to bet that nothing much will emerge from these delegations. They will come here, look around, turn up their noses and then get the hell out of here for good.

No one is coming here from oil-rich countries to build any deep water harbour. The traffic is too small to interest those investors. No one is coming here from Qatar to invest in agriculture. This I believe.

And they have good reasons to do so. There are better and safer places for them to sink their oil wealth than in risky Guyana where a commercial dispute can end up taking 20 years to resolve.

No investor from the Middle East is going to come here when he will need a retinue of body guards to protect him if and when he makes an investment. Crime is a serious deterrent to doing business in Guyana.

Guyana has also hosted delegations from other part of the Caribbean, including recently Barbados. The Barba-

dians will be more interested in pre-fab housing. But Guyana does not have the means to supply this to them.

They are not here to buy our rice or sugar or timber. They are looking for housing products and Guyana can simply supply the quantities required or at the price required. This I believe.

It is time the government stops looking to external forces and start looking locally for investment. Charity, they say, begins at home.

The funds in our banking system may not be sufficient to finance the Yellowtail Field Development Plan. But it is more than sufficient to finance the projects which the government seems not to be keen on opening to local investors: the gas-to-shore project and the Amalia Falls Hydroelectric Project and the new Demerara River Bridge.

Perhaps the reason is that the government already has lined up its syndicated investors for these projects. The Chinese we are told are likely to fund the bridge across the river and other major road projects. But what is China asking for in return?

China’s Belt and Road Initiative was widely seen as the means to assure that country of resources. But that era has ended. China’s economy is now undergoing its own transformation and China is now moving increasingly towards a services-based economy. Guyana, therefore, instead of being a source of raw materials could end up becoming a source for more Chinese products, something that will inflame the United States.

China may lack its past enthusiasm to finance projects in Guyana, which is too small a market to entice China’s growing services sector which now accounts for 54 percent of that country’s GDP. And no Vice President

is flying into the Region waving money for projects.

The Americans have nothing to offer Guyana. They and the Canadians are more interested in taking out rather than putting in. At one stage, it was estimated that western countries took out three times more than they invested – not a bad barometer to use to assess foreign appropriation.

America does not want China in Guyana because they want Taiwan. But America prefers to apply pressure rather than encourage investors to invest directly in the non-oil economy.

Guyana therefore has to look to satisfy the need for money for its major infrastructural projects. And it should begin to look increasingly at domestic funds but not only for the friends and cronies of the government but also for the average citizen.

If locals can be given the same concessions as foreigners; if they can be given projects with a guaranteed rate of return, they will invest.

But do not ask one of two local investors to back a major project; spread the risks widely among a large pool of investors and the results will be startling.

But why am I holding out such hopes when it is known that these projects will end up in the hands of favoured investors?

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

Dem boys seh ...

Jonestown gat plenty jumbie story Tomorrow is 43 years since de Jonestown disaster.

At de time, it was de wuss mass suicide in de world. One man mek more dan 900 people drink Kool Aid lace with cyanide.

Jonestown put Guyana on de map, for all de wrong reasons. Whenever people bin hear dat yuh from Guyana, dem does watch yuh lil strange. Luckily dem days pass!

But deh gat some people who does still remember dat incident and de fact dat just before de Kool Aid share out, a US Congressman bin get riddle with bullets.

Jim Jones, de cult leader, did used to keep a lot ah tapes, and he bin like fuh call names. He call nuff names pon de tape especially bout dose who used to tun up for special favours and fuh other gifts.

He used to operate a state within a state and dat is why when de mass murdersuicide tek place, nuff Guyanese nah bin ever know dem gat such a place in de jungle.

Well, nuff ah dem records is now public and nuff name call. But none ah dem journalists nah going to interview anybody wah still around and

Dem boys seh ...

wah used to get in pon de action.

But people know or spread rumour bout who tek off watches and rings and money from dem dead people. And who get de money wah bin in GNCB fuh de People’s Temple.

One man who was close to Burnham lose he top wuk because he was too close to de temple and he bin hide things from Burnham.

But dem still gat plenty secret out dere if only our young journalists would be willing to go and dig dem up.

Talk half and leff Jonestown to history!

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Wednesday November 17, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Anil Nandlall, Dr. Vindhya Persaud and Vanessa Kissoon's mystery

H

ere are the words o f a P N C stalwart that was suspended from her party for seven years.

As you read Vanessa Kissoon's statement, it hits you right away that either she is exaggerating or constituency politics in Guyana is completely dead contrary to what obtains in other countries in the world, or the situation will remain a mystery.

Ms. Kissoon noted, “In spite of the unjust suspension, during the 2015 and 2020 General and Regional Elections, I worked my hardest to help deliver Region 10 to the PNC/R. I am a grassroots politician because I connect to the people and the people connect to me.” Something does not fit here and Ms. Kissoon and her supporters in Linden owe the Guyanese people an explanation. If she does not elaborate, then she

will leave a void in understanding the role of constituency politics.

Ms. Kissoon is one of the most known PNC faces in Linden. She served the PNC for two terms in the House as a representative of Region 10. She is accepted in politics in Guyana as a Linden personality and activist. She is thus seen as having constituency support. In other words, she is a constituency politician as opposed to many politicians who are accepted as general activists without a particular geographical niche.

Ms. Kissoon claimed back then, and still argues, that her suspension was wrong. If the unfairness of her exclusion was accepted by her party in Linden, then three questions linger.

What was the reaction of her constituency for all these years? In all these years, why weren't there daily efforts by her constituency to fight Congress Place on the

injustice? Why wasn't Congress Place defied by her constituency and she was allowed to continue serving as an active member of the PNC executive in Linden?

In democratic countries that have the “First Past The Post System”, formally known as constituency system, it is not simple and easy for the central leader to suspend a constituency Member of Parliament. That MP has to be accused of extremely serious unprincipled deportment, which the constituency is appalled at.

If the constituency feels that their MP was victimised, the traditional pattern takes two directions. The aggrieved MP sits as an independent in the House or the constituency demands reinstatement. In the UK, confrontation between constituency MPs and the central leader is quite common.

In the Unites States, it is

difficult for the leadership of both the Republican Party and the Democratic Party to discipline a popular and loved member of the House of Representative. The district they represent will certainly be angry. This is especially so with the Black Caucus.

The fact that Ms. Kissoon was excluded from formal participation in the business of the PNC Linden branch for seven years without any confrontation between Region 10 and Congress Place means one of two things. First, she was not as influential and accepted in Region 10 as her supporters claim. The other was that her c o n s t i t u e n c y, t h o u g h agreeing that she was wronged and showing sympathy for her, was not prepared to fight Congress Place on her behalf.

In relation to the PPP, one cannot see a parallel development, especially with two persons – Anil Nandlall

and Dr. Vindhya Persaud. Mr. Nandlall is one of the faces emblazoned on the Frederick Kissoon PPP's fabric. If he should exclaim that he s ealed agreement was that it was suspended unfairly, I cannot see hundreds of PPP would alternate after 2006. groups just accepting that and The Indian financial backers life goes on. There will be and the ex ROAR activists in ongoing discussions to and outside of Guyana who were now well placed in the rectify the situation.

Dr. Persaud is a colossal AFC were enraged and f i g u r e i n t h e H i n d u waged a relentless war community. If she announces against Trotman.

Some of the email that she was unfairly suspended, there is going to exchanges, which I saw be automatic emotional bordered on racism. In the responses from hundreds of end, Trotman had to back mandirs in Guyana. I doubt down.It would be nice if Ms. the influential Hindu sections Kissoon could answer some of the entire country will just of the questions raised in this frown upon the decision and article. It would help young let the dust settle. This is what Guyanese who would want to happens in politics when a participate in their country's party has strategically placed politics. Ms. Kissson has an obligation to do so. actors at the apex.

(The views expressed in The most graphic example was in 2011 when this article are those of the Raphael Trotman wanted to a u t h o r a n d d o n o t be the AFC's presidential necessarily reflect the candidate again though the opinions of this newspaper.)

Wednesday November 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Wednesday November 17, 2021

City Hall owes over $1B to GRA, NIS and GWI City Hall currently owes over $1B debt to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS); Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI). This was revealed by Town Clerk (ag) Candace Nelson last week during an engagement with the press.

Nelson was at the time addressing concerns over what she called irresponsible spending.

In this regard, Nelson pointed to a bill of $600,000 which was requested by a lawyer after he

drafted a letter on behalf of the former Town Clerk.

Nelson noted, “The core of an ongoing contention is a payment of $600,000 to an Attorney-atLaw for one letter written on behalf of former Town Clerk Sherry Jerrick to the Local Government Commission. When the matter was brought to my attention, I expressed profound concern at what appears to be imprudent spending. Further, I wrote the Mayor and explained that

Driver hospitalised following three-vehicle accident A driver was hospitalised following a three-vehicle accident that took place on Saturday last, on the Blankenburg Public Road, West Coast Demerara around 20:45hrs.

The incident involved three vehicles, two of which were proceeding along the West Coast Road, and one which was parked.

According to police, motorcar PRR 3572, which is owned by Prakesh Nandalall was proceeding east along the northern side of the Blankenburg Public Road at a fast rate when it collided with the left side of motorcar PLL 3626 owned and driven by Deolall Mohan, who was proceeding north across the road.

Mohan then collided with a pickup, which is owned by a 45year-old man, which was parked on the northern side of the road.

As a result of the collision, Mohan was taken out of his vehicle in a conscious state by persons from around the area, and was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was seen and examined by a doctor for the injuries, which he received to his head. He was later admitted at a private hospital for observation.

Subsequently, a Breathalyzer test was conducted on the driver of motorcar PRR 3572 which indicated no alcohol intake.

Police investigations into the matter continue.

while I have no difficulty with lawyers charging their fees for their work, the sum in question does appear to be exorbitant.”

She also pointed out that while the municipality is at its wit’s end trying to sustain basic services, such as garbage collection, maternal and child welfare, public health, environmental and other services, “We have all of this but the Mayor is insisting with great urgency that I pay this money – $600,000 for a single letter.

I sought and obtained legal advice on this matter and I have since written the Auditor General asking for pre-emptory advice on it,” the Town Clerk said noting that, in addition, to the maintenance services, the council has a massive debt, which includes the monies owed to GRA, NIS and GWI. Nelson has also denied allegations made by City Mayor, Ubraj Narine that she has been signing cheques without appropriate approval.

“Truth is that that allegation is simply not true. I have been following the systems and procedures that deal with such matters. However, the nature of the allegation and the potential implications it could have on my personal and professional life have influenced my decision to consult with my lawyer. I am taking the utterances of His Worship very

City Hall, Avenue of the Republic and Regent Street, Georgetown.

seriously,” she added.

In a previous comment on the issue of City Hall’s massive debt, Mayor Narine had revealed the outstanding amounts owed date as far back to 1994.

“We owe like $100M to garbage collection contractors; $400M to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and over $20M in retroactive salaries among the liabilities,” the Mayor said.

He also said the reports about City Hall asking Government for a bailout of $500M in debts is inaccurate.

“That report is not accurate because I never asked Government for a bailout on $500M debt when we have such a huge debt of $5B. I

asked government to let us go through the liabilities together, so that they can have their input in the situation to help better manage the liabilities of the municipality,” Narine added.

According to the Mayor, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is struggling to pay staffers because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The City has recorded a 78 percent decrease in revenue earnings.

Speaking on the issue, Mayor Narine said, “Our revenue drop here is about 78 percent. We are actually struggling to pay staffers.

Our salary and wages scale is $120M per month. We owe NIS over $400M since 1993. I am dealing with that issue now.”

Wednesday November 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Wednesday November 17, 2021

Man remanded for attempting Two Region Four women are to murder hairdresser Guyana’s latest COVID-19 fatalities

On Monday, a labourer was remanded for attempting to murder a hairdresser in June this year.

The defendant was identified as Melroy Barry, 34, of Lot 32 Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

He appeared at the Vigilance Magistrate Court before Principal Magistrate Fabayo Azore and was charged with attempted murder.

Barry was not required to plea to the indictable charge and will remain behind bars until January 11, 2022.

The defendant had managed to evade the law for more than three months. Police had only managed to arrest him on Friday last.

Remanded, Melroy Barry

Guyanese should be worried about...

From page 2 Development Bank (IDB), among others.

Jordan used the occasion to recall that the President of the IDB is scheduled to arrive in Guyana shortly.

President Ali told reporters that the duo had met previously to discuss the finalizing of programmes for which Guyana presently has applications. According to President Ali, he was assured by the IDB head that the priorities of the Guyana Government in fact align with that of the bank.

He, in fact, reported that the IDB is keen on remaining one of Guyana’s primary development partners and reemphasized its commitment to Guyana.

President Ali reported also that the President of the bank himself would be visiting Guyana imminently with a view to getting a fuller understanding of the types of projects identified as critical in Guyana and areas where

the bank can provide financing.

The IDB currently has the largest share of Guyana’s external debt according to the government’s mid-year report on the country’s finances.

According to the information contained in the Mid-Year Report for 2021, monies received from the IDB in loans increased 10 fold, from US$5.2 million in the first half of 2020, to about US$55.5 million for the corresponding period in 2021. The report stated, about 75.2 percent of the latter amount was allocated to combating the economic and social ramifications of the pandemic.

Additionally, this publication last month reported that Guyana had approached the IDB for a loan totalling US$1,817,764 to support the development, and implementation of a Medium-Term Development Strategy, which will leverage on the country’s emerging oil and gas revenues.

Two women from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), who contracted the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, have died. This is according to the Ministry of Health, which reported yesterday that the fatalities are that of an unvaccinated 93-year-old and a 78-yearold whose vaccination status was unknown.

Both women died on Monday while receiving treatment at a medical institution, the Health Ministry reported.

As a result of this, the country’s COVID-19 death toll has moved to 961.

Meanwhile, in its latest edition of the COVID-19 dashboard, the Ministry recorded 44 new cases, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 36,916.

The dashboard also shows that there are 17 patients admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 51 persons in institutional isolation, 2,018 in home isolation and 7 in institutional quarantine. To date, a total 33,869 persons who tested positive for the virus have recovered.

Wednesday November 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

69-year-old appeals jail sentence for rape officer, adding that Robin was a family-oriented and jovial person. The man’s wife relayed that the matter at hand has caused grave embarrassment to her f a m i l y. T h o u g h t h e

Convicted: George Robin George Robin, 69, a former soldier who is currently serving a 19-year prison sentence for rape has moved to the Appeal Court in a bid to challenge the length of his sentence. Robin, a father of twelve from Number Three Village, West Coast Berbice, was found guilty by a jury of engaging in sexual penetration of a girl under the age of 16 years.

According to the indictment, the offence was committed on February 6, 2017. About two years after he was charged, Robin faced a trial in the High Court where he was found guilty of the crime and sentenced to prison by Justice Brassington Reynolds. The sentence was handed down following a probation report on the life of the convicted ex-soldier prior to his arrest.

According to the report, Robin was in the habit of engaging in vulgar sexualrelated conversations with young girls in his community.

The report outlined that while residents expressed some degree of shock at the charge against Robin, they indicated to the probation officer that it was not surprising since Robin was known to exhibit perverted tendencies to young women.

Despite these revelations, the probation officer told the court that none of the instances were reported to the police. Nevertheless, residents said that Robin was a dedicated Christian. His wife shared similar sentiments with the probation

Greenidge hands President Ali ultimatum...

From page 3 mechanism modified to report to yourself or the VP.” Additionally, he said management of preparation for the ICJ and examination of ICJ issues should be removed from under the purview of the Minister.

According to Greenidge, “going forward another person should be chosen to chair the MAC if it retains responsibility for ICJ matters, because it is difficult to see how the Committee can constructively contribute to the task of winning the case at the ICJ, if it is to be used as a partisan vehicle.”

probation officer was unable to contact the victim, she did speak to her grandmother.

The grandmother told the probation officer that she is happy her granddaughter has finally received justice for an

incident act that has left her traumatized. Robin, on the other hand, is maintaining that he is innocent, the probation officer related.

Considering all the findings of the report, the

probation officer asked that the court impose a sentence that would send a strong message to like-minded offenders, in that no forms of abuse against children will be tolerated.

Soon after the jury had announced its guilty verdict, Robin told the court that the actions of man can only be judged by God. He was nevertheless sentenced to 19 years in prison for the crime.

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News A manual koker winch at Ruimveldt, Georgetown

Wednesday November 17, 2021

Costly to repair old manual koker winch - REGION 3 REO Although there were two “old manual koker winches’ available to replace the stolen ones at Bagotsville and Nismes on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD), repairing them has proven to be costly.

At least this was what the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of the Region Three district, Jagnarine Somwar, explained to Kaieteur News yesterday. This newspaper on Tuesday had reported that thieves had stolen two koker winches from the aforementioned West Bank villages and that it was estimated that replacing them can cost around $5.1M if new winches had to be purchased.

However, it was noted in the article that this amount might not have to be spent since there were two used ones available.

In an update, yesterday, the Region’s REO, Somwar, told Kaieteur News that, despite there were used winches available, monies are being spent to fix and repair them for installation and it is proving to be costly due to fact that there are needed quickly.

“The winches had to be taken to the workshop for the teeth and gears to be fixed”, said Somwar.

Somwar shared that repairs on one of the old winches has already been completed and installed. He is hopeful that repairs on the second can be finished by tomorrow.

The REO said that, at the moment, he does not know how much is the overall cost for the repairs, but he is positive that it won’t cost as much as the price for two new ones.

Somwar added that a decision was also taken to fortify the winches by casting a base with concrete to prevent them from being easily stolen again.

He continued that the Region will move to fortify all of the koker winches within its district to avoid more losses via theft.

Apart from this, the REO said that a meeting has been held to address the issue of negligent koker attendants.

He explained that they would open the kokers and then leave it unattended for hours, and would only return when it is time to close it and this, in his view, could allow for thieves to take advantage of their absence.

While it will not be required for them to be present at the koker 24/7, the region is trying to ensure that koker attendants complete their full shift or hours.

Meanwhile, as investigations continue into the stolen winches, it is believed that the thieves might have gained access to the kokers from the Demerara River. They were led to this conclusion because of the “location of the kokers and the size and weight of the winches”.

The Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, has since urged persons to desist from such acts and warned that tampering with government structures is a criminal offence, and persons found deliberately interfering with any such structure will be made to face the full force of the law. Koker winches are used to open and close the sluice doors of a koker, when necessary.

Wednesday November 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

Exxon scrambling baseline data on fisheries sector Pertinent information regarding the impact ExxonMobil’s offshore operations can have on the fisheries sector here in Guyana is lacking in the company’s Environmental Impact Assessment.

In fact, even though oil production has commenced, the company is clueless as to the kinds of effects its work can have on the fisheries sector, and data is now being collected to analyse the situation.

Highlighting these c o n c e r n s w e r e Environmentalist, Simone Mangal-Jolly during the online Consultations held by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Exxon Mobil’s Yellowtail Project.

According to MangalJolly, even though Exxon compiled a fisheries study, the document failed to highlight the migratory patterns of fish, among others. She said, “It has no comprehensive mapping of the fish nurseries in Guyana or neighbouring countries that might be feeding our fisheries sector. There are no indications whatsoever in any baseline studies done, including the Marine Baseline Study of what the migratory patterns are of commercial or noncommercial fish compared to that whole zone”.

In fact, she pointed out, “There is no description, material or financials of the fisheries value chain, there is no quantification of the economic value, direct economic financial value, both in terms of its contribution to the economy and to the subsistence economy. There is no quantification of the socioeconomic value of that industry in terms of livelihood, family dependency or the importance of fish consumption to the people of Guyana”.

Mangal-Jolly also flagged that there is no information on any chemical testing of fish, as no baseline data had ever been collected prior to the company’s operations.

“So, in fact, there is absolutely no baseline data whatsoever for the most elementary thing that one could be possibility socially responsible about, which is fishing,” she argued.

The Environmentalist said she was very concerned, as the regulatory authority under the previous

governing allowed this to occur, and the present administration continues to turn a blind eye to the situation.

She reasoned, “You cannot submit an EIA where you have failed to treat with fisheries, with nurseries, with migratory patterns, with catch per unit effort, how that has changed over time, comprehensively.”

In further presenting her case, the Environmentalist said that a study cannot be conducted in a fashion where a single fisherman is interviewed in each Region, even as she reminded ExxonMobil that it is well equipped with the required resources to get the job done.

“You have the resources to do this. You could have given it to Conservation International, you could have hired a firm to do it for Guyana, and I think that you have not done well. You have not done good by the fisheries sector of our country and they have an incredibly important role to play in the life of Guyana, both in terms of all of the downstream value that comes from them (and) the subsistence value of fisheries in an incredible impoverished environment,” she pointed out.

While referring to this lack of information as a “huge deficiency” in the EIA, Mangal-Jolly asked the company to clarify how it intended to address the situation, given that fishermen are already feeling the blunt of the impacts.

Responding to her concerns during the Consultative session was Environmental Resources Management (ERM) representative Jason Wiley.

According to him, the company did compile a report based on the details provided by a few persons in the various Administrative R e g i o n s ; h o w e v e r, h e assured that the study remains ongoing.

“You referred to some people up and down the coast that provided information, that’s true. That is how we did that survey and that survey is ongoing. It’s continuing to be done for another year right now so in terms of answering your question about how a perceived lack of baseline data is being addressed, more baseline data is being conducted or being collected right now directly from the fishing industry through that Continued on page 24

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Wednesday November 17, 2021

Exxon signs ‘large’ contract for 4th project despite no approval Despite the fact that the Guyana Government is yet to sign off on any of the required approvals or licenses required for the development of the Ye l l o w t a i l o i l f i e l d development in the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil Guyana has inked a “large contract” for the subsea installations for that project.

The news was disclosed on Monday by TechnipFMC, which said it has been awarded a “large” contract

by Exxon Mobil Corporation, affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), to supply the subsea production system for the Yellowtail development.”

A c c o r d i n g t o TechnipFMC, “a large contract is between US$500 million and US$1 billion” It was noted, however that “the full contract award will not be included in inbound orders, until the project receives final investment decision and government approvals.”

According to the c o m p a n y, “ s u b j e c t t o

government approvals and final project sanction, TechnipFMC, will provide project management, engineering, manufacturing and testing capabilities to deliver the overall subsea production system.”

It said, “…the scope of the project includes 51 enhanced vertical deepwater trees (EVDT) and associated tooling, as well as 12 manifolds and associated controls and tie-in equipment.”

To this end, Jonathan Landes, President, Subsea at TechnipFMC said, “We are very excited to continue our relationship with ExxonMobil through this award, which is our fourth within the Stabroek Block.

We are proud of our dedicated Guyanese employees and are committed to the continued development and expansion of local capabilities.”

The news of the ‘large contract’ comes on the heels of recent reports that ExxonMobil Guyana was already in talks with SBM Offshore, the Dutch floater

An artist’s rendering of what the subsea apparatus looks like when hooked up. specialists that constructed the first two Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels Liza Destiny and Unity, in addition to the Prosperity currently being fabricated—for the company to construct the Yellowtail FPSO.

Those negotiations were being had even before the public scoping exercise had been completed.

That vessel is for E x x o n M o b i l G u y a n a ’s fourth and largest oil field development, which is to operate in the Stabroek Block at the Yellowtail site to

comprise up to 67 wells—production and reinjection.

A c c o r d i n g t o international reports, the talks include the potential for some future platform assembly in Guyana. This publication understands the discussions include potential

made-in-Guyana requirements to build part(s) of future production units.

This according to a Reuter ’s report, which attributed the sentiments to Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo.

“We are hoping that more Continued on page 20

Wednesday November 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

20-year-old repeat offender jailed Repeat offender, 20year-old Daniel McArthur, a security officer of Lot 22 South Vryheid Lust, East Coast Demerara, was on Monday jailed for robbery under arms, and for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

McArthur appeared in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Courts before Magistrate Dylon Bess. He was charged with robbery under arms, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, and two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition.

The defendant pleaded guilty to the robbery under arms charge and he was sentenced to two years, six months imprisonment. He also pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and was sentenced to two years imprisonment, and he was sentenced to one year imprisonment on one count of unlawful possession of ammunition – his sentences are to run concurrently.

However, he denied the seconds count of unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition.

Those charges were adjourned to December 5,

The guns and ammunition, McArthur was reportedly found in his possession.

Jailed, Daniel McArthur 2021.

Despite facing the court on previous occasions for robbery related charges, McArthur had no previous convictions.

In May last, then 19year-old McArthur was placed on $150,000 bail for allegedly snatching two gold chains from a woman which weres valued at $224,000.

On October 25, 2019, McArthur made his first court appearance before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

He was jointly charged for allegedly robbing Ethan

Muckoo on October 17, 2019, at Camp Street, Georgetown, of a Samsung Galaxy cellphone valued at $280,000, and an $80,000 iPhone. McArthur, and his alleged co-accused, Shawn Inniss and Harcarlaus Harris, all teenagers at the time, denied the charge after it was read to them.

At that same hearing, McArthur was also charged separately for robbing Juliet Wills of a brown handbag valued $5,000, a cell phone valued $65,000 and $2,000 cash on October 11, 2019.

They were all remanded to prison.

For another court

appearance, the defendants’ guardians had appeared in court and had pleaded for leniency from the Magistrate. The teens had promised the Magistrate that they will not get involved in any other matter and that they will change their lives around, if granted bail – this led to bail being granted.

However, in May 2020, Senior Magistrate Leron Daly revoked McArthur’s bail and remanded him to prison after the court was informed that he is wanted for questioning at the Sparendaam Police Station in relation to another robbery matter.

PAGE 19

Ministry submits proposal for police to use Tasers to minimize lethal force – Benn The Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, told Kaieteur News on Tuesday evening that a Bill proposed to Parliament for the use of Tasers is expected to be approved before yearend.

However, the Minister stated that the Bill is currently awaiting parliamentary presentation and approval. He explained that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will be equipped with Tasers to minimize the use of lethal force, and to immobilize the threat of violence to police officers and others.

This has been a problem that the GPF faces when encountering these types of situations as in a video seen by this publication in which two policemen were confronted by a violent man as they attempted to make an arrest at Middle Road, Charlestown, Georgetown.

The ranks were then forced to engage in a violent battle with the hostile man in efforts to arrest him.

During the encounter, as the

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn man resisted arrest, the officers were physically assaulted, through being punched and tossed around as the man gained the upper hand.

In this case, the officers chose not to draw their pistols.

Furthermore, this caused a crowd of people to gather around the officers as they were being beaten by the man.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Wednesday November 17, 2021

Exxon signs ‘large’ contract for...

From page 18 and more of the components could be fabricated in Guyana,” Jagdeo said.

It was noted that the deal for the fabrication of the latest FPSO could be had within six months.

Netherlands-based SBM Offshore had been awarded Exxon contracts to build Guyana’s first three FPSOs, namely the Liza Destiny for the Liza I Oil Field, the Liza Unity currently being hooked up to the subsea installations, while the third development, Payara is well underway.

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

The company has, in recent years, been coming under increasing public scrutiny and receiving criticism over its highhanded approach towards projects in Guyana with negotiations being done for project costs to be recovered from oil

A TechnipFMC’s subsea apparatus that was installed on the seabed for the Liza II development.

revenues, and for which Guyanese authorities have little to no input.

Outside of its inability to audit the expenses for the Liza I&II, Guyanese

authorities have also been coming under increased scrutiny concerning their dealings with ExxonMobil Guyana, as highlighted during the final scoping

exercise to inform the crafting of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Yellowtail Development.

To this end, the exercise saw participation from s t a k e h o l d e r s l o c a l l y, r e g i o n a l l y a n d internationally, including Gary Aboud, founding member of the Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) Fishermen and Friends of the Sea (FFOS) group.

He told the panelists i n c l u d i n g t h e facilitator—the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—that they are prepared to litigate against ExxonMobil Guyana, if their demands are not met in writing, in the EIA to be prepared.

Accusing the panelists of attempting to hoodwink the stakeholders as it relates to the emergency preparedness in the event of an emergency, Aboud, in raising his concerns with the EEPGL panel, stressed that the scoping exercise being conducted is for “a Caribbean audience who are concerned when we speak about oil spills.”

To this end, the FFOS founding member told the panelists “what we are saying in T&T is that for us to accept and endorse and welcome you into our territory of the Caribbean region, you need to respond to our questions and don’t hoodwink us and tell us, no we are prepared.”

He said, the concerns are credible as they relate to what obtains when a spill

occurs and lambasted the EEPGL official that contended, “we have great facilities and capacities to prevent it (oil spill) from even occurring.”

According to the FFOS founding member, “I want to state on record strong objection to hoodwinking the question about preparedness for when they occur, because I am not aware of a single oil company on the planet which have not had accidents and spills.”

Adamant in his assertions, Aboud told the E x x o n M o b i l a n d E PA panelists, “when the professionals on the panel chats to us—and no disrespect—real nonsense, to say that no, no, no we won’t have any (oil spills), I wish I could put his daughter’s life on the line with that promise because he wouldn’t, because accidents occur.”

According to Aboud, the preparatory planning and the EIA, “cannot hoodwink the concerns that we are raising,” and pointed to the fact that in neighbouring T&T “we probably have the world record for an island, with not many installations, but quite a few, we have reported in excess of 100 spills per year.” further still, Aboud used his opportunity to address the panel, to articulate, “my questions are based on the fact that accidents occur, and I don’t want no professional with a wonderful accent and a long list of professional accreditations to tell me no,

we are prepared it won’t occur, because history proves otherwise.”

According to project documents, Yellowtail will consist of the drilling of 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 operation of a Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel in the eastern half of the Stabroek Block; and— ultimately—project decommissioning.

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

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

The initial production is expected to begin by the end of 2025–early 2026, with operations continuing for at least 20 years.

The project is expected to employ up to 540 persons during development well drilling, approximately 600 persons at the peak of the installation stage, and 100 to 140 persons during production operations.

Wednesday November 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

Opposition submits motion demanding reasons for Govt.’s failure to audit US$9B oil expenses

T

he Opposition's Shadow Minister for the oil sector, David Patterson, has submitted a motion to Parliament which calls on Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat to explain the government's failure to audit US$9B in expenses incurred by ExxonMobil on the Stabroek Block.

In the motion seen by Kaieteur News, Patterson wants the Minister to confirm if an audit of ExxonMobil's pre-contract costs totaling US$460M up to 2015 has been completed.

If he answers in the affirmative, Patterson wants the Minister to provide a copy of the document to the National Assembly.

Further to this, Patterson has asked the Minister to confirm that Budget 2021 includes allocations for the costs for conducting audits on ExxonMobil's post-2017 costs and if this is the case, to state the budgeted sums for same.

Apart from the precontract cost audit, the parliamentarian wants answers on the government's

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat failure to audit ExxonMobil's costs for the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two Projects, which total US$9.5B. In this regard, he wants to know the specific reasons for the discontinuation of the tender evaluation for the auditors for that job, as well as for the Minister to name the person, who made the decision to discontinue the evaluation process.

Further to this, he called on Minister Bharrat to say if

the National Procurement and Tender Administration B o a r d ( N P TA B ) w a s informed of the reasons why the evaluation process was discontinued. If this was done, he asked that evidence of same be provided.

Finally, the Opposition's Shadow Minister asked that the names of all the persons, firms and companies who submitted bids to perform the audit of the Liza Phase One and Two costs be provided along with the specific reasons why none was successful.

Significantly, Patterson is desirous of knowing if the government has asked ExxonMobil for an extension to audit its US$9B expenses and for documentation on this request to be provided along with a response from ExxonMobil, if this was received.

GUYANA FORCED TO PAY Kaieteur News had previously reported that due to the government's failure to conduct the foregoing cost audits within the two-year

deadline prescribed in the Stabroek Block Agreement, Guyana has no choice but to allow ExxonMobil's subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), to recover all stated costs for its Liza Phase One and Two Projects.

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo had said that the government is disappointed that it has not been able to push through with these critical post-2017 audits.

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

by Exxon.

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

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

Opposition Shadow Minister for Oil Sector, David Patterson see if we can't have an arrangement where we have a consortium of our local people to come together to do part of this work while working alongside an international group…”

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

company on this front. He said this is the preferred option, as the country desperately needs to increase its auditing capacity and competencies.

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

It had said this money was spent on all the exploratory work that was needed for the massive 2015 Liza discovery.

The only costs Guyana stands a chance of auditing and refuting if unreasonable charges are found are those occurring from 2019 onwards.

It therefore means that the PPP/C Administration still has ample opportunity to review costs expended for ExxonMobil's Payara Development Project in the Stabroek Block. This project is expected to cost US$9B.

PAGE 22

Kaieteur News

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

CAR RENTAL Aidan's Car Rental.Cal:6281183,225-3234.

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

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

SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Business opportunity of a lifetime, earn extra cash, part time/fulltime. Tel:656-2682.

House plan drawing & estimates. K.Lakeram Building C o n t r a c t o r. C a l l : 2 1 6 0671,692-8464 or whatsapp 622-0267.

Specialized repair/service: A/ C, refrigerator, washing machine,treadmill,stove, deepfryer, pressurepump & backwash,dryer,oven. 6949733.

FOR RENT

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Two bedroom apartment to rent on E.C.D.Tel:601-2515.

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 male able bodied clerk.

Call:616-5954,231-2029.

Taxi & Minibus drivers.

Call:628-1183,225-3234.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Tel:223-6218,226-5546.

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

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

Waitress for bar.Call:6576547.

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

Cal:628-1183,225-3234.

VACANCY 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.

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

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.

Wednesday November 17, 2021

Wednesday November 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

Contractor bids less than half of Engineer's estimate for Prison School One out of the 15 contractors who bid to construct a vocational school for the Lusignan Prison, a project, which falls under the Ministry of Home Affairs, bid at half the price that is estimated to construct the building. According to the engineer's estimate, the cost to build the school is $113,441,780.

The company that bid the lowest was A.Nazir & Son Ministry of Home Affairs Relocation of female prison to Lusignan Prison, Guyana Prison Service.

Contracting & General Supplies, which revealed that it can build the school for some $60,015,249. Meanwhile, the highest bidder was that of DKE Enterprise, which bid at $139,653,875 for the project.

This project was among 13 Government projects, which were opened yesterday at the National Procurement and Tender Board Administration office located at the Ministry of Procurement of janitorial and cleaning supplies for the Guyana Prison Service

Finance building.

Some other notable bids that opened yesterday were that of the relocation of the female prison currently located at New Amsterdam to Lusignan Prison, general repairs to the official residence of the Prime Minister, and the procurement of road vehicles for the Ministry of Public Works.

Below are the companies and their bids: Teaching Service Commission Repairs to roof and ceiling at the Teaching Service Commission's building.

Construction of Lusignan Vocational School at the Lusignan Prison.

Office of the Prime Minister General repairs to the official residence of the Prime Minister at Lots 1 and 2.

Minor repairs to eastern wall at the Teaching Service Commission's building.

Ministry of Public Works Procurement of road vehicles.

Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Procurement of genuine outboard engine.

National Communications Network (NCN) Supply and installation of IP PBX telephone system.

Supply and design of broadcast tower and foundation.

(Continued on page 24)

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

ExxonMobil now scramblingnow baselinescrambling data on fisheries sector ExxonMobil

baseline data on fisheries sector From page 17 study,” he responded.

Mangal-Jolly however argued, “A baseline is something you collect before you attempt to do a project or an action that alters the conditions, such that if you were to come later you would then be able to know how the conditions have changed…you can’t be continuously collecting a baseline when there are already activities going on offshore that are affecting

those conditions.”

Only on Monday, it was reported that, amid a shortage of fish here, supermarkets aare now stocking their freezers with imported fish and shrimp from Florida and Jamaica. And while local fishermen have sought to blame the situation on ExxonMobil’s ongoing oil operations in Guyana’s waters, the American oil giant has downplayed this, saying impacts from its operations on marine life is

minor to negligible.

However, when the first six months of 2019, 2020 and 2021 were compared, it was revealed that for the past two years, fish and shrimp production has been declining. This was seen in the recent Bank of Guyana (BoG) Half-Year Report.According to that report, the fishing industry recorded mixed output performance and this resulted in a smaller reduction of 6.6 percent compared to the 12.1 per-

cent recorded in June 2020. It was also stated that there was a decline in catches of fish and shrimp by 22.1 percent and 11.8 percent, respectively, due to a reduction in the number of fishing vessels operating.A table in the report illustrated the fish and shrimp production as follows: fish (tonnes); 2019 – 10,378, 2020 – 9,509 and 2021 – 7,406, and for shrimp (tonnes) 201910,046; 2020 – 9,259 and 2021 – 8,171.

Wednesday November 17, 2021

Wednesday November 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 17, 2021

Wednesday November 17, 2021

NBA roundup: DeMar DeRozan remains...

From page 30 defeat.Morant added six rebounds and six assists to his ledger while making 4 of 6 3point attempts to pace an unselfish offensive attack. Six Grizzlies scored in double figures.

Jalen Green led the Rockets with 15 points while Jae’Sean Tate added 14 points and nine boards.

Wizards 105, Pelicans 100 Spencer Dinwiddie scored 27 points and host Washington won its fifth game in a row by dominating the fourth quarter against New Orleans.

Kentavious CaldwellPope added 18 points, Montrezl Harrell scored 15, Aaron Holiday had 12 and Deni Avdija added 11 points and 10 rebounds as the Wizards overcame the absence of Bradley Beal (personal reasons) by outscoring New Or-

leans 32-20 in the fourth quarter.

Brandon Ingram scored 31, Jonas Valanciunas added 16, Devonte’ Graham had 14 and Josh Hart had 13 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Pelicans, who lost for the 10th time in their last 11 games.

Knicks 92, Pacers 84 Immanuel Quickley scored 16 points off the bench and hit all four of his 3-point attempts — including the goahead 3-pointer with 5:03 left — for host New York, who struggled again in the third quarter before overcoming a 12-point deficit to beat Indiana.

Julius Randle (11 points, 11 rebounds) had a doubledouble for the Knicks while Kemba Walker had 16 points.

Derrick Rose scored 14 points and RJ Barrett added 12 points.

Malcolm Brogdon scored 22 points and Domantas Sabonis had 21 points for the Pacers, who went ice cold in the fourth quarter as their two-game winning streak was snapped.

In other action: Trail Blazers 118, Raptors 113 Heat 103, Thunder 90 Suns 99, Timberwolves 96 Hawks 129, Magic 111 Mavericks 111, Nuggets 101 (Field Level Media)

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) A close friend or your partner could propose an impromptu trip and you might decide to go. You're restless for adventure.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) An unexpected sum of money could cause chaos in your home, but it's an exciting, pleasant sort of pandemonium!

CANCER(June21–July22) Information received today might make it possible for you to change your job, residence, or at least the way you think or operate. Y ou might feel nervous at the prospect, but you'll pull it off all right.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) An increase in your technical skills could bring you a new job or an increase in income. You may have felt a bit nervous and stressed lately, but this should balance out now.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) If you aren't romantically involved, expect that status to change today. You could meet more than one attractive person!

A new person could come into your life or an old friend could suddenly seem more appealing than you thought.

CWI and USA Cricket to host ICC...

From page 31 Games, to be hosted in Los Angeles in 2028.

This will be the fourth occasion that the West Indies will be hosting a global ICC cricket event, and the first time for the United States.

The 2024 ICC T20 World Cup will be the ninth edition and the first to feature 20 teams, competing in four groups. The third edition was hosted in the Caribbean in 2010.

Ricky Skerritt, CWI Presi-

dent and ICC Board member, said: “CWI welcomes this announcement by the ICC. It means simply that the Caribbean has been handed another opportunity, in 2024, to host a premier world cricket event.

And this time it will be in partnership with our neighbours to the north, USA Cricket, led by my colleague Paraag Marathe.

We know that our strategic partnership has helped ICC to accept our bid, and we

Fifa to review Ghana vs South Africa...

From page 31 Senegal 2-1, but Fifa later concluded that Ghanaian referee Joseph Lamptey “clearly took two wrong decisions” to facilitate “a minimum number of goals to make certain bets successful”.

The errors included the award of a pen-

Wednesday November 17, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A sudden but fortunate change of job circumstances could take place today. Perhaps you suddenly get promoted or transferred.

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Idealism and some intriguing mystical revelations could make you want to spread your ideas. You may want to invite some friends over to talk.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) The hopes and goals of a group with which you're associated inspire you. You might make personal sacrifices in order to assure their success.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Sudden, unexpected success could result in an equally unexpected raise.

Friends may have pointed you in the direction that put you in the right place at the right time.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) A rush of optimism and enthusiasm could propel you into a more positive frame of mind, and you could accomplish wonders.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Sudden insights and revelations could enable you to make some long-desired changes. A lucky break might bring an unexpected sum of money your way.

Unusual dreams could amuse you during the night.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) An old friend you haven't seen in a long time could suddenly reappear. You'll be surprised by this person's achievements. This meeting or the circumstances surrounding it could mark a turning point for you.

alty when Senegal’s Kalidou Koulibaly was adjudged to have handled the ball, despite replays showing it had hit his knee.

Fifa took the unusual step of ordering the game to be replayed.

South Africa lost 2-0 as Senegal qualified for the World Cup in Russia.

must soon get to work to make this exciting ICC decision a truly successful one for all concerned.”

Regal Stationery and Computer...

From page 33 said Halley has done yeoman services to sports in Guyana and Canada, while Dhaniram and Lall have been outstanding performers over the years.

John also thanked the media for providing coverage.

Dhaniram, a former Guyana first class player, and Lall played for Regal Legends in the recently concluded Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc Prime Minister’s T20 Cup 5 which concluded on Sunday night at the National Stadium, Providence.

Dhaniram, who played for Guyana from 1993 to 1995 also captained Canada in ODIs and T20Is. He played 32 first class matches and made 1,444 runs at an average of 33.58 with a highest score of 144.

Regal Legends defeated Wellman by 92 runs to retain their over-50 title.

Regal Stationery and Computer Centre was one of the sponsors of the tournament.

GFF pays tribute to ...

From page 33 extremely painful time.”

“We would also like to pay tribute to Dian and her inspiring contribution to football as a female player from a hinterland community. She was a talented, trailblazing leader on the pitch who represented Guyana at youth level with great pride and honour,” Forde said.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 28

Lewis Hamilton was unable to pass Max Verstappen on lap 48 but did later pass his title rival to win the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. (Reuters)

Fizul Bacchus

Sao Paulo Grand Prix: Mercedes ask for review of Max Verstappen manoeuvre BBC Sport - Mercedes have asked for a review of the decision not to penalise Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for forcing Lewis Hamilton wide in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

The incident on lap 48 of the race was “noted” by the stewards but no investigation was carried out.

Mercedes have lodged a “right of review” after new evidence emerged that was not available at the time.

This is believed to be onboard camera footage which officials did not have during the race but emerged yesterday.

If the right of review is accepted and it is decided Ve r s t a p p e n s h o u l d b e penalised, a range of penalties could be applied, for example a five-second penalty added to his race time, or a grid penalty at a subsequent race.

Sources said Red Bull were surprised Mercedes have gone through with the protest as they felt that the on-board camera from Verstappen’s car supported the original view of race director Michael Masi that it was hard racing with both cars going deep and braking very late.

The incident happened as

Hamilton was trying to pass his title rival for the lead.

Hamilton’s Mercedes was alongside and partially ahead of Verstappen’s Red Bull on the outside approaching Turn Four.

As they entered the corner, Verstappen ran wide, Hamilton took avoiding action and both cars ran off the track.

Hamilton passed Verstappen for the lead later in the race and went on to win, cutting the Dutchman’s lead to 14 points with three races to go, starting in Qatar this weekend.

The sporting code of governing body the FIA says: “Manoeuvres liable to hinder other drivers, such as deliberate crowding of a car beyond the edge of the track or any other abnormal change of direction, are strictly prohibited.

Any driver who appears guilty of any of the above offences will be reported to the stewards.”

Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff said after the race that it was “laughable” Verstappen had not been penalised for the incident.

Wolff described it as “really wrong defence from Max”, adding: “Lewis just managed it even more

Wednesday November 17, 2021

brilliantly by avoiding the contact and ending the race that way. But that was just over the line. It should have been a five-second penalty at least.”

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said: “It was two guys racing hard.

There was no contact. They both ran wide. I thought the stewards made the right decision.“It would have been hard to penalise two drivers fighting for a world championship. It was firm but fair racing.

They both ran deep.”

Verstappen said: “I braked a bit later to try to keep the position and the tyres were already a bit worn so I was already on the edge of grip.

“I was already not fully on the apex so then it’s a safer way of just running a bit wide there.

So in a way I was of course happy that the stewards decided that we could just keep on racing because I think the racing in general was really good.”

At the British Grand Prix in July, Hamilton was given a 10-second penalty for causing a collision with Verstappen in an incident that has some parallels with the one at Interlagos.

In that one, Hamilton

was trying to overtake on the inside of Copse corner.

He ran wide at the apex, just as Verstappen did in Brazil, but Verstappen did not take avoiding action as Hamilton did at Interlagos, they collided and the Red Bull crashed.

Hamilton went on to fight back from his penalty to win the race.

Will Red Bull protest?

The weekend in Brazil was soured by controversy between the two titlecontending teams.

Red Bull made several visits to the FIA claiming that there was something illegal about Hamilton’s rear wing that was giving the Mercedes a performance advantage on the straights.

This led to the investigation that ended with Hamilton being disqualified from qualifying when his wing was found not to be in compliance with the regulations - although in a different way than the one Red Bull had believed.

Verstappen said the team believed the Mercedes wing was flexing backwards on the straights.

Red Bull say they are monitoring the situation regarding the Mercedes rear wing but currently have no plans to lodge an appeal.

GCC expresses condolences on the passing of Cricket Administrator, Fizul Bacchus “The Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) extends heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Fizul Bacchus who passed away on November 15, 2021. Fizul was a former President and Vice President of the Guyana Cricket Board and President of the Essequibo Cricket Board.

He was also the Chairman of the Pomeroon Cricket Committee,” a release from the board stated.

It continued, “The GCC would like to pay tribute to Fizul for his exemplary contribution to cricket over many years. We especially remember his sterling efforts to expand participation in cricket beyond the coast of Guyana and into rural communities. This has had an indelible positive impact on the game in Guyana.

We are deeply saddened by his passing and wish his relatives strength at this difficult time.”

Benjamin Mendy: Manchester City footballer charged Benjamin Mendy is accused of six counts of with two rape and one count of sexual assault. (PA Media) further rapes BBC News - Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has been charged with two further counts of rape.

Mr Mendy, of Prestbury, has been summonsed to appear at Stockport Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old footballer, who remains in custody, is now facing six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

The charges relate to four complainants over the age of 16 and are alleged to have taken place between October 2020 and August 2021.

The France international has played for last season’s

Premier League champions Manchester City since 2017, when he joined from Monaco for a reported £52m.

He was suspended by the club after being charged by police, pending an investigation.

Louis Saha Matturie was also previously charged with four counts of rape in relation to the alleged attacks between March 2021 and August 2021.

The 40-year-old from Eccles has also been charged with two additional counts of rape and one of sexual assault and summonsed to appear at the court.

Both men are due to go on trial on 24 January 2022.

Wednesday November 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 29

‘I could have won Tokyo Olympics 100m,’ says retired Bolt Dubai, United Arab Emirates (AFP) — Sprint legend Usain Bolt said he could have emerged from retirement to win a fourthstraight Olympic 100m title in Tokyo this year, insisting the winning time was within his reach.

Bolt, 35, told AFP that it was frustrating to watch the delayed 2020 Games from his home in Jamaica as his male countrymen flopped and Italy’s Lamont Jacobs claimed a shock victory.

“I really missed it. I was like, I wish I was there,” he said in an interview at the Dubai offices of his sponsor PepsiCo on Sunday.

“Because for me, I live for those moments. So it was hard to watch.”

Bolt dominated sprinting for a generation, winning eight Olympic gold medals and only losing a ninth when his 2008 4x100m relay teammate Nesta Carter failed a retrospective drugs test.

The first Olympic 100m final since the great showman’s departure was a

subdued affair, with Jacobs clocking 9.80sec at a COVID-emptied Tokyo National Stadium.

“My coach said something to me at the end of my career. He said, ‘People are not getting faster. I was getting slower.’ I never looked at it that way,” said Bolt.“And it’s the facts because a lot of guys don’t really get faster. Because I have pushed the barrier so far and then I started going backwards time-wise, so for me 9.80 was possible to get done.”

But Bolt, who has dabbled in football and music since retiring, said it was “all about motivation” when he was considering a potential comeback in Tokyo.

“For the Olympics, it was gonna be different,” said the father of three.

“I always show up ready because I think this is the highest level, but I’ve already done everything in the sport so it was all about motivation.”

‘Lightning Bolt’ loses

GCB Set to Resume Play as National Covid-19 Task Force approves resumption The National Covid-19 Task Force recently gave written approval to the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) to resume cricket activities in Guyana an official release from the Guyana Cricket Boad has informed. This approval came after the GCB was instructed in September, 2021, to suspend activities.

With this approval, the GCB is now set to roll off its list of regular competitions at all levels including intercounty and women’s cricket.

The GCB wishes to inform all County Boards, Associations and Clubs to begin their preparation for cricket.

It is important to note that although permission has been granted by the National Covid-19 Task Force, the GCB, its affiliated Boards, Associations and all Clubs are expected to follow the official guidelines of the

Covid-19 Task Force. Those guidelines instruct that players, coaches, officials and spectators must be fully vaccinated and that only forty (40) percent of venue capacity is allowed for spectators where social distancing practices must be followed at all times.

Also, the GCB is expected to commence training for the Guyana Senior team in preparation for the Cricket West Indies Regional Four Day To u r n a m e n t w h i c h i s scheduled to start in January, the release informed.

sparkle With a rueful shake of the head, Bolt said it was “not looking good” for Jamaica’s men’s sprinters after they failed to reach the Tokyo 100m final and were fifth in the 4x100m relay.

And he said none of the current athletes looked capable of beating his 100m and 200m world records of 9.58 and 19.19, rarely threatened since he set them in 2009.

“I don’t think I’ve seen anybody in this generation right now which I personally feel will break the records,” he said.

“So I think I have a couple more years before somebody will actually break my world records.”

Bolt, instantly recognisable worldwide, said he’d “love” to help World Athletics promote the sport and had approached its leader, Sebastian Coe, about a formal role.

But he said he had no designs on the presidency.

“No, I don’t want that job. That’s a lot of stress and

Usain Bolt from Jamaica celebrates winning the gold medal in the men’s 200-metre final during the athletics competitions of the 2016 Summer Olympics at the Olympic stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in this Thursday, August 18, 2016 file photo. (Photo: AP) a lot of work,” he said.

He added that he would “definitely” have taken the knee to protest against racism on the Tokyo podium, where it was banned under International Olympic Committee rules.

“I understand what it’s about. Racism, we’ve been through it so I understand the

necessary aspect of it and what is needed,” he said.

But he revealed that after years of striking the ‘Lightning Bolt’, his signature pose was beginning to grate.

“Sometimes it gets a little bit, I wouldn’t say annoying. But I understand that I’ve done it to myself,”

he said with a chuckle.

“People really enjoy it and it’s for the fans, you know. I mean, it’s a picture that they will treasure forever.

“So for me, I’m not always happy doing it, but I do it anyways because it’s for them and it makes them happy.”

Bergwijn’s goal helped send the Netherlands to Qatar after they missed out on the finals in Russia in 2018. (Getty Images)

Netherlands beat Norway to book place at World Cup BBC Sport - The Netherlands booked their place at the World Cup finals in Qatar with victory against Norway, who missed out on next year’s tournament as a result.Late goals from Tottenham Hotspur’s Steven Bergwijn and Barcelona’s Memphis Depay ensured the Dutch claimed top spot in Group G. The goals were the only bright moments of an otherwise drab game between two sides fearful of being too attacking.It was a costly loss for Norway, who miss out on a play-off spot to Turkey.

However, it was also punishment for their lack of ambition for much of a

game in which they only mustered two shots, both of which came in the second half.Admittedly, the absence of injured striker Erling Braut Haaland, who scored in the 1-1 draw between these sides in Oslo in September, did not help their cause.

The visitors did defend well though, but as soon as Bergwijn’s rising shot hit the net with six minutes to go - with rivals for second place Turkey winning 2-1 in Montenegro - their challenge was over.Over-commitment in the closing stages for a corner then allowed the Dutch to break, with Bergwijn unselfishly setting up Depay to end the contest.The home side lacked pace and

creation in attack for much of the game but found a way, sealing qualification for Qatar after having failed to reach the finals in Russia in 2018.

Norway have not qualified for the finals of a World Cup since France 1998, while they have not reached a European Championship since 2000.

In results from Tuesday 16th November 2021: Bos-Herze 0 – Ukraine 2 Finland 0 – France 2 Czech Rep 2 - Estonia 0 Wales 1 – Belgium 1 Gibraltar 1 – Latvia 3 Montenegro 1 – Turkey 2 Netherlands 2 – Norway 0

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Wednesday November 17, 2021

After World Cup debacle, NBA roundup: DeMar DeRozan Hetmyer should be West Indies remains hot, sparks Bulls’ win white-ball captain - Dave Cameron SportsMax - Cricket West Indies (CWI) should appoint Guyanese batsman Shimron Hetmyer as the new white-ball captain after the disappointing run of Kieron Pollard at the ICC T20 World Cup and, generally, for the men in Maroon.

This assertion has come from former CWI President Dave Cameron who believes that the current CWI leadership is not looking at the precedent of players’ leadership records when selecting captains. “ We f e l t a s a n organization that Hetmyer would be a future leader for West Indies. The way he conducted himself when we won the 2016 Under-19 World Cup and coming through the ranks,” Cameron said while speaking as a guest on Line & Length on SPORTSMAX. “Hetmyer is a very confident young man, very aggressive and talented, we felt he could be someone who could lead us and be a future captain of the West Indies.”

Cameron spoke as part of a review of the leadership

roles in the team and CWI managerial structure after the side won one in five matches and finished near the bottom of the table with captain Pollard once again contributing very little with the bat.

After 23 matches in four T20 World Cups, Pollard has scored 254 runs at a poor average of 14.11. Since he was appointed West Indies T20I captain in September 2019, Pollard has played 31 matches, winning 10, losing 16 with five no-results.

During the T20 World Cup, Hetmyer topped the batting with 127 runs averaging 31.75.

Only two others managed over 100 runs – Evin Lewis (105, avg 21.00) and vice-captain Nicholas Pooran (103, avg: 20.60) - as the defending champions bowed out.

“I am disappointed but not surprised, we tried a different method a few years ago and we started to have results. This administration has decided that they wanted to go back to what has been tried and failed… so the results were always there,”

Cameron said.

“We won two games at the 2019 World Cup and now we won one at this event.

Everybody has a different strategy and different leadership styles. You require different types of leadership and management depending on where you are in your cycle.

“In 2013 when we took over, West Indies Cricket was at a serious crossroad with our players and finances and we had to make some different decisions then.

“In my mind Cricket We s t I n d i e s n e e d s professional leadership. It’s not just West Indies cricket, I think cricket as a game is not growing as it should because we focus on the game itself rather than opportunities within the sport to expand it so that so many more people can participate.

That is where I was, and I think this is where we need to be heading. So, in my mind, h o w ever you w an t to structure CWI, you need to take it out of this parochial structure and give it the opportunity to really perform as a company.”

Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan (11) is defended

by Los Angeles Lakers guard Talen HortonTucker (5) and center Dwight Howard (39) in the second half at Staples Center.

(Kirby LeeUSA TODAY Sports)

Reuters - DeMar DeRozan scored a seasonbest 38 points on 15-of-23 shooting and Lonzo Ball also established a season high with 27 points as the visiting Chicago Bulls halted an eight-game losing streak against the Los Angeles Lakers with an easy 121-103 triumph on Monday night.

It was the second huge outing in two nights for DeRozan, who poured in 35 points on 12-of-16 shooting in Sunday’s 100-90 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Ball matched his season high of seven 3-pointers and was 10 of 13 from the field while also contributing eight assists and seven rebounds for the Bulls. Zach LaVine knocked down six 3-pointers while scoring 26 points and Derrick Jones Jr. scored 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting for Chicago, which beat the Lakers for the first time since registering a 118-110 road win on Nov. 20, 2016.

Talen Horton-Tucker scored a career-high 28 points and Russell

Westbrook recorded 25 points, eight assists and six rebounds for the Lakers, who are just 8-7 despite opening the season with 12 of 15 at home. LeBron James (abdominal strain) sat out for the seventh consecutive game.

Celtics 98, Cavaliers 92 Jayson Tatum scored 23 points to fuel visiting Boston to a victory over Cleveland.

Al Horford collected 17 points and nine rebounds for the Celtics, who bounced back after squandering a 19point lead in a 91-89 setback to Cleveland on Saturday.

Marcus Smart and Dennis Schroder each scored 14 points and Grant Williams added 11 off the bench to send Boston to its fifth win in seven outings.

Ricky Rubio scored 26 of his 28 points in the second half for the Cavaliers. Rubio was inserted into the starting lineup and rookie Evan Mobley shifted to center in place of Jarrett Allen, who sat out due to a non-COVID illness.

Kings 129, Pistons 107 Buddy Hield had 22 points off the bench and Sacramento snapped a fourgame losing streak with an emphatic win over Detroit.

De’Aaron Fox contributed 19 points, nine assists, six rebounds and three steals for the Kings, while Richaun Holmes also scored 19 points while grabbing nine rebounds.

Tyrese Haliburton supplied a double-double with 17 points and 10 assists, as did Chimezie Metu with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Saddiq Bey’s 28 points led Detroit in the opener of a five-game homestand. Cade Cunningham, the top pick in the draft, had a career-high 25 points along with eight rebounds and eight assists.

Grizzlies 136, Rockets 102 Ja Morant scored 22 points while Jaren Jackson Jr. and Dillon Brooks combined for 34 as Memphis snapped a three-game skid while handing visiting Houston its 12th consecutive (Continued on page 27)

2021 ITTF Panam C/Ships

Guyana lose to Puerto Rico in first Group match Guyana’s men’s team began sprang into action yesterday at the 2021 International Table Tennis Federation’s (ITTF) Panam Championships being held in Lima, Peru, when they matched skills with regional powerhouses Puerto Rico.

Despite some spirited displays of Table Tennis by the Guyanese, they still lost 3-0 to their Spanish-speaking counterparts.

Christopher Franklin lost the first match of the encounter 3-0 while Shemar Britton showed some fight but went down 3-1 in a

match that could’ve gone either way before Joseph Alleyne went down in a similar 3-1 fashion.The winner of each group will advance to the next round. Guyana still stands a chance in Group 3 with matches against Argentina and Ecuador remaining.

Meanwhile, Group 1 consists of Brazil, Chile & Peru. Group two includes the United States, Canada, Barbados and Guatemala.

All matches can be streamed live on the ITTF’s facebook page or on their website, ITTF.com.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 17, 2021

Alfa Romeo sign ‘trailblazer’ Guanyu Zhou, China’s first F1 driver

Guanyu Zhou, China’s Formula One ‘trailblazer’ (AFP/STR)

AFP - Guanyu Zhou will become China’s first ever Formula One driver after Alfa Romeo announced yesterday the 22-year-old would drive for the team next season.

Zhou has been making waves in Formula Two and replaces Antonio Giovinazzi alongside Valtteri Bottas, who is moving from Mercedes to replace the retiring Kimi Raikkonen.

“To be the first ever Chinese driver in Formula 1 is a breakthrough for Chinese motorsport history,” said Zhou.

“I know a lot of hopes will be resting on me and, as ever, I will take this as motivation to become better and achieve more.”

Alfa Romeo described their new signing as “a trailblazer who will write a pivotal page of his country’s motorsport history”.

Zhou has already had a taste of F1 as a test driver for Alpine and has long been mentioned as making the step up from F2.

“I dreamt from a young age of climbing as high as I can in a sport that I am passionate about and now the dream has come true,” Alfa Romeo quoted Zhou, who was educated in Britain, as saying.

“It is a privilege for me to start my Formula 1 racing career with an iconic team, a

team that has introduced so much young talent into Formula 1 in the past. Now the dream is reality.”

Zhou has enjoyed a breakthrough year in F2, and is lying second and challenging for the title with races in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi to come.

Alfa Romeo team principal Frederic Vasseur said he believed Zhou would establish “a very successful partnership with Valtteri”.

As well as the arrival of “a very talented driver” Vasseur welcomed “all the new Chinese fans who will join the team”.

Zhou’s promotion came as Alfa Romeo announced that Italian Giovinazzi would leave at the end of the 2021 championship in December.

“Saying goodbye to a d r i v e r i s n e v e r e a s y, especially so in the case of Antonio, who has been part of the team for so long,” said Vasseur.

In three seasons with the Swiss-based team Giovinazzi’s best finish is fifth place in the 2019 Brazil Grand Prix.

He has one point to his name this term with three races to come.

Raikkonen is on 10 points to leave the Swissbased team ninth in the constructors’ championship, ahead of Haas who have not scored a single point.

PAGE 31

Fifa to review Ghana vs South Africa World Cup qualifier after complaint BBC Sport - Fifa will review South Africa’s defeat

by Ghana in 2022 World Cup qualifying after the South Africa Football Association (Safa) made a complaint to the world governing body.Bafana Bafana needed a draw against the west Africans on Sunday to reach the third and final round of African qualifying, but Ghana won 1-0 with a controversial first-half penalty in Cape Coast.

Safa chief executive Tebogo Mothlante said South Africa were “robbed” by “questionable decisions” made by the Senegalese officiating team, which was headed by referee Maguette Ndiaye.

The pivotal moment came when Black Stars midfielder Daniel Amartey went down following what appeared minimal contact

South Africa missed out on progressing from their World Cup qualifying group on goals scored after their 1-0 defeat by Ghana. (Getty Images) from defender Rushine de Reuck, who was booked for his challenge.The result meant Ghana finished above South Africa in Group G on goals scored and progressed to Africa’s play-offs next March.“The match officials have decided the game,

which is not what is supposed to happen,” Mothlante added.

A statement said: “Fifa has received a complaint from the South African FA in relation to this matter and will review it.”

South Africa believe a

precedent was set five years ago when Bafana Bafana were forced to replay a 2018 World Cup qualifier after a referee was found guilty of match manipulation which benefited them.Bafana Bafana had originally beaten (Continued on page 27)

CWI and USA Cricket to host ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 West Indies and USA partnership is a vision for growth of the game ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) and USA Cricket have confirmed their partnership to host the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

The world governing body announced the joint bid was successful yesterday.

The strategic partnership and vision of CWI and USA Cricket for the 2024 T20 World Cup is geared towards growing the game in the Americas by re-energising the sport with a new generation of fans in the West Indies and unlocking cricket’s potential in the USA. The partnership and bid planning, which started close to two years ago, aims to deliver ground-breaking fan and matchday experiences that combine Caribbean carnival with the best of American “sportainment” and breaking new ground on digital innovation and integration.

The longer term goal is to accelerate cricket’s growth as the world’s Number 2 sport driving towards mainstream status in the United States and enhancing c r i c k e t ’s p r o s p e c t o f inclusion in the Olympic (Continued on page 27)

All the men’s ICC events between 2024 - 2031.

(ESPN cricinfo Ltd)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Wednesday November 17, 2021

BCB Tenelec Under15 tournament bowls off on Friday at venues across the county

Defending Berbice Under15 Champions - Port Mourant.

T

he Guyana Cricket Board is expected to bowl off it’s inter county tournaments in late January with the hosting of the under15 tournament.

The Berbice Cricket Board is therefore pushing ahead with its preparation for the tournament. The

BCB launched its preparation earlier in November with the hosting of a series of social skills seminars and mini cricket academies across the county.

The preparation would now intensify with the hosting of the B C B / Te n e l e c I n c U n d e r 1 5 tournament involving about sixteen

teams.

The teams in the tournament, which would be played 50 overs per side, are Paradise, Achievers, Cotton Tree, Bath, Bush Lot United, Edinburgh, Guymine, Tucber Park, Kendall Union, Mt Sinai, Rose Hall Canje, East Bank Blazers, Albion, RHT Farfan and

The first round of matches are: ZONE A Round one- Friday 19th November 1. Achievers vs Bath @bath 2. Cotton Tree vs Bush Lot United @Cotton Tree 3. Paradise Draw Bye ZONE B Kendall, Mt.Sinai, Guymine, Tucber Park Friday 19th November Round One 1. Kendall Union vs Mt.Sinai @Kendall Union 2. Guymine vs Tucber Park @Guymine ZONE C Edinburgh, RHCanje, East Bank Blazers Friday 19th November Round one 1. RH Canje vs Edinburgh @Canje 2.East Bank Blazer bye.

ZONE D Albion, PMCC, Upper Corentyne, RHT Farfan and Mendes Friday 19th Round One 1. PMCC vs RHTFM@ Port Mourant 2. Albion vs Upper Corentyne @Albion Mendes Ltd, Port Mourant and Upper Corentyne. The teams have been divided into four zones and two teams from every zone would advance to the quarter finals.

The BCB has made it quite clear that players above the age of twelve years shall be vaccinated and the tournament would be played under

very strict covid 19 guidelines.

The tournament is been sponsored by overseas based Guyanese Bobby Deonarine and his company Tenelec.

The BCB would use the tournament to select a training squad of thirty youths for trials later in the year.

Wednesday November 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 33

GFF pays tribute to Regal Stationery and Computer former national U17 Centre recognises players, journalist Captain Mandokin R

The Guyana Football Federation on Monday expressed its sadness at the loss of former Lady Jags U17 captain Dian Mandokin, who passed away on November 13, aged 25.

Mandokin played for the Guyana U17 Women’s National Team in 2011 and 2012, including a stint as captain during Concacaf Championship qualifying. A keen and talented sportswoman, she competed at national level for Region 9 in athletics, specialising in the 100m and 200m sprints.

Born in Moco Moco in the Rupununi in January 1996, Mandokin also represented Snatchers and Guyana Rush Saints football clubs during her playing career.

“We are all deeply saddened by the tragic passing of this gifted national footballer and

egal Stationery and Computer Centre of Seaforth Street, Campbellville has honoured veteran players Sunil Dhaniram and Nirad Lall, and journalist Frederick Halley for their contribution to softball cricket.

The entity presented plaques to the trio on Monday night at a simple ceremony held at the GNIC SC Woolford Avenue.

Managing Director of Regal Stationery and

Dian Mandokin at U-17 much-loved young woman,” said GFF President Wayne Forde. “On behalf of the entire football community, we offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Dian’s loved ones at this (Continued on page 27)

GCC offers congratulations to Shivnarine Chanderpaul

T

he Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) has extended heartfelt congratulations to distinguished member and West Indies cricket legend, Shivnarine Chanderpaul on his appointment as batting consultant for the High Performance Camp in Antigua a release from the club noted.

The Camp is preparing the West Indies Rising Stars U-19 squad for the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup which will be held in the Caribbean in January-February, 2022.

“The GCC has been privileged to be associated with Mr. Chanderpaul since his formative years as an upcoming, outstanding West Indies batsman and has been pleased to continue this association with him throughout his highly successful career and, even further during his emerging coaching career.

In the years we have been a s s o c i a t e d w i t h M r.

Chanderpaul, he has

Shivnarine Chanderpaul provided the Club with worldwide prestige and his stellar exploits on the cricket field have led to multiple spinoff benefits for the Club, especially in terms of attracting young players keen to emulate his success.

We extend warmest congratulations and best wishes to him on his new appointment,” the release from the club pointed out.

Computer Centre Mahendra Hardyal said the trio’s contribution to the sport is invaluable and they are delighted to recognise them in this manner.

Halley, who accepted the plaques on behalf of both Dhaniram and Lall, said he appreciated the gesture by the Regal family and stated that he has enjoyed providing services to the game over the years.In an invited comment, President of the GSCL Inc Ian John (Continued on page 25)

Frederick Halley (right)accepts the plaque from Ravi Ganesh of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre.

CWI and USA Cricket to host ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

Former Windies Board President Dave Cameron (inset) feels Guyanese batsman Shimron Hetmyer should be the new white-ball captain.

West Indies and USA partnership is a vision for growth of the game

After World Cup debacle, Hetmyer should be West Indies white-ball captain - Dave Cameron

t r o Sp

South Africa boost semi-final chance 2021 ITTF Panam C/Ships Guyana lose to with dismantling Puerto Rico in first Group match of Bangladesh Shemar Britton (left) and Christopher Franklin in action.

Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.