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AIETEUR NEWS p.

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

Sleep-over turns

deadly as -15-yr-old friend,17, shot in head in custody 18

Thursday Edition November 19, 2020 - Vol. 13 No. 46 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership Dead yesterday, teen: 111,963 Rockey Sawh

Guyana agreed to lose billions on pre-contract and interest costs, while Suriname says ‘not here’ p.

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UWI coming to Guyana…

Govt. targets AG Nandlall sues James Bond, training of p.

16

20,000 locals Jaipaul Sharma p.

in next five years

for libel

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Major breakthrough as Alleged Ponzi scheme… two suspects in La Grange More delays businesswoman’s murder as thousands nabbed in Suriname p.

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p.

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- female mastermind still at large

await repayments

Coalition defending illegalities by asking lessees - Bharrat not to return Ogle lands Jagdeo p.

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

More delays as thousands await repayments

Alleged Ponzi scheme…

A

Thursday November 19, 2020

s the holiday s e a s o n approaches, persons who invested with the alleged Ponzi scheme operators are concerned whether they will ever be repaid in time for the Christmas holidays.

The principals of Accelerated Capital Firm (ACF) Inc., Yuri GarciaDominguez and his wife, Ateeka Ishmael, are accused of running a Ponzi scheme that bilked 17,000 Guyanese of billions of dollars - over $4B (US$20M).

According to persons familiar with the situation, even as word surfaces that the repayment process had resumed and that more than100 persons were repaid; thousands were waiting impatiently.

Kaieteur News understands that the company had told investors that persons who invested their money without interest

will be the first to be refunded. However, that is not happening and investors are concerned about the way in which the process is being dragged on.

The 'investors' had included businessmen and church members, with a number of religious leaders accused of recruiting unsuspecting Guyanese.

Last Friday, the alleged Ponzi scheme operators announced that no one will lose their investments and that they are slated to meet with heads of the state agencies that are currently investigating them.

Kaieteur News had reported a press release from Accelerated, which the company asked for patience: “We ask of you for your continued patience and tolerance as we assure you that no one will lose their investment and that an end to this matter will be soonest.”

In that release, too, the

Today for a rebroadcast

company acknowledged the delays in the repayment process that was promised

by Garcia-Dominqaguez since September.

“This delay has not been without justification as the company is attempting to do everything legally possible to ensure that repayments are done in the shortest possible time.” The company highlighted that the repayment process is stalled due to many obstacles from the ongoing investigation.

Earlier this month, the company had offered to repay its investors in digital money. Garcia-Dominguez had announced that he is seeking to make the payments in crypto currency.

Crypto currency is a digital method designed to work as a medium of exchange wherein an individual can do online transactions – the most popular crypto currency is bitcoins. However, Attorney

R OO U E T II E KAI 9.1 RRAADD 9 .5 99

General (AG), Anil Nandlall, had told Kaieteur News, that the proposed crypto currency repayment method by the principals of ACF is not a legal tender in Guyana.

Kaieteur News had also contacted an official at the Bank of Guyana (BOG) and the official was unable to confirm the use of crypto currency in Guyana since the bank is not aware of it.

Garcia-Dominguez and his wife are charged for allegedly running a Ponzi scheme in which in excess of US$20M was swindled out of the pockets of thousands of Guyanese.

The couple has also been slapped with two charges under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act. According to police, Garcia-Dominguez and Ishmael allegedly lured thousands of Guyanese

Senior Journalist Jounalist Kiana Wilburg

O EQUIB | ESS A R A R DEMEBICE e e nc BER ffer

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claiming that by investing with their company, persons would get at least 40 percent return. The investors were also encouraged to enlist additional investors on a 10 percent commission basis.

ACF Inc. is not registered with the Guyana Securities Council to conduct financial business, as either an investment

Senior Journalist Kemol King

advisor and/or a broker.

The new government, under Irfaan Ali, had launched an investigation after complaints were made by investors of not receiving their money/returns.

The couple was slapped with over 80 charges of fraud with two separate ones under the anti-money laundering regulations.

West Dem woman, 66, dies; COVID-19 death toll climbs to 142

T

The

Glenn Lall

Alleged Ponzi scheme operators: Yuri Garcia-Dominguez and his wife, Ateeka Ishmael

he Ministry of Health (MOH) y e s t e r d a y reported a 66-year-old woman from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) is the latest COVID-19 fatality.

It was stated that the woman succumbed while receiving treatment at a medical facility.

Her death increases Guyana's COVID-19 death toll to 142 deaths.

Additionally, the MOH

recorded 24 new COVID-19 cases yesterday, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 4,914 as indicated in their daily dashboard update.

The dashboard also said that eight persons are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit; 105 in institutional isolation; 697 in approved home isolation and 53 in institutional quarantine.

To date, 3,962 recoveries have been recorded along with 25,756 persons tested for the virus.

Thursday November 19, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 03

Guyana agreed to lose billions on pre-contract, interest costs, while Suriname says 'not here' G

uyana's leaders a r e s o determined to grant extremely generous fiscal terms to oil companies, that they have agreed to forfeit billions of United States dollars, which could have gone to housing the homeless, making college education free, and erecting state-of-the-art hospitals.

Two of those generous concessions include an agreement to pay oil companies uncapped interest rates on loans they (the oil companies) take to fund petroleum operations offshore Guyana and an agreement to repay these companies for “pre-contract costs.”

Guyana's neighbour to the east, Suriname, has done a much better job of securing the value in the prolific basin that these two countries share. Suriname's model Production Sharing Contract (PSC) explicitly states that pre-contract costs and interests on loans are not recoverable.

In the Accounting Procedure of the Suriname model PSC, it is stated that “costs incurred before the Signing Date including the

purchase of seismic data” and “Interest incurred on loans raised by the Contractor” do not qualify for cost recovery.

Suriname's Staatsolie said that its PSC is worldclass. Guyana's contracts have gone in the other direction.

Guyana's hefty pre-contract costs There are pre-contract costs under several agreements with oil companies operating offshore Guyana. The heftiest pre-contract cost is for the Stabroek Block agreement, including costs owed to ExxonMobil.

Section 3 of the Accounting Procedure of the Stabroek Block agreement lists many expenses recoverable by the contractor. Included in these are “all such costs incurred under the 1999 Petroleum Agreement between January 1, 2016 and the Effective Date which shall be provided to the Minister on or before October 31, 2016 and such number agreed on or before April 30, 2017.”

This includes the

Conversation Tree road closed for repairs

T

he Ministry of Public Works yesterday announced that a section of Conversation Tree Road, between Rupert Craig Highway and the Railway

Embankment Road, was closed until further notice to conduct emergency rehabilitation works. The Ministry said it regrets any inconvenience caused at this time.

US$460M stated in the contract and an additional amount not made public by the Government.

I n t e r n a t i o n a l l a w y e r, Melinda Janki, estimated that the additional cost would take the total precontract cost to US$960M. These costs include “contract costs, exploration costs, operating costs, service costs and general and administrative costs and annual overhead charge as those terms are defined in the 1999 Petroleum Agreement,” according to the 2016 contract.

There are pre-contract costs under several other contracts. Unlike the Stabroek Block agreement, a number of these agreements don't even define precontract costs, leaving the public to wonder what it is paying oil companies millions of dollars for.

Interest costs to be paid to Exxon could amount to billions The Accounting Procedure of the Stabroek Block agreement allows the contractor to recover “Interest, expenses and related fees incurred in loans raised by the parties comprising the Contractor for Petroleum Operations and other financing costs provided that such expenses, fees and costs are consistent with market rates.”

Darshanand Khusial of the Oil & Gas Governance Network had explained last year in a letter, that a failure to define “market rate” in the contract could lead to

The Guyana-Suriname Basin (Map-Apache Corp.)

Guyana having to fork out billions of US dollars in interest payments alone.

As the PSA is currently structured, there is no cap on how much of that interest can be recovered.

Interestingly, “Agreed Interest Rate” is clearly and precisely defined on page 3

of the Contract, but not “Market Rate.”

“Why would the oil companies want to avoid giving a precise meaning to 'market rate'?” Khusial had questioned.

ExxonMobil has an exemplary credit rating, which would allow it to take

out loans at a low market rate. But that low rate won't apply to Guyana, since it signed the PSA – not with Exxon – but with its subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL).

Khusial had said that if (continued on page 15)

PAGE 4

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 19, 2020

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Ponzi Scheme Repayment It was only a matter of time and commonsense, but the feared prospects are becoming more and more obvious and undeniable. Though they promise that all will be repaid, some are going to be shafted, most likely, many look like they will come up empty, and be forced to live with their losses. Despite repeated commitments before the court(s) by the Ponzi accused, the repayment outlook seems shaky.

Looked at sensibly, the proof of the pudding could only have been satisfactory under a single set of conditions.

That would be in sincere supporting actions alongside a credible and comprehensive program, to make good on the promised restitutions of the Ponzi partners.

There is trouble, because the husband and wife team have faltered in the delivery and the timing committed to before the courts. The same folks, who used, and stand accused of bilking 17,000 Guyanese of over four billion dollars are falling short, not delivering to those they promised to make whole. It is on record, as they did so publicly, as detailed by this paper.

It is now also on public record, that the alleged Ponzi delayers cannot carry through with commitments because ranks from SOCU raided their home and seized electronic equipment, among other things (KN November 7).

Apparently, the seized electronic equipment, according to the alleged Ponzi operators’ attorney, has severely handicapped the repayment arrangements made.

That may be so, since in today’s world, just about everything of substance in a business is housed in the technology that can be afforded and installed. However, it is only one part of the story that is now dragging on, like a patient in a coma and on a ventilator: there is breathing, but no movement.

There is hope for those involved, but there is the fear too, that the roof could cave in without notice and it would all be over, as in done and gone.

We say this, because notwithstanding electronic files, records and systems to facilitate repayments, there are some gaps, which we now specify.

Unless, the SOCU raid and seizure happened within the first days and hours of the promised repayment window, it is unreasonable and unacceptable that the situation as it stands is of “only 27 out of the 17,000 investors being repaid.”

Something is not adding up and looks suspicious with that paltry number of people repaid. In fact, we have to say this: everything about such things - the people, the arrangements, the delays, and state of repayments - look suspicious. The alleged Ponzi operators have nothing in their favor: not trust, not credibility, not any benefit of the doubt. Further, as we all should know, and it is a common business practice, it is still a paper world, with physical documents to build and track clients in electronic systems, which affords tracing them back and forth, from paper to systems; one substantiates the other. It is rare for everything to grind to a halt. Still further, sound business practices and usually mandatory rules and regulations necessitate backup files in another location for contingencies purposes.

That the residential equipment was seized by SOCU, should not mean that everything is at a standstill and that those out-of-pocket are left hanging.

Those paper or backup records of clients can be retrieved, and, after the briefest of holdups, there can be a resumption of payments utilizing an offsite fallback arrangement that connects money managers (with whom funds are held) and banks to transfer the cash owed. The former are to unwind any assets to free up the funds, so that there is liquidity to transmit to banking relationships, for ultimate credit to clients that are on the hook.

This was what was committed to in open court over five weeks ago (KN October 4). Therefore, whatever the underlying set of circumstances that have dashed the expectations of the swindled, this has taken too long, and is not looking good. Now there is talk of repaying in crypto currency; that could mean losses when liquidated.

The question arising is, whether deliberate footdragging and deceptive tactics are not being employed; whether it not yet another trick put into play to pull the wool over the eyes of the short-changed.

Sanesha Lall’s rights as a child were violated Dear Editor, The story about the 16year-old girl who was brutally stabbed to death by a 34-yearold was one of the most shocking stories in the past week.

While there are many questions that would have arose from the situation, the underlying issue of the protection of this young girl is another matter that connects to the story, and the rest of Guyana at large, signaling a deficit in the policies made, the services offered and the communities’ willingness and knowledge on reporting violence against children in our land.

A popular newspaper presented the harrowing tale of the stabbing to death of Sanesha Subrina Lall of Richmond Housing Scheme.

Some alarming details about the story that were uncovered included the fact that the young, 16-year-old, Sanesha refused to continue to be in a relationship with her murderer because he was married.

The newspaper was keen to mention the name of this

young teen girl but omitted to name the alleged killer.

At some point, it may have occurred to any keen-eyed reader and members of the Richmond Housing Scheme where Sanesha lived that the abuse of this young girl (and eventually her death) was one that highlighted serious violations of her protection rights from abuse as a child by an adult man.

Another observation is that the teen’s parents had died and she was clearly without adequate adult supervision and guidance.

ChildLinK has, over the years, recognized and identified that children growing up without adequate parental care are most at risk of all forms of abuse.

Sanesha’s right to life was cut short, her rights to an education was denied. We wondered when she stopped arriving at school: did someone notice? Were any enquiries made? As this alleged killer visited her or met with her, did her neighbours and/or community members notice? Did they know who to call to stop this abuse or

did they think she was “hot” and looking for “it”? At 16 years old did Sanesha know where to find help to escape from the abuse? Did she reach to any service providers and did she receive any response?

We spoke to a group of young children a week ago to discuss how they learn about child rights and protection and they said that most children don’t know where to find help.

They said that such information is not easily available and that children don’t really know that they have a right to protection from abuse. This November 20th (as we celebrate 31 years of the UNCRC) we must acknowledge that significant efforts are still needed to ensure that across our country: · All children have rights to protection from all forms of abuse · All children know about their rights and where to report abuse · Adults know how and where to report child abuse

· Services providers and community members know that their role is imperative in ensuring the protection of children in their communities.

The various agencies of the state and also those that originated in private bodies to deal with matters like these need to take greater attention and also promote their mandates in such a way that the regular people on the street are motivated to be involved although they are not formally employed there.

This would eventually create a general environment of safety and accountability that would trickle into the lives of any person having issues like this teen faced (or even people that are near such people) and assist them with the knowledge that would help them to come to a place where speaking out on these issues are second nature.

Guyana needs to do better. Guyana can do better.

Yours truly, Khadidja Ba

This will be my last attempt at responding to accusations Dear Editor, A few days ago, I listened to the letter by Dr. Vishnu Bisram, PhD. in Kaieteur News on November 13, in reply to my “retort”. He asked me a very simple question, whether I was “that young African teacher from the neighbouring village of Buxton who led a hostile band heading towards the school”.

No, Dr. Vishnu Bisram, PhD., historian, I was not that person and could not be. My involvement with primary school education ended early in the decade previous to the one treated

by Mr. Randall Butisingh in his book. Shri Butisingh, Mr. Albert Ogle and I were a close trio, teaching at the same school when my involvement in primary education came to an end.

I write this out of respect for your readers and will add no more details, for fear that some enterprising historian may use such details to create further insulting stories about my alleged activities.

I am the one political person from among the ministers of 1953 to write a series of articles about my part in Guyana’s ethnic

politics. I was also the only minister of the 133days government who lived in the country and not in the city.

The British White Paper of 1953 wrote, among other things, that the crowds were “willing to do violence at the bidding of the leaders, especially Mr. King.”

A number of Guyanese, resident in the USA, have accused me of various forms of aggression, amounting to felonies against humans. This will be my last attempt to respond to the accusations, as I understand their common purpose very well.

If they genuinely want to serve the cause of justice, as they claim, they have the resources to compile a criminal indictment against me with all the evidence, including oral evidence, and drag me before a court of justice, which will summon me to answer such an indictment.

They must stop fooling around, as I can only answer as long as I am blessed to be on the planet and aware, and not when I am dead.

When I have had charges against people in power, I have sworn to

affidavits or taken the witness stand to justify my allegations. I expect similar treatment and not newspaper allegations that create an impression without taking responsibility.

If the criminal law has set limits on the time during which prosecution can be made, then the present PPP government with its focus on rule of law can be asked to set up Commissions of Inquiry into all the incidents of ethnic cleansing in British Guiana.

These will include incidents in Rosehall, Wismar, Casbah, Zeelugt, the killings of the Sealeys in May 1964, the Buxton fires, the shooting of three Buxton farmers in July 1964, the two separate incidents in Mahaicony, the bombing of the Son Chapman which was never investigated, although the government of the day quite rightly appointed a Commission on the May 1964 ethnic cleansing in Wismar.

I have just listened to M r Va s s a n R a m r a c h a ’s letter in Kaieteur news. He may see me as a divisive figure if he wishes. What I proposed in 1961 was risky

and open to his description as divisive.

However, I hope to give him the formal opportunity of justifying his repeated claim of any association whatever between me and the events of May and July in Wismar of 1964. I was also in no position in what was the “political wilderness” in 1964 to engage in any conference or consultation that may have chosen the date of independence.

I n t h i s l e t t e r, h e accuses me of blaming Mrs. Jagan for a statement which in the recent letter I clearly wrote was attributed to her in African communities and to me in Indian communities. I am sorry I did not make it clearer. I have evidence in writing however that Mr. Ramracha does not withdraw his misstatements even when they are pointed out to him.

B y t h e w a y, M r.

Butisingh and I have had no hostility in our relationship. It was I, and not Dr. Bisram, that he invited to write the introduction to his last work, which is still available in print.

Yours truly, Eusi Kwayana

PAGE 6

Kaieteur News

Mr. Jagdeo is a leader for yesterday, not today Dear Editor, I write to contribute to a growing debate on the rele v a n c e of M r.

B h a r r a t J a g d e o a s Vi c e President and as a fit-forpurpose leader for Guyana in 2020, as Guyana has the opportunity to move from the second poorest c o u n t r y i n t h e We s t e r n Hemisphere to becoming one of the richest countries.

I read JamilChanglee’sletter in the Kaieteur News on 18 November, 2020, titled ‘Champion of the Planet’.

Changlee’sletter recognized the efforts of the Hon. Vice President’s contributions with the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) which focused on gaining the benefits o f G u y a n a ’s f o r e s t s while at the same time maintaining its integrity, the letter also mentioned that this leadership should be extended to other natural resources areas.

I am also of the view that M r.

J a g d e o ’s leadership and contributions to the development and implementation of the LCDS, among others, are commendable and of high benefit to Guyana and also, he still has a role in the development of Guyana.

However, I differ on Mr. Jagdeo’srole in leadership and whether he should continue in the position as the Vi c e President.Changlee noted “Our ‘Champion of the Planet’ is once again in a key position of leadership where he can continue to set a great example of what is possible”.

I like many, was willing to give our government a chance but I soon realized that their approach to governance was out of sync with what is needed to transform Guyana at this point.

The large scale of firing of qualified professional public servants over the past months, the eagerness of the government criminal citizens, the less than professional use of the Guyana Police Force and criminal justice system, the lack of interest to engage with the main Opposition (APNU+AFC) and the continuous discrimination of a section of the population, perceived to be supporters of the APNU+AFC, does not augur well for the level of stability that is critical for attracting investment and for the enjoyment of

citizens.

If Mr. Jagdeo and the PPP/C government had a real plan for Guyana, not the party and their supporters, but for all of the people of Guyana and if they really understood the magnitude and scale of what is required to move this country from the second poorest country in the hemisphere to one of the richest countries in the world, their approach to governance would have been more inclusive and with less drama.

Guyana has a population of 750,000 which is perhaps a village in Nigeria and a small community in India and China, yet, according to a World Bank report, China lifted 850 million out of extreme poverty. China’s poverty rate, with a population of almost 1.4 billion, fell from 88% in 1981 to 0.7 percent in 2015.

India has a population of 1.3 billion and by 2020, the incidence of multidimensional poverty has significantly reduced, declining from 54.7% to 6%.Over a period of ten years, India has removed 271 million people out of poverty from 2005/06 to 2015/16, In1994, during the genocide, over 800,000 peopledied in Rwanda, a generation later, Rwanda’s growth has averaged 7.5% from 2008 to 2018. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rwanda was in the middle of a period of economic boom under the current President Paul Kagame. Is Mr. Kagame perfect? No! But he managed to transform a country that was deeply divided and where the number of people who died in 1994, is more that the population of Guyana, into the most progressive African country.

Sure, some of these countries still have issues of human rights, etc., but the point here is, the transformation that took place and on the large scale despite immense challenges, and about what is possible for Guyana.

I have just spent the past year focusing a significant part of my study on examining what Guyana needs to do to prepare as an oil and gas country while adhering to the rule of law. As a matter of fact, the title of my thesis is ‘Development P r e p a r e d n e s s : Strengthening Crosssectoral Governance in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Maximise Opportunities for Maintaining Rule of Law as Guyana Transitions into an Oil and Gas Society’.

I am currently continuing

my research on what resource-rich developed and some developing countries have done to avoid the resource curse, so as to create and capture more value from their natural resources while at the same time ensuring that other international obligations, such as human rights, gender, labour and the environment are adhered to.

This included research on International Investment Law (Agreements/treaties and dispute resolution mechanisms, etc.) as key aspects towards creating and capturing more value from our natural reso u r c e s .

Resource-rich countries such as the US, Canada, Botswana, and Chile are good examples.

However, our government seems not to be thinking about the big picture, they are essentially focusing on getting back at the APNU+AFC and victimizing their supporters.

If the government was thinking about the big picture, there is absolutely no justifiable reason for firing public servants when our economy will grow by 26.2% in 2020, so it is not a question of economics.

Additionally, it is alarming that the government would fire its qualified public servants in a country that suffers from brain drain. I read an article in the Stabroek News on 17 November, 2020 and titled ‘Adams stays in contact with Office of the President on work status’. Now, imagine a person of the calibre of Dr. Vincent Adams, has to be checking in with the Office of the President about his job, as if he is reporting to the Police periodically for some crime committed.

Appropriate leadership and emotional intelligence in leadership, are extremely important for sustainable growth and development.

One of the reasons why the pace and scale of the contributions to development by regional organisations such as CARICOM are limited, is simply because they are subjected to the dictates of the Heads of Government.

These organisations can only be as effective as the Heads of Governments would allow them, hence one of the reasons I am delving into this matter on whether the Vice President is the kind of transformational leader for Guyana at this point, is bec a u s e n o t o n l y i s Guyana’s ability to rise to the challenge important to the people of the country, but to the region, the hemisphere and internationally.

Sometime around 2008/

2009, I was listening to a speech by the former United States President Barrack Obama on the US g o v e r n m e n t ’s p l a n t o address the financial crisis, and he mentioned that 95% of the world’s market was outside of the US. From 2008/2009, I have watched the US significantly expanded its reach deeper into that 95% of the global market –twelve years later, in 2020, we are doing online shopping like we never dreamt of.

According to Forbes list of the World’s To p Companies in 2020, Amazon is at Number 22. It i s o n e o f the big five companies in the US and ecommerce is a significant part of the company’s business. I am talking transformation here!

After 30 years of Guyana’s economic development strategy, many of our young people/boys between the ages of 15 and 20 are the criminals. The VC has either been President or held highly influential roles in government over this period and had the opportunity to transform this little ‘global village’ called Guyana.

My conclusion is that M r.

Jagdeo was yesterday’s leader …we now need truly transformational leaders for today’s Guyana.

Yours truly, Audreyanna Thomas

Thursday November 19, 2020

Major breakthrough as 2 suspects in La Grange businesswoman’s murder nabbed in Suriname - female mastermind still at large Detectives have made a major breakthrough in the gruesome murder of La Grange businesswoman, Bibi Ramjit, 85.

Two other suspects involved in the heinous crime were nabbed in Nickerie, Suriname and transported to Guyana yesterday.

According to police sources, their arrests were as a result of Suriname/Guyana law enforcement collaboration.

Kaieteur News was also told that a female is still on the run. Investigators described her as the alleged mastermind behind granny’s murder.

Ramjit was found dead on October 25th, in the upper flat of her two-storey home and business place, located at La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

An autopsy report revealed that she was strangled to death.

A farmer had last seen the woman alive at around 15:00hrs that afternoon in her shop but when he returned at around 17:00hrs to pay off a debt, she was discovered dead.

Crime scene experts had found the place ransacked and suspected that she was killed in the furtherance of a

Murdered: Bibi Ramjit robbery. Family members, too, agreed since they could not locate a gold ring she normally wears.

Kaieteur News had reported that investigators were following leads from camera footage. They also mentioned a strange car was seen close to her premises during the time they believe she was murdered.

Detectives made their first break in the case after they arrested a juvenile,16, who admitted to being involved in the woman’s murder. He is currently on remand as detectives continue their investigations.

GEA response to fuel marking Dear Editor, This is the Guyana Energy Agency’s response to published letter in the newspapers of November 18, 2020 entitled ‘The basis for fuel marking no longer exists’ by Mr. Reggie Bhagwandin.The simple answer to the question posed

by Mr. Bhagwandin as to ‘whether fuel smuggling is still a threat to legitimate dealers’ is yes.

The purpose of marking fuel imported into Guyana is to identify the legal fuel from illegal or smuggled fuel and in the process, curb fuel smuggling and the resulting losses in revenue to the Government. Notwithstanding the situation in Trinidad and Venezuela it is important to note that diesel continues to be sourced from Venezuela. As recent as last week, the captains of two separate fuel vessels reported sourcing their diesel from Venezuela.

The actual cost of marking the fuel to the individual consumer is miniscule, G$0.60 per litre for large fuel importers.

Today’s (Nov. 18, 2020) price for gasoline at GuyOil is G$155 per litre. The marking fee represents 0.39% of the cost per litre.

The point should be emphasised that the intent of smugglers is to avoid payment of local taxes. The fuel marking programme utilises forensic technology to identify taxed and untaxed fuels.

The record GEA’s record has shown that with the advent of the marking programme the ‘percentage of sites found with significant dilution in at least one tank’ has reduced from 34% in 2006 to <1% in 2019. This has contributed to, among other things: the collection of appropriate taxes by the Guyana Revenue Authority. It is estimated that the sustained collection of taxes from legitimate imports will move from over US$40M in 2021 to nearly US$60M by 2025. The loss of this collection of taxes may not only end up in the pockets of fuel smugglers, but rob

the country of vital revenue needed for development; the fuel imported is of an appropriate quality.

Smuggled fuel is notorious for being of low and substandard quality. This causes more harmful emissions. the prevention of adulterated fuels ending up on the open market. Damage to machinery and equipment can lead to downtime in many important sectors across the country. The various fuels imported need to be monitored to ensure it is not being adulterated – something which is supported by the marking programme.

It should be noted that the fuel marking programme provides direct employment to over 50 employees of the GEA, not to mention the many other indirect forms of employment as a result of the goods and services required by the fuel marking programme.

Yours truly Guyana Energy Agency (GEA)

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Thursday November 19, 2020

Kaieteur News

Suriname protects the wealth of its citizens.

The oil companies are not allowed to screw them over.

Oil companies have to compete to own Suriname's oil blocks.

On the other hand, Guyana's leaders give ours away and then accept massive bills from the oil companies.

As citizens, you need to demand more. Demand your fair share!

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Thursday November 19, 2020

Coalition defending illegalities by asking lessees not to return Ogle lands - Jagdeo V

ice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, has accused the former APNU+AFC administration of “defending the illegalities” surrounding the award of prime state lands situated at Ogle, East Coast Demerara.

His comments came after the now Opposition, encouraged the recipients not to return the lands as they were “lawfully obtained.”

“The APNU+AFC Coalition called on those persons who have purchased or leased lands and other properties to not return them, since they were obt ained legally,” the Opposition had said in its statement.

Further, it said, “The APNU+AFC Coalition calls on the PPP regime to desist from dispossessing Guyanese of their legally acquired property and to recognize that they are setting a bad example.

The PPP must recognize that all Guyanese have a right to share in our national patrimony and to note that the APNU+AFC Coalition will support the legal actions of those owners, so that the courts can reaffirm their legal right to their property.”

The party's comments were also bolstered by the

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo utterances of Aubrey Norton, a People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) executive, who told the media at a press briefing that, “Once the beneficiaries still have legal documents for the land, I believe they should keep the land.”

But with clear evidence that the lands were illegally obtained, the VP insisted that the opposition party, part of the A Partnership For National Unity (APNU), seeks to defend the nontransparent awards of the lands instead of condemning it.

“Here is a party saying that a person can get a piece of land, which, based on

their evaluation, is worth one billion dollars, vested already, have the title for it, and that person must not give up the land, that's their party's position now, they are defending the illegalities,” Jagdeo said in a recent interview.

He explained that there are “clear cases” of lands, worth billions being transferred but not a single cent being paid to the state such actions are criminal.

“This is precisely what APNU is defending, their position should be where there is illegality, people have to face the music,” he said. He even pointed to the Peter's Hall land scandal involving attorney-at-law James Bond, where he received a US$1 million payment for the sale of state lands.

Added to that, the VP stated that no authority was granted to former Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Trevor Benn, to sell state lands.

“We looked at the instrument, you have to publish it in the Gazette, he never had the right to dispose of lands, just to lease the land, he is exercising that responsibility on behalf of the President, the President delegated the responsibility,

'cause it's the Minister who is the President under the Act that has that responsibility.”

According to Jagdeo, more evidence will emerge in the coming days outlining further deals as the investigations continue.

So far, five developers who received Ogle lands from the former regime have returned them to the state to allow for a cleaner and more transparent process.

They are Supergraphics, American Marine Inc., Navigant Builders under Windsor Estates, Cardiology Services Incorporated and Corum Group Incorporated.

The other companies

that cashed in on the controversial deal include Bosai Minerals Group (Guyana) Incorporated, Premier Sales Incorporated, Trinuyana Investments Incorporated (Director, John Aboud), Caribbean Marketing Enterprise Incorporated (Director, Mike Elliot), Earl's Court Incorporated and state firm, Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil).

Thus far, none of these companies has signaled their intentions to return the acres of land vested to them.

These are prime lands that are located near a major planned highway that would link the East Coast and East Bank transportation network.

The almost 1,000 acres of prime lands opened by NICIL for commercial development are said to be worth billions of dollars.

Although the lands were vested to the companies, no payment was made to the government, giving a clear indication that the state lands were merely given away.

Public accountability advocates had argued that the Coalition government, being in caretaker mode, should not be involved in such deals.

Not to mention, the country was embroiled in the widely publicized electoral impasse.

AG Nandlall sues James Bond, Jaipaul Sharma for libel

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall

G

uyana's Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, is jointly suing former Coalition government Minister, Jaipaul Sharma and member of the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR), James Bond over a post both men made on their Facebook accounts on Tuesday.

Nandlall is seeking from both men in excess of $25M for each of the libelous statements made in their respective posts.

He is also seeking orders that the two publish a correction and apology within seven days of the date of the Court's decision and an order requiring the public posts to be removed.

Former Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma

Being sued: James Bond

The AG is also seeking a permanent injunction restraining James and Sharma and their representatives from publishing further posts or similar words seen as defamatory to him.

Additionally, Nandlall is asking the court to grant him in excess of $25M for special damages and in excess of $25M for aggravated and exemplary damages along with other order(s) the court deems just and proper.

The issue stemmed from a Facebook post made by Sharma on Tuesday where he implicated Nandlall's private law firm in the transfer of state property under the last People's Progressive Party/Civic

(PPP/C) government.

The AG denied the allegations and first reached out to Sharma, threatening legal action if the post was not deleted.

But Sharma stood firm on his utterances and published another post and then a third.

Bond later reposted Sharma's posts and issued one of his own to which Nandlall claimed he acted with “malice” and issued statements which he believes were derogatory towards him.

Sharma has since claimed that suspicious vehicles with armed men were visiting his Diamond, East Bank Demerara home.

He wanted police protection for his home.

Thursday November 19, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

Indigenous peoples are under threat T

here is something terrible that is taking place. The government does not wish to admit to what is happening.

But by now they should know what is happening.

If the government had been more transparent about the COVID-19 coronavirus statistics, this terrifying reality would have been obvious to everyone. But the government has not been as transparent about the coronavirus pandemic as it ought to.

Admittedly, the PPP/C's handling (or mishandling) of the pandemic has been far more transparent than the APNU+AFC. However, enough information is still not being provided.

The virus was spreading for a long time. But because more than 40 percent of cases tend to be asymptomatic and because many persons felt that whatever symptoms they were displaying were not related to the virus, they were not concerned. The limited testing which was taking place also led to under-detection.

In its defence, the APNU+AFC has said that when it demitted office there were only 20 cases (actually it was 21). But there are a number of possible explanations for this including statistical fudging; persons dying from virusrelated complications but diagnosed as having some other disease; and low levels of testing leading to low levels of detection.

In the early stages of a

pandemic deaths will be low, but as time progresses and as the economy opens up, the numbers will spike – as we are seeing now in Europe and the United States of America. The APNU+AFC should not be finding any comfort in the death rate when it was in office. If the Coalition was using empirical modelling, they would have known that the reproduction number is what they should have been looking at.

It is the reproduction number which gives the rate of infection not the death rate. And at one stage between March and the end of July, the reproduction rate, according to a PAHO official, was as 3.5 which means that the virus was spreading far more than the numbers were indicating.

The PPP/C has not indicated the present reproduction number. But it is not likely to be anywhere near 3.5 because if that were the case the situation would have been worse.

There is at present a national calamity. The indigenous population is bearing the brunt of the coronavirus infections. This column and one letter writer have already provided the empirical evidence that the per capita infection rates are far higher in the hinterland Regions than on the coastal Regions.

Recent evidence suggests that the indigenous communities are under the greatest threat now from the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Mass testing has revealed

frightening infection rates at St Cuthbert's Mission, Kwebana and now Wakapoa.

Previously the Pomeroon area had been identified as a hot spot. The limited information provided from Region Two shows that there were recorded cases in a number of indigenous communities.

Many persons were fooled into believing that the safest place to be was in the i n t e r i o r. T h e s p a r s e population, small human settlements and slow pace of life in those areas would appear to be conducive to insulation from the virus.

But that was never the case. Brazil has the second highest number of coronavirus deaths. In that c o u n t r y, i n d i g e n o u s communities were seriously affected by the virus. In some indigenous settlements close to the border with Peru, as many as seven out of every 10 indigenous residents were infected. The death rate in the indigenous communities was higher than elsewhere in Brazil.

The same thing happened in Mexico.

Guyana, therefore, should have been forewarned. However, the absence of transparency led to a blackout of vital information which could have detected this problem earlier.

The public simply is not being provided with useful data. The Ministry of Health is still not providing information on tests per Region and active cases per Region.

A man suffering boys from lack of sleep seh...

Dem

A

man was finding it difficult to sleep when de night come. Every time a Prado pass in front he house, de man jumping out he bed and gone and peep through he window.

De man so jittery that even when a white car pass he jumping out he bed fuh see whether it stop in front he house. Don't ask dem boys why he suh jittery!

A policeman go in front de same man house and stop a Prado. De man start to tremble. But if he had been listening to what the

policeman been telling the driver he would have slept better. The policeman approached the driver and ordered him: “Step out of the car. I am going to need you to take a Breathalyzer test.”

“I can't,” the driver says, “I have very bad asthma that can set off an attack.”

“Alright,” says the policeman, “then you're going to have to take a blood test.”

“Can't do that either,” the driver replied, “I am a hemophiliac, if a wound is opened, I won't stop bleeding, and I could bleed

to death.”

“Ok,” answers the policeman, “then I will need a urine sample.”

“Sorry,” says the driver, “I also have diabetes that could push my sugar count really low.”

“Fine, so just come on out, and walk a straight line for me,” ordered the policeman. “Can't do that either,” responds the driver.

“Why not?” asked the police. “Well, because I'm drunk! I could go to jail!”

Talk half and mek sure if you driving Prado, yuh nah pass by dah man house.

Guyana has more than 200 indigenous communities. Mass testing now has to be a priority for those communities. Antigen testing kits should have already arrived in the country. India has also developed a very accurate saliva test which gives rapid results. Whatever testing methods are available should be deployed immediately to these more than 200

communities.

Unless there is mass testing now the reproduction number will reach the stage where it can pose as an existential threat to the indigenous communities. To put it bluntly, the indigenous community can shrink unless the spread of the virus is contained within hinterland communities.

The Minister of Indigenous Affairs has been

very quiet on this matter. She should take the lead in protecting her people before the virus demolishes the indigenous population.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Thursday November 19, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

No civilized society should accept this light sentence for a horrible murder

I

have never backed down in expressing how I feel about the deep convictions I have in my soul. I do not accept the abolition of the death penalty in general. I support the state executing animalistic humans who are more predatory than the predators in the jungle.

Some humans are unfit for civilized society. They are beyond redemption, a danger to civilized culture. Their uncivilized, bestial murders should be met with the state putting them to death. I say most unambiguously – I do not support the general abolition of the death penalty. Please see my column of Sunday, January 20, 2019, “I cannot support abolition of the death penalty in general.”

Before I proceed, let me be meticulous with my words. I never heard the name Abdool Subrati before I penned this column. I know no one by that name before the publication

of this article. I know no one who is closely or remotely connected to Abdool Subrati.

I say with extreme boldness, this country has been unfair and in a sickening way to this victim of a horrible homicide and his loved ones too.

I read that Subrati was an employee of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation. I hope the management and board raise their voices on how the judicial system treated its employee who met his death when bandits invaded his home and shot him in October 2016. Devon Chacon was charged for the murder of Subrati in 2016.

On November 17, 2020, Justice Navindra Singh released Chacon for time served; meaning Chacon served three years not in jail but on remand.

Chacon pleaded guilty to murder that arose when he invaded Subrati's home with other bestial predators like himself. According to the dead man's relatives, the

uncivilized gang was firing indiscriminately. There are things that are eerie about this court drama. The Chief Justice, Chancellor, DPP and Judicial Service Commission should order an investigation into this unusual circumstance.

My contention is pellucid – no country allows a criminal to be freed after serving three years on remand for murder committed during a home invasion.

There can be no mitigating circumstances scientific or interpretative that can allow for such colossal leniency. In my long years living in this land, leniency is always present when there is a death by a fight and the accused appears to have acted in self defence.

Nowhere in the world, bestial predators invade a home, kill the occupant and receive three years imprisonment.

I know the defence attorney personally. But a

lawyer has to fight for his client so I doubt I will approach him.

I know the judge personally when I was the vice president of the UG union and he did a pro-bono case for us that he won for us but Ralph Ramkarran, UG's lawyer, advised the university on a course of action which I will not repeat here because when I did so a few years back, Ramkarran threatened libel.

A few years back I met Justice Navindra Singh in the Survival Supermarket and raised with him the discrepancies of his sentences. Please see my column of Tuesday, July 18, 2017, “An encounter with Justice Navindra Singh in the supermarket.”

He said there was a sentencing guideline laid down by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). I do not think Justice Singh's three years in the Chacon case can be situated in the CCJ's guideline. I think it

exists outside those guidelines if such exists.

I have a bad feeling about this case. I am too experienced in journalism so I know when a feeling of mine leads me to uneasy emotions. Here is an

Frederick Kissoon interestin g p a r t i n t h e reporting of the case in the newspapers, “In his brief address, Justice Singh said that he did not have much to say as both sides (defence and prosecution) had extensive discussion

regarding the matter and knew what has been decided upon.”

Very curious words indeed! I wanted to use a more forceful adjective to describe what the judge said but I think I will stay away from libel and contempt of court. I will ask readers to put a lot of weight on my chosen adjective, “curious.” So where do we go from here? Is this the end of the matter? Will Guyanese call for an investigation into what took place in that court? I will end on a macho note and you can condemn my chauvinism if you want to; that is your choice and it will not bother me. If Adbool Subrati was a friend or related to me, then that would have been another story in this God-forsaken country.

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

Thursday November 19, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Thursday November 19, 2020

CDC distributes more hampers to COVID-19 hit St. Cuthbert's Mission

T

he Ministries of Health and Amerindian Affairs along with the Civil Defence Commission are working wit h t h e S t .

Cuthbert's Mission community to address the impact of COVID-19 there.

Residents who tested positive for the disease continue to recover with support from those entities.

Among those recovering is former Toshao and current

Village Councillor, Pierre Andrews. Andrews recently shared his experience after contracting the disease.

“About 18 days ago, I experience some mild symptoms like lightheadedness and cold sweat.

Of course, at that time, there was an outbreak of flu in the village so we had an assumption that it was not COVID-19 because of the talks of the symptoms like fever, shortness of breath

and what's not; it was not there… The residents did not take it serious neither did myself,” he said.

Andrews explained that he continued to treat his symptoms as he does the flu until a test proved otherwise.

This, he said, did not deter him or anyone else who tested positive since they were educated about the disease.

“We had a good chance of contracting it, since it was all over the country. So, I did not

Hampers for St. Cuthbert's Mission panic but make use of my vitamins, B-complex and herbs during my time,” the Village Councillor said.

The only challenge he faced during this time, he said, was the restriction on his movement since he was quarantined.

St. Cuthbert's Mission is currently locked down as the National COVID-19 Task Force, Health and the Amerindian Affairs Ministries and the CDC seek to stem transmission and support residents.

About 240 persons of the 200 households have tested positive for COVID-19 of the community which is located up the Mahaica River. The CDC distributed 320 food and sanitation hampers in the

community on Monday. This was the second distribution exercise it held in the village over the last two weeks.

CDC Deputy DirectorGeneral, Major Loring Benons said the hampers also contain the multivitamin Vitone Tonic, which helps to boost the immune system.

The Commission decided to include the supplement in the hampers after its last visit to the community.

“The CDC, like every other non-governmental agency throughout Guyana will continue for as long as this pandemic, to reach out to communities under the direction of the Government and its Task Force,” he said.

Meanwhile, Major Benons lauded the protocols

the village put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. He added that the residents need to continue to be vigilant against the disease.

To s h a o , Beverly Clenkian thanked the CDC for the donation. “We were here having some problem with foodstuff, at the early stage because the hampers that were brought in previously, families were complaining. So, I took the initiative to inform the regional office about what we were facing and luckily, he called and told me about today's exercise,” she said.

Toshao Clenkian pledged to ensure that the preventative measures in place are observed in the Mission.

Teshawna Lall named GM of New Guyana Marketing Corporation

T

he New Guyana Marketing Corporat i o n ( N G M C ) , o n Monday, November 16, 2020, welcomed its new General Manager.

According to a government release, Lall, who has “confidently” stepped into her new role as the NGMC's General Manager, brings with her over 18 years of experience in marketing, publishing, and accounting.

Her father, Glenn Lall, is Publisher of the country's biggest newspaper, Kaieteur News.

“She also has experience in the manufacturing and distribution of local and international products. Ms. Lall has a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and Psychology and a Master's Degree in Business Management.”

According to a Government statement the new GM, will oversee all aspects of the state--run Corporation and will work towards "revamping" its image. NGMC runs the Guyana Shop on Robb Street, which offers scores of locally produced food products.

"I want to ensure agriculture is on the forefront. We will develop new and innovative ideas to put NGMC on the map and to ensure we work on aggressively marketing our local products," Lall said. "We will work towards fostering relationships with our farmers to ensure they continue to trust the NGMC." It will be the plan to ensure the NGMC continues to create regional and international markets for farmers. This, she said, will give

Named GM: Teshawna Lall farmers a reason to continue farming.

“Ms. Lall stated that, in her role as GM, more focus will be placed on the logistics of getting fresh and agro-processed produce from far-flung areas to the city at an affordable cost. We will work to reduce the cost of production to make farming affordable.

Most farmers have stopped planting because it has become expensive to do so...we want more farmers to start producing again," she explained.

Thursday November 19, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

US medical team conducting COVID-19 training across regions S

taffers at regional hospitals are c u r r e n t l y benefiting from specialised training conducted by a team of United States (US) specialists, through a joint initiative between the Ministry of Health and the US Embassy.

The US team has also handed over a quantity of personal protective equipment (PPEs), children's medication and women's health supplies to the hospitals, valued approximately US$25,500.

Minister Dr. Frank Anthony said the objective of the exercise is to enhance

the skill sets of regional medical personnel with respect to the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

“The team has been moving around. This is a team from the United States which has been working along with our local doctors to provide hands-on training in terms of management of COVID, especially looking at how to use ventilators and so forth,” Minister Anthony told DPI. The training was undertaken through the US Embassy's Humanitarian Assistance Programme and i s l e d b y M r. P a u l Kuemmerlein. It includes

Dr. Robert Guido, who specialises in Preventative Medicine and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Specialists, Tonya Salada and Seryling Lang.

Dr. Anthony said the training would be tailored to the needs of the staff at the different hospitals.

“They are bringing their experience with handling large volumes of COVID-19 patients and explaining some of the practical things and the nuances of the management, so I think it's a good exercise for our local doctors and nurses,” he explained.

Doctors have welcomed

A US medical team is in Guyana conducting COVID-19 training on the use of ventilators, etc. the initiative.

To date, training has been held in Regions One, Six and Ten. “The feedback so far has been good. Doctors have been very receptive … in

some cases it's like a refresher course,” Dr. Anthony said.

The training is part of a wider programme already rolled out by the Ministry to

ensure its medical officers are kept abreast of the latest developments in medicine and clinical treatment, especially as it relates to COVID-19.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira

GPSU President: Patrick Yarde

breaches Article 38G of the Constitution which states “public service to be free from political influence.”

He stressed, “the integrity of the public service is guaranteed. No public officer shall be required to execute or condone irregular

acts on the basis of higher orders. The freedom of every public officer to perform his or her duties and fulfill his or her responsibilities is protected.

No public officer shall be the subject of sanctions of any (continued on page 14)

Fired PS of Amerindian Affairs Ministry must be rehired - union

D

escribing the termination of employment of former Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Sherie Samantha Fedee, by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, G a i l Te i x e i r a , a s a n outrageous usurpation of the powers of the Public Service Commission (PSC), President of Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) Patrick Yarde, has called for the official to be given back her position.

In a letter to Teixeira, Yarde outlined that Fedee is a career public servant with over 25 years of unbroken

service and who was confirmed in the position this year by the PSC. Yarde explained that the former PS brings a wealth of experience to the position having joined the public service in November 1995.

“She has risen from the position of Clerk to Personnel Officer to Senior Personnel Officer and then to Deputy Permanent Secretary, after which she succeeded to the position of Permanent Secretary in 2019. She was confirmed in the latter position in 2020 by the Public Service Commission,” Yarde said.

He called Fedee's termination by Teixeira “an

abuse of her authority and a most outrageous usurpation of the powers of the PSC.” The GPSU Head stressed, too, that in accordance with Article 201 of the Constitution, Fedee's appointment falls under the jurisdiction of the PSC. “It is only the Public Service Commission that is vested with the authority to remove Ms. Fedee from her public office of Permanent Secretary and such removal to be done in accordance with the PSC rules.”

He added that since Fedee's appointment was not revoked by the PSC, she should therefore be reinstalled.

Services Terminated: Sherie Samantha Fedee According to the GPSU Head, the termination

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Thursday November 19, 2020

Second Port Mourant overseer fired for fraud T

h e P o r t Mourant/Johns Neighbourhood Democratic Council (CDC), which controls the largest market in the Berbice area Port Mourant Market- has recently come under the microscope This was after the acting overseer was accused of misappropriation of public funds. She was subsequently fired from her position, following an internal investigation conducted by the Vice Chairman of the NDC, Imran Ali and the Councillors.

The overseer is being investigated by the police for the alleged offenses.

In a letter seen by this publication, which was sent to the Secretary of the Local Government Commission's Secretary, Nickalai Pryce by a councillor of the NDC, it detailed the alleged evidence of the fired overseer's malpractice at the NDC. In one instance, it was

alleged; the overseer on October 17th, 2020 wrote a receipt for one Babita Samaroo to the value of $9,600 for rent payment of two stalls covering the months between July to December.

However, it was mentioned that the duplicate copy of the receipt given, following the payments showed $800 was collected.

The amount $9,600 was, however, logged in the Revenue Records book.

According to the councillor, based on what was revealed through his own investigation, it was deduced that the overseer "did not use the correct procedure in writing a receipt" and that "she deliberately prevented the carbon copy from printing the amount of $9,600 through to the bottom duplicate."

The councillor is also accusing the overseer of falsifying the duplicate copy

- police called in

of the receipt by "placing a different piece of paper with carbon over the blank area of the duplicate receipt and wrote on it to reflect the sum of $800." The overseer reportedly also calculated the total amount on the page that

was collected for that day. She then allegedly deposited the monies in the bank after closing the market "excluding the difference of $8,800 on receipt No.165361."

It was not until October 26 that she was confronted

11-year-old cancer patient's death re-classified as COVID-19 fatality

A

n 11-year-old cancer patient's death has been reclassified as a COVID-19 fatality by the Ministry of Health (MOH).

Previous reports by this publication stated that the child died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after being admitted to their regular Intensive Care Unit.

Upon her admission on November 4, she was required to take a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test and received positive test results the next day. She succumbed the following day after her

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Narine Singh

results became known.

Health authorities had stated that her death would not be treated as a COVID19 fatality given that she was being treated for cancerrelated illnesses at the GPHC. However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Narine Singh, said her death is now treated as a COVID-19 fatality. He explained that the reclassification was made in keeping with the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines.

According to the Ministry, a section of the WHO guidelines relating to

the classification of deaths, states that “a death due to COVID-19 is defined for surveillance purposes as a death resulting from a clinically compatible illness, in a probable or confirmed COVID-19 case, unless there is a clear alternative cause of death that cannot be related to COVID disease (e.g. trauma).”

It was pointed out that while the girl's death was not caused by COVID-19, since she was positive at the time of death, it will be classified as a COVID-19 one.

Guyana has recorded 143 deaths so far from COVID19.

with the allegations and purported evidence by Independent Councillor, Orin McDougall and ViceChairman, Imran Ali, that she reportedly said she was trying to assist the vendor but could not explain why the figures differed.

She also claimed that the receipt book was missing and she was told to report it to the police and she did.

Recommendations by McDougall was made to have her terminated in accordance with the Public Service Rule, Section G discipline, No. 35, table of offences and penalties (35) - malpractice with fraudulent intent. It was also recommended that a police report be filed and an audit to commence.

A decision was then taken by the council to terminate her services on the October 27 and a report was filed at the Whim Police Station the same day by the Chairman of the NDC. McDougall said he made contact with the station and spoke with a detective on Monday November 16, who assured him that an investigation will be conducted.

Kaieteur News was also informed by an official of the NDC that regional auditors had visited the NDC two Mondays ago, but he was unable to say if an audit had commenced. Several months ago, the previous overseer was also fired with allegations of a similar nature made against her.

Fired PS of Amerindian...

From page 13 kind without due process. In the discharge of his or her duties a public officer shall execute the lawful policies of the government.”

In the circumstances, Yarde said that the union expects that Fedee's

remuneration and other benefits are available to her during and after the conclusion of her leave and that she returns to active duty at the status of Permanent Secretary, unless she concurs with any change that is proposed to her.

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 19, 2020

Govt. targets installing 5,000 solar streetlights in four years

R

esidents from Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six can expect to benefit from the installation of about 300 solar streetlights before year-end.

This initiative is being undertaken through the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development's Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIIP).

Coordinator of the Engineering Services at the Ministry, Naeem Khan, told DPI that this intervention is the first phase of a much wider programme that will continue next year.

“The idea is to ensure that all communities have streetlights so that residents can be safe. We are looking to continue the programme with the intent of increasing the number of lights being installed moving forward.

The programme, as it is, we

CIIP Coordinator of the Engineering Services at the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Naeem Khan

are looking at 5,000 streetlights over four years,” he said.

The Ministry is consulting with stakeholders to identify the communities severely affected by the lack of this utility.

Each region will be given 58 lights during this phase of the project.

“We want to make sure it is strategically placed where it is most needed so we are

currently assessing the regions, basically a night audit.

So, coming out from that audit, it will pave way for where these lights will be placed,” Khan explained.

Since its establishment, according to the Government statement, the CIIP has benefited thousands of citizens and communities by enhancing safety and aesthetics and creating jobs.

Juvenile robs his boss of $900,000

A

juvenile on Monday last, allegedly robbed his employer of $900,000.

No one was at home at the time.

The police have since released the teenage boy in the custody of his aunt, while investigations into the larceny from a dwelling house is ongoing.

The victim has been identified as Abdool Nazim, 72, of La Jalousie Public Road, West Coast Demerara.

According to a police report, the incident occurred between 08:00 hrs. and 12 noon, allegedly by the

teenager.

Nazim had forgotten to close the door to his house and around 08:00 hrs. he left his employee, a student of Windsor Forest Public Road, West Coast Demerara, in his yard preparing to go and spray the rice field.

Meanwhile, Nazim and another employee left for the Windsor Forest Backdam to plough his rice field.

It is reported that around 12 noon, another one of Nazim's employee rode Nazim's motorcycle to the backdam to inform him that someone went into his house and ransacked it.

Nazim and his employees immediately headed back to his home and upon arrival, he observed several drawers and his briefcase, which had money and was under a chair, were ransacked.

Further checks were made and he discovered $900,000 missing.

He then questioned his employee who denied the allegation.

T h e t e e n w a s subsequently taken to the Den Amstel Police Station, where he was questioned and later sent away in the custody of his aunt.

Guyana agreed to lose...

From page 3 the repayment of interest on loans would have used the 'Agreed Interest Rate' as defined in the contract, the rate would have been three percent had the agreement been signed with ExxonMobil.

At the time of Khusial's analysis, the estimated recoverable resource in the Stabroek block was six billion barrels.

Using simple projections to determine the cost to produce all 6 billion barrels, Khusial had calculated that that would grant ExxonMobil an extra US$1.7B. That US$1.7B would apply for ExxonMobil, which is

considered “low risk.”

“But Esso… would be classified as high risk. If one checks the market rates of bonds issued by Exxon, you can find the yields of around 2%.

But what rate would Esso… be charged for its loan?” Khusial had questioned.

He explained that it is unlikely Esso would even be able to get a large loan on the market, but this is where Exxon can leverage its good credit rating. Exxon can simply loan the money to Esso, essentially allowing the oil major the advantage to manipulate the interest rate.

Khusial had pointed out

small, risky companies, which pay market rates of 30 and 18 percent respectively.

He had calculated that a 15 percent difference in the market rate could mean Guyana forks up an extra US$8B, and that a 30 percent difference would cost the country an extra US$16B. Khusial had said that this provision was likely carefully planned by the oil companies.

Between the time of publication of Khusial's letter, Stabroek block proven reserves jumped three billion barrels.

That's an extra US$4 – US$8 billion in interest alone, under the Stabroek block agreement alone.

PAGE 15

Early release for 65 non-violent offenders

- decision spurred by COVID-19 measures

T

he Guyana Prison Service (GPS) has released 65 nonviolent offenders in keeping with efforts to reduce overcrowding in all prisons.

The inmates released were convicted for nonviolent offenses and were near the end of their sentences.

Director of Prisons (ag.), Gladwin Samuels, said the

decision was taken to provide more space for prisoners as the Prison Service implements the COVID-19 measures.

In October, more than 290 inmates at the Lusignan Prison tested positive for the disease.

Several Prison Officers were also affected.

The affected inmates were isolated and some were

relocated to other facilities to ensure adequate spacing among prisoners to stem transmission of the disease.

The Ministry of Health had also deployed a team of doctors and nurses to the facility to complement staff there, and to train prison personnel to boost the efficiency of daily sanitation exercises. (DPI)

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Thursday November 19, 2020

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UWI coming to Guyana…

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The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has been invited by recently elected President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali, to help drive forward Guyana's human resource development strategy.

Vice-Chancellor of The UWI, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, held a virtual meeting with Dr. Ali on Thursday, November 5, 2020 in which they discussed a strategy for the country's future described as “exciting, sustainable, and on the cutting edge of Caribbean governance.”

The UWI, in a statement yesterday from its Cave Hill Campus, Barbados, said it is currently negotiating an agreement with the government of Guyana to help to train up to 20,000 nationals over the next five years, through 'The UWI Open Campus'.

“This represents an opportunity not only to help build a fellow CARICOM nation's capital infrastructure for economic, social and cultural development, but also to bring the University's internationally recognised brand of excellence into the country,” UWI said in its statement.

It was pointed out that the diversity and richness of The UWI's academic programmes, which has been carefully curated over decades, is well suited to help support the people of Guyana during this phase of its development.

Dr. Ali has called upon The UWI to be “very aggressive” in producing the business plan that will allow it to deliver.

He has identified all areas of human resource development that Guyana is urgently in need of. In response. “ViceChancellor Beckles has assured the President that The UWI sees Guyana as part of

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President Irfaan Ali its environment. In fact, some decades ago, Guyana was once a contributing member of The UWI, but opted to take a different path for philosophi-

cal and ideological reasons.”

Vice-Chancellor Beckles, according to the campus, is excited by the “grand invitation” to enter Guyana to assist with its rebuilding process, thus helping the people of Guyana to meet their full potential as members of one of the most dynamic states in the region. “This is as exciting as anything we have done in any region in the world, because we are on the margin of one of the largest societies, one of the biggest economies and, arguably, one of the most dynamic going forward.”

A meeting is being planned between The UWI and relevant ministers of the Government of Guyana shortly.

Vice-Chancellor Beckles said he is confident that the Council of The UWI will endorse this worthwhile and much-

needed project. He has already spoken with The UWI's Chancellor, Robert Bermudez, who agrees that it must and should be undertaken.

The collaboration between The UWI and Guyana, according to the statement, is particularly exciting in the context of The UWI's Triple A Strategy, which focuses on revitalising Caribbean development through the application of three areas of focus: Access, Alignment and Agility.

“At a point in Caribbean history when the region is facing significant challenges due to the global economic downturn, the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, and political upheaval in countries that are major trade partners, such as the United States, the relevance of The UWI's input and influence is even greater.”

ERC to host national conversation on ethnic relations - President, Opposition Leader invited The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), in collaboration with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator and the University of Guyana (UG), will begin a “National Conversation on Ethnic Relations” on December 14 and 15, 2020.

According to the commission, the general intent is to have frank and open discussions to capture diverse views, on factors that impede ethnic harmony and recommendations for the compilation of a report, to be submitted to the National Assembly and relevant stakeholders for implementation.

The conversation will be launched with a general discussion on “How can we improve ethnic relations in Guyana.”

“The fully virtual forum, unavoidable due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, is intended to facilitate presenters drawn from

Guyanese residing here and abroad and will reflect diversity,” ERC disclosed.

Both, President IrfaanAli and Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon, are invited to address the opening session, which will also include presentations by General Bishop, Reverend, Dr. John Smith, Chairman of the ERC; Mikiko Tanaka, UN Resident Coordinator and UG Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin.

From 6 pm to 8 pm on the first day, a special segment will be held to facilitate the views and recommendations of young people.

“This is vital to this process, especially since they represent the largest block of our population. Guyanese are invited to participate and the links to join will be provided in advance.”

The Commission said it also intends to live stream the event with some aspects for broadcast on national television. The ERC

hopes that the varying points of view of presenters and participants, can serve in some measure, as a blueprint for possible solutions on the related challenges that confront the people in this multi-faceted society.

Tensions rose in countrywide over the last two years as the then Coalition Government was forced to head to elections after a devastating no-confidence motion toppled them.

With court cases and political impasses, the situation was compounded in a five-month impasse after the March 2 elections, which saw the return of the People's Progressive Party/ Civic. The Coalition insisted that the elections process were flawed, raising tensions.

Recently, three teens were murdered in West Berbice, sparking protests, robberies and blocking of the roads in the Region Five area.

Multi-agency probe in deadly mining pit cave-in Authorities have launched a probe into Sunday's tragic death of a mining employee.

“The Ministry of Labour has learnt of the fatal workplace accident of 26-year-old Mr. Errol Ramitt called “Tushi”. Mr. Ramitt was working on an operation owned by Mr. Steve James of Port Kaituma, North West District, Region One,” the Ministry of Labour announced yesterday.

The Ministry said it understands that the accident occurred around 14:30 hours on Sunday, November 15, 2020, at theArena Backdam in Region One. Ramitt was in the mining pit operating a Marrock engine when a section of the pit collapsed upon him.

“The Ministry of Labour, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department is collaborating with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to investigate the circumstances surrounding this accident. Minister of Labour, Hon. Joseph Hamilton extends condolences to the family of the deceased.”

Dead: Errol Ramitt

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Thursday November 19, 2020

Messi praises Argentina growth after Peru win

Lionel Messi praised Argentina’s performance against Peru.

SportsMax - Lionel Messi praised Argentina’s performance against Peru and believes they are only getting stronger.

Nicolas Gonzalez and Lautaro Martinez scored firsthalf goals in Lima on Tuesday, lifting Lionel Scaloni’s men to a third win in four World Cup 2022 qualifiers.

Argentina extended their unbeaten run to 11 games, while they have won their past three away qualifiers – something they had not achieved since 2000.

Messi was pleased with Argentina’s display, which came five days after their draw at home to Paraguay.

“Happy with the victory, we needed it after the game we played the other day,” the

Thursday November 19, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You can never be anyone other than who you are That's the way it is, and you can't change it. Other members of your family may have dreamed of getting free of a duty or a moral lesson.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) The day ahead may bring a storm of individualism and independence. You usually tolerate the quirks and minor shortcomings, but today they present real obstacles to your relationships.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) If you want to make the best of the day ahead, Gemini, try to convince your team or family to work together.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) The day ahead won't be easy. A glimpse at your love life reveals that you will be bridling at certain inhibitions. You long for peace and stability, and at the moment everything is in suspense.

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Kaieteur News

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Deep inside, don't you have an urge to breathe new spirit into your love life? Of course, some things are more easily said than done.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) It's time to get what you need. Your desires don't always go in a direction that does you the most good.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Take cover, Sagittarius, because today promises to be an emotional roller coaster!

Something seems to be askew with your relationships, and you feel torn in opposite directions.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) People are going to think you're a star today, Capricorn! Although you may not feel that way about yourself.

What's gotten into you lately? Have you lost confidence in yourself? Are you now compensating for it?

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Lately, you've been nursing a feeling that your partner is inattentive. The tension has been building up and today, Leo, you're likely to boil over with the rage that comes from one too many doubts and suspicions.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Stop asking if you're gifted, Aquarius. This definitely isn't the time for such questions. Now is the time to work on something concrete. You will need the help of others if you're to succeed, so get to work convincing them to ally with you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Some days it's better to be on vacation! That's what you're liable to think today.

All your projects are mired in quicksand, and you feel like you're spinning your wheels.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A partner for life or a brief encounter, which will it be?

This is today's question.

Why not choose both? Can you imagine being your partner's lover while keeping your independence?

star said, via Argentina’s Twitter account.

“From the beginning we had a great match, the goals came and we created many, many chances.”

Messi added: “The second half the other day was already very good and I think we continued on the same line, even raising the level a bit.

“I think this is the way we have to follow. Little by little we are becoming stronger as a group.”

Messi made his 142nd Argentina appearance against Peru, joining Brazil great Cafu for the equal fifth most by a South American man.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner wants to continue contributing for Argentina, who won in Peru for the first time since 2004.

“Whenever I come here I try to do my best and I feel qualified to fight for this shirt,” Messi said.

“I feel good to continue working and adding games.”

...Church’s Chicken bats From page 23 East Coast Strikers; GT Royal Rangers; Sarjoo Tigers; Regal Masters; Everest Masters; West Bank Warriors; West Dem Vipers; Essequibo Eagles; R a s Ta f a r E y e Patriachs and The Godfathers.

The BMC Committee had originally targeted 10 teams, so they will now have to decide on either running a 10 team or a 12team competition. The format will see each team playing the other teams once in the round robin preliminary round, and then the top four teams will advance to the semifinals.

The winning semifinalists will then battle for the inaugural BMC championship.

The inclement weather has also reared its head and the BMC-G is looking closely at that situation.

The BMC-G does not want to run a disjointed tournament.

BMC tournament, which will be played among over-45 year old players, has also attracted sponsorship from Game Xpress and Banks DIH. Tournament updates are also available on their facebook page.

...Thirteen young From page 20 exercise books and stationery.

The cricket gears shared out included bats, batting pads and batting gloves. The players were drawn from clubs like RHTYSC, Albion, Port Mourant, Upper Corentyne, Edinburgh, Rose Hall Canje, Achievers and Bush Lot United. The gears were donated to the BCB by Minister Bharrat, who also contributed $1M towards the hosting of the historic Berbice Semi-Professional League in 2021.

Foster, in brief remarks to some of the players, urged them to remain focused and not be distracted by the evil ways of Satan. He cautioned them that to be successful on the cricket field, they need

to develop a culture of discipline, hard work and dedication. He also spoke on the importance of education and the need to stay in school.

Foster advised the attentive youths to take care of the gears and also pledged that the BCB would continue to invest in their careers. He advised them they could approach the board, whenever they need any form of assistance. He expressed gratitude to Minister Bharrat for the gears and for the role, he was playing as Patron.

The BCB in December would assist dozens of more cricketers under a special project with former Guyana and West Indies opening batsman Clayton Lambert.

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England confirm October 2021 dates for historic return to Pakistan

Fakhar Zaman punches off side. (Getty Images) ESPNcricinfo - England’s men’s team will make their first visit to Pakistan in 16 years when they play two T20Is in Karachi on October 14 and 15, 2021.

As reported by ESPNcricinfo earlier this week, England’s plans for a short stop-over in January had to be shelved due to a lack of space in a crowded itinerary, with England also due to tour Sri Lanka and India in the first months of 2021, and with several players committed to T20I franchise deals during the same period.

But following talks between the ECB and PCB, it has now been agreed that England will fit in the visit as part of their preparations for the T20 World Cup in India next year. The squad will arrive in Karachi on October 12, and both teams will depart for India on October 16 for the start of a tournament that is expected to culminate in midNovember.

England last toured Pakistan in 2005 when they played three Tests and five ODIs. The subsequent series between the two sides in 2012 and 2015 were played in the United Arab Emirates.

Tom Harrison, the ECB’s chief executive, said: “It’s a real pleasure to announce that the England men’s IT20 squad will be playing in Pakistan in October 2021. This will be the first time since 2005 that an England team has toured Pakistan and as such it represents a significant moment for both nations.

“As was demonstrated this summer, we have a strong relationship with PCB and ECB is delighted to be able to play our part in ensuring the safe return of international cricket to this wonderful nation of passionate cricket fans.

“As always, the safety and welfare of our players and staff will be paramount. We are working closely with the PCB to ensure all the necessary plans are in place, especially concerning the anticipated levels of security around the team, the proposed travel protocols and of course the situation regarding the fast-moving and ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic.

“The two-match series will serve as ideal preparation for the England team leading into an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup taking place in India during October and November 2021.”

England had already been scheduled to play a Test series in Pakistan in late 2022, but the PCB had expressed their desire for a visit sooner than that to show the ECB’s support for the return of international cricket to the country.

With Pakistan’s players having endured less than perfect conditions in helping England fulfil their international fixtures in 2020, there was a sense that the ECB owed Pakistan a reciprocal favour. The ECB subsequently confirmed that a white-ball tour of Bangladesh in the same period is expected to go ahead as planned.

Wasim Khan, PCB Chief Executive, added: “I am delighted to confirm that England will be touring Pakistan to play two T20s in October 2021. This will be their first visit to Pakistan for 16 years and will open the door for both Test and White Ball tours in the 2022-23 season.

“The full-strength England squad will arrive at the back-end of our home white-ball series against New

Zealand. We also expect Australia to visit Pakistan for their FTP commitment in early 2022, with England returning for both Test and White Ball tours in the 2022-23 season.

“The October 2021 T20Is will allow the leading England cricketers to access and examine the world-class arrangements we will put together, which will give them further encouragement and confidence to not only return in 2022-23 but also express their interest in the Pakistan Super League, which has grown to become one of the top leagues in the world.

“England’s visit to Pakistan for the 14 and 15 October 2021 T20Is will provide further lift to our passionate fans, both in Pakistan and across the globe.

The nation has waited patiently for cricket to return sustainably to Pakistan and the 2021 tours by South Africa, New Zealand and England will only ensure international cricket is played uninterruptedly.

“The enhanced progress made over the last two years has been down to nurturing relationships with various cricket boards and international players, as well as building trust and confidence.

“The ECB’s confirmation further endorses Pakistan as safe and secure. Importantly, this announcement speaks volumes for the relationship that we have with the ECB and I would like to thank the ECB for their strong will and desire to make this short tour a reality.

“England’s visit in 2021 is an outcome of the PCB’s efforts and hard work to ensure Pakistan cricket continues to move in the right direction.”

Confederation cancels Women’s Under-17 tournament ZURICH, Switzerland, CMC – Regional football governing body, CONCACAF said it has decided that the regional qualifiers for its Women’s Under-17 competitions have been cancelled.

This follows the decision of FIFA, the sport’s World governing body, on Tuesday to cancel the Women’s Under-20 and Women’s Under-17 World Cups.

Eight Caribbean Football Union teams were involved in the Women’s Under-17 competition, which was scheduled to take place from April 18 to May 3 this year in Toluca, Mexico.

The eight CFU teams were Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Trinidad & Tobago, but the disruption caused to life by

the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of the competition.

“The impact of COVID-19 has been significant on the football calendar,” a CONCACAF statement said on its website.

“With further uncertainty regarding options for dates in 2021 and concern over international travel of minors in the current environment, it is particularly challenging to reschedule youth competitions. “ F o l l o w i n g F I FA’s communication that it has cancelled the FIFA Under17 Women’s World Cup, originally scheduled to take place in India in 2020, CONCACAF has decided that the regional qualifiers for this event will not take place.”

CONCACAF said it also noted FIFA’s decision that the

2020 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup, originally scheduled to be played this year in Costa Rica and Panama, will not now go ahead.

“The Confederation, however, welcomes FIFA’s decision to award to Costa Rica the 2022 edition of this World Cup,” he said. “The Costa Rican Federation will prove an excellent host for the competition.”

FIFA said their decisions were made after consulting with all stakeholders – including the host member associations, participating member associations and confederations – to continuously monitor the situation in relation to the pandemic, in particular with regard to any potential impact on the overall welfare and safety of age-group players and participants.

Thirteen young Cricketers benefits from BCB Vickram Bharrat Patron’s Fund

Four of the players posing with their gears after the presentation.

The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) continues to push ahead with its developmental programmes despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic which has brought the sporting calendar to a standstill since March. The pro-active Cricket Board over the last week handed over a piece of cricket gear to thirteen youth cricketers across the county under the newly established BCB Patron Fund.

BCB President Hilbert Foster stated that the Patron Fund Project was established immediately after Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat was inducted as the first Honorary Patron of the

board on the 7th of November.

The main objectives of the Patron Fund are to make sure that every talent in the county is allowed to develop by providing assistance wherever possible, to assist clubs to fulfill their mandates to membership and also to make sure that every cricketer in Berbice has opportunities to complete their educational careers.

Foster noted that in the past, too many young cricketers with great talent were forced to leave the sport due to the simple reason that their parents were unable to stand the cost of gears needed to play the game.

Poverty, the BCB President stated should not be the reason why youths drop out of the game as others can assist. He stated that once he remains the head of the board, every effort would be made to assist youth cricketers to fulfill their potentials on and off the cricket field. Since February 2018, over two hundred youth cricketers in the Ancient County have received cricket gears and bicycles from the BCB and the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS. Hundreds more have benefitted from donations of educational items including school bags, footwear, (Continued on page 19)

Thursday November 19, 2020

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Keemo Paul joins Hurricanes, Zahir Khan signs with Stars as BBL juggles travel arrangements ESPNcricinfo Afghanistan left-arm wristspinner Zahir Khan and West Indies bowling allrounder Keemo Paul are set to play in the upcoming BBL after signing with the Melbourne Stars and the Hobart Hurricanes respectively, while a Covid-19 outbreak in South Australia has affected the Adelaide Strikers’ preparation.

Zahir had played in last season’s BBL for the Brisbane Heat but is set to join the Stars as their third overseas signing after they lost Haris Rauf to international duty.

The Stars signed Zahir in the hope he could play the entire season, but the availability of Afghanistan’s players for the BBL including Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman - has been thrown into doubt with the scheduling of Afghanistan’s three-match ODI series against Ireland in the UAE in January.

The Stars’ coach David Hussey said Zahir would complement their spin stocks despite already having a left-

arm wristspinner in Clint Hinchliffe.

“We’re looking forward to having Zahir on board for this season,” Hussey said. “His left arm wristspin will give us a variety of options. Together with Adam Zampa, Tom O’Connell, Clint Hinchliffe and the support of our skipper Glenn Maxwell, we’re pleased with the group of spinners we’ll have available over the course of the season.”

Paul won’t have the same availability issues as Zahir, given he is already in New Zealand and like Nicholas Pooran, will not have to quarantine on arrival in Australia due to a travel arrangement between the two countries.

Paul has been signed by the Hurricanes on the urging of former Hurricanes and Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who has coached Paul for the last two seasons at the Delhi Capitals in the IPL. Paul did not play a game in the recent IPL as the Capitals reached the final, but he did meet with the Hurricanes’ coach Adam Griffith while in the UAE, as Griffith was

Olympics: Athletes’ Village must be safest place in Tokyo, IOC official says TOKYO (Reuters) - The purpose-built Athletes’ Village must be the safest place in Tokyo during next year’s Olympics, a senior International Olympic Committee (IOC) official said yesterday after meetings with the Tokyo 2020 organisers.

IOC President Thomas Bach and other officials have been in the Japanese capital this week as a show of support for the organisers as they try to arrange the Games despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the decision in March to postpone the Games, the Olympics are now due to begin on July 23, 2021.

Over 11,000 athletes are expected to descend on Tokyo for the Olympics and thousands more will come for the subsequent Paralympics.

The majority will stay at Athletes’Village.

Joan Coates, an IOC official accompanying Bach, said the number of athletes would not be reduced and it was down to organisers to make them feel safe.

“We have to make sure

that the Olympic Village is... the safest place in Tokyo,” said Coates, who heads the IOC’s Coordination Committee for the Tokyo Games. “The athletes have to have confidence in the safety of that.”

In a break with tradition, Coates said athletes would not be able to stay in the village for the duration of the Games.

“The athletes, once their competition finishes, will have one day, two days and then they will go home,” said the Australian. “The period of staying longer, in a village, increases the potential for problems.”

Coates said the IOC’s athletes commission had given organisers their full support.

The organisers did not finalise any concrete COVID19 countermeasures in three days of talks and did not say whether spectators will be allowed in venues.

Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto said that more policies would be finalised in time for the organising committee’s budget announcement next month.

Keemo Paul celebrates a wicket © Getty Images working as the bowling coach of the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

“I am really excited to be joining Hobart for the upcoming BBL, and I am very grateful for the opportunity,” Paul said.

“I have always been a big BBL fan and an avid watcher of the tournament, and I cannot wait to join up with the Hurricanes group. I have spoken to Ricky here at the IPL about Hobart and Tasmania, and he has spoken really positively about the team and the competition. I also caught up with Griff after our [IPL] game recently, and it was great to hear more about the very exciting squad this year.”

Griffith was excited about Paul’s inclusion into the squad as the third overseas signing, alongside Dawid

Malan and Will Jacks. Colin Ingram is locked in as Malan’s early-season replacement while the Englishman plays the T20I series in South Africa, which ends on December 2. Malan will also need to complete 14 days of quarantine after arriving in Australia.

“Keemo is another exciting young player in the early stages of his international career,” Griffith said. “A bowling allrounder with very good skills, Keemo uses different types of slower balls and loves bowling at the death.

He’s also a hard-hitting batsman that can clear the fence, adding more power to our lower-middle order to finish off an innings.”

The BBL remains on track to begin on December 10 with games being played in hubs

Zahir Khan joins Melbourne Stars after playing with Brisbane Heat last season. (Getty Images) in Tasmania, ACT and Queensland prior to Christmas.

There are games scheduled to be played in Adelaide between Christmas and new year too. However, a recent Covid-19 outbreak in Adelaide’s northern suburbs has created a number of headaches for Cricket Australia with the Strikers being forced to leave South Australia at short notice on Tuesday. Those who played in the last round of the Sheffield Shield in Adelaide also remain in quarantine in other states.

There has been no change to the BBL schedule yet and no confirmation of any of the venues for the games in January in February.

However, curators at the Marvel Stadium and the MCG in Melbourne have been told to prepare their drop-in pitches for BBL matches in January.

The MCG held a smallscale practice run for hosting socially distanced spectators on Tuesday ahead of the upcoming Boxing Day Test against India and the BBL fixtures being held there in December and January.

Brazil beat Uruguay as Cavani sent off AFP - First-half goals from Arthur and Richarlison helped Brazil to a 2-0 win over Uruguay, who had Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani sent off in their 2022 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

Five-time world champions Brazil were fortunate to be two goals up at half time in Montevideo after Uruguay had hit the woodwork twice at either end of the half.

The victory left Brazil on top of South America’s qualifying standings on 12 points with four wins from four games. Uruguay have six points from four matches.

The win also extended B r a z i l ’s l o n g r e i g n o f dominance over the Celeste, who have not beaten their fierce rivals since 2001.

Cavani’s sending off

with 20 minutes to go capped a miserable night for his side, despite having the better of things for much of the first half.

Chilean referee Roberto Tobar showed him a yellow card after his lunge caught Richarlison on the ankle.

But after a VAR check, that changed to red, leaving Cavani incredulous, and he left the pitch reluctantly.

Brazil almost drew first blood after two minutes of a lively opening, when Uruguay keeper Martin Campana parried a close range shot from Gabriel Jesus after the Manchester City striker bought a yard of space on the edge of the six-yard box.

Almost immediately, U r u g u a y ’s 2 1 - y e a r- o l d B e n i f i c a s t a r, D a r w i n Nunez, turned Brazil fullback Danilo inside the area and rattled Ederson’s bar after a neat pass from River Plate’s Nico De La Cruz.

Uruguay fashioned another gilt-edged chance w h e n N a t h a n N a n d e z ’s cross from the right was headed over by Cavani.

Brazil had most of the ball, but could find no way through a well-marshalled Uruguay midfield.

They finally broke through however with their first real chance in half an hour, and with a large slice of luck.

Feeding on a slick layoff from Gabriel Jesus, Arthur’s shot from outside the area took a wicked deflection off the back of Uruguay defender Jose Gimenez, wrongfooting the luckless Campana, who could only watch it bounce into the net.

Two minutes later, a slick through ball from the Juventus forward put L i v e r p o o l ’s Roberto Firmino in on goal but his left foot shot lacked the power to beat Campana.

Brazil gradually got on top on midfield as the half wore on, and struck a body blow to Uruguay’s hopes of a revival when Everton striker Richarlison headed in a long cross from Renan Lodi out on the left, to score his 8th goal for Brazil.

It was a cruel blow just before half time, emphasised when Uruguay skipper Diego Godin powered a header against the Brazil bar from a free kick by De La Cruz.

Showing slickness on the ball, Brazil began to cruise in the second half, even without the injured Neymar.

Uruguay missed the physical presence of Luis Suarez, out with a positive Covid-19 test, and Brazil center halves Thiago Silva and Marquinhos had the better of a sometimes tasty encounter with their former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Cavani.

PAGE 26

Thursday November 19, 2020

Kaieteur News

RHTYSC Cricket teams launch Christmas outreach Programme - Donations made to Police, ‘B’ Division, Williamsburg Health center and others

RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster hands over donation to the Williamsburg Health Clinic.

The ten cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS on Monday last launched their 2020 Christmas Outreach Programme by making donations to several organisations across Berbice.

The ten teams handed over donations to the Berbice River Cricket Association, Police ‘B’ Division, Williamsburg Health Center, ST. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church and the Little Angel Feeding Programme.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, who is heading the RHTYSC Christmas Programme along with his deputy Simon Naidu and Organising Secretary Rabindranauth Kissoonlall, stated that this year’s edition would be the largest of its kind since the outreach programme started in 1990, the same year that the club was founded by the ST. Francis Community Developers.

The teams due to the

ongoing Covid-19 pandemic would be unable to host their annual Christmas Village in its full glory but would be distributing one thousand food hampers, five thousand Christmas toys, clothing, footwear and educational materials including school bags across the Ancient County. Additionally five hundred single parent households would receive a Christmas package and hundreds of senior citizens would benefit from a special Christmas breakfast.

Hundreds would also receive a warm meal along with refreshments during a Christmas Feeding of the Poor programme.

The Berbice River Cricket Association on request, received a donation of cricket balls and scorebooks from the RHTYSC while the Berbice ‘B” Division of the Guyana Police Force received a donation consisting of cricket balls, batting gloves, football, batting pad,

scorebooks, youth information booklets and a quantity of Covid-19 educational posters. The Williamsburg Health Center, which looks after newborn children in the Rose Hall Town to Albion area, benefitted from a donation of items including electric fans, toilet covers, buckets, small water dispenser, weight scale, paint, clocks, scotch tape among others, while the Little Angel Feeding Programme, based in Albion received a financial contribution towards providing toys to less fortunate kids.

The ST. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church in Port Mourant also benefitted from a financial contribution of fifty thousand dollars towards two projects, the Church is undertaking in its compound. Foster, who is also the President of the Berbice Cricket Board, also used his influence to obtain a donation of white sand for the projects from a New

Egypt’s Salah, Elneny test positive for COVID-19 again (Reuters) - Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah and Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny have returned another positive test for COVID-19, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said

yesterday.

Salah had previously tested positive for the coronavirus last Friday, on the eve of Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Togo, while Elneny tested positive three days later.

Salah, who is the joint leading scorer in the Premier League this season with eight goals, will miss the visit from league leaders Leicester City on Sunday. He is also likely to be ruled out of Liverpool’s Champions League game against Atalanta next Wednesday, while Elneny is expected to miss Arsenal’s trip to Leeds United on Sunday and their Europa League clash at Molde on Nov 26.

Hilbert Foster hands over cricket gears to the ‘B’ Division Commander Jairam Ramlakhan.

Amsterdam based businessman.

Foster explained that the RHTYSC was quite passionate about making positive difference in the lives of others and as such, the ten cricket teams every year are mandated to undertake a combined 320 personal developmental programmes under a wide range of subheadings including charity,

youth development, community development, educational, social, religious, anti-drugs, anti-crime and environmental.

Foster hailed the outstanding work of the teams and the executives of the club, noting that despite the eight months long pandemic, the RHTYSC was well on the way to achieve its target of seven hundreds

activities for 2020. Asst Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu stated that several organisations would also receive donations over the next month including orphanages, cricket clubs, Berbice Umpires Association and senior citizens homes.

Representative of the five groups expressed gratitude to the RHTYSC for their contribution.

Stickers launch in B’ce a success

The launching of the Stickers fund raiser in Berbice on Saturday.

The launching of the ‘one people, one Nation, one destiny I support sports and culture’ Stickers over the weekend in Berbice in front of the Payless Variety Store was a success.

Despite heavy showers in New Amsterdam in Region six over the weekend, 115 stickers were sold.

Spokesman for the Guyana committee of service, Lyndon ‘Jumbie’ Jones, the organisers of the fund raising event, said the

proceeds from the sale of the Stickers (which cost $500 per pair) will go towards financing the purchase of running shoes for athletes in Guyana’s second largest County.

“It went well although we did not have the time to do everything we wanted to do.

We want to involve Vendors and sell Stickers all across Guyana,” Jones informed.

The stickers could be placed on cars, stores, windows and doors and

shows the support of the development of Sports and Culture in Guyana.

Among those collaborating with the Guyana Committee of Service, for the successful completion of this activity are Andy Midas-King, a Guyanese born American athletics coach and the P a y l e s s Va r i e t y St o r e w h i c h h a s l o c a t i o ns in Berbice, West Coast Demerara and Georgetown.

(Sean Devers)

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 12, 2020

PAGE 27

Micquel Perez is Minister Ramson supports GBBFF to new MSC Chairman stage “Resilience” Bodybuilding Event Micquel Perez was elected Chairman of the Matarkai Sports Council (MSC) when the body held its annual general meeting and elections on Sunday last at Port Kaituma Community Centre, Region one.

Janice Moses will serve as Vice Chairperson, Linden Green Secretary, Anetta Blair Assistant Secretary, Rohilda Mendonca Treasurer, Linden Green Assistant Treasurer, Anetta Blair Public Relations Officer and former Chairman Sherlon Rodrigues Assistant Public Relations Officer.

One Committee member was elected from Baramita, Matthews Ridge, Arakaka, FallsTop, Four Miles, Oronoque, One Mile, Citrus Grove, Canal Bank and Sebai.

The Election was witness by the Matarkai NDC Chairman Mr. Orlando Thorne and RDC Councillor Ms. Margaret Lambert.

Micquel Perez According to Assistant Public Relations Officer Sherlon Rodrigues, the new Executive hit the ground running as the team visited Citrus Grove Playfield along with the Regional Engineer and NDC Overseer. The upgrading of the facility is expected to commence soon with one million dollars which was given to the community by the NDC. Mr. Ryan James Culture and Youth Officer was the Returning Officer.

Church’s Chicken - 12 teams bats for Big indicate interest in Man Cricket participating

G u y a n a ’s f a s t e s t growing and number one fast food chicken outlet, Church’s Chicken, has joined the growing list of sponsors for the Big Man Cricket Tournament in Guyana scheduled to commence on Sunday, November 22, 2020. When approached by the BMC-G C o m m i t t e e , C h u r c h ’s officials readily agreed to sponsor such a noble and worthwhile venture and absolutely loved the theme of the tournament. They did indicate that they were very happy that this tournament would be featuring teams from across the country and, in addition, matches will be held countrywide also.

Church’s Chicken has many outlets outside of

Georgetown, namely, New Amsterdam, Linden and Vreed-en-hoop. They also have restaurants in Middle St, Avenue of the Republic and Mandela Ave. Most recently, with the advent of COVID, Church’s has begun opening Drive through at the former JR Burgers Building, Sandy Babb St, Kitty and another at the corners of Aubrey Barker road and David Rose street (Former Royal Castle location). Both locations offer Curb-side pick-up services which are also available at most of Church’s Chicken locations.

The 12 teams that have so far indicated their interest in participating in the Big Man Cricket Tournament are: Upper Corentyne; Jai Hind; (Continued on page 19)

In photo Minister Charles Ramson Jr. (centre) hands over the ministry’s contribution to the executive of the GBBFF who paid a visit to his office.

C

ome December 12th the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation and Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport collaborated bodybuilding and fitness competition will be staged at the National Culture Centre.

The event will be live streamed and held under strict covid-19 protocols with Athletes, backstage

personnel and the executive of the GBBFF required to stand 6 feet apart from each other.

While backstage, athletes will be required to wear their masks and to maintain the mandatory physical distancing.

Judges will be seated 6 feet from each other and will be required to wear their masks.

Culture, Youth and Sport

Minister Charles Ramson Jr. Tuesday made a donation to the GBBFF to aid the effective staging of the event.

Fans at home will see competition in the: Bodybuilding Light weight (all athletes at 165 pounds and lower), Bodybuilding Heavy weight (all athletes at 166 pounds and higher), Bikini and Men’s Physique.

Guest Poser is Reigning

CAC Gold Medalist, several times Mr. Guyana Champion and one of Guyana’s top elite athletes Mr. Kerwin Clarke.

Prizes will see the top three finishers of each segment receiving cash prizes as follows: 1st Place: $100,000 2nd Place: $70,000 3rd Place: $50,000 And the overall winner of the Bodybuilding segments will receive $200,000.

Keemo Paul launches one into the night sky, Trinbago Knight Riders v Guyana Amazon Warriors, Port-of-Spain, CPL, August 27, 2020 ©Randy Brooks - CPL T20/Getty

t r o Sp

Olympics: Athletes’ Village

must be safest place in Tokyo, IOC official says Keemo

John Coates, Chairman of the Coordination Commission for the Games of the XXXII Olympiad Tokyo 2020, and President of Tokyo 2020 Yoshiro Mori bump elbows after attending a joint press conference.

(Rodrigo Reyes Marin/Pool via Reuters)

Paul joins Hurricanes, Zahir Khan signs with Stars as BBL juggles travel arrangements

Brazil beat Uruguay as Cavani sent off

Brazil’s Richarlison (R) scores against Uruguay during their closed-door World Cup qualifier in Montevideo.

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