Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR NEWS

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

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November 28, 2020 - Vol. 14 No. 46

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

Price $80

offer guidance"

- Trotman, Patterson on absence from Parliamentary Natural Resource Sub-committee

Guyana erred by allowing Exxon to dump toxic water in ocean - Former EPA Head warns of rising temperature p.

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Trotman shifts blame to World Bank on controversial oil sector hires p.

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Online readership yesterday 114,589

Race Baiting Just after the People's Progressive Party lost the 2015 elections, they quickly accused the new A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change Coalition government of 'ethnic cleansing'.

Not a single case was however r e f e r r e d t o t h e Constitutionally-sanctioned body, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC).

Now, recent history has come full circle. Faced by increasingly embarrassing revelations about its giveaway of lands, both before and after it spent five months seeking to rig an election, the Coalition, now itself in opposition, is making serious and strenuous charges about ethnic targeting.

When asked about whether or not a single case of this was reported to the ERC, the excuse given for not doing so was that this constitutional body was ineffective, with AFC Executive Cathy Hughes citing some nebulous complaint made just after elections which the ERC merely acknowledged.

This is the same Hughes who around that time had made the perhaps equally credible complaint about secret Russians coming to Guyana to hack the elections and being deported.

It is clear that the standard distraction of losing incumbents, to avoid scrutiny

of their corruption or wrongdoing by the new regime is to race bait.

Both APNU and AFC, for example, have refused to speak to the particular charges of Bond's arrest, and the surrounding issues of the massive land giveaway that took place under the Granger administration, even as it was defying the legal effect of the No Confidence Vote and trying to illegally and indecently overturn the will of the people after losing the March 2 elections.

That such an irresponsible statement should come from the PNC would not be surprising since it has been the PPP's complement and twin in exploiting racial division in this country.

That it should come from the AFC is not surprising either, just further proof that the party of change has now become an appendage of its coalition partner.

Ethnopoliticisation is the primary hurdle to Guyana's development and has been since the pre-Independence era.

What we need is a direct and honest conversation about how race divides us, and how it continues to infect our politics.

What we continue to get however, perhaps expected from politicians, is cheap, insidious and exploitative racial theatre.

SOCU confiscates Foreigner charged Bond on bail for over $9M from for running criminal Peter’s Hall land giveaway scandal drug convict scheme, illegal entry - Fraud charges expected soon p.

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Patterson unsure about Harmon’s oil press conference commitment p. 14

Listen to what your leaders don't want you to hear and know...11:am today on 99.1/99.5FM radio (Rebroadcast)

Kaieteur News

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Saturday November 28, 2020

Linden vendor body found with gaping wound to throat, wrist A 54-year-old vendor was yesterday found motionless

with gaping wounds to the throat and wrist, behind a

shack at Wismar Housing Scheme, Linden.

The deceased is identified as Dwane Williams called

“Sweetie Man� of Wismar Housing Scheme.

According to the police report, the incident had occurred between the hours of 21:00 hrs. on Thursday and 05:45 hrs. on Friday.

The nephew of the deceased reportedly told police that Williams had visited him and his mother, where he spent some time then later, informed them that he was leaving to go home and cook. The nephew further reported that he received some information about 05:45 hrs. yesterday from persons in the area that his uncle was seen lying behind a shack.

The police were subsequently summoned to the scene and the body was examined, where it was reported that a gaping wound was seen to the throat and another to the right wrist. Investigators further revealed that the area was searched and a knife was found.

The body was taken to the Linden Hospital Complex and later to the G-Jetsco Funeral Home awaiting a post mortem examination.

According to Region Ten Commander Hugh Winter, no arrest has been made so far. Investigation is still ongoing.

Saturday November 28, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 03

Guyana erred by allowing Exxon to dump toxic water into ocean - Former EPA Head warns of rising temperature

By Kiana Wilburg

D

uring his time as head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams, was insistent that oil giants like ExxonMobil must conduct their operations following international rules and standards while adhering to the local laws and regulations. The environmental engineer kept true to this approach up to his last assignment before being sent on leave in August last.

During a recent interview on Kaieteur Radio's programme, “Governance, Corruption and Justice,” the former head revealed that he was the person leading the charge that ExxonMobil should have in place, the relevant technology to re-inject any and all toxic water extracted during the oil production process. Dr. Adams was asked to be part of the team that was responsible for reviewing ExxonMobil's

Former EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams field development plan for the Payara project which would produce 220,000 barrels of oil by 2025.

Unfortunately, he was not allowed to be part of the conclusion of the consultations as he was unexpectedly sent on 126 days leave, with the government announcing

recently that his contract would not be renewed. Once he was out of the way, ExxonMobil, it appeared, got its way since it was not required to put any technology for re-injection in place for the Payara project.

In fact, the company's environmental permit states that it can go ahead with dumping toxic water into the ocean so long as it is treated to international standards.

The permit also calls for a feasibility study to be done to assess the cost of reinjecting the water.

Upon taking note of this, Dr. Adams said he is of the firm belief that Guyana has made a great blunder. He said, “Now this toxic water which you are referring to is usually called 'produced water.' It is the water that comes up when you drill for the oil and extract it. It's basically high brine content

in some reservoirs.

Now brine could be several times the salinity of seawater, etc. It's really salt, and it has all kinds of minerals in it and we don't know what they are or what effect it can have on the marine environment.”

He added, “The water is also hot because it's coming from very, very deep beneath the seafloor. As a matter of fact… the temperature close to the Liza Destiny (increases) by like 38 degrees centigrade. That's hot! So you can't tell me that that's not gonna impact the environment…”

Dr. Adams also stressed that the World Bank has set a standard which states that the first option for disposing of produced water must be re-injection.

The experienced professional who has over 30 years' experience working the US Department of

Energy (DOE) said, “I worked in the oilfield as a field engineer, production engineer, reservoir engineer, and every drop of produced water had to be re-injected into the reservoir…”

The former EPA Head said that ExxonMobil's dumping of the water works out cheaper for the company while alluding to the fact that there will be long term effects for the environment.

He said that ExxonMobil simply did not want to invest $300M in technology to keep Guyanese safe.

“So what they are saying in other words is that the health, safety and the environment of the people of Guyana is not worth this US$300M,” the petroleum engineer concluded.

In a previous interview, Dr. Adams had expressed concerns about Payara project being allowed to dump produced water into

the ocean since this is already occurring for the Liza Phase One Operations.

It will also occur for the Liza Phase Two Project.

Research conducted by Kaieteur News notes that studies are required to be done to assess the environmental risks of the produced water's toxicity on marine life before granting approval for the disposal of it into the ocean.

In Guyana's case, not a single study was done for the Liza Phase One or Two Projects. Yet, the authorities of the day went full steam ahead with allowing this to occur.

Dr. Vincent Adams had told this newspaper that the Liza Destiny vessel in the Stabroek Block is already dumping 4,000 barrels of produced water into the ocean and in about six years, it will get to about 300,000 barrels.

Trotman shifts blame to World Bank on controversial oil sector hires F

ormer Minister of N a t u r a l Resources, Raphael Trotman yesterday said that the former David Granger government relied on the due diligence of Guyana's development partner, the World Bank when it made three controversial hires of entities linked to ExxonMobil, to consult on oil & gas matters which concern the supermajor.

Kaieteur News has shown how several entities are linked to ExxonMobil, but were asked by the Coalition government to review or produce content to regulate the major's work.

Situations such as this tend to constitute a conflict of interest.

Trotman said that when he was Minister, he made attempts to engage law firms of the best quality, and that most of them responded that they weren't able to advise because they were conflicted.

“That is to say that they had some arrangement with either Exxon or a subsidiary,” the former Minister said.

However, the hires in question occurred after the Trotman was stripped of the oil & gas portfolio.

Trotman said that Dr. Mark Bynoe, who was the Energy Director at the time these hires were made,

would be the best person to answer.

However, based on his experience, he echoed thoughts shared by Dr. Bynoe when asked about one of the hires, that the Government would be hard pressed to find large, reputable firms not linked to any of the oil majors in some way.

“In this industry,” he

said, “where there is a closed number, there are only about 5 companies in the world that have the deep offshore experience, ENI, CNOOC and I believe Exxon being one of them.

So there's a difficulty immediately in finding companies that are not in one way or the other, either presently or in the past associated… At the end of

t h e d a y, i t i s a l m o s t impossible to find any of the big law firms and the big companies that do reviews and impact assessments etc., that have not at one time or the other worked for one of the five majors.

He does not believe that any of the matters could be adjudged conflicts of interest “on the face of it”, that there are degrees to any potential

conflict, which would require further examination.

“So it's difficult for us to say upfront that it was or was not.”

The Coalition Government had hired UK b a s e d c o n s u l t a n t , D r.

Michael Warner to produce a local content policy for Guyana's oil sector, which would regulate Exxon's local (continued on page 18)

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Kaieteur News

Saturday November 28, 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

And yet…

This has been a cruel year, a brutal year. It has been a year that has already earned the label of epoch-defining, demonstrating how fragile a thing humanity is. Heralded it seems by the death of American basketball star, Kobe Bryant, his daughter and their friends, the novel coronavirus with its curious name slowly began to spread its tentacles throughout the world from its origin in the Chinese city of Wuhan, a metropolis few outside of China had ever heard of before.

Here in Guyana, a fairly tepid election campaign season ended up metastasizing into what would eventually be the globally condemned attempt by incumbent David Granger to steal an election he had clearly lost. For five months Guyanese endured, against the backdrop of heightening political tensions and a global pandemic, a theatre of the baleful and the banal, machinations to subvert the already flawed Constitution executed to the rhythm of the inane and Orwellian mantra, “I have always abided by the Constitution.”

In August, we exited – after great struggle and Coalition attacks on the characters of everyone from Caribbean leaders to the judiciary – to an upsurge in coronavirus deaths.

Shortly after, while we were supposed to be at least attempting to heal from the divisions of the failed postelection coup, the unthinkable happened, with the brutal murders of the teenaged cousins, Josiah and Isaiah Henry, a horrific crime that sent the villages of West Coast Berbice in uproar. Before things could calm down, another teen boy, Haresh Singh would be brutally killed in the backdam.

Also, from earlier this year, we began to have some significant insight into precisely how much we were screwed over, when it comes to the oil deals by first one government and then another. Money that was supposed to enter this society in a flood that would raise all boats equally, was found to be irrigated into shady reservoirs controlled by major oil companies and unknown local and foreign ‘investors’ while a trickle flows to the people of Guyana.

In this year, despite a lockdown, our road fatalities have rivaled the previous year’s, and while there has been some slowdown from before, this year continues previous trends of far too many women being murdered in clear acts of gender-based violence.

As Shakespeare had the character Claudius wax poetically in ‘Hamlet,’ “When sorrows come, they come not single spies. But in battalions!” This year has seen a siege of sorrows of Biblical proportion.

Still, if we have been tested in 2020, we have proven resilient. For the most part, Guyanese have endured and come out at least surviving, despite the best efforts of circumstance and our own, often senseless action to the contrary.

Over 200 years ago, a Japanese poet and priest summed up the human condition most beautifully and more simply and accurately than anyone before or anyone since. Wrote Kobayashi Issa two and a half centuries ago: This world of dew Is a world of dew And yet, and yet…

The year is coming to a close and life, all things considered, seems to have no intention of being any less unrelenting for the average Guyanese. And yet…

Sustainable Development Goals will not be met if corruption continues to grow Dear Editor, President Irfaan Ali’s government is aggressively implementing actions and plans to address major challenges, including the global pandemic, an unstable democracy, the defense of territorial and maritime sovereignty, climate change and the development of infrastructure.

But successes will be short-lived or unstable, if a culture of corruption is allowed to grow and persist.

That is why Dr. Cheddi Jagan never denied, ignored or downplayed the fact that corruption is one of the main causes of instability, inequality and poverty. His government “set their face sternly against corruption and extravagance,” because it retards human development by undermining democracy and good governance, by eroding the rule of law, by hampering diverse economic growth, by preventing competitive and fair business conditions, by harming the environment, and by facilitating the flight of financial funds.

Fighting against corruption works. Fenton Ramsahoye, Attorney General of the PPP government from 1961 to 1964, testified that “no Guyanese should ever forget

that it is possible to constitute and administer a government wholly devoid of corruption.”

Under the PPP governments, from 1957 to 1964 and from 1993 to 1997, Guyana experienced the best economic growth rates, social and economic development.

Corruption will undo President Ali’s people’s progressive program to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At least 312,000 persons, from all ethnic communities who live below or near the poverty line, will be deprived of access to quality services because they cannot afford private health care, private schools, private cars, electric generators and purifying water systems for their homes.

Corruption in Guyana is not rare. In a US Vanderbilt University 2009 Public Opinion Survey in Guyana, 22% of Guyanese responded that they had to pay bribes to officials in the following services - police, Customs, licences, electricity, water, construction and environmental permits, education, health and the courts. Among 24 Latin American and Caribbean countries, Guyana had the 8th highest rate for paying

bribes.

Corrupt persons come from all political parties, ideologies, ethnicities, classes, genders, religions, ages, sizes, shapes and colors. But now, many Guyanese are not willing to be silent when they experience corruption. They do not accept excuses like “public officials are not well paid and they need a ‘top up,’ or the paying of a bribe avoids bureaucratic delays, or it is not a big deal because everyone does it.”

At home and in the diaspora, letter writers to the Kaieteur News and the Stabroek News are speaking out against alleged grand and petty corruption. They are disappointed about how previous and present governments administer our new oil and gas sector.

They want transparency and they expect officials to properly follow due diligence procedures. They do not accept the silence or “memory loss” of key officials about how licences and concessions are granted in the natural resources sector.

They do not accept premature claims that no laws were broken. They are calling for President Ali to set up an independent Commission of Inquiry. If any politicians and

officials are found guilty of wrongdoing, then they want them to face the full force of the law, regardless of their political affiliation or ethnicity.

Letter writers are also highlighting concerns about how CEOs, executive staff and Boards of Directors are hired and appointed in ministries and public agencies; about how public tenders are awarded; about how scholarships are granted; and about the process to lease and sell public lands, especially in key locations on the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara.

People are also worried about warning signs that some Ministers and officials are demonstrating arrogant know-it-all attitudes and may be giving special treatment to their families and friends.

The greatest threat to Guyana’s future would be if corrupt politicians and public officials act like “a class for themselves,” and, with impunity escape sanctions, fines and dismissal.

All countries have corruption. However, the lesser corrupt countries like Canada, Denmark, Norway and Sweden practice a high degree of social and economic justice. These (Continued on page 22)

Maradona, the mighty and the sorry Dear Editor, I regret that Diego Maradona, fabled son of Argentina, is no longer of terra firma. But this boy from the barrio was of more than Argentina. He was of the world and one for the ages.

Even his embittered, one-time denouncers, the English, came around to admitting his sublime perch in the pantheon of the near-perfect.

Though he is no longer here, he always will be; there is so much to be admired, so much that were of the frightening.

Diego of the barrio, this Maradona, who scaled every Montaña with such breathtaking flair, such destructive force, while showing mere mortals of just what could be, even for a poor boy from the wrong side of the tracks. It is of what can be, if only we put our heads down and will our feet to take us to those summits that are out of this world, and then some. Our challenges are before us, and we can conquer, but only if we apply ourselves honestly and vigorously, at all levels.

I speak of Maradona, not so much as a tortured genius rising head over shoulders of the competition on the field

of football combat, but in his life, in this life, in which so much could be gained, then lost, and then sometimes regained again. He was that kind of man: full of flair, fuller of all too human flaws. Oh! He was a special one possessing of a rare extraordinariness, yet a man driven to the repeated edges of madness by the restless inner spirits that drove his soul, and which he could neither put his arms around nor rise to his full height and tackle head-on.

For as I recognize him, here was a player, who from the gifts that awed, could summon at will that which was a combination of earthly delights and celestial magic.

It was of a man gliding and kicking and controlling, while all the time strategizing, with a pedestrian football. His sight encompassed unseen visions of that flat green table of struggle and challenge that only he could fathom, only a Maradona could bring to life and make happen in wondrous splendor. And from those came the grand infinite possibilities only a man of such talent could explore.

He was always a step

ahead - several, truth be told of his contemporaries, whether they were campesinos or critics or champions. For a figure of under five and a half feet, he towered over taller, stronger, fiercer giants that stood before. He left them in his wake, gasping for breath, a maze of tangled shins, in a blur that bludgeoned first, and then took the breath away ever after. It was the struggling in vain to catch a fleeting shadow in football life, which he tried unsuccessfully in real life.

For such was his clashing internal makeup that it seems as if life itself stood in his way: too slow, too routine, too dull, and too unexciting. So, he had to be the fastest in his times. Maradona, given the fastest of open lanes and the shortest of distances, could not resist the lures and lusts of drinks and drugs.

Diego, the poor child in rich man’s clothing, could not overpower the ravages to his storied record, his yielding quivering flesh, his muddled mind.

The one that conquered a planet, found himself conquered by his own frailties of the flesh.

He did fight his personal

Falklands War and claimed his revenge in the most glorious - some would say an unmeritorious-way. That one he may have won, but he won no hearts for what will always be tainted a Pyrrhic victory.

And neither did he win the one with the bottle nor the battering treachery of cocaine.

There he was, a character out of real life, one lived his way and to the fullest, tradition and convention be damned. He was, at once awe-inspiring and degrading in the sum of his awful contradictions, a creature prone to his weaknesses, who always lived with life at his feet to kick around, while his hands and heart did the inhuman to his body.

Loved and hated, even by his own sometimes; the highs and bottomless lows woven by his spirit that demanded freedom to roam the world, as it pleased him. He is freer now, with an infinite vaster arena ahead of him. A role model of a kind, maybe; a conflicted genius, definitely.

Gone at 60. Thanks, Diego, for the sparkling, sometimes frightening, memories.

GHK Lall

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Saturday November 28, 2020

Kaieteur News

Hire car drivers replaced by roadside beer gardens Dear Editor, Please publish this letter so as to bring awareness to the citizens of Guyana as to the way law abiding citizens are being treated.

It is almost three weeks now that the East Bank hire car park was been cut by half leaving operators struggling for survival.

This matter has been brought to the attention of the Town Clerk, the Mayor of Georgetown, the senior police of Brickdam Station, with only promises made to look into the matter.

Nothing has been done.

So today, the drivers would like to bring to the attention of the relevant authorities our problems with a view of solving it.

If the police claim we have been removed to clear the road, then we invite the relevant authorities to see roadside beer gardens has been set up on the very spot the cars were forced out of.

These very beer gardens comprises of 10×10 tent, with old fridges and benches to sit on making the area looking

like a shanty town.

We are asking the relevant authorities if it is a deliberate act to remove us to accommodate more roadside vending?

These vendors cause more confusion on the road than we do as hire car drivers.

Please someone…do something for us in this time when Guyana is going through COVID-19 crisis and Christmas is near.

Help us to survive. Thank you… from the oppressed drivers.

Sheik Omar

Favouritism at GEA Dear Editor, I write to publicly express a growing concern with respect to the issue of fuel licences being granted and, in some cases, revoked by the head of the Guyana Energy Agency.

Recent evidence indicates an inconsistent application of the criteria for the granting of fuel import licences being

done by the head of GEA without any concern about storage capacity or experience in the handling of fuel.

There is also the question of favouritism which is currently being raised.

I, therefore, recommend a thorough review of the process by the new board to ensure that fairness and

transparency remain the guiding principles on w h i c h t h e o r g a n i sa t i o n functions.

I wish attorney-at-law Jerome Khan and his new board well and hope that their first order of business is a review and thorough assessment of the licensing process.

Stephen Smith, Jr.

What makes for good governance?

Dear Editor, You may ask the question what makes for good governance or what does it take for someone to command successful leadership in any country.

Some may blindly reply a sleek tongue or one that has the ability to sway a crowd and set everything in a rhythm going. This type of leader is what I would call the big party-style, which at the end of the debauchery most of those involved haven’t the slightest clue as to what has taken place.

It is only when the cold hard reality of the day has finally settled in, only then would they have been jolted to the seriousness of their position.

Then, if we are to hold on to that school of thought, then Forbes Burnham was undoubtedly the most successful leader of all times.

We make those assumptions based on what I have said earlier, that he was a great orator and having the capacity to move a crowd and set them in a frenzy, but at the end of the day what was achieved, where are we headed, if any? These are the questions you are forced to ask yourself when putting together the template of a good leader and when applying the test of good governance.

And I dare say Burnham does not pass the test when it comes to that acid test of governance, because his style of leadership stinks to the high heavens.

A stroll down memory lane reminds me of Burnham having a rally at The Square of The Revolution. As his usual start-up before any of

these rallies, he would surround himself with a bevy of oversize ladies especially in that part of their anatomy you know where.

At that rally, he gave a resounding speech in which he cut Cheddi to shreds. This was met with rapturous applause from those around him and from the crowd.

What a leader.

But at the end of it all what did we learn? What did we achieve? What did the nation benefit from that obnoxious display? And the answer comes back again - absolutely nothing.

All it showed was a leader who was skillful at using words but nothing else.

This bacchanal, quasicharismatic leader, at the end of the day, has nothing tangible to offer the nation to which he leads.

Ye s , h e w a s t h e s o called good leader of the people of the palm tree, but was that enough to be called a good leader? Is that the way a leader of a nation should operate?

Well, in the first place being a good leader means that you ought to be a leader of all of Guyana and not just a section of it.

Now, herein lies the distinct difference between the PPP/C and the PNCR. Burnham’s leadership style is follow-the-leader and do what he says unquestioningly.

Incidentally, this same dogma was parroted by his successor, Desmond Hoyte, and by Volda Lawrence in a recent speech to her party comrades.

Successive PNCR leaders hold this principle near to their hearts and as a policy

foisted on the people of this country. No wonder they lost the election and are baying at the moon in the Opposition.

No one in a modern dispensation would countenance that foolishness even if it comes wrapped in golden packaging.

On the other hand, I hold a differing view, and I am sure it is the view of my party.

I am not easily swayed by speeches. While speeches and oratory skills are great, I am at a different level in which I match words with action.

Good speeches in the hand of a con artist like Burnham were a weapon to befuddle all those who were willing to submit their minds to his demonic influences.

Thankfully, most of us weren’t of that school.

So, what makes the PPP/ C impregnable? Well, it is the unity of strength - that is the ability to convert theoretical oration into action or making words live.

The leader would lead, but he is not an autocrat.

Rather, he is a pilot that charts the way in forward thinking.

He is also a visionary, one who comes up with new and progressive ideas pregnant with goals for nation building.

This is what makes for good sustainable governance. Guyana is blessed to have that kind of leadership in the PPP/C and I urge all to give them your support as we go forward together in building a great Guyana for all its citizens.

Neil Adams

Traffic Situation Dear Editor, Each year we observe ‘Road Traffic Week’ but it all goes down just like nothing ever happened. Our greatest problems to my mind seem to be road engineering and traffic law enforcement.

Roads that were made many years ago to accommodate animal drawn vehicles and pedestrians have not made a successful transition to motorized vehicles’ daily use.

Our country seems left in an ancient time when we consider our traffic situation.

Even the new roads serve up great problems. No sooner are new roads opened that we find them not being able to accommodate the expected traffic properly.

Our planners and engineers lack vision and insight. Let’s check the Grove district. Here we find the

space that should have been left for future road widening fully occupied, thus making any widening an impossible task.

Sidewalks are few and non-existent in many areas thus we find that pedal cyclists, pedestrians and, yes, animals jostle for space on our roadways.

The baying of the politicians when in and out of government does not help, but serves to intensify our traffic woes.

The proposed new harbour bridge for Peter’s Hall is a disaster in the making.

This bridge is best sited at New Hope since this will give us a better chance of constructing new access and bypass roads making for easier flow of traffic in and out of Georgetown.

Our traffic laws call for the proper identification of all

vehicular traffic. Yet for all this we find electric motor bikes, ATVs and motorized assisted bikes being operated without licence plates. Doubt whether any of those I have seen carry third party insurance which is a legal requirement for such vehicles. Whereas the law speaks to a fixed white light being in front of vehicles, many of them these days sport headlights of varying colours. It is high time the competent authority gets serious concerning the observance of traffic laws and the design of proper roads and associated aids to road traffic. ‘Road Traffic Week’ observances must in future announce to us the achievements of road and road traffic improvements and not the recitation of grim statistics.

Cyril Walker

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Saturday November 28, 2020

Kaieteur News

Carte Blanche is fancy a French term.

It translates to “You could do whatever you want.” Subsequent governments continue to show that oil companies got carte blanche when it comes to Guyanese.

Exxon wants to dump wastewater and flare, threatening the environment, both PPP and Coalition give them carte blanche to do so.

CGX is collecting money from foreign investors but not drilling any actuall wells, both PPP and Coalition give them carte blanche to do so.

Kaieteur and Canje Block owners are getting millions of dollars of investments while they enjoy carte blanche deals when it comes to keeping finances secret from Guyanese.

Meanwhile, the only carte blanche that the average Guyanese can afford is a House Proud.

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Kaieteur News

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Saturday November 28, 2020

Bond on bail for Peter's Hall land giveaway scandal - Fraud charges expected soon

A

n elated James Bond was yesterday released on $200,000 bail after being held by police as investigations continue into the Peter's Hall land giveaway scandal.

Bond posted to his Facebook page, minutes

after, quoting lyrics from Sizzla Kalonji's 'Solid as a rock' with an image of him hugging PNCR Chair, Volda Lawrence.

However, his jubilation may be short lived as Kaieteur News understands that the senior People's National Congress Reform

(PNCR) member will soon be facing fraud charges.

He was reportedly asked to return to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters at Eve Leary on Monday.

Bond, also an attorney, is at the center of controversy regarding his involvement in

Region Six records 25 new COVID-19 cases

T

he Ministry of Health (MOH) yesterday reported 34 new COVID-19 cases, increasing the total number of confirmed cases to 5,310 as indicated in their daily dashboard update.

The dashboard shows that of the 35 newly recorded

cases, Region Six recorded 25 new cases. Region Three recorded two new cases, Region Four recorded six and Region 10 recorded one.

Further, the dashboard states that four persons are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 83 are in institutional isolation, 802

are in approved home isolation and 55 are in institutional quarantine.

The COVID-19 death toll remains at 149 deaths while 4,272 persons have recovered from the virus.

Additionally, 29,154 persons have been tested nationally to date.

a multi-million dollar land give away scandal involving prime state property at Peter's Hall, East Bank Demerara.

He is accused of being the mastermind behind land deals which saw 30 acres of state land being transferred to Chinese national, Jianfen Yu. Not only that, Bond was said to have also pocketed more than $120 million from both deals.

He was fingered by two businessmen embroiled in the scandal – Life 1 Pharms I n c . D i r e c t o r, Av a l o n Jagnandan; and Director of A-Z Pharmaceuticals Medical Supplies and Equipment Inc., Eddie Doolal. Kaieteur News was informed that the businessmen and Bond had a confrontation on Wednesday.

While in police custody, Doolal and Jagnandan reportedly told police that not only was the PNCR senior member the brains behind the operations, he also received a hefty payoff from both deals, amounting to more than $100 million.

Jagnandan and Doolal both leased from the stateowned National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) 15 acres of land situated at Plantation Peter's Hall, East Bank Demerara.

Kaieteur News discovered that both land deals carried glaring similarities.

Both companies were registered on March 1, 2017 and the lease agreement details for both companies were also identical – both agreed to pay US$11,700 plus tax in lease fees annually for a 20-year period; both received 15 acres in total and both agreements were signed on the same day – May 17, 2018.

This paper also discovered that both companies transferred its lands to Yu, on the same day

James Bond hugging PNCR Chair shortly after being released from the CID – January 28, 2020 and for the same price of G$100.

Those details would align with what was reportedly told to investigators by the businessmen.

Both businessmen relayed to police that it was Bond who encouraged them to startup companies and apply to NICIL to acquire lands.

Later on, Bond was said to have played a hand in the NICIL transaction and penned lease agreements for the businessmen. Bond was said to also have encouraged the men to transfer the state lands at a price. Bond reportedly also found the buyer, Jianfen Yu, whose address is listed as 43 We l l i n g t o n S t r e e t , Georgetown.

Instead of the businessmen receiving the funds from the sale, sources said that it was Bond who demanded to receive 50% of the payment for the land and both businessmen reportedly handed Bond close to $100 million.

That was not the only land deal that Bond also

allegedly benefited from.

Kaieteur News would have reported that Bond received a US$1 million payment from Trinidad logistics company, Lennox Petroleum, for the sale of 10 acres of land leased to ARKEN Group Inc. In that deal, ARKEN and its principal, Jermaine Richmond, leased from NICIL 20.8 acres of land at Peter's Hall on May 9, 2018 for a 20-year period at U S $ 1 6 , 2 2 4 p e r y e a r.

ARKEN later sold the 10 acres to local logistics company GLASS Holdings Inc. on October 10, 2019 for $200M. Like the other deals, instead of the principals of the companies receiving the payment, it was Bond who pocketed the funds.

Documents received by Kaieteur News showed that the monies were sent directly to a local bank account with Bond's name as the receiver.

Richmond, a one-time employee of Bond, is wanted by the police in relation to the deal but has so far not been detained.

Saturday November 28, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

Friends with lots of benefits W

h e n conducting a tour of a mining site operated by a foreign multinational, the Minister of Labour said he did not feel free. He ought not to; he was on somebody else's property and therefore has to be subject to their rules.

But it is not the company's rules which ought to trouble the Minister. He should be more concerned about the rules which will come down from his bosses within the government.

He should be worried about that because it is more than likely that the withdrawal of the remarks which he made would have been occasioned by the displeasure vented by his political handlers.

The PPP/C leaders are smitten by the propertied class. Criticism of and by this class makes the government become extremely jumpy. A few days ago, the government was virtually on its knees, grovelling at the feet of the private sector, after an illadvised and misguided statement emanated from an official of the Private Sector Commission threatening to pull out from the National COVID-19 Task Force.

The Minister of Labour may be pro-working class.

But he is part of a government that is in bed with the barons of the private sector. He therefore has to be careful about what he says about the friends of the government.

While the government may be pro-business, it is not pro-all-business. There is a segment of the bourgeois class which it favours, and a segment with which it dislikes. In the 2020 Budget,

the government announced concessions for selective investments in the hotelconstruction sector.

If the government had been supportive of the entirety of the private sector, it would have rolled out these concessions to all, but it does not wish to be seen to be granting concessions to a local hotel, which is expanding its operations.

Workers of Guyana must open their eyes. If the government is selective with the private sector, it is not going to be elective about workers. It has said nothing much so far about improving wages and benefits for workers.

Workers have suffered setbacks under the PPP/C. Legislation was passed which mandated overtime for work in excess of 40 hours per week. The government itself ended up breaching its own regulations. It was unwilling to pay drivers for the hours which they spend on the job waiting on their political masters. Some of these drivers have to sit for hours and wait while their bosses wine and dine at their leisure.

Presently, there is a demand for the national minimum wage to converge with the public service minimum wage of $70,000.

But you can bet your bottom dollar that this is not going to happen because the private sector friends of the government are going to revolt at the idea that they must pay their maids, gardeners and dog-walkers at this rate.

It is resistance from the private sector which is preventing the government from setting a standard national minimum wage. It is resistance from the private

sector which is preventing the government from enforcing its overtime regulations.

Foreign companies come to Guyana and are lavished with duty free concessions.

They enjoy concessions even on corporation taxes.

The only taxes which many of these companies pay are the taxes on workers income.

In other words, it is the workers who are paying taxes in these foreign companies.

Workers are treated as second class citizens. It is the foreign companies and the favoured local firms who enjoy the benefits.

The Minister of Labour will have his work cut out when it comes to dealing with private companies. He should start with the issue of overtime and meal allowances.

He should ensure that the overtime regulations are implemented and improved to the satisfaction of workers. He should insist on time and half pay for workers on Saturday and double pay on Sundays.

Then he should examine what some of these private companies are paying their workers. There are some supermarkets which are paying workers $1,500 per day to work from 9am until 6pm. These are the things which should make the Minister uncomfortable, not walking around a mining site while being tailed by company officials.

The company officials have a right to be at his heels.

He is their guest. He is on their property. No person, Minister or others, should feel at liberty to walk around freely as he or she pleases on some else's property.

If the Minister felt

Oil don't spoil boys Dem

seh...

D

e former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago bin seh how oil don't spoil. But it could spill and dem boys seh dat is why dem did never too excited about the country's oil find.

Guyana gat nuff oil.

Plenty oil passing. Yet we still gat fuh deh borrowing money fuh all manner of things.

Dem boys want to know if oil was so profitable, why we still borrowing.

Guyana find oil but it gan end up with more debt than before it discovered the oil.

Some of dem other country wah find oil end up in debt because dem went on a spending spree.

Guyana end up in debt because dem oil company deh pun spending spree.

Dem spending money like it is salt and dem billing we.

That is how de debt

mounting.

Dem boys wan people to know that instead of becoming rich, Guyanese gan end up wuss off because of de debt.

Is we politicians put we in dis bab-a-laps. Dem sign agreement with dem eye close and dem hands open.

Dem sign agreement with who dem nah know. One man can't even read what he sign.

Talk half and wait fuh see all de oil spoil.

uncomfortable walking around that mining site, you can imagine how he is going to feel when he visits some of these sweatshops which are being operated by elements

of the bourgeois class, the same class which is in bed with his government.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not

necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Saturday November 28, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Saturday November 28, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Granger files notice to not oppose the Elections Petitions F

ormer Presidential candidate of the A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) party, David Granger, has indicated by way of notice to

the Court that he will not oppose the Elections Petitions, which challenges the results of the March 2, 2020, Regional and General Elections.

According to a Notice

seen by Kaieteur News, the move is in keeping with provisions of Section 27(1) (a) and (2) of the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act Cap1:04 and rule 25 of the National

Assembly (Validity of Elections) Rule Cap1:04; provisions which cater for withdrawal from the proceeding.

Section 27(1) (a) of the Act states, “that if before the trial of an elections a respondent other than the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) gives the prescribed motive that he does not intend to oppose the petition… the Registrar shall give notice thereof in the prescribed manner …”

Part Two (2) of the section further notes that, “a respondent who has given the prescribed notice that he does not intend to oppose the petition or for whom any person has been substituted shall not be allowed to appear or act as a party against the petition in any proceedings thereon.”

The notice comes days after the lawyers embroiled in the case argued of an application to have Granger struck from the list of respondents in the matter.

During the proceedings, Attorney Mayo Robertson, who represents one of the petitioners in the matter, held

the view that Granger is not a necessary part in the case and should be struck off.

Robertson's contention followed an application by Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, to have the entire election petition case quashed based on the fact that service of the case to both Granger and People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Bharrat Jagdeo was defective.

Lead Attorney for Jagdeo, Douglas Mendes S.C, argued however that the issues are bound up together and should be ventilated together.

“If the court decides that Mr. Granger is not a necessary party, then he will be struck out only from the proceedings but if the court decides that he is a necessary party, then the entire petition will need to be struck out…” he said.

The AG had previously filed an application for the dismissal of the petitions on the grounds that the matter was filed outside the timeline prescribed by the law for legal service on the parties involved.

Former Presidential candidate of the APNU+AFC party, David Granger According to the AG, the respondents were served in breach of Section II of the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act, Chapter 1:04 and Rule Nine of the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) rules.

In his application, the AG noted the documents were served on Granger four days outside the statutorily prescribed period.

He stated that the Affidavit in Support of Service of the petition filed

by Brennan Joette and Natasha Nurse shows the acknowledgment of service signed by David Granger on September 25, 2020, when it should've been served by September 20, 2020. “ I n t h o s e circumstances,” Nandlall asserted that, “the Court cannot proceed to hear the petition.”

Saga murder…

Prima facie case made out against ex-cops

Murder accused: Jameson Williams

A

prima facie case was yesterday made out against two former policemen, accused of being involved in the killing of Godfrey Scipio, known as “Saga,” who was shot dead in 2017.

The accused are, former best cop Derwin Eastman and Jameson Williams, a

Murder accused: Derwin Eastman former constable of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

When the matter was called yesterday before Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts, the Magistrate ruled that a prima facie case has been made out against the duo.

In her ruling the

Dead: Godfrey Scipio, known as “Saga” Magistrate stated that sufficient evidence was presented to the court for the duo to be implicated in the murder. As a result of the ruling, Eastman and Williams opted to lead their defense.

They are expected to call witnesses on December 11, 2020, when the matter is (continued on page 14)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Saturday November 28, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Container found at Haruni; contents at AFC office J

ust before there was a change in government in August, the police discovered a strange container deep in the bush near Haruni off the Linden highway. On reaching the container, the police removed the overgrowth, but the container had no markings on it.

A search of the structure revealed dozens of crates with Russian wordings. The police sent for pry bars to wrench open the crates but the station in Mackenzie had none. After hours of waiting for the bars, words spread that a squad of policemen was in the bushes at Haruni.

A crowd gathered.

People thought they found a body. The consensus of the crowd was that the police were visiting a murder scene. The police asked the viewers to leave. The police managed to secure four crow bars from a private business

place. While opening the crates, the villagers returned and were again ordered to leave but this time, the police were distracted by what they found so the crowd got closer.

There were millions of pens and erasers. All the ranks were nonplussed. What a container was doing off the Linden highway with pens and erasers?

An immediate dispatch was sent to Eve Leary. A high-level team travelled up led by the officer who had ordered that Assistant Commissioner Edgar Thomas be removed from the GECOM Command centre in the Ashmin building during the rigging there. Just to refresh your memory about that incident.

A GECOM staff member had ordered GECOM commissioner, Sase Gunraj, to leave the building and he objected on the grounds that he had the authority to be there

and that the staff member was junior to him and cannot give him an order. Police operations at the centre was led

by Thomas who cancelled out the edict to remove Gunraj telling the lady that she was out of place to treat a GECOM commissioner like that. Thomas was immediately removed and assigned to street duty to monitor the traffic outside the Ashmin building.

It is interesting to note that the Thomas incident will be featured in two autobiographies that are being written, one by GECOM Chair, Claudette Singh, and the other by the Commissioner of Police at the time (since retired) Leslie James.

A source told me that in the James memoir, the Guyanese public will finally know why at a press conference, James said that apart from alleged bribery, the Charrandass incident also involved

national security.

Since Charrandass returned to Guyana, I spoke with him several times and asked him what James meant by the national security remark.

Here is what happened.

After Charrandass left for Canada, and with the bribery story swirling around, the police raided what they thought was Charrandass' home in Canje, Berbice. In the building, they found $10 million Russian rubles and fake passports belonging to several countries. One passport had the name C. Mango and another with the name. K. Lolo. It wasn't Charrandass' home. The building was occupied by a group of Haitians who were illegal in Guyana.

That morning they had gone fishing and when they returned, the taxi driver told them what happened, so they never returned to the building.

The rubles were stored in the New Amsterdam station and were accidently thrown in the thrash by the cleaning lady who thought it was

discarded monopoly game money. I don't know if this will be in James' memoir but that is one of the explanations for James exclaiming that the Charrandass case involved national security.

The pens and erasers were taken to the AFC head office.

Frederick Kissoon A t a nA F C p r e s s conference, the AFC leadership displayed a sample of the items to prove that this was the evidence that a Russian group came to Guyana in February to rig the election for the PPP and was deported by the man who the Dem Boys Seh

column refers to as “Rumjattan.” A journalist from San Marino who was visiting Guyana at the time and who attended the presser asked how the pens and erasers would have been used.

Here is what the AFC told the press conference. At the bottom of one of the crates was found a document in Russian with the wording, “Operation Rigging.” It detailed how o n v o t i n g d a y, t h e Russians would sabotage GPL. During the blackout, some paid agent provocateurs would run into each polling station exclaiming, “Fire, fire!”

As the staff got up to run outside, the agent provocateurs would use a spray to alter their vision.

The Russians would then take all the ballots from the boxes, erase most of the votes for APNU+AFC and mark the X for the PPP. Believe it or leave it!

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

Kaieteur News

Saturday November 28, 2020

PAGE 13

SOCU confiscates over $9M from drug convict T

he Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU), earlier this month secured an order from the High Court to confiscate over $9M in total from a drug convict, on the grounds that the currency is the profits of crime.

According to the police, on November 13, 2020, SOCU secured the confiscation order from Justice Navindra Singh for the forfeiture of specified property, $9,713,400 seized and detained from Kevin Gordon.

Three years after he was charged for trafficking a quantity of cocaine, Gordon of Jib Housing Scheme, Essequibo, and his accomplice, John DaSilva, a farmer of Pomeroon River, Essequibo Coast, were earlier this year sentenced to two years imprisonment and fined $99,701,700.

In the handing down of his ruling, Justice Singh also ordered the State to transfer the currency to the consolidated fund as provided for pursuant to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act Cap 10:11, and for Gordon to pay cost of

$1,500,000 on or before December 18, 2020, to SOCU. According to the facts, on Sunday May 28, 2017 around 08:52 hours, at Parika, East Bank Essequibo, ranks from the Customs Anti -Narcotics Unit (CANU), conducted a search on a haversack that Gordon was carrying and discovered a quantity of narcotics and cash.

Gordon denied ownership of the money and told the officers that it belonged to a man named Deon Williams. Gordon was arrested and subsequently convicted for the narcotics.

It is reported that Williams told the officers that the money belonged to him and that it was from the sale of fuel.

However, the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) charged Williams since he was not licenced to deal in petroleum and petroleum products.

The court was satisfied with the evidence that was presented and that there was a breach in the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) Regulation and gave judgment in favour of SOCU by ordering confiscation of the cash as part of the proceeds of crime.

Convicted: John DaSilva (left) and Kevin Gordon

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Saturday November 28, 2020

Patterson unsure about Harmon’s oil press conference commitment B

e i n g t h e Opposition's shadow minister with responsibility for the oil and gas sector in the National Assembly, one would expect David Patterson to be au fait with the details of the Opposition leader Joseph Harmon's promised oil and gas press conference.

However, it appears as if Patterson was left in the dark, as he seemed unsure on whether Harmon would be upholding his commitment, at all.

It has been more than a month since that promise was made by Harmon and to date, there has been no word on when that press conference would be held.

Kaieteur News, for weeks on end, chronicled articles on the shoddy awards of the two lucrative assets that were signed away by the Donald Ramotar administration under rather

questionable circumstances.

The newspaper sought answers from those in high office.

B a c k i n O c t o b e r, Kaieteur News posed questions to Harmon about who the beneficial owners of the blocks are.

He had committed to passing on the questions to the Member of Parliament with responsibility for natural resources to see how they may assist.

Consequently, he explained, information may be shared in an upcoming oil and gas press conference to be held by the Coalition.

“We will have a specific press conference on oil and gas,” he had said, “and at that time, the question will be answered once it is posed.”

Asked yesterday at an Alliance For Change (AFC) press briefing if he was aware of the intended conference, Patterson said, “I have read it but

unfortunately, I have not engaged the Leader of the Opposition so obviously, I would not comment on that.”

Patterson then added, “But obviously, if the Leader of the Opposition...maybe will hold the press conference when it is convenient.”

For weeks, Harmon has been unable to reveal answers to specific questions regarding the Kaieteur and Canje Blocks as well as a date for the promised press conference.

He had told Kaieteur News at a recent press conference, “Let me say that I am not in a position this week to indicate to you.

However, I did say in my press conference last week that we will have a special conference on the question of oil and gas. That has not happened as yet. I will inform you when that will take place. But it is something that the team is

Leader of the Opposition, Opposition's shadow Joseph Harmon minister with responsibility with oil and gas, David Patterson looking at carefully. I am not in a position to say to you anything on those blocks, beyond what I have said and beyond what is published in the media, Kaieteur News in particular.”

Kaieteur News' reporters continuously posed questions to the Opposition Leader in hopes of getting clear answers on how these sweetheart deals were awarded.

H o w e v e r, H a r m o n continues to claim

ignorance.

Despite it being that the People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) signed away the blocks, the coalition that Harmon leads in the National Assembly is accused as being just as complicit.

It should be noted that for the entirety of the coalition's term in government, Harmon was a key figure at the helm of the Ministry of the Presidency.

He was Minister of State, then Director-General and throughout that period, the Ministry of Natural Resources fell under the Presidency.

This meant that he had direct access to the information being asked for and would not have had to rely on information from outside sources, since he should have already been in possession of such information while in government.

"We'll be available to offer guidance" - Trotman, Patterson on absence from Parliamentary Natural Resource Sub-committee

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hough being the most au fait with the oil and gas sector during their tenure in government, former Ministers David Patterson and Raphael Trotman were not included on the Parliamentary Natural Resources Sub-committee.

However, even in this absence, both men have given assurances that they will be ready and able to give support and guidance to the members of the said subcommittee.

During an Alliance For Change (AFC) virtual press conference, yesterday, the question was posed to both Patterson and Trotman about whether they were disappointed and concerned about their exclusion from the parliamentary subcommittee. To this, both of the former ministers replied in the negative.

In his explanation Kaieteur, Trotman who held the position of Natural Resources Minister articulated that the party took the decision to allow “fresher faces” to hold the fort, while he and Patterson assumed a 'behind the

Former Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman scenes' roles.

To this Trotman said, “The thinking behind it was that we would allow fresher faces, a fresh look at that committee, which was buttressed by the understanding that we [he and Patterson] both would make ourselves available for guidance and support for all of the new members.”

When pressed as to what areas Trotman would be focusing on, he indicated that he will be heading a cluster in areas of foreign

affairs, economic and business-related matters.

This cluster will see the support of Attorney-at-Law Amanza Walton-Desir and the former Business Minister, Khemraj Rajkumar, Trotman pointed out.

The former Natural Resources Minister further indicated that he hopes to act as a bridge between the opposition and the People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government for some matters, which are in the “national interest”.

Meanwhile, Patterson, who was the former Minister of Public Infrastructure, reminded the press yesterday that he still holds the position as shadow minister for oil and gas.

These questions were fueled after Patterson had resigned as the AFC's General Secretary in late S e p t e m b e r . N o t a b l y, Patterson highlighted in yesterday's press conference that he has rescinded that resignation, but that he only holds the position temporarily. In a Facebook post after the press conference, he clarified

further that he would retain the position until the party's conference next year.

Questions were posed to other AFC Executive Catherine Hughes, who now serves as an opposition member of the subcommittee, along with Former Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams and Members of Parliament (MP), Vincent P. Henry and Deonarine Ramsaroop.

Hughes was asked what issues are on the front burners as a member of the sub-committee, to which she said that their primary focus will be providing “very strong oversight at a parliamentary level of some of the current issues regarding oil and gas industry.”

Against this, she highlighted her concern over Exxon's increased flaring,

which has taken Guyana as now one of the top five countries in the world for volume flared per year, per capita.

H e a d o f t h e Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Sharifah Razack, had provided that Exxon flared 16.496 million standard cubic feet of gas per day in October – up from 15 million cubic feet per day before.

Prima facie case made out against...

From page 12 expected to continue.

Scipio of Durban Street, Wortmanville, had been selling at the Berbice car park for several years, and was known for wearing lots of gold jewellery.

According to the police, he was shot in the chest as he was leaving a city hotel on October 27, 2017.

Ex-con, Aubrey Bobb, 27, of Kitty, Georgetown, was last year committed to stand trial in the High Court for the murder of the businessman. After Bobb

was arrested for the murder of the businessman, he implicated Eastman and Williams, in the crime.

It is reported that Bobb alleged that E a s t m a n i s t h e mastermind behind Saga's murder, since he allegedly provided the weapon.

Police had stated that Bobb was nabbed at his William Street, Kitty, Georgetown home, which is located a few buildings from where the killing occurred.

Kaieteur News

understands that CCTV footage of the attack helped investigators to identify and track him down.

Bobb allegedly told detectives that he was in the area, and saw Scipio, who was wearing a gold chain, enter the hotel. At the time, Bobb claimed he was armed with an icepick, but later decided that a gun would be more effective.

It was also reported that when Scipio exited the hotel, Bobb relieved the businessman of a gold chain and shot him.

Saturday November 28, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday November 28, 2020

Saturday November 28, 2020

Virtual women expo saw over 20 exhibitors

Y

esterday, the fifth edition of the Women in Business Expo saw over 20 exhibitors showcasing their businesses at the Guyana Pegasus Hotel.

This event, which was hosted by the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts in collaboration with the Women's Association for Sustainable Development saw women from all parts of the country, new and old exhibiting their craft works, their products and providing services for persons.

In an interview, local fashion designer and event planner Sonia Noel, highlighted that due to the pandemic, the expo was unable to be held earlier this

year but she saw that there needed to be one before the year finished.

She explained that what she saw was that the women were losing their confidence not only in their businesses but themselves as well.

Noel further stated that she hopes with media coverage, this initiative would encourage women out there to get on board and for persons to get items for the Christmas season.

Speaking with Kaieteur News, some of the women at the expo expressed their gratitude to Sonia Noel for introducing them to this initiative, because it not only gives them exposure but it has impacted their lives in so many ways.

Orealla-Siparuta village council orders two week lockdown

T

he Orealla and Siparuta villages have been placed under a two week lockdown in light of a surge in COVID19 cases. The two villages share a village council, the Orealla-Siparuta Village Council, which ordered the lockdown on the two villages.

A n o ff i c i a l o f t h e Ministry of Health (MOH) told this publication that the villages recorded over 50 positive COVID-19 cases which led to the village council implementing the lockdown. The lockdown which began yesterday is expected to curb further spread of the virus as the village council seeks to exhaust every option to contain the virus.

Previous efforts by the village council to contain the virus included restricting travel between the two communities, located seven miles from each other. A gate was constructed at Tarcauli, which connects the two communities to bar persons from moving in and out and travelling by river in both villages was also restricted.

During the lockdown the Orealla-Siparutu Village Council is expected to distribute food hampers to each household, limiting the need for persons to be out of

their homes. Kaieteur News understands that it is possible that the village council will see possible donations from the Civil Defence Commission and any other body willing to donate as well.

Residents of both areas have been asked to comply with the lockdown measures and a strict warning was given stating that any person found breaching the measures will be dealt with accordingly.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, told another section of the media yesterday that the MOH did not advice the village council on a lockdown; however, they do have the right to implement a lockdown if they see it fit. He maintained that a lockdown is not necessary for the villages currently, as self-isolation itself prevents transmission.

Despite this, he said, medical personnel will remain in the area to continue monitoring the cases.

If an asymptomatic person starts developing symptoms, they will be closely monitored and if they are in need of urgent treatment, they will be transported out of the area to one of the Ministry's medical facilities, according to Anthony.

Kaieteur News Beckey's Blessing, exhibiting pepper sauce, pickles and seasoning is one of the booths alongside some of Sonia Noel's designs at the Women in Business Expo

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Kaieteur News

Saturday November 28, 2020

Trotman shifts blame to World...

From page 3 content commitments. Dr. Warner is a former employee of DAI, the contractor engaged by ExxonMobil to manage the oil giant's Centre for Local Business Development in Georgetown.

T h e G r a n g e r administration had also hired the UK based Bayphase to review ExxonMobil's Payara Field Development Plan (FDP). Bayphase's clients include ExxonMobil as well as NEXEN, a subsidiary of the Hong Kong-based China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) – Exxon's co-venturer in the Stabroek Block. Bayphase's clientele also includes Exxon's subcontractors operating here, such as Schlumberger and Technip FMC. Thirdly, the Granger government had hired the law firm, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, according to former Energy Director Dr. Mark Bynoe in February, to review Guyana's oil laws.

One month later, one of the

Former Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman UK's top publications, The Guardian, noted that the firm enjoys a 40-year-old relationship with ExxonMobil.

All three of the situations would raise red flags for any official conducting due diligence checks on prospective hires. All of the consultants, as Trotman said, received the blessing of the World Bank, as the aid to fund their work came from a World Bank loan.

Saturday November 28, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Sixth developer returns prime Ogle lands received from Coalition Govt.

C

a r i b b e a n Marketing Enterprises Incorporated (CMEI) is the latest company to return acres of prime lands at Ogle, which it had received from the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), under the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) regime.

CMEI, which comprises a group of foreign and Guyanese-American investors, had plans of constructing at least two “international flagship” hotels on the 21 acres of land it had received.

It even had conducted a sod-turning ceremony on February 19, which featured then Finance Minister, Winston Jordan.

In a statement issued on T h u r s d a y, c o m p a n y publicist Dr. Asquith Rose reminded that the company remarked had first tried to acquire the Marriott Hotel in

2006, which the former Government initially tried to sell.

However, it was unsuccessful, the developer said. It was then that it engaged NICIL on buying real estate in the Ogle area in close proximity to one of its major clients. “ A d m i t t e d l y, ” a statement from the developer read, “this was a very lengthy, tedious and transparent process with its fair share of frustrations coupled with ongoing costs and redundant paperwork.

Notwithstanding these issues, CMEI was finally able to complete the acquisition of 21 acres of real estate in the Ogle area.”

Notably, the conclusion of this process was done during the post-elections delay in Guyana and the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. These combined conditions have placed the company in a very u n f a m i l i a r a n d uncomfortable position,

(From left) Former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan; the recently sacked Head of NICIL, Colvin Heath-London; and representatives of Caribbean Marketing Enterprises Incorporated. (CMEI)

their publicist said.

Rose went on to say that these circumstances have seen the company choose to give up its 21 acres of land to NICIL, with the return of capital.

As this new process unfolds, CMEI hopes to engage in discussions with the Government regarding their development plans, services, and investments and the way forward.

N o t a b l y, t h e o t h e r companies that cashed in on the controversial deal include Premier Sales Incorporated; Trinuyana Investments Incorporated (Director, John Aboud);

Earl's Court Incorporated; and state firm, Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil).

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

Education Ministry to probe discrimination, bullying of Bishops' students by teachers

T

he Ministry of Education (MOE) will be investigating the recent claims of the alleged bullying and discrimination of students at The Bishops' High School by their teachers. This was revealed

by Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand who spoke on the matter after it was brought to her attention.

Recently, allegations surfaced from both past and current students of the institution on social media, claiming that they would have been bullied by teachers during the course of their school years. The bullying included using derogatory terms while referring to students, sexism, homophobia, harsh punishments and being publicly embarrassed, according to the students.

They lamented that these actions were not only verbally, emotionally and mentally abusive to them but they also left a trail of trauma.

In light of the mass complaints made, the

- students back at school following strike

The Bishops' High School

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand students also called for swift action to be taken against these allegations.

Additionally, as a result of the upsurge in allegations online, teachers of the school decided to strike, maintaining that the students were using social media to make derogatory statements about them. They also called for a retraction of the posts and an apology from a particular past student who initiated the complaints online.

Students were reportedly

sent home when they showed up for school due to the strike, bringing further attention to the matter.

Classes that were being conducted virtually were also suspended.

The matter was then brought to the attention of the MOE, where an investigation is expected to

take place.

Manickchand stated that every adult falling under the Education Ministry which includes teachers, headteachers and education officers have a duty in ensuring that they hold the best interest of students. She said that shutting down the school will never be in the

best interest of children and the entire ordeal is something that needs to be taken seriously.

The Education Minister contended that the situation warrants an investigation to not only verify what happened but ensure that such does not occur in the future by engaging with and

addressing the needs of students who felt like they were victims of the bullying and discrimination.

She further added that the Ministry is also looking to make sure that teachers are not on the receiving end of abuse.

Several students reached (continued on page 20)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Saturday November 28, 2020

AFC claims PPP/C Govt on racist spate - takes no concrete steps in response T

he Alliance For Change (AFC) held a press conference yesterday during which it accused the People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government of taking a series of racist actions, discriminating against Afro-Guyanese and pandering to its IndoGuyanese support base.

Yet, when asked whether the party has made a representation to the Ethnic Relations Commission ( E R C ) , f o r m e r Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Minister Cathy Hughes cast aspersions on the ability of the Commission to produce results, and only offered that the AFC will be participating in the ERC's announced Virtual National Conversation on improving

ethnic relations.

“With regard to the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC),” she said, “I think the media would know that they are planning an intervention, a forum, a virtual forum and there are members of the AFC that will be participating in that forum.

However, I would like to say that in our estimation, a lot of the ERC's current operations could probably best be described as procedural, and I say that because the coalition had written to them on some infringements within the first few days post March 2. We got a response and acknowledgement of receipt, and absolutely nothing else since then. We have seen on television, but mostly on social media, the

vilest of remarks and responses.”

She went on to describe one individual about whom the ERC received complaints for statements interpreted to be racially decisive, whose home was protested. The home of the Guyanese Critic (Mikhail Rodrigues) was protested for statements, which he made on his Facebook live.

Hughes said, “the ERC literally asked him to apologise and within 48 hours later, he was back to the old form.”

She even pointed to recent complaints about posts made by ERC Commission Roshan Khan on his Facebook page, which were interpreted by many social media users to be decisive.

AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan “So the ERC has a lot of work [which] it needs to do,” she added.

The list of complaints being made against the new government include the reopening of the sugar estates, pandering to its Indian support based.

The party said this is occurring “in the face of cogent and compelling evidence that this will result in a massive misspending of the country's monies…”

The party insists that the sugar industry will not be profitable. The AFC also said that it sees the firings of a series of public servants “substantially of one ethnicity” as provoking

trouble.

“This is an exercise of executive lawlessness.” The AFC said. “This makes a mockery of the insulation created by the various constitutional service commissions, Public, Police, Teacher and Judicial, set up to prevent the politicisation of appointments and dismissals. A cycle of hatred can be created from this uncalled for development which can segregate our Community further. The rule of law must govern such a policy which affects the employ of so many and on whom thousands depend on.”

The party also pointed to the issue of the squatters at Success, East Coast Demerara who were squatting on land belonging to Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), who were flooded out by the organization. It said that Afro-Guyanese formed part of this lot.

On the other hand, it said, “the AFC has noticed the regularisation of squatters at Conservancy Dam Canal No. 1 with provisioning of lights and water and the several at West Demerara from Ruimzeight to Mary, Zeelugt, and Parika where East Indians are predominant.”

L a s t l y, t h e A F C

c o n d e m n e d t h e announcement by the Government that it is considering instituting visa requirements for entry of Haitians.

“It is anti-regional integration, it is against the principles of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) and shows total disregard and contempt for the valiant struggle of those who fought to unite the peoples of the Caribbean.”

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan said. “The AFC wishes to remind the PPP Government that the free movement of people has long been viewed by all Governments of the Region as critical to regional integration and to be mindful that the CSME abolishes discrimination on grounds of nationality in all member states.”

It said that the situation is further exacerbated by the arrest and detention of Haitians entering Guyana, and called on the international community to condemn the PPP/C's actions.

“Right thinking Guyanese of all ethnicities must condemn this destructive polarising development. It is provoking an explosion in an already tense national situation,” the AFC said.

Education Ministry to probe...

From page 19 out to this publication, stating that while they are pleased that the matter is being investigated, they do not want it to be a one-time conversation then it just “disappears”.

“It's quite normal for situations like these to blow up in the press and then it dies down. We will be looking for actions not just talk. Our administration is usually very determined to ensure that students who speak out are kept silent [so]

I am happy it got out this time,” a student told this publication.

Many of them have commended the step by the Ministry to investigate the matter, hoping that it can come to a pleasant resolution.

Roughly three years ago, the administration came under fire when a teacher of the school was found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with female students.

A leaked recording had

surfaced where the headmistress at the time, Ms. Winifred Ellis was heard telling female students that they were “very loose” and said that they were encouraging sexual advances with those actions.

Ellis also criticised the students for not coming to the teacher's defence.

This resulted in her being heavily criticised, and persons including past Bishops' students, hosting a protest in front of the school, opposing Ellis' behaviour.

Saturday November 28, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

Despite failing to honour work programme…

PPP/C Govt. still grants CGX one year extension to drill well on Corentyne block

E

ven though CGX Resources Inc., a subsidiary of Canada-based exploration company, CGX Energy Inc., has failed to honour its previous exploration commitments on the Corentyne Block, the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration has still granted it a one year extension to get its act together.

According to the oil company, it has been granted a one-year extension (November 27, 2020 to November 27, 2021) to drill at least one well on the offshore concession.

Based on the original work commitments in the Corentyne block agreement, CGX was supposed to drill at least four wells by 2019. But this did not occur. CGX has only drilled two wells in 2012, both of which were abandoned — Eagle-1 was a dry hole and Jaguar-1 was capped for safety concerns.

Since then, CGX has made promises to drill more wells in search of oil.

Upon examining its 2012 agreement, Kaieteur News found that the initial period of CGX having the licence

CGX Chairman, Professor Suresh Narine lasted for a period for four years (2012 to 2016).

Within that time, the company was expected to drill two wells, one within 30 months and another within 18 months. As noted earlier, two wells were drilled during that time. Following this, CGX got the first renewal of the licence. This lasted for three years (2016 to 2019).

During this time it was expected to drill two more wells. The contract states that CGX must drill one well within 18 months and at the end of this period; elect to

give up the entire contract area except in those parts where it found oil or gas. If it does not want to give up the whole block, then it has to commit to doing more work before the three-year period is up.

Before the first renewal period comes to an end, CGX was expected to drill another well. At the end of it, the company can once again choose to give up 25 percent of the block or simply hand over everything.

Instead of honouring all terms of the contract it signed with Guyana back in 2012, CGX was able to get t h e A P N U + A F C administration to water down its work programme from having to drill two wells, to only drilling one well. According to the company's quarterly highlights for the period ended June 30, 2020, CGX disclosed that the APNU+AFC regime had approved an addendum to its work programme on December 15, 2017.

On December 19, 2017, Kaieteur News would have reported the company's promise to drill an exploration well by November 27, 2019; acquire

Foreigner charged for running criminal scheme, illegal entry

A

Nigerian man is charged for running a criminal scheme in which he allegedly swindled money from the pockets of several Guyanese, and for entering Guyana illegally.

The accused, Uche Raymond Okoye, also known as 'Uche Parker,' was charged by the Special Organization Crime Unit (SOCU), an arm of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

He was slapped with two counts of obtaining money by false pretense under Section 194 of the Criminal Law Offences Act. Cap 8:01; demanding money by menace, contrary to Section 224 of the Criminal Law Offences Act. Cap 8:01; and having entered Guyana by crossing the land frontier with Brazil and not presenting himself to the

nearest immigration officer: contrary to Section 34 (1) (b) of the Immigration Act. Cap. 14:02.

On Tuesday, Okoye appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts; when the charges were read to him, he denied that he obtained monies by false pretense and that he entered Guyana illegally from Brazil through Lethem.

According to the police, Okoye is alleged to being a part of a criminal organization which seeks to fraudulently receive cash deposits from Guyanese victims.

The criminal network involves Nigerian nationals who collaborate with other associates and solicit cash from their victims by promising high valued

products to be delivered following the payment of a charge or fee amounting to millions.

Okoye has since obtained cash from four victims so far. It is reported that the network has been ongoing for the past six months in Guyana and now links to several other countries: the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Peru, B r a z i l , Ve n e z u e l a , Argentina, Paraguay and the United States of America among other countries.

Senior Magistrate Daly remanded the defendant to prison and the matter was adjourned to December 7, 2020, for report.

According to the police, more charges will be laid against Okoye and other suspects as the investigation extends and more victims come forward with reports.

additional seismic or conduct seismic reprocessing by November 27, 2020 with another exploratory well in the Corentyne block by 2022.

However, the well which was called “Utakwaaka” and scheduled to be drilled in November 2019, was never drilled.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, CGX in its financial statements said that it received another modification to the addendum.

Kaieteur News understands that is resulted in the order of the work programme being changed.

The company was then

expected to complete additional seismic acquisition or seismic processing first and then drill one well. Again, no well was ever drilled.

It therefore means that even with the watered down work programme, CGX still did not honour all of its obligations.

PAGE 22

Saturday November 28, 2020

Kaieteur News LEGAL NOTICE

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K E N N E D Y (Last known Address) Lot 103 Triumph East Coast Demerara Guyana.

TAKE NOTICE that on the l “ day of November, 2019 a Petition for . Divorce was filed against you by BASMATTIE KENNEDY nee HOWARD, the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 16th day of January, 2020 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspapers, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web (Online).

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), an Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 28 (twenty eight) days from the date of the Second and final publication of this Notice.

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 11th day of January, 2021 at 10:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Damone Younge via Zoom Meeting ID: 895 85950404 and Password: 206125 at the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown.

IN DEFAULT of you filingan Acknowledgement of Service/ Notice of Intention to Defend, an Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed

LEGAL NOTICE 2019-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-13S2 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICT I O N FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO. FD-13S2 BETWEEN:(KENNEDY) BASMATTIE nee HOWARD Petitioner -and(KENNEDY) LENNOX JOSEPH Respondent TO: LENNOX JOSEPH

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE COMMERCIAL JURISDICTION 2020-HC-DEM-CIV -FDA-646 Between PRITIPAUL SINGH INVESTMENT INC. a limited

...Sustainable Development Goals From page 4 countries recognize and actively work to minimize corruption. On the other hand, more corrupt countries have huge socio-economic inequalities, a culture of silence, little accountability and integrity, overcomplicated procedures and high discretional authority for officials.

In many oil-producing countries, there is persistent poverty and w i d e s p r e a d corruption in their electoral systems and in their military, police, judiciary, legislature, bureaucracy and media.

In Angola, between 2007 and 2010, the culture of corruption and silence, enabled corrupt politicians and officials to steal an unbelievable sum of US$32B of state assets for their families, friends and associates.

For the next 25 years, we the people have to minimize

corruption so that the revenues from the oil and gas sector would bring lifechanging benefits for workers, farmers, the unemployed, the underemployed, the dispossessed, the marginalized, the poor and the hungry in all the ethnic communities and especially among women, youth and seniors.

What is to be done?

Guyanese do not have to be “trapped” in a corrupt system. The next letter will explore how, at home and in the diaspora, we must become corruption hunters and resisters at the national, regional and local levels in Guyana.

Geoffrey Da Silva

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

liability company incorporated under the laws of Guyana with registered offices at Me Doom, East Bank Demerara, Guyana Applicant andALISTER MC KENZIE Respondent NOTICE TO: ALISTER MCKENZIE Lot 124 Grove, East Bank Demerara.

TAKE NOTICE that the Fixed Date Application was filed on the 30thday of July, 2020, in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana at Georgetown, Demerara by PRITIPAUL SINGH INVESTMENT INCinwhich the Applicant claims: a. The sum of four hundred and thirty six thousand two hundred and eighty five dollars ($436,285.00) being monies owe and due to the Applicant. h. Interest on the sum of four hundred and thirty six thousand two hundred and eighty five dollars ($436,285.00) at the rate of 6% per annum from the date hereof until judgement and thereafter at the rate of 4% per annum until fully paid. c. Costs d. Any other Order as this Honourable Court may deem just.

UPON APPLICATION in person or by letter to Mr. Yoganand Persaud Attorneyat- Law for the Applicant, whose address for service and place of business is at Lot 185 Charlotte & King Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, copies of the Fixed Date Application, filed herein, will be delivered or sent to you.

AND TAKE NOTICE if you desire to defend this action you must forthwith within 28 days after the final publication of this notice, prepare an Affidavit in Defence in Form 10C prescribed in the Civil Procedure Rules 2016, serve it on the applicant’s attorney-at- law, to Mr. Yoganand Persaudwhose address for service and place of business is at Lot 185 Charlotte& King Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, and file it with proof of service at the Registry at Georgetown, Demerara, not later than 4 days before the date fixed for hearing of the application, and you or your attorneyat-law must appear at the hearing.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you fail to file such affidavit and or if you fail to appear at the hearing, final judgment may be given against you notwithstanding your absence.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that this matter stand adjourned for the Honourable Mr. Justice Sandil Kissoon on 18/12/ 2020 at 1:00 m.

Dated this 8th day of November, 2020

Saturday November 28, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday November 28, 2020

Saturday November 28, 2020

...Ishant Sharma out of Australia series as Kohli blasts ‘confusing’ From page 28 Complicating matters was his father falling ill in Mumbai, which delayed Rohit’s arrival at India’s National Cricket Academy to begin his rehab.

Kohli said the way the matter had been handled was “very confusing” and that both players should be in Australia to complete their recoveries.

“It definitely would have increased the chances of both of them playing Test matches,” he said in video comments from his hotel room in Sydney ahead of the opening one-dayer against Australia yesterday.

Kohli, who has been undergoing a mandatory 14-day quarantine along with the rest of the India squad, said he was expecting Rohit to be on the plane to Australia with everyone else.

“We had no information whatsoever on the reason why he’s not travelling with us,” said the skipper, who will return home after the opening Test for the birth of his first child.

“And after that, the only other information officially we’ve received by mail is that he’s in the NCA a n d h e ’s b e e n a s s e s s e d and he’ll be further assessed on December 11.

“So from the time that the selection meeting happened to the IPL finishing and now when this email came about his assessment in the NCA, there’s been no information.

“There’s been a lack of clarity and we’ve been playing the waiting game on this issue for a while now which is not ideal at all. So it’s been very confusing and there’s been a lot of uncertainty and a lack of clarity around the situation.”

India play four Tests against Australia in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane following their six-match limited overs series.

Saturday November 28, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) If your lifestyle is very different from others, resist feeling self-conscious about it today.

Remember that you chose your life for specific reasons.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Enhanced determination could motivate you today, Taurus, giving you the zip to plow through your work.

Finish projects that have been pending and think about what you want to tackle next.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Are you feeling the effects of today's low-key planetary aspects, Gemini? Take heart - it's only temporary.Do your best to take things one step at a time and make some plans for a little fun this evening.

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Kaieteur News

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Getting through any work you have to do shouldn't be a problem for you today, Libra. Even if you flag for a bit, you're likely to get a second wind, and this will give you the drive.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Working within boundaries and restrictions could get to you toda y.

Yours is an independent spirit, and your best achievements are often born of doing things your own way.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Chances are that you'll feel upbeat and positive today.

Share this energy with others who feel less than content.

CANCER(June21–July22) Make some plans for recreation, Cancer. Having something fun to look forward to can make even the toughest times far easier to handle.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Chances are that you'll feel upbeat and positive today.

Share this energy with others who feel less than content. Who do you know?

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Don't judge someone just because his or her lifestyle differs from what you consider normal. You may be traditional, but not everyone shares your view of relationships.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Try not to let the blues get you down, Aquarius.

While it's true some days can seem to drag, the busier you stay, the faster time will pass.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Friends seeking advice or a shoulder to cry on may be plentiful today, Virgo. And you're one of best people to provide the support and caring they need. Just don't give so much to others that you have nothing left for yourself.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Dare to be different, Pisces.

It's easy to fall into routines - sleep and eat at the same time, wear the same style, and do your work the same way every day. Before you know it, you're in a rut. The only way to pull out of it is to decide to break free.

...Organisers ...Hamilton fastest in await govt Bahrain GP practice From page 27 recently called on the authorities to ensure players are allowed to train during quara n t i n e , w h i l e R u s s i a ’s Daniil Medvedev said it would be “dangerous” to be confined to a hotel room for two weeks and then go straight into a Grand Slam.

Melbourne yesterday completed 28 days since the last reported locally-acquired case of novel coronavirus infection.

Due to border restrictions between states and varied quarantine requirements by local governments across the country, TA plans to shift all buildup tournaments for the Grand Slam to Victoria.

The report said the ATP Cup, the 24-nation men’s event which made its debut this year in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney as a Grand Slam tune-up, would be cancelled in 2021 though other ATP and WTA leadup events would go ahead.

ATP had no comment on the report but the governing body is expected to release the 2021 calendar in early December.

TA said a decision on the ATP Cup was yet to be taken and the organisers would only be able to finalise details of lead-up tournaments to the Australian Open once dates and quarantine details are finalised.

...Doctors warn over Delhi’s From page 30 curfew because of the rising number of cases, according to media reports.

Kosgei, who is visiting India for the first time, acknowledged her concerns about travelling for the race.

“We have definitely been affected by Covid-19. I had to convince my parents and family back home to allow me to visit Delhi for the half-marathon,” she said.

“The virus has affected most of the sporting events.

But it is important for us to take care of ourselves.”

As in other countries, nearly all sport in India has been cancelled.

After repeated delays, the Indian Premier League cricket went ahead in the United Arab Emirates and the Indian Super League football is being held in a bio-secure “bubble” in Goa.

From page 28 came out again this time because of a dog that had run onto the circuit.

The session finally resumed for good with 27 minutes left on the clock, with Verstappen at the top of the timesheets before Hamilton reestablished his supremacy.

Sergio Perez, who had gone third fastest in the opening session, ended the day fourth quickest in his Racing Point ahead of Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo and Pierre Gasly in the AlphaTauri.

Lando Norris was seventh for McLaren ahead of Lance Stroll in the other Racing Point.

Gasly’s AlphaTauri team mate Daniil Kvyat was ninth.

The crashed Albon, who had set a time before his practice-ending smash, rounded out the top 10.

Ferrari, who had locked out the top two spot in every session of practice and quali-

fying in Bahrain last year, failed to make the top 10 in either of Friday’s two sessions.

Sebastian Vettel, the most successful driver in Bahrain with four wins, was 12th.

Team mate Charles Leclerc, who was on course for an almost certain win in Bahrain last year until engine problems denied him, was 14th.

Alfa Romeo reserve driver Robert Kubica made his fourth practice appearance of the season, taking over Kimi Raikkonen’s car for the first session. At Williams, development driver Roy Nissany got some track time in Briton George Russell’s car.

Drivers also dedicated some of their yesterday running to evaluating new prototype tyres for 2021.

Tomorrow’s race in Bahrain is the first of a whirlwind Middle East tripleheader that wraps up the season.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 28

Saturday November 28, 2020

Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser relives ‘Hand of God’ match Maradona’s Hand of God was responsible for England’s elimination from the 1986 World Cup. (Offside/L’Equipe)

B

BC Sport - The Tunisian referee from England’s infamous defeat by Argentina at the 1986 World Cup says he is “proud and honoured” to have helped Diego Maradona score the ‘goal of the century’.

Maradona, who died on Wednesday at the age of 60, beat several England players on a mazy dribble from just inside his own half before scoring to put Argentina 2-0 up, four minutes after scoring the controversial goal he famously credited to the “Hand of God”.

Referee Ali Bin Nasser, now 76, also said he had no option but to award the first goal and recalled how Maradona gave him a signed shirt when they met again in

2015.

On the second goal of the game, Bin Nasser told BBC Sport: “He took off from midfield, and I was shadowing him closely.

When you’re refereeing someone like Maradona, you can’t take your eyes off them.

“They tried to take him down on three occasions, but his desire for victory kept pushing him forward.

“Every time I would shout ‘advantage’ until he reached the box.

“I was watching from outside the box, wondering how this player shook off three defenders, and sprinted for nearly 50 metres. I thought ‘the defenders will try to take him down now’. I was expecting that to happen and was ready to whistle for

Ali Bin Nasser recalls the day Maradona came to meet him in 2015. (Getty Images)

a penalty.

“To my surprise, he dribbled past another defender and the goalkeeper [Peter Shilton] to score what would become ‘the goal of the century’.

“I’m proud and honoured as a person and as a referee for having played a role in that historical achievement.

“Had I whistled [for] a foul in any of the first three contacts, we wouldn’t have witnessed something that magnificent. That advantage I gave is one my proudest achievements.”

Bin Nasser added that the 1986 quarter-final, played in front of nearly 115,000 fans at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City was the “highlight” of his career, despite his decision to the controversial first goal.

“I remember it vividly,” he continued.

“The English defender [Steve Hodge] had the ball, sent it back and Maradona was in the air with Peter Shilton, and they were both facing away from me.

“They were facing my assistant referee, the Bulgarian Bogdan Dochev.

“I was hesitant at first, I glanced over to Dochev, who was headed back to the centre of the pitch, confirming the goal. He didn’t signal for handball.

“The instructions Fifa gave us before the game were clear - if a colleague was in a better position than mine, I should respect his view.”

Dochev, who died in 2017 aged 80, would later say that “Fifa did not allow

assistants to discuss decisions with the referee”.

“If Fifa had put a referee from Europe in charge of such an important game, the first goal of Maradona would have been disallowed,” he insisted.

However, Bin Nasser says the sportsmanship shown by the England players was “beautiful”.

He recalled: “Gary Lineker came over to me and said ‘please referee, handball!’ I replied: Please play!’

“To me, that was 100% a goal according to Fifa guidelines.”

Secret hopes Lineker pulled a goal back for England with nine minutes remaining and then came close to an equaliser.

“When England scored

their goal, I secretly wanted them to score the equaliser,” admitted Bin Nasser.

“I wanted to enjoy that game for 30 more minutes. It was an absolute joy from start to finish.

“Despite the heat that day, I wanted things to go on.

It was a beautiful game between two great teams.”

When Maradona came to Tunisia in 2015, he visited Bin Nasser at his home.

“I told him ‘it wasn’t Argentina that won the World Cup that year, it was Maradona’,” said the Tunisian.

“He replied: ‘Had it not been for you, I wouldn’t have been able to score the goal of the century.’

“He gave me a signed jersey that said ‘Para Ali Mi Amigo Eterna.’”

Pollard blames erratic, undisciplined bowling for Windies loss SportsMax - West Indies white-ball captain Kieron Pollard blames his side’s erratic bowling for their fivewicket loss to New Zealand in Auckland yesterday.

After the West Indies made 180 for 7 from their reduced allotment of 16 overs due to rain, New Zealand replied with 179 for 5 off 15.2 overs to win by Duckworth/Lewis method.

Keemo Paul bowled five no-balls while conceding 39 runs from three overs while Kesrick Williams served up a steady diet of half-volleys going for 33 runs in two overs. Meanwhile Fabian Allen yielded 32 runs from two overs as New Zealand raced to a comfortable victory.

Notwithstanding the West Indies batsmen losing five wickets for one run after scoring 58 from the first 19 balls of their innings, P o l l a r d ’s c o m m e n t s suggested that had the

bowlers done a better job, the outcome might have been different.

“It was an entertaining game of cricket for the fans and the general public, something that they haven’t got for a very long time. In terms of disciplines, in the bowling aspect of things, I thought we were a bit erratic, a bit indisciplined and in international cricket if you bowl so many no balls and if you are so inconsistent in your execution, you’re definitely going to end up on the losing side,” Pollard said.

Despite losing three wickets in the first six overs, New Zealand were going at close to 10 runs an over before Ross Taylor got run out without scoring to leave the home side at 63 for 4.

Pollard said the West Indies failed to capitalize.

“Having them go at the start at 10s and 11s, you want to get a couple of wickets and put them on the backfoot,

Keemo Paul (l) bowled five no-balls while Kesrick Williams served up a steady diet of half-volleys to the New Zealand batsmen. exactly what we did. I just thought we were not disciplined enough to stay in the game a bit longer and carry down to the end

because sometimes you’re going at 12s, 13s, comfortably but when it’s crunch time, sometimes the pressure wants to get the

better of you, coming down to the end I thought a couple less boundaries and we would be right in the game.”

Pollard said he will not

be put off for the loss and vowed to bounce back for game two today.

“I am here for the fight. I am not going to back down.”

Saturday November 28, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 29

Lockie Ferguson five-for, battling Jimmy Neesham-Devon Conway stand give New Zealand victory ESPNcricinfo - New Zealand hosting West Indies in a T20I at Eden Park always promises drama. It’s where the two teams played out the first ever bowl out in 2006, and then the first ever Super Over, called the oneover eliminator at the time.

And yesterday, international cricket returned to New Zealand after a gap of eight months, and the teams served up a night that had it all - towering sixes, fantastic fast bowling, three rain interruptions, and in the end, a five-wicket win for the home side, brought home by a debutant and two allrounders while chasing a revised target.

Lockie Ferguson was the first hero of the night, precipitating a collapse of five for one for West Indies, who had raced to 55 without loss from three overs with five fours and three sixes after being put in to bat by Tim Southee. Kieron Pollard then led a stunning rearguard to record a career-best 75 not out, and took West Indies to 180 for 7 off their 16 overs.

New Zealand set about their revised target of 176 in right earnest, but lost four wickets including Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor for a combined total of five runs. That’s when debutant Devon Conway combined with Jimmy Neesham to take the attack back to the visitors, plundering 41 and 48 not out, respectively, and Mitchell

Santner brought up the winning runs in the final over.

The dramatic start: Take 1 There were two rain interruptions inside the first two completed overs, after Southee opted to field, keeping his seam-heavy bowling combination and the overhead conditions in mind. The first delay took place after just four legal balls by Southee himself, with two wides, and a gorgeous cover drive from Andre Fletcher fetching West Indies seven. Southee handed the second over to debutant Kyle Jamieson, and Fletcher went after his extra bounce and pace on offer with relish, with Brandon King also joining in the fun as 18 came off the second over. The heavens opened up, for another delay, following which Fletcher and King pulled out the drives, cuts, and straight swipes down the ground to pick up 29 off Hamish Bennett’s first over. At the three-over mark, West Indies looked set for a massive total with 55 on the board, and a power-packed batting lineup yet to come out.

The dramatic start: Take 2 That’s where Southee handed the ball to Ferguson, and the match swung, soon after King had placed the first ball of his spell through the covers for three. Fletcher

had a swipe across the line at one that decked in from outside off, and was bowled.

Shimron Hetmyer’s patience lasted all of three balls, as he tried to make room to punch the last ball of the over, and ended up nicking through to Tim Seifert. In the following over, Southee had King drive one down third man’s throat, and surprised Rovman Powell with a short ball, that he played down to Ferguson at fine leg. Ferguson came back to beat Nicholas Pooran with a pacy full toss, and West Indies had lost five wickets for one, ending the powerplay at 60 for 5.

Pollard and Allen fight back Pollard and Fabian Allen started with caution, but kept the early tempo going when scoring avenues opened up for them, taking West Indies to 96 for 5 at the halfway mark, when another light shower sent the teams into the dugouts. After resumption, West Indies were left with 16 overs to complete their innings, and Pollard decided to target the fifth bowler’s quota, given to Santner and Neesham.

N e e s h a m ’s f i r s t o v e r produced three sixes and a four for Pollard, and by the time Ferguson returned to remove Allen, he had already added 84 runs off 50 balls with his captain. Ferguson also got Keemo Paul to nick one to Seifert, making him just the second New

Brathwaite’s 246 pilots Windies to 571 against New Zealand ‘A’

S

portsMax - New Zealand ‘A’ were 45 without loss at stumps on day two of their warm-up match with t h e We s t I n d i e s i n Queenstown.

Chasing the Caribbean side’s mammoth 571 all out, the home side batted through the final 15 overs of the day without much trouble on another placid track. Henry Cooper 19 and Rachin Ravindra, 22, will resume batting on day three.

Earlier, Kraigg Brathwaite’s 246 was the foundation for the West Indies’ mammoth total. He was eventually out to a Michael Rae delivery after facing 400 balls in a knock that lasted almost 10 hours.

He hit 17 fours and a six.

Resuming from his

overnight 183 and the West Indies 353 for 3, Brathwaite and Jermaine Blackwood, 19, took the score to 429 when Blackwood was bowled by Rachin Ravindra for 53. Blackwood scored his runs from 82 balls in his 115-minute stay at the crease during which he hit four fours. Together the pair that came together at 322 for 3, put in 107 runs in 27.1 overs as the West Indies continued to build on their massive total. Brathwaite was the sixth wicket to fall with the score at 483 after 130.4 overs of batting.

Raymon Reifer, 46, Jason Holder, 24, and Shane Dowrich 23 contributed to the lower order effort that took the West Indies to their final total. Of note was the 53-run, ninth-wicket stand

between Reifer and Alzarri Joseph, who made 22.

Cole McConchie was the best of the bowlers with 3 for 130 from 36.1 overs in which he claimed the wickets of Holder, Reifer and Rahkeem Cornwall who failed to score. Rae took 2 for 100 and Ravindra 2 for 102 were also among the wickets.

Scores: West Indies 671 (Kraigg Brathwaite 246, Darren Bravo 93, John Campbell 45, Jermaine Blackwood 53, Raymon Reifer, 46, Jason Holder, 24, Shane Dowrich 23 and Alzarri Joseph 22: Cole McConchie 3 for 130, Michael Rae 2 for 100) versus New Zealand ‘A’ 45 without loss (Henry Cooper 19 and Rachin Ravindra, 22).

Fabian Allen and Kieron Pollard shared an explosive stand to get West Indies back on track, New Zealand vs West Indies, 1st T20I, Auckland, November 27, 2020 ©Getty Images Zealander after Southee to take a five-wicket haul in T20Is, but the challenge for New Zealand was always to restrict Pollard. Pollard finished with some frenetic hitting, celebrating his fifty with a 100-metre six to the roof off Santner.

Unlikely heroes The hosts needed quick runs, and when Sheldon Cottrell got Guptill to edge one through to Pooran behind the stumps, West Indies would have fancied their chances of making inroads. However, Pollard’s bowlers let themselves down, often going too short and offering width, which allowed the likes of Seifert, Conway and Glenn Phillips to keep New Zealand within sight of the required rate.

Oshane Thomas briefly sparked West Indies’ hopes,

dismissing Seifert and Phillips, who suffered a freak injury when his kneecap popped out as he smacked Allen over long-on for a massive six, and then Ross Taylor ran himself out in his eagerness to get his first runs.

Neesham came out to join Conway, and the two of them set about taking the attack to the West Indies bowlers. Kesrick Williams was singled out for special treatment by the two Neesham hit the first two balls he faced for four square on either side, and then picked up 20 off the first four balls he delivered for his next over. Paul, too, was guilty of missing his lengths far too often, and the batsmen made the most of Eden Park’s angles to keep picking him for boundaries. Eventually,

Pollard came on and dismissed Conway, but Paul’s erratic bowling came to the fore with New Zealand needing 29 from the last three. He bowled four noballs in all, the first for overstepping, and then all of the others for high fulltosses, and though there were no boundaries scored, Neesham and Santner kept the score ticking over.

Santner swung two sixes in the last two overs, including one off the last ball delivered by Pollard, to bring up a 1-0 lead for New Zealand in the series.

Scores: New Zealand 179 for 5 (Neesham 48*, Conway 41, Thomas 2-23) beat West Indies 180/7 (Pollard 75*, Fletcher 34, Ferguson 5-21, Southee 222) by 5 wickets (DLS method).

Organisers await govt nod to allow players to train in Australian Open quarantine M E L B O U R N E (Reuters) - Australian Open organisers said yesterday that nothing regarding the quarantine for players arriving in the country for the Grand Slam had been decided yet despite a report in local media that competitors would be able to train while in self-isolation.

The Age newspaper reported that the men’s governing body ATP has told the players that they would be allowed to train during

their 14-day quarantine period ahead of the Australian Open.

A Te n n i s A u s t r a l i a spokesperson told Reuters that the organisers are still waiting for approvals from t h e Vi c t o r i a s t a t e government for all details on the year’s first Grand Slam, including those relating to practice during quarantine.

Organisers have been in lengthy discussions with authorities over the COVID19 protocols to be

established for those arriving in Australia ahead of the Melbourne Park tournament, which is slated to be held from Jan. 18-31.

State officials on Wednesday confirmed the Melbourne Park tournament would go ahead, though it would likely take place a week or two after the scheduled start date and that players would have to undergo quarantine. Men’s number one Novak Djokovic (Continued on page 25)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Saturday November 28, 2020

Maradona’s daughter Dalma, 33, pays emotional tribute to Argentina legend with childhood photo

The daughters of the late Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, Dalma (left) and Giannina, leave the Casa Rosada presidential palace at the end of the wake in Buenos Aires. (AFP via Getty Images)

D

aily Mail D i e g o M a r a d o n a ’s eldest daughter yesterday told her dad ‘see you soon’ in her first emotional tribute since his death on Wednesday.

Actress Dalma Maradona, 33, one of the soccer legend’s two children with ex-wife Claudia Villafane, posted a touching photo of her pushing a daisy into her father’s football socks as a child.

In the caption she wrote:

‘I always feared my own death a lot but not now...because I know that is going to be the moment I am going to see you and hug you again.

‘I’m already missing you daddy. I’m going to stick it out here, without that piece of my heart that you took with you.’

Ms Maradona was one of the pallbearers at the funeral on Thursday and is mother to a 20-month-old daughter called Roma with husband Andres Caldarelli.

Actress Dalma Maradona, 33, one of the soccer legend’s two children with ex-wife Claudia Villafane, posted a touching photo (pictured) of her pushing a daisy into her father’s football socks as a child. (Dalma Maradona Instagram) She added: ‘I’m going to love you and defend you my whole life because I appreciate the life we shared together.

‘I’m devastated but I’m going to pull through.’

Referring to a famous song called ‘Como es el’ by Spanish songwriter Jose Luis Perales, she wrote: ‘Wait for me there. We’re going to see each other again. I’m going to practice “Y como es el” so that when we see each other we can sing it together again. Well,

you will sing it beautifully and I’ll shout it.’

She revealed her daughter Roma already loved her grandfather and would miss their video calls, adding: ‘If your granddaughter wants to make a video call to you like in the past, I’m going to die inside, but rest assured I’ll tell her exactly who you were, who you are and who you’re going to be for ever.

‘She already loves you.

Because you were like that....it didn’t take much to

love you.

‘I’m picking up my pieces and can’t imagine what my life will be like without you. I really can’t.

But here I am with the best husband in the world and a daughter who is going to make me carry on.

‘Life is fleeting so we’ll see each other again soon.

‘I’ll carry daisies to decorate your football socks and please look at me again with that love you see in the photo. I love you for always.’

Ms Maradona’s younger

sister Giannina was formerly with Man City star Sergio Aguero and they have an 11year-old son called Benjamin together.

Giannina has yet to make any public comment since her father’s death at his rented home near Buenos Aires.

He passed away in his sleep, less than a month after his 60th birthday, around midday on Wednesday. His death has been attributed to heart failure which caused a pulmonary edema.

Hamilton fastest in Ishant Sharma out of Australia series Bahrain GP practice, as Kohli blasts ‘confusing’ messages Albon crashes MANAMA (Reuters) Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton set the pace on the opening day of practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix with the fastest lap in a floodlit session that was interrupted by a stray dog and a crash for Red Bull’s Alexander Albon.

The Briton, who equalled Michael Schumacher ’s record world title haul at the last race in Turkey, stormed around the 5.4-km Sakhir desert track in one minute, 28.971 seconds last evening, having also set the pace in afternoon practice.

Red Bull’s M ax Verstappen, sixth in the first of the day’s two 90-minute sessions, emerged as his closest challenger with a time that was 0.347 seconds

adrift.

Valtteri Bottas, who completed a Mercedes onetwo behind Hamilton in the first session, slipped back to end the day third.

Yesterday evening’s running was interrupted by two red flags.

The first stoppage was caused by a heavy crash for Albon.

The Thai driver, under pressure to keep his drive at Red Bull, lost control of his car on the exit of the final corner and smashed into the barriers. He escaped unscathed, apologising to his crew over the radio.

No sooner had the marshals cleared away the wreckage of his mangled Red Bull than the red flags (Continued on page 25)

AFP - India suffered a blow yesterday with fast bowler Ishant Sharma ruled out of their Test series against Australia, as skipper Virat Kohli blasted a lack of clarity over the fate of star opener Rohit Sharma.

Ishant has been struggling with a side strain picked up during the Indian Premier League, and while he has recovered officials said he was not match fit.

“While he’s building up his workload in order to achieve Test match fitness, Ishant Sharma has been ruled out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy,” the Indian cricket board said in a statement.

Senior batsman Rohit hurt his hamstring last month and will have another assessment on December 11, six days before the opening day-night Test in Adelaide.

(Continued on page 25)

India captain Virat Kohli is unhappy about a ‘lack of clarity’ over the injured Rohit Sharma.

Kaieteur News

Saturday November 28, 2020

PAGE 31

Diego Maradona: Footballer laid to rest as Argentina grieves BBC News - Football legend Diego Maradona has been buried in a private ceremony after a day of emotional scenes in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires. Only around two dozen relatives and close friends attended the final ceremony on Thursday.

But earlier huge crowds turned out to pay their respects, with many weeping, blowing kisses and praying as they filed past his coffin. Maradona died of a heart attack on Wednesday aged 60.

His death triggered mourning around the world but nowhere was it felt more fiercely than in a country that saw him as a national hero. Maradona’s coffin draped in Argentina’s national flag and football shirt, bearing his trademark

number 10 on the back - was on public display at the presidential palace on Thursday. By mid-afternoon queues stretched back for more than a kilometre, and police clashed with mourners as they tried to close off the palace in anticipation of the wake scheduled for 16:00 local time (19:00 GMT).

There were reports of tear gas and rubber bullets being used as officers in riot gear struggled to hold back the crowd.

One well-wisher, Rubén Hernández, thought the police had overreacted.

“We were calm lining up and suddenly, the police started to fire rubber bullets,” he said, quoted by R e u t e r s n e w s a g e n c y.

“Crazy, I just want to say goodbye to Diego.”

Authorities were eventually forced to stop public viewing of the coffin to keep the peace.

The motorised funeral cortege drove his body to the Bella Vista cemetery on the outskirts of the city, where he was buried next to the graves of his parents.

Analysis by Katy Wilson – South America Correspondent The atmosphere varied greatly outside the presidential palace. Those waiting to go in were singing and chanting.

“If you don’t jump, you’re English,” is one of the favourite chants of Argentinians about the 1986 match with England and THAT goal - the Hand of God - something many here saw as a sort of payback after the Falklands War, known

Some fans clapped, others wept, as they filed past Maradona’s coffin.

(CASA ROSADA)

here as the Malvinas.

But on the other side of the square, there was another line with those coming out, many wiping away tears or hugging each other after processing what had

happened. This wasn’t just the death of Argentina’s superstar footballer, but the passing of a man that many saw as a national icon, a star who made Argentina famous - and most of all, a very

human role-model who Argentinians loved, flaws and all.

A man who was respected for achieving so much, yet never forgetting his roots.

Thomas, Sampson, Sinclair slam tons; Latif, Persaud, Fernandes, Arjune grab 5 for GSCL Inc Prime Minister’s T20 Cup 4

By Zaheer Mohamed

R

egal Legend’s Eric Thomas, Ariel’s Quentin Sampson and Spartans All stars’ Kevin Sinclair struck centuries, while Richard Latif and Roy Persaud of Regal All stars, and Jonathan Fernandes and C. Arjune of Spartans All stars bagged five-wicket hauls as the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc Prime Minister ’s T20 Cup 4 commenced in fine fashion yesterday.

Playing in the over 50 category at the Everest Cricket Club, Thomas struck an unbeaten 120 as Regal Legends rattled up 295-3, batting first against Rockaway Legends. Mahase Chunilall slammed 79 while Rudolph Baker made 38, Eon Abel 25 and Mahendra Hardyal 20.

Rockaway Legends responded with 147-9.

Dilshan Ramjattan made 39 and Ronald Jaisingh 29.

Persram Persaud claimed 323 and Laurie Singh 2-19.

Rockaway Legends beat Floodlights by eight wickets.

Floodlights took first strike and made 98-9 off their reduced quota of 18 overs.

Shaun Massiah scored 31, Clive Canterbury 20 and Rahaman Khan 15; R. Wilson took 2-18 and Ravi Lutchman 2-19. Rockaway Legends replied with 104-2 in 14 overs. Stewart Patrice

Richard Latif

Mohamed Rafeek

Kevin Sinclair

scored 43 and Seeraj Bhimsain 22.

New York President’s XI overcame Regal Legends by seven wickets. Batting first, Regal Legends managed 142-3 from their reduced 18 overs. Baker made 44, Abel 35, Jagdesh Bhoj 34 and Hardyal 23. NY President’s XI responded with 143-3 in 16.2 overs. Mohamed Rafeek struck 70 not out and Tony Fernandes got 21.

Parika Defenders defeated NY President’s XI. NY President’s XI batted first and scored 169.

Fernandes and Dennis Mangru made 29 and 23 respectively as Fazil Baksh took two wickets. Parika Defenders responded with 170. Baksh slammed 64 while Ramo Malone made 58. Darmendra Mohabir took three wickets.

Floodlights scored 91-6, taking first strike against

Savage Legends. Lalta Gainda made 33 not out, while Steve Narine and Richard Persaud got 17 each.

Vishnauth Persaud and Anil Rambarran picked up two wickets apiece. Savage Legends responded with 922 in 13.1 overs. Randolph Perreira and Latchman Yadram capitalized after they were both put down off Anil Beharry before they had scored. Perreira made 43 not out and Yadram 42. Surendra Nauth took 2-13.

Savage made 123-4 versus Parika Defenders.

Yadram made 38 and Ken Luke 37. Parika Defenders replied with 98-8. Glen Fredericks made 20; Vishnauth Gobin had 3-18.

In the All stars (open) segment at Queen’s College, Ariel posted 266, taking first knock against Cost Cutters.

Quentin Sampson slammed 112 while Eknauth Persaud

scored 64 and Brain Mangar 24. Cost Cutters managed 129 in reply.

Spartans All stars piled up 242-8, batting first versus Bartica. Kevin Sinclair stroked an unbeaten 100, while David Williams made 45 and C. Arjune 35. A. Husman took three wickets.

Bartica replied with 83 all out in 10 overs. R. Adams made 27; Arjune bagged 516.

Speedboat posted 226-4, taking first strike against Bartica. Ameer Yusuf struck 80 while S. Karim made 51 and Wazeer Hussain 40. A. Husman took two wickets.

Bartica made 103-8 in response. R. Adams scored 17; S. Hussain and I. Ivan captured three and two wickets respectively.

Spartans All stars scored 167-8 from their reduced 16 overs, taking first strike.

David Williams made 44 and

Eric Thomas Andy Narine 27. Marvin Bobb and Lakeram Latchman took three and two wickets in that order. Cost Cutters were bowled out for 47 in 11.2 overs in reply. Arif Samad made 16; Jonathan Fernandes bagged five wickets and Sinclair three.

Regal All stars posted 145-8 off their reduced 16 overs, batting first versus Ariel. Richard Latif made 69 as Brian Mangar took 3-17.

Ariel were sent packing for 53 in 10 overs in response.

Roy Persaud grabbed 5-19 and Diyanan Ramnauth 217.

Regal scored 182-7, batting first against Speedboat. Sewchand Budhu struck 53 not out while Fazal Rafiek made 43 and Latif 31. Greg Singh, Mark Harold and Peter Alleyne captured two wickets each. Speedboat were bowled out for 138 in

16.4 overs in reply. Lennox Marks and Ameer Yusuf made 28 apiece and Alleyne got 20; Latif picked up 5-18 and Delroy Perreira 4-27.

In the over 45 category, defending champions Regal Masters managed 182-3, taking first knock against Fisherman Masters. Ramesh Deonarine scored 74 and Unnis Yusuf 49; Richard Patterson took 2-44.

Fisherman Masters responded with 183-8. Keith Fraser made 45 and Stanley Mohabir 41; Mohendra Arjune had 3-25, while Deonarine and Samuel Kingston took two each.

Success Masters were awarded full points in their game versus Regal Masters following a protest based on team composition.

At Lusignan, Wellman Masters scored 154-4, taking first turn in the middle against HS Masters. Wayne Jones cracked 37, Suraj Ramdeen and Greg De Franca made 27 each while Lloyd Ruplall scored 24 and Troy Lewis 23. Vivian Bissoon had 2-21.

HS Masters replied with 88-8.

Ganpat Guevia made 35 and Patrick Khan 27. Lester Thom captured 4-20 while Sheldon Perch and Imtiaz Mohamed had two each.

The fixture between We l l m a n M a s t e r s a n d Fisherman Masters was abandoned.

The competition continues today.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Saturday November 28, 2020

Smith, Finch hit tons as Australia beat India in tour opener

S

YDNEY (Reuters) - Steve Smith and Aaron Finch led the way with centuries as Australia opened their home summer with a one-day victory over India by 66 runs yesterday in the first men’s international played in front of a crowd since March.

The capacity of the Sydney Cricket Ground was reduced by 50% because of social distancing rules but a crowd of 17,821, mostly backing the tourists, were treated to some fireworks from the home batsmen in the afternoon sun.

Finch scored 114 in an opening stand of 156 with David Warner (69) to lay a platform before his predecessor as captain Smith smashed 105 off 66 balls to drive Australia to 374 for six — their highest total against

Adam Zampa claimed four wickets, Sydney, Australia vs India, 1st ODI, November 27, 2020 © Getty Images

Aaron Finch and Steven Smith put up a strong partnership.

(Getty Images)

India.

India, who were forced to spend two weeks in

quarantine on arrival in Australia, always looked like struggling to chase

Doctors warn over Delhi’s ‘suicidal’ half-marathon

Air pollution has shrouded previous editions of the Delhi half marathon.

AFP - Top doctors have warned elite runners are taking a major health risk by competing in tomorrow’s New Delhi half-marathon in the midst of a major coronavirus outbreak and soaring air pollution.

Wo m e n ’s m a r a t h o n world record-holder Brigid Kosgei from Kenya and Ethiopia’s two-time men’s winner Andamlak Belihu are among the 49 elite athletes running the 21kilometre (13.1 mile) race, while thousands of amateurs are taking part virtually.

Organisers say the “highest level of safetystandards, with bio-secure zones” have been laid on for the race starting at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

But with New Delhi recording more than 500,000 virus cases, and air quality in the world’s most polluted capital hovering between ‘unhealthy’ and ‘hazardous’, health experts said the athletes should think twice.

“It will be suicidal for runners to run the race this time. We have such high levels of pollution, we have the risk of coronavirus,” Arvind Kumar, founder trustee of the Lung Care Foundation, told AFP. “With the presence of this twin threat if people are still running despite knowing everything, well, I have no words to express my anguish.”

“Whether you are an international elite runner or you are a small boy from a village, the damaging potential of a damaging agent remains the same,” said the doctor.

- Toxic mix Randeep Guleria, director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the country’s top research body, told AFP that “in an ideal situation” the race should not be run.

“Because of high levels of air pollution, exercising outside in this weather

sometimes can lead to aggravation of underlying lung problems,” he said.

“Even if you are an elite runner the air pollution would still affect your lung.”

Normally thousands of amateurs would also take part, but because of the coronavirus they have been told to run their chosen route between Wednesday and Sunday and chart their time on an app.

Delhi has been hit by a winter pollution crisis each year for the past decade when crop-stubble burning from nearby states, cold temperatures and car and industrial pollution produce a toxic mix.

This year, the Indian capital is also a major concern in the battle against the coronavirus. India is the world’s second worst-hit country behind the United States, with about 9.3 million cases.

The city is considering imposing a night-time (Continued on page 25)

down the third highest tally they had conceded in any one-dayer.

Hardik Pandya thumped four sixes in a bright 90 to give them hope but the innings petered out after his fifth-wicket partnership of 128 with opener Shikhar Dhawan (74) was broken and India limped to 308-8 in their 50 overs.

“I’ve been searching for something for a couple of months but a few days ago something just clicked,” Smith said of his batting. “It was nice to contribute to a good win.”

The teams lined up in a “Barefoot Circle” in recognition of indigenous Australians before the match and moments of silence remembered Dean Jones, who died last month, and Phillip Hughes, who suffered a fatal injury at the ground exactly six years ago.

There was another short pause early in the Australia

innings when two environmental protesters ran on the field but Finch and Warner were soon back pillaging runs again.

Smith survived an early scare on 15 when he was given out lbw but he immediately reviewed and the tracker showed the ball was going a whisker above the stumps.

Thereafter, Smith looked at his very best as he raced to the third fastest one-day century by an Australian in 62 balls, clubbing 10 fours and four sixes.

Finch had already secured his 17th century in the format from a more pedestrian 117 deliveries before departing to make way for a vintage Glenn Maxwell cameo of 45 runs off 19 balls.

Paceman Mohammed Shami was the pick of India’s bowlers (3-59) and skittled Smith with a full toss in the final over of the innings.

Josh Hazlewood (3-55)

stalled a blistering start to India’s innings by removing Mayank Agarwal and then dismissed Virat Kohli (21) and Shreyas Iyer in the 10th over.

Spinner Adam Zampa (454) redeemed himself with ball in hand after dropping Kohli in the deep when the India captain was on one, but his was only one of a string of misfields from both sides.

India play two more onedayers in Sydney and Canberra before a threematch Twenty20 series and four tests around the new year.

“I think we had enough preparation so no excuses,” said Kohli. “The key to keeping the batsmen in check is picking up wickets and we couldn’t do that.”

Scores: Australia 6 for 374 (Finch 114, Smith 105, Warner 69, Maxwell 45, Shami 3-59) beat India 8 for 308 (Pandya 90, Dhawan 74, Zampa 4-54, Hazlewood 3-55) by 66 runs.

India’s Navdeep Saini and Australia’s Sean Abbott greet after the match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. (Reuters/Loren Elliott)

Saturday November 28, 2020

Kaieteur News

Premier hockey tournaments cancelled

The Diamond International Hockey festival 2020 has been cancelled.

H

ockey will resume locally until 2021 after the head of the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB), Philip Fernandes, confirmed to both News Room Sport and Kaieteur Sport that the final event on the 2021 calendar; the Diamond International Hockey Festival, has been cancelled.

In August, Fernandes had noted his optimism of hosting the year-end tournament (Diamond festival) and although the National Covid-19 Task Force and Ministry of Health have made provisions for the resumption of sport (pending their approval), the decision was still made to cancel the 16th edition of the tournament that is sponsored

by DDL, Ansa McAl and

ExxonMobil.

This decision was made due mainly to travel restrictions and measures that would have to be put in place for the hosting of sport events in Guyana.

Another major factor for the GHB include the fact that Guyana’s main indoor facility, the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) that is located on Homestretch Avenue, had been converted into a quarantine facility to treat persons that were infected with the Covid-19 disease so the complex was not readily available.

Last year’s 15th edition of the DMW festival saw clubs from the twin-island republic of T&T sweeping all three (male, female and veteran) divisions after a fruitless 2018 campaign, and

they will have an extra year of bragging rights. Queen’s Park won the Men’s Division on penalties after a 3-3 draw with Hikers; George United edged local side GBTI GCC Tigers 5-4 in the ExxonMobil Ladies final; and Queen’s Park prevailed 11-8 against Vintage GCC in a high-scoring Lucozade Veterans final.

The cancellation of the Diamond International Festival follows that of the GTT National Indoor Championships.

In an invited comment, Fernandes revealed that although an official calendar of events has not been released by the GHB, the national senior men’s and women’s team will resume training in early 2021.

(Calvin Chapman)

PAGE 33

Lockie Ferguson celebrates after his five-wicket haul. (Getty Images)

rt o p S Kieron Pollard shapes to smash on the leg side © Getty Images

Lockie Ferguson five-for, battling Jimmy Neesham-Devon Conway stand give New Zealand victory Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action during practice. (Pool via REUTERS/Kamran Jebreili)

Kraigg Brathwaite hit a double hundred for the West Indies.

Hamilton fastest in Bahrain GP practice, Albon crashes GSCL Inc Prime Minister’s T20 Cup 4

Thomas, Sampson, Sinclair slam tons; Latif, Persaud, Fernandes, Arjune grab 5 for

Brathwaite’s 246 pilots Windies to 571 Premier hockey tournaments cancelled against New Zealand ‘A’

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