Kaieteur News
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$60M agro-processing facility in Region Two.
Monday November 29, 2021
$60M Region Two agro-processing facility completed - Govt. awaiting equipment for official opening The $60 million agroprocessing facility in Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two) is complete and will soon be outfitted with high-end equipment ahead of its official opening. Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, MP, on Sunday, said the machines are being procured and should arrive within the next two months. The state-ofthe-art food processing factory is located adjacent to the Guyana School of A g r i c u l t u r e ’s ( G S A ) , Region Two campus. It has vast potential to provide a broad range of training opportunities for residents there. Speaking to Department of Public Information (DPI) at the location, Dr. Singh said he anticipates a major economic boost to the d i s t r i c t ’s a g r i c u l t u r a l industry. He explained that while GSA students in Essequibo benefitted from theoretical lectures, they faced challenges gaining practical experience. “The construction of the facility serves multiple purposes. First, it would allow students of the GSA based in Essequibo, to be able to complete their practical training in a live environment. There are going to be dry and wet processing lines. Dry line for the purposes of processing things like flours; cassava flour etcetera and on the
wet line things like pepper sauce, jams, and spices,” Dr. Singh explained. The facility will also provide opportunities for local entrepreneurs to process and package their produce for marketing. “It will also serve as a facilitator for the development of an agroprocessing business or sector in Essequibo, which of course is very important because Essequibo as you know, is famous for its fresh, good quality and large quantity of agriculture produce,” the minister added. Government has been investing heavily in the food sector to ensure it moves from a producer of primary farming, to one of equitable value-added products. The establishment of the food processing hub is part of government’s wider strategic plan to provide massive resources for the nation’s agriculturists to produce and export valueadded products. It is also part of the matrix of training opportunities for Guyanese in all aspect of economic activity. Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha said two additional agroprocessing facilities will be established in the Region come 2022. The minister said government is receiving signals of interest from many countries. Works are underway to construct a similar facility at Black Bush Polder, Region Six. (DPI)
Kaieteur News
Monday November 29, 2021
Harmon calls for push back against Ramson for disparaging remarks against African Guyanese O p p o s i t i o n L e a d e r, Joseph Harmon has urged African Guyanese to fight back against Youth Sports a n d C u l t u r e M i n i s t e r, Charles Ramson Jr. who on Saturday said that they lacked role models. “I think that in the Black community, young Black kids also need lots of examples of success because they have to be able to see that there is a pathway in order for them to live that successful life. And it bothers me a lot when I hear people who just came out of government, who spent 1.4 trillion dollars in this country and failed the Black community and still are walking around the people as if they were capable of giving the leadership to help to create wealth in the country and in the Black community”, Ramson said during an interview on Hits and Jams 94.1FM Radio Station. Reacting to the views expressed by Ramson Harmon in a statement Sunday said a number of Guyanese took to their facebook social media platforms, to call out the very disturbing act by Minister Ramson Jr. He noted that Ramson appeared on the popular 94.1 Boom Fm Radio Station and decided that he had the moral right to offer the African Guyanese community a lecture. “His lecture was one that was biased, prejudicial and laced with racial undertones,” Harmon stated. “As leader of the Opposition, I strongly condemn Ramson’s verbal lientery. The belief by Ramson that he has the authority to speak on such matters in the manner in which he did is not limited to him but rather this mindset is pervasive in the PPP. It is a paradigm that stems from the belief that they are better than African Guyanese and somehow they have credentials which afford them the right to denigrate the African Guyanese community in Guyana,” Harmon said. Harmon said likewise, “I strongly condemn 94.1 Radio Station for allowing a Minister of Government to use their platform to incite racial tension with his vile prejudice of the African Guyanese community. Sad to say that this is what we can continue to expect from the PPP. We have always said
Increase beneficial ownership screening in oil industry to reduce corruption risks
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Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Charles Ramson Jr. that the PPP is racist by nature and the guise of having a few African and Indigenous Guyanese as ministers will not erase that central aspect of its nature,” Harmon asserted. “I will not be asking that Ramson or HJ apologise to the African Guyanese Community, rather I am calling on the African Guyanese community and all who are appalled by Ramson’s sentiments to unite and push back against those who seek to define the African Guyanese reality within a nanoscopic and inglorious context. I call for us to take action, file petitions, seek Ramson’s resignation or removal from office, they will ignore it but let our disapproval be heard and felt in more ways than one. Let the world see the PPP for who they really are,” the opposition Leader said. Harmon said too that 94.1 Radio Station must take note of the views of the majority of Guyanese who listen to their station daily. “This disrespect to a large section of our Guyanese community will not and should not be tolerated. Supporting those who are emboldened to suppress and oppress others comes at a grave cost and no one should be willing to be used in such a manner.”
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n light of the fact that the oil and gas sector is prone to corruption, Guyana is being urged to increase beneficial ownership screening so as to reduce the sector’s risk to corruption. This was recently noted by the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), an independent non-profit organisation dedicated to improving countries’ governance over their natural resources. Since 2015, the institution has been providing advice to Guyana’s authorities. The Institute noted that in most natural resource-rich countries, when a company is seeking the right to explore for or produce oil, gas or minerals, sector, rules require that regulators check some basic information before granting the company a license and accompanying contract. In this regard, NRGI said that the regulator is supposed to judge whether the company is technically competent, financially sound, and is in compliance with environmental and safety rules. It noted, however, that licensing rules generally do not require screening of whether public sector officials have interests in an applicant company, which could create serious conflicts of interest. The Institute said, “We reviewed over 50 mining and oil laws around the world and found that about half contained prohibitions on government officials or their close associates – often
- NRGI advises called ‘politically exposed persons’ (PEPs) – holding interests in companies applying for extractives licenses, but none required regulators to actually check whether or not such PEP interests existed as part of screening license applications.” It added, “This is a potentially critical gap in regulatory oversight, because a large body of real-world cases suggests that the ability to hide a company’s true beneficial owner is a major enabler of corruption in the granting of extractive rights.” In Guyana, there is no legislation or piece of regulation, which requires beneficial ownership screening. On that note, NRGI has pointed out that a growing number of governments are developing legal policies and information systems for collecting and publishing data about the beneficial owners of extractives companies – the real people who own, control, or economically benefit from a company. It stressed that these reforms range from amending company registration laws and creating national public registers to sector-specific approaches like establishing extractives transparency laws and licensing requirements. But to have an impact, NRGI said that extractive sector reforms may need
to go beyond just requiring beneficial ownership disclosure, namely by establishing rules on what types of beneficial ownership linkages will be considered unacceptable self-dealing or corruption, and by determining the consequences that will apply when that line is crossed. Further to this, NRGI research shows that a number of countries have already established such rules, but monitoring and enforcement is lacking. Given the corruption risks, the Institute said that improving national policies and practices on allocating extractives licenses should be at the forefront of these efforts. Going forward, NRGI said that resource-rich countries such as Guyana will need to choose beneficial ownership assessment rules that best address the political, legal and industry realities in which they award licenses. Given the relative newness of evaluating corruption risks using beneficial ownership information in licensing decisions, NRGI said that officials may want to put much of the detail into less formal documents such as guidelines, so that the rules will be easier to amend based on lessons learned. Regardless of where rules are stipulated, NRGI commented that they should be subject to public consultation during their development, and publicly disclosed once finalised in order to facilitate monitoring and accountability.
Sparendaam man wanted for chopping resident Chancey Carlton Bristol of Lot 23 Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara is wanted by the police for allegedly wounding 28-year-old Jevon Mc Pherson who was chopped several times about his body last Sunday. According to police reports, the incident took place in the Sparendaam Squatting Area on November 21. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of 36-year-old Chancey Bristol is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers: 2256411, 229-2750, 229-2019, 222-2232,
225-8196, 911 or the nearest police station. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence. Information received, revealed that around 19:10hrs that day, Mc Pherson was sitting on a chair next to a wooden stall when he was reportedly attacked by Bristol, who was armed with a cutlass. A fight ensued between the two men which caused them to end up in a nearby trench. There, the suspect dealt Mc Pherson several chops about his body, before making good his escape. According to reports, the injured
Wanted, Chancey Carlton Bristol man was picked up by the police who rushed him to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GHPC) for treatment where he was then admitted.
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Kaieteur News
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
GECOM - a whale without oxygen Guyanese are clamouring for a different GECOM, one going in a different direction than before. The PPP, bit by bit, shows its hand, which confirms that party leaders and strategists are determined to go their own way, namely, the opposite of what Guyanese are calling for with this most sensitive of state agencies. A little of this came to light in the article titled, “GECOM losing autonomy with Govt., pulling purse strings -Commissioner” (KN November 23). The proposed electoral reforms have been savaged by many sections of Guyanese society for not saying much, nor addressing anything of substance, as such pertains to enhancements at GECOM. By itself, that is troubling and leaves citizens wondering what the PPP Government is really up to, where it desires to take this society, not just electorally, but in any and every other place that cries out for attention, action, and assets. This was what one of the Commissioners at GECOM, the PNC nominated, Mr. Vincent Alexander, pointed to in a recent TV programme, and which was incorporated into our November 22 article. It is about assets, as in the “pulling purse strings” of the organisation to keep it on a short leash, and under the jackboot of widening control. The purse strings mean money, and money is the lifeblood of any entity, be it public or private. When money is in short supply, or deliberately and craftily withheld, then the entity gasps for breath. It struggles for the firmest footing, and have continuing difficulties delivering on its mandate(s). In the case of GECOM, even in the best of circumstances, it can’t do right, it never seems to please everyone, sometimes no one. At the risk of understatement, GECOM is not just any ordinary agency to be treated (mistreated) in any old way that pleases powerful political people. Rather, it is a living, breathing part of Guyana never delivering satisfactorily. To a great extent, this has been its lot, its long and controversial history under different governments, and in one elections season after another, always rancorous, forever abundant in the ugly or skullduggery. To pressure it by withholding required resources is to strangle it slowly, make its people bow to the will of political masters, and dance to their tunes. When something as basic as the housing for GECOM is subject to delay, with the possible worst of objectives, then the first lines of the writing on the wall become distinct. The delay in paying rent for properties used by GECOM is more than about delay itself. It is to demoralise it first, then debone it; and, last, force it to descend into a heap, with more curses rained upon the heads of agency and people. Such cunning delaying, for all intents and purposes, defunding action essentially reduces GECOM to the pitiful and helpless state of a whale stranded on the beach, and needing help to turn or move its massive bulk. It is the easiest and most convenient of whipping exercises to withhold cash for GECOM’s business and reduce it to a weakened state. Political parties and their leaders give the people something to rage and shout about, and to keep their attention away from their own weaknesses and trickiness. Taking away money, be such in the form of the roofs overhead not paid for a year, or other kinds of funding for vital equipment and personnel, or no cash for crucial programmes, is a long and well-practiced art of devious political minds in other parts of the world. For their part, Guyanese politicians do not need any education from foreigners on matters related to elections and elections oversight arrangements. We are such masters of this here, that our political people can teach others how to position and conduct themselves to squeeze out any advantage in the electoral process that is there to be had. And in this country, if there is any advantage, no matter how minute, either the PPP/C or PNC is sure to be ahead of the game and exploit to the fullest. Today, the PPP is in the pilot’s seat, and it is showing an array of tricks. Its visions are for a GECOM obeying its will, kneeling to its dictates.
Monday November 29, 2021
David Granger still has an influential role to play Dear Editor, In British espionage and author Graham Greene’s lore, there was a ‘fifth man’ out there. The mystery has never been satisfactorily finalised. Though suspected of being ‘out there’, how far out there was he really, and did he actually exist? That is the extended question that I ask about one David Arthur Granger, formerly first soldier, first citizen, and first among equals. In cricketing language, he is out there patrolling at third man. He is retired, but not quite; he retired limping, but not hurt. He is as aloof and remote as ever but, inexplicably, still substantively in the mix. Guyana feels his strange shadow, not-so-invisible hand, influential voice. His is not the stentorian presence of MacArthur; but more of an overshadowed Marshall, a whispery, elusive Vo Nguyen Giap. Yes, his parade ground presence offers a glimpse of that stature, among some. He came with much promise, now lives with clouds always hovering: opportunity not amplified. Though lashed mercilessly over obstinacy and hesitancy, I think he is due follow-up lookup. Beyond his faithful, he is remembered for one thing,
one time, primarily. It is exclusively for national elections calls, and failure to concede early. Other lesser things, now condemn his leadership record for financial perversities. Where was he? Why did he not act? Why were comrades, known characters, retained? Notwithstanding those inactions, the five months (arguably 19 months) stalemate, checkmate, and elections-gate were his longest, darkest hour. In the season and time that challenged David Granger, he withered painfully, curled into a ball. Flogged and flagellated, fail to capture ordeals what now crowns him in barbwire. So much hoped for, so much wanting. Indeed, it is the sad, savaging Guyana story that sears, scars irreversibly. This is his enduring legacy, regardless of how partially accurate, minimally relevant, fleetingly wounding. But they are not. Man, group, and people are not spared, but scorched continuously; newer and unique ways found by adversaries to keep klieg lights on the highest beam. This is all they have going for them; nothing on their own that speaks to their paltry light, recommends them. The secret of his standing
is that the former president retains loyalists, ethereal mystique, much of his fatigued muscle. From his self-orchestrated murky existence, he still projects in wide rippling arcs – ones with weight. I caution Guyanese – friends and enemies alike – not to minimise the man; the reach and height of his depth. I believe there is a role for him still; an influential one; crucial it could be, contingent upon circumstances. I would neither dismiss nor disregard him. Not with Guyana’s politics configured as it is; the mind of the man; the racial and financial atrocities committed by those succeeding him, disparaging him, and using that as cover for their own wars of exploitations and extractions (rigging) against Guyanese. His role must be advisor, the man behind the curtains; a mediator, maybe a powerbroker: an unbiased, trusted one. There will be such time soon. Should the situation so compel, then his service is as arbitrator; a principled, independent one. Put differently, David Granger must remake himself in the mould of a Carter-Jackson combination; less the mileage and visibility. He lacks oratory, but so did Arafat and Ariel Arik, yet both got things
done; a tad untidily at times, but done. I urge him to revisit the record of Saul of Tarsus, and appreciate his reengineering, then use it to restart towards higher ground. It is reserved for a chosen few only. If I were him, I would not worry unduly over adversaries across the increasingly agitated sward. It is their same selfdestructive ways that devastate land, peoples, and prospects. Indeed, there are those so incurably addicted, they cannot resist eating their young. As family man, churchman, army man, and history man, I am positive that the former President discerns the doors beckoning, what should be the rest of his life’s work. It requires tremendous quantities of remedial action(s) appropriate to the moment; recent past also. The discipline of a lifetime career helps. Family. Country. Duty. Integrity. Before I forget: loyalty (to squaddie) pales numerous shades before those. The most intense focus should be on rehabilitation towards universal reputation, refurbished convictions, personal reorganisation. Conversion can only be by his own hand. He can still (Continued on page 4)
Give me dhal puri Dear Editor, I find it fascinating that there is an argument going on over an African dish called black pudding. To think that our society has become so divided that African Guyanese leaders are requesting their fellow African Guyanese to only buy this dish from their own people is definitely a new low in race relations in Guyana. As for me I always preferred a good Dal Puri.
Especially from Shanta’s on Camp Street. It is a national treasure which I could eat at every meal. The consumption of cattle blood was never my thing and living a vegetarian/ vegan lifestyle is a personal preference that is extensively accepted in the Indian culture. So comrades, if this is the path that some irresponsible leaders have chosen, then those that follow them are conscious of the choice they
have made and are aware of the message they are sending to their fellow Guyanese. I know what I like and have no interest in running behind those that dislike me to get something that is theirs. A lot can be learned from embracing one’s own culture and avoiding those that preach hate. Now, to prepare some of my own Dal Puri with curry aloo/potato and a hot cup of Dal to keep me healthy and
satisfied. Life is good, and I love what I already have been given to enjoy in this existence. To eat from a beautiful woman’s hand is a blessing that our culture has always embraced. No need to be blood thirsty when a peaceful existence is upon you. Best regards, Mr. Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana
CUFFY- A DYSFUNCTIONAL FIRE HYDRANT??? Dear Editor, Re your article: ‘Overseas – based Guyanese says new firefighting measures urgently needed in Guyana’ Nov. 27, 2021 News. I was utterly disgusted when I read the following “We have fire hydrants as monuments in Guyana. They function just like Cuffy. They
do nothing. They just stand there. You turn on the fire hydrant, there is no water coming out.” As an analogy, simile, or whatever the author intended, I find the comparison totally inappropriate and unacceptable. ! - A denigration of
National Symbols? 2 - A subliminal message? 3 - A ‘Freudian slip? 4-? I will share this missive with the African Cultural Development Association, and others who salute the struggles of my African Ancestors. I will confront any attempt
to denigrate their legacy. Yours, George Daniels (Re)TIRED Teacher Editor’s Note: No ill-will was intended but we do accept that the comparison was unnecessary. As such we will remove the offending sentence from our online edition.
MAKE WAGE INCREASE TAX-FREE Dear Editor, Whosoever advised President Irfaan Ali to make a broadcast to the nation at 7:30AM on the wages issue did a disservice to the public. The President’s media advisor has lost it. At that time in the morning people are
hustling to get to work, some are just waking up whilst some are asleep. The majority of Guyanese are not ready for such “hard news” as rejection of a wage increase so early in the morning. President Ali should have
been addressing the nation at 7:30 PM when most Guyanese are home, eating dinner and watching TV. The President blamed the APNU-AFC coalition for a messed-up economy and the presence of the COVID pandemic.
But in the short time it has been in power the PPP/C has done very well in managing the economy. The PPP/C government needs to bend a bit and make the wage increase tax free. Respectfully, Sultan Mohamed
Monday November 29, 2021
Vaccine Hesitancy Dear Editor, As I travelled around Guyana to supervise a survey on conduct, I came across many Guyanese who have not taken the vaccine to protect themselves from the COVID19 pandemic. About 80 percent of the population has at least one vaccine. Some 55 percent has two vaccines. It is not known what percentage has the booster shot. Vaccination provides great protection against death from COVID. Of the more than two million who died from COVID, more than 98 percent were not vaccinated. Those who were vaccinated and died had comorbidities (meaning other illnesses). So the vaccines work. As I found in my survey, more Africans and Mixed than Indo Guyanese are reluctant to take the vaccine. Some of the reasons given for vaccine hesitancy: leads to impotency and birth defects; reduces virility; can cause death;
government can keep track of a person’s where about, among others. While the public expresses hesitancy to be vaccinated and receive some support from opposition politicians, the politicians themselves have been fully vaccinated. No politician in Guyana died from COVID vaccine. Several politicians were infected with COVID but those who were vaccinated recovered very quickly. It is incumbent upon all politicians to encourage their supporters to take the vaccine. There is no evidence that the vaccine leads to sexual impotency or birth defects or causes pregnant women to lose their babies. Vaccines save lives! They strengthen the immune system against all COVID viruses. Please take the full dose and any available booster shot. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram
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Kaieteur News
Is the foundation being set? This is the most important part. Get this wrong and everything else will be wrong Dear Editor, One day on my way home from primary school, I stopped to look at some men working. Perhaps, it was the intensity of the workmen that caught my attention and caused me to tarry. They were focused; I realised that there was no friendly bantering at that point. The ground was dug up. Bags of cement and steel poles were everywhere. A neatly dressed man with long sleeved shirt tucked neatly in pleated trousers stood there seriously observing what was happening. “Mista, is wuh yall doing?” I asked. The neatly dressed man did not look at me. He kept looking at what
was happening on the work ground. I was about to leave before he decided to chase me away. He spoke without even glancing at me. He told me that in a year’s time I would see a nice big house standing there. “Dis is the foundation we setting. Dis is duh most important and serious part. Dis is how it starts. Get dis wrang and everything else wrang.” He said in a gruff tone. A year later the house was standing there. Forty years later it is still standing there at Wismar Housing Scheme. It was a simple experience coupled with a tiny bit of knowledge that I locked away in the innermost recesses of my mind never to let it go.
I speak to countless people every day and night about the PNC’s upcoming biennial congress to be held in less than two weeks. They call to ask my opinion and they come across very intense. Guyanese are serious about this particular congress. In all of my recent conversations on this issue, my memory of those workmen and the neatly dressed man and his few words to me keep flashing in my mind. It has become clear that the Guyanese people want to see a new PNC. The congress to be held in early December is the foundation being set. This is the most important and serious part. We get this wrong and everything else is
wrong. This foundation must be built on the leadership of Aubrey C. Norton with a most capable chairperson, Amanza Walton Desir. We have to get this right. This is just the first step in preparing ourselves to become stronger and ready to defeat a dictatorship and hand Guyana back to all its people. We can ill afford to get this wrong. Norman Browne, Political activist
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Kaieteur News
Monday November 29, 2021
We need all hands on deck if we are to see any marked improvement in police conduct Dear Editor, The Kaieteur News November 23. 2021 edition, in an article captioned, “Woman cries for justice after alleged beating by police” lays bare another distressing incident in the East Coast Demerara police stations (Sparendaan and Beterverwagting). Sarah Baker, a 24-year-old female resident of Better Hope, who visited the station inquiring about the situation of her brother in police lockups ended up being assaulted and brutalised by male and female police officers. The victim’s mother only got access, and the release of her daughter after seeking the intervention of the Police Office of Professional Responsibility
(OPR). The matter is under investigation by that agency. The article chronicles the circumstance and the various act of brutality by the police in the incident. Of importance is the alleged accusation that the police deemed the victim as being under the influence of drugs as justification for their acts of brutality. Police misconduct in their interaction with citizens is disgusting and reprehensible. The frequency of these incidents seems to have gotten worse. Given the postindependence history of police violence on citizens, which has continued unabated, we as a nation have become “numb”. The prevalence of extrajudicial killings by the police makes
physical abuse in our police stations the lesser of the two evils. Ms. Baker is a victim of this unfortunate Guyanese reality. Not too long ago, I penned a letter on a police officer fatally shooting 16 years Sydel Bourne in the back in a robbery attempt at Stabroek Market. I examined the circumstances of that shooting and raised some pertinent issues. The letter was not published by the major newspapers, even after I drew to the attention of one Editor that I am resending the said letter. It was only published, in the “Village Voice”. For the purpose of this letter, I am excluding political and race considerations as reasons that explained our newspapers attitude to the
David Granger still has an influential... From page 4 recover, for I behold a man of promise, who dissipated his grace, when he allowed his time and environment to overtake him; when he proved not up to the moment, tasks at hand.
Like Saul the terrorist, who became Paul the evangelist, I believe that the former leader must travel from a man once feared and despised to one being a tireless champion of an ethos that lives. Thus, his journeying from Arthur Chung and GECOM to new things sung. He knows: neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor freedman. Mr. Granger has a priceless advantage: political contemporaries are worse than him. For now, he must be seen
to be above the fray leading to December 11. This is beyond internal; a nation watches: the franchise and future swings. The kind that the former is, too. For if executed cleanly, that may be leveraged into what could be nationally. In the tense, testy tussles ahead on the national stage, he must possess the wise head of an eminence grise. A figure of stability, of fall overcome, of rising from the ashes, of possibilities. Sincerely, GHK Lall
problem of police violence. On the one hand, the newspapers carried these incidents as news, sometimes not with the required scrutiny and objectivity. But where they are guilty of questionable editorial practices that amounts to irresponsibility, is the refusal at times to permit analysis of this problem by some letter writers. I take the view that we need all hands on deck if we are to see any marked improvement in police conduct in this country. In this fight, the media is of
paramount importance if not indispensable. And they should cover unrestricted, citizens’ scrutiny of these incidents. Having regressed, I return to the Baker incident. I have in the past taken the position of not criticising or calling out women organisations on any matter. However, I am forced in this case to express my concern at the “silence” of these groups on this incident. Is this silence in any way influenced by the fact that there was the involvement of
a female officer? If our women organisations demonstrate that female police officers involved in these acts of brutality are unacceptable it will help to reduce the corruption of female officers. My contention, it is easier to “liberate” female officers from this evil than their male counterparts. These are the thoughts that enter my mind as I read Miss Sarah Barker’s horror story. Regards Tacuma Ogunseye
End domestic violence now Dear Editor, The National Congress of Women (NCW), the Women’s Arm of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) joined with all persons worldwide in recognizing 25th November 2021 as “International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women.” The 25th of November 2021 launched the 16 days of activism which will conclude on the 10th December, 2021, “International Human Rights Day”. The National Congress of Women (NCW) joins the world in calling for an end to the various forms of violence meted out to our women, under the theme “Orange the World, End Violence against Women Now!” Violence against women
exists in every country in the world, as a pervasive violation of human rights and a major impediment to achieving gender equality. Such violence is unacceptable, whether perpetrated by family members or strangers, in the public or private sphere, in peacetime or in times of conflict. Violence against women continues to be an obstacle to achieving equality, development, peace as well as to the fulfillment of women and girls’ human rights. All in all, the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to leave no one behind cannot be fulfilled without putting an end to violence against women and girls. COVID 19 has worsened the situation and many more
are affected during these terrible times. Domestic Violence, as it is now widely understood, not only has a negative impact on children, but ultimately render the family unit dysfunctional and prevents it from carrying out its role in the society of being a source of nurturing and the incubator of values so necessary for the survival of society. As the 16 days of activism commences, it is necessary for Guyana to do its best to protect its mothers, its daughters and its sons. The National Congress of Women says END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NOW! Regards, National Congress of Women Georgetown, Guyana
Monday November 29, 2021
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Monday November 29, 2021
Proposed amendments to elections laws inadequate The pro-democracy group- Article 13 is calling on the government to extend the duration of the public consultation for the proposed amendments to the Representation of the People Act (ROPA), even as they said the proposals are “inadequate and unsatisfactory and fail to address some of the more fundamental problems associated with elections. The civil society group comprised of prominent and outspoken Guyanese such as Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram and
telecommunications specialist, Yog Mahadeo; Economist, Ramon Gaskin among others. While noting its reservation with the proposals, the group is inter alia, calling on the government to extend the duration of the public consultation for the proposed amendments. In a statement released on Saturday, the group noted that it shares the concerns expressed by commentators that the Government’s draft proposals for amendments to the Representation of the People Act (ROPA), and proposed new regulations
- Civil Society Group are “inadequate and unsatisfactory, and fail to address some of the more fundamental problems associated with elections.” Article 13 noted in the missive, that it considers genuine electoral reforms a national imperative for G u y a n a ’s d e m o c r a t i c development, a pre-requisite to social, political and economic progress. The group said nonetheless that any attempt at reform must begin with an
Fire Service concerned over rash of electrical fires The Guyana Fire and Rescue Service stated that it has taken note of several recent reports of electrical fires at various parts of the country and is urging citizens to take the necessary precautions to avoid these tragedies and damage to properties. Some of the main contributing factors of electrical fires include: – Slack connections – Overloading of circuits – Malfunction of electrical appliances – Inferior drop cords or circuit strips – Illegal connections However, electrical fires are especially dangerous because they can happen at any time if enough care and attention is not exercised towards electrical outlets and appliances. Follow these safety tips to avoid electrical fires: – DESIST FROM USING ILLEGAL
CONNECTIONS FOR ELECTRICITY. – Inform the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) immediately of any external faulty electrical problem. – Ensure all electrical cables are placed in a conduit (PVC pipe) – Always use certified electricians to conduct and certify electrical works. – It is recommended that buildings are inspected every five years by certified electrical inspectors to retest and certify the capabilities of all electrical connections. – Desist from overloading the electrical system. – Ensure the quality of circuit strips, wiring and electrical appliances used is of the highest standard. – Avoid prolonged use of electrical appliances and remember to shut off and disconnect after use.
analysis of the problem. According to the civil group, an exercise of this nature must proceed from the recognition that a deficient apparatus will produce flawed results. Added to this, Article 13 pointed out that part of that problem is the Carter-Price model of an Elections Commission made up of competing politicians. “This model which was intended as a temporary measure for the 1992 Elections has installed Commissioners claiming lifetime tenure and seemingly committed to doing everything but their constitutional duty. This arrangement has to be changed by a constitutional amendment and replaced by independent Commissioners appointed by a Constitutional Commission for a limited period of no more than two
Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram elections cycle. The proposed amendments fail to address the sore point of the List of Electors,” the civil body pointed out in the release. Among other things, the group noted that the possibility of dual citizens Guyanese being allowed to participate as candidates in elections should be examined. The statement continued, “The proposed amendments
do nothing to address the situation in which the Chief Elections Officer is also the Head of Registration – a concentration of power and functions which is unacceptable. Any reform ought to make elections more democratic by facilitating voting by qualified electors.” Article 13 therefore advocated for the reintroduction of independence in the National Assembly and the removal of the statutory requirement that participation in national elections is restricted to parties contesting in six of the ten Polling Districts (Regions) representing at least thirteen parliamentary seats. On the question of campaign financing, the group noted that GECOM and the political parties continue to defy the ROPA on the grounds that, the amount permitted is grossly Continued on page 16
Govt. to spend over $200M to clear city drains With more rains expected in the next few months, the Government of Guyana is rushing to spend over $200 million to clear city drains, canals, streets and alleyways in bid to prevent flooding. This is according to two ‘Invitation for Bids’ published on November 24th edition of the Kaieteur News. Chief Hydromet O f f i c e r, D r. G a r v i n Cummings had said that the country can see higher than normal levels of rainfall similar to what the country experienced early in the year. “Given the fact that we are forecasting above normal rainfall, there is a strong likelihood of flooding,” Dr. Cummings shared. T h e H y d r o meteorological Service in its Seasonal Climate Outlook Report also noted that from November to December 2021 to January 2022 there is a high chance for wetter than usual (above normal) conditions across all regions. Meanwhile, during that period Regions Nine, southern Six, Eight and 10 are likely to experience the least amount of rainfall. Notably, the Hydromet warned that Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Seven, 10, northern Six and Eight can experience flooding as a result of persistent rain. “Therefore, drainage intervention is highly recommended where
and when possible,” the report outlined. Apart from that, the report revealed too that a seasonal rainfall outlook for February, March and April 2022 shows wetter than usual conditions can be expected across all Regions during that period. The forecast implies that the short dry season during that period is not likely to be severely dry. According to the Ministry of Agriculture public notice, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) is inviting suitably qualified and experienced bidders to undertake the project, “Manual Monthly Maintenance (MMM) Cleaning (January to December) 2022 of Drainage and Irrigation Channels within Georgetown, Demerara Mahaica, Region Four: Lots 1-55). These works according to a total amount of its engineer estimate is to cost $199,356,020. As highlighted in the invitation, some of the places in the city that cleaning of the drains, street and alleyways would take place are: Bel Air Springs, Dennis Street, Hadfield Street, Middleton and Lamaha Street, Vlissengen Road, Carifesta Avenue, Atlantic Ville, Meadow Brook, South and North Ruimveldt, Sussex Street, Cummings Lodge, Plum Park, A, B, C and D
Fields Sophia. It should be noted that these are just some places out of the 55 Lots. Another set of projects which will be opened on December 14,2021, are for the cleaning of Cummings canal which is estimated to cost $14,342,400 according to engineer’s estimate, the cleaning of Downer canal which is expected to cost $16,140,000 and the cleaning of Ruimveldt north drainage and daily cleaning of trash racks within that area which is to cost $15,000,600. Meanwhile, NDIA is also inviting contractors to execute rehabilitation works of five doors relief structure at Warimia and Boerasrie Conservancy located in Region Three to a tune of $12,270,500, according to its engineer’s estimate. NDIA is inviting contractor to bid to construct all-weather road at Albion/Hoggtown Fisheries Complex from Fyrish to Chesney, Berbice Lot 1 to 2. Lastly, NDIA is looking for contractor to excavate outfalls at Borlam and Corentyne preparation of the November/ December 2021 rainy season. This project according to engineer’s estimate is expected to cost $9,134,000. Bids for these projects are expected to open on December 7, 2021 at the National Procurement and T e n d e r B o a r d Administration office.
Monday November 29, 2021
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Kaieteur News
What does the future hold? The prognosis for Guyana’s political situation is a grim one. The PPP/C, since taking office has shown no intention of governing differently - they have returned to the same cronyism, corrupt politicking that saw them deposed in 2015. They are able to act this way with impunity because of the lack of a credible opposition. The opposition could perhaps attempt a motion of no confidence, but the current parliament has been stuffed full of sycophants and party hacks. In a better country, support for the APNU+AFC coalition would vanish, and at the next election, some new force might emerge to challenge the prevailing order. Alas, we live in Guyana, where supporters of the Coalition pathetically cling to the lie that they are the victims of an international conspiracy. Just as PNC supporters remained loyal in 1992, the Coalition’s will put party and power above country and vote for whoever they originally supported in that uneasy alliance. They, however, have lost the support of principled voters who wanted a change after more than two decades of PPP rule - a rule, let me remind that party’s supporters, that included discrimination, death squads, the prorogation of parliament and misappropriation of state assets on an unimaginable scale. I think we can rule out the return of death squads and
prorogation – these were responses to particular political circumstances – but misappropriation has already begun. The government will no doubt say that it does not discriminate, certainly not on the basis of race, and many Guyanese – supporters of both parties – may feel that in an ethnically polarised society a party should look out for its own. But remember when you favour one race you necessarily disadvantage all others. The end result of this will be another generation of ethnic strife and ethnic insecurity. As the excesses of the PPP/C get worse, their supporters will seem more and more disagreeable to their fellow Guyanese. In the past, this might have led to the emergence of another third force, to follow the same ruinous path of the United Force and AFC. I fear, however, that this shall not come to pass. Our present era has provided politicians with tools of mass disinformation that the dictators of last century could only dream of. The PPP/C and APNU+AFC have both shown themselves willing to utilise social media to spread agitprop. People treat these parties as dinosaurs, but they have moved with the times. We have all heard of phantom bloggers, influencers who make no secret of being party hacks, and social media echo chambers. For all the clamour about civil society, this first half of the 21st century will, I feel, be a golden age for large
political parties. I would love to offer a cure-all for these problems, but I’m afraid I am just a columnist without the slightest power to influence politics or politicians. They say a deaf ear is a politician’s greatest asset. In truth, I see no solutions to these problems. They stem not just from a corrupt political culture but also from a society that is simultaneously inward looking and profoundly and fundamentally divided – a society where groups occupy the same spaces but live in separate worlds. Change is needed not just at the top but at the bottom. We need to reach out to our fellow citizens and seal the cracks in our society. And institutions like the press must hold the government to account for every bit of malfeasance. Stop getting your news from social media, from hacks and provocateurs. If you continue to feed the 24-hour news cycle, it will eventually devour you. Buy a newspaper, hopefully this one, and support the free press. If there is wrongdoing at your office and you can do so without sure reprisal, get in touch with a reporter. People harp on about supporting civil society, but when they say ‘civil society’ they mean ‘me and my private organisation’. The press, the fourth estate, is the backbone of civil society. I won’t mince words, though. I doubt anything will come of this. I am deeply pessimistic about this country’s future. Inevitably those with the capacity to
It is illegal for private security, others to have sirens, flashing lights - GPF The Guyana Police Force is urging opera t o r s o f Private Security Services and other persons, who have sirens and/or flashing lights attached to their motor vehicles to comply with the law and have them
removed. In a statement on Saturday the GPF said it is a flagrant violation of the law for unauthorised persons to use sirens. It explained that existing laws allow for emergency
vehicles only, which comprise Police vehicles, Fire Service vehicles and ambulances, to carry sirens and flashing lights. Any other type of vehicle fitted with such appliances is in breach of the law.
Dem Boys Seh…
Lottery ticket get snatch! How you would feel if you win de biggest lottery dem gat and somebody snatch yuh ticket and go and cash-in on de jackpot? Well dat is wuh happen to Guyana. It win de jackpot when it discover oil but de HAPNU+Hay-Eff-See went and give de ticket to dem oil companies and rob you of a comfortable life. And when de Pee Pee Pee come in power, everybody expect dem would ensure dat de ticket return to de rightful owner. But instead dem nah do nuttin bout reclaiming de ticket. But dem seh next time deh! Dat is why dem boys sehing if contract sign behind Soulja Bai back, den de contract nah valid and gat fuh cancel. De Jan man bin seh dat when he tell Soulja Bai bout de contract wah Trotty sign, Soulja Bai bin look sur-
prise. So dem boys seh if Soulja Bai nat authorise dat signing it nat legal and de matter should guh arbitration. De contract provide dat if dem gat any dispute, de dispute should guh to arbitration. But like nobody nah questioning who approve de signing of de contract. Even Soulja Bai nah coming out and seh whether he or Cabinet authorise dat signing. But everybody talking bout transparency. And de Pee Pee Pee nah produce no Cabinet records yet fuh prove dat Cabinet approve dat cock-and-bull contract. Dem fuhget dat de lottery ticket belong to you and me and nat to dem. Talk half and demand fuh know who authorise de signing!
bring about change will either turn to corruption or leave for greener pastures abroad. Those who return do so to milk the country for its last few dregs. Who can blame them – they are looking out for themselves. I can only
urge those who remain to selflessly work for the betterment of the nation. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Monday November 29, 2021
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Thank you, Winston Jordan but I am not grateful? Here is something about me that Winston Jordan, as Finance Minister, didn’t know. A few years ago, because of a critical staff shortage in the hard news section of Kaieteur News, I did a short stint as editor of the letter pages. I carried an apology a few times when Minister Jordan would demand it for the most innocuous criticism of him, even inconsequential statements way back when he served in the budget department under the PPP government. I will never forget one particular missive in which the writer merely opined that Mr. Jordan was once supportive of the PPP government when he was a
high official in the Ministry. Normally, these are things Cabinet ministers just ignore. But Jordan demanded an apology. I carried it. As a political analyst in the newspapers for the past 33 years, Mr. Jordan remains one of the people I am afraid to write about because he has a propensity to sue. In my last column on Jordan, I asked three lawyers to clear for me any subterranean legal uncouthness. My most recent piece on Jordan was titled, “From “War Break” to “Aluta Continua” of Wednesday, October 27, 2021. Here is the opening paragraph of that article: “I
sent this commentary here to four lawyers; yes, four lawyers. They concluded nothing is libelous. I changed, on the suggestion of one of the lawyers, two adjectives which he opined was safe but still made the suggestion. I will avoid getting libel and will continue to do offer analyses on Guyana’s troubled political landscape.” After reading what Mr. Jordan wrote about the current Finance Minister, I made the same mistake I keep on making. I was reading the newspaper while drinking hot coffee (I only buy local ground coffee which is extremely good) and when I came upon certain words in a published letter of Jordan, a terrible thing occurred once more in my life. In the paroxysm of shock of a transformed Jordan, the coffee split on my crotch, and burnt my left leg badly. I had to be rushed to the Georgetown Hospital and quick intervention saved my leg. Here is the headline of Mr. Jordan’s letter published on November 25, 2021: “Finance Ministry removed critical control measure and
this has opened the door to procurement confusion and corruption.” When I read those words in the actual body of the letter, the shock caused my body to convulse and it was there and then the coffee fell on me. Not for a fraction of a second, I would have used the word “corruption” in writing anything about the Ministry of Finance under Jordan. I believe in my heart, mind, soul and psyche that anyone who had composed that sentence while Jordan was Finance Minister would have landed up with a libel writ. When I read those words, I thought of what the late David DeCaries once wrote of the late medical doctor, Walter Ramsahoye. Mr. DeCaires observed that Ramsahoye loved to criticise people but could not and would not accept criticism. D r. R a m s a h o y e s u e d Kaieteur News three times, one of which I was the first defendant. Ramsahoye went on Channel 6 with CN Sharma and said nasty things about me yet sued for libel. In the three trials, Ramon Gaskin
was the chief witness for Ramsahoye. Gaskin waxed lyrical about the p u r i t y o f Ramsahoye, a man I found to be Frederick Kissoon an embarrassment to civilisation. On fear libel. I will end with a the witness stand, Gaskin said untruthful things question in reference to the about my doctoral training at column on Jordan that I mentioned above. the University of Toronto. Let me remind readers Gaskin is now the political partner of Yog what it is about. After the Mahadeo in an organisation government announced that named Article 13 in which it is in the process of bringing the government is constantly criminal charges against criticised. I would like to Jordan, the former minister remind Dr. Mahadeo that I issued a reaction in which he wrote four critical columns on ended his statement with the Gaskin, the first being in the African liberation slogan, Stabroek News of October “aluta continua” which 1989. I have been analysing m e a n s “ t h e s t r u g g l e Gaskin since then. If my continues.” I asked him to arithmetic is correct, that is a explain which struggle he is period of over 32 years. referring to. He replied to me Surely Yog Mahadeo must but did not explain. I am asking him again. know charity begins at home. Sorry for the long (The views expressed in digression, but the point of this column is that I am this article are those of the happy that we are now a u t h o r a n d d o n o t seeing a new Jordan where necessarily reflect the he can engage in flowing o p i n i o n s o f t h i s discourses and I don’t have to newspaper.)
Monday November 29, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Monday November 29, 2021
Camille’s Academy celebrates 90% NGSA, 80% CSEC pass rate
A proud moment: At centre: Principal of Camille’s Academy, Mrs. Camille Doekie-Gorakh stands between valedictorians Shavein Burnham (at left) and Omkar Haimpersaud (right).
Camille’s Academy Inc., the private school which boasts four locations in Guyana is living up to its motto “Strive for Excellence,” with students of the learning institution securing a 90 percent overall pass rate at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and 80 percent pass rate at the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certification (CSEC) examinations. The school recently held its annual end of year, graduation ceremony, where over 100 students were presented with certificates and prizes for their outstanding performances at the NGSA and CSEC examinations. The ceremony which was hosted at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel also saw several teachers of the school being awarded for their leadership roles in helping the graduates reach their feat. Education Specialist attached to the Ministry of Education, Dr Olato Sam was among the guests and other special invitees of the ceremony. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Principal of Camille’s Academy, Mrs. Camille Deokie-Gorakh told Kaieteur News that 42 students graduated for NGSA while 65 students were presented with certificates for CSEC. According to the Principal, the students performed excellently. She explained
that: “Out of the maximum 527 marks at NGSA 2021, eleven candidates secured excellent performance ranging from 91-97 percent. Twenty candidates secured satisfactory performance between 80-89 percent, while seven pupils attained acceptable standards between 70-79 percent and four candidates were below the pass mark with 63-69 percent.” As it relates to CSEC, Deokie-Gorakh stated that the total number of candidates graduated with CSEC was 65. She noted that in the CSEC category, there were over 80 percent passes recorded in 12 subjects areas including Human and Social Biology which had 100 percent, Physical Education which also had 100 percent ,Agricultural Science which recorded 97 percent; Office Administration which had 96 percent, Integrated Science which had 91 percent and Information Technology which had 90 percent. The Principal said that while 41 students achieved the minimum passes of 5 CSEC subjects, the top 20 students achieved between eight to sixteen subjects. She said: “Since the Academy Inc. has multiple locations, 2021 saw valedictorians from the Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara branch, Shavein Burnham graduating with 12 Continued on page 17
Dr. Olato Sam Education Specialist attached to the Ministry of Education presents an award to best teacher of the year for CSEC, Ms. Susanne Dorsette.
Kaieteur News
Monday November 29, 2021
PAGE 13
Have respect for us!
Marudi residents up ante against Govt. over agreement signed with Canadian gold company Residents of Marudi, in the deep-South Rupununi, Region Nine continue to protest the signing of new agreement between Government and a Canadian-based gold company for prospecting work to be done in their community. Following the announcement on social media of the signing, residents became alarmed and protested the decision, citing that they were never consulted and have no knowledge of how their lives would be impacted by the activities. This prompted a visit by Cabinet members on Saturday, who residents say were just there to ‘brainwash’ them. In attendance were Minister of Natural R e s o u r c e s , Vi c k r a m Bharrat, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, and Minister of Amerindian Peoples Affairs, Pauline Sukhai. Officials from the Guyana Geology and mines Commission (GGMC) were also present. Kaieteur News understands that the meeting took place, only after a contract was signed, permitting the company to conduct its hunt for gold resources in the area. Residents in the area who attended the meeting said that they were made to understand that the Government has granted approval for Guyana Gold Strike, a Canadian based company and Aurous Guyana Inc. to prospect the land for gold. Toshao of Aishalton, a village just about 15 miles outside of Marudi in an interview with this publication said the Indigenous community feels disrespected. He said, “We weren’t even notified of this meeting. I was told only at a meeting the day before by the Chairman…we were not informed of this agreement and we want to be involved in the decision making. Up to now we haven’t seen the agreement that was signed, so we don’t know what is on the agreement”. The Toshao, Michael Thomas clarified that it is not his intent to stop mining activities, but they are calling for the decisions to be made only after the necessary consultations. He noted that while the
Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn addressing the residents during the consultation on Saturday. Natural Resources Minister had visited before and discussions were held, “we never know that those discussions were consultations towards the opening of the mountains”. In fact, he explained that last year, a two-day meeting was held when the Government was attempting to reopen the mountains to mining activities. However, “We continued to ask questions like which law are you using to reopen, or to have mining activities happening”. Since then, the project was halted and a taskforce was formed, which also never achieved the goal of ironing out matters relating to the recommencing of mining activities. “I did not get to speak but there wasn’t enough time for them to hear us. They said time was against them, so not everything that we wanted to say was said. We didn’t have much input in the meeting,” the Toshao posited. He however pointed out that the residents’ main concern was being excluded from the agreement. “The main concern was them excluding us. We want those agreements to be made available for our Toshaos to read so we can have an idea as to what it says,” Thomas noted. Marudi is a mining area just 15 miles outside of Aishalton. An application was made years ago for the land title of Aishalton to be extended to the Marudi Mountains. Since then, several residents have settled there from surrounding areas. A resident of Marudi v i l l a g e a n d Yo u t h Chairperson on the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC), Josh Fredericks complained to this publication that not only were they given inadequate notice of the meeting
Aishalton Village
Saturday, but also residents who attended were denied an opportunity to raise their concerns. He said that while
miners were permitted to speak during the meeting, only a few residents were afforded the opportunity to
speak. According to him, “The district council was not invited to this meeting. It
was me who decided to gather up the people to go out to the Community Continued on page 17
Residents turned out in their numbers to get answers on the recent agreement signed.
Kaieteur News
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CAPE students now receiving $19,000 cash grant
A parent of a CAPE student receiving the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant. The Ministry of Education last week commenced the distribution of the $19,000 ‘Because We Care ‘ cash grant to Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) students in the public and private schools. A total of 582 students are registered to receive the grants across the country, which includes 429 in the public schools offering CAPE and 153 from the private schools. In a press release the ministry said the distribution exercise commenced on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, following the processing, placement and registration of the students. The grants are being uplifted at the individual schools. Like the distribution of the cash grants to other students
in the public and private schools, the expenditure is audited live to ensure there is transparency and accountability throughout the process. The exercise will continue this week at CAPE public schools across the country while the distribution will commence at private schools in Georgetown on Wednesday, December 01, 2021. Earlier this year, the Government restored the ‘Because We Care’ cash grants to parents of children attending both public and private schools at the nursery, primary and secondary levels. This benefitted thousands of families by increasing their disposable income as well as providing an invaluable education investment to over 12,000 of the nation’s
children. The Previous administration had cut the funding from the project shortly after taking office, forcing an added burden on parents for close to half a decade. During her visits to various regions at that time, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand explained that the grant is not only for educational items but that it can be used to purchase items that serve children and support them as they continue along their academic journey. The education minister said that she believes any expenditure in families is a worthwhile investment as it provides a multi-pronged approach to development. She added that the investment made in the children represents the government’s commitment to ensure that the future of Guyana is secure. The minister also reminded parents of the government’s promise, reaffirmed by H.E. Dr.Irfaan Ali on Friday that the grant will ultimately increase to $50,000 per child during their first term in office. Restoration of the grant, she noted was one of the major focal points of this government’s Manifesto, adding that the core of said manifesto was to ensure that Guyanese are equipped with the tools and skills to constantly elevate themselves and ultimately improve their livelihoods. She said that the Government had promised to restore the cash grant and fulfilled that promise.
Man dies after bike crashes into culvert A 28-year-old man of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam died on Saturday morning following an accident on Asylum Street, NA, Berbice. Dead is Rodriques Anthon. He was riding his red CBR motorcycle CH 2475 when he lost control and crashed. Reports are that Anthon was proceeding west along the northern side of Asylum Street, New Amsterdam without a safety helmet and at a fast rate of speed when he lost control of the bike and collided with a concrete culvert which is situated on the eastern side of Strand Public Road, New Amsterdam. As a result of the impact, Anthon’s body was flung from the bike and collided with the wall of a building located on the western side of Strand Road Public Road. Anthon suffered injuries about his head and body, was picked up in an unconscious condition by public-spirited citizens and escorted to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital by a police constable who had arrived on the scene. He was pronounced dead on arrival. The body is presently at the New Amsterdam Hospital The motorcycle Rodrigues Anthon was riding at the time of the accident. mortuary awaiting postmortem examination.
Monday November 29, 2021
New mobile learning app helping women grow their businesses
— expected to surpass target of 3,000 downloads
Marketing Officer for ActionInvest Caribbean Inc. Selena Bacchus hands over a certificate of completion to a HerVenture app user. HerVenture; the mobile learning app launched last September, as part of efforts to help female entrepreneurs in Guyana grow their businesses, is moving rapidly towards its target of reaching 3000 Guyanese women in business. According to Selena Bacchus, Marketing Officer for ActionInvest Caribbean Inc; the local delivery partner for the app, downloads of the digital learning tool has already surpassed 2000 users. Speaking to Kaieteur News via telephone, Bacchus explained that based on the trajectory the app will likely surpass the target of having 3000 downloads and users by January. “We had set a target for January but based on what we have seen, we will definitely have more than 3000 downloads by that time,” she said adding that the company has been engaged in an aggressive marketing campaign. “We have been using every avenue possible to get the word out so that Guyanese women in business can benefit. We have set up booths and marketed the app at almost every forum where woman are involved. Our most recent involvement was at the tourism month activities. We also collaborate with WINN [Women Innovation and Investment Network] programme which is under the Ministry of Human Services to spread the word,” she said.
The ActionInvest Caribbean Marketing Officer noted too that there is also a system in place for the company to track and monitor the progress of those who download the learning app. She explained that while downloading the app is free, the objective is to have women in business acquire the knowledge and skills needed to improve their products and services. “ So, we have been tracking the progress of the users, we can tell when its downloaded and at what module a user is at because we genuinely want women to learn, develop and grow in business. And of course, the service is free and easy so there should be no issues,” Bacchus added. She explained too that once a user completes the programme, they are issued certificates of completion. The Marketing Officer noted that even as many women tap into what the app has to offer, the digital learning tool has also expanded its modules. “There were originally seven modules now two more have been added. So, the app now has nine modules on the website which are ecommerce and business resilience through crisis,” she added. HerVenture is a flexible and free award-winning mobile learning app that helps women access the knowledge, skills and confidence to transform their businesses. The app developed by the
Cherie Blair Foundation which is based in the UK, suggests a personalised learning roadmap for each entrepreneur. It allows every user to learn on the go, at their own pace and convenience, and fits into their busy life easily. The app offers bite-size learning on topics like launching a business, managing finances, accessing markets and ecommerce in easy and engaging formats to give women entrepreneur an edge in business. Through HerVenture, female entrepenuers can connect with other women entrepreneurs and find out about local business events. HerVenture is making thousands of women across the world better off by unlocking their potential as successful entrepreneurs, with 94% of users saying they will apply the app’s teachings to their business. Once downloaded, the app can also be accessed offline. In Guyana, the app is being implemented by Exxon Mobil and ActionInvest Caribbean; a local business coaching and development company. H e r Ve n t u r e i s a l s o a v a i l a b l e i n Vi e t n a m , Indonesia, Nigeria, Kenya, S outh and A frica. To download it for free, persons can visit the Google Play Store or Apple Store. Download is also available at the HerVenture Guyana Facebook page and the website herventure.org.
Monday November 29, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Policeman refuses Rice farmer dies after tractor topples $700,000 bribe - as relatives of fraud accused try to buy his freedom for Christmas Two relatives of an alleged fraudster have joined him in the lock-ups after they tried to buy his freedom on Saturday for the Christmas holidays. The alleged fraudster was identified as 37-year-old resident of Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Trying to buy his freedom for $700,000 was his brother, 38, and a female relative, 25. Kaieteur News was told that there was a two-year-old arrest warrant out for the alleged fraudster and police managed to detain the man on Saturday around 17:00hrs. This newspaper understands that he was wanted for selling unsuspecting customers properties that were not his. The arresting officers took him to the Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara Police Station but while there, he requested a phone call to his lawyer. The lawyer visited him but not long after, his 25year-old female relative showed up at the police station. According to police, the woman gave the alleged
The cash that the alleged fraudster’s relatives used in an attempt to buy his freedom for Christmas. fraudster a package. He then reportedly handed that package to the investigating officer and asked that the investigation against him be dropped. When the officer opened the packaged, it contained $700,000 in cash. Confronted about his illegal actions of trying to bribe a police officer, the alleged fraudster reportedly said that he did not want to spend Christmas behind bars. The officer refused the bribe and cautioned him about the new offence, which he had
committed by trying to bribe a peace officer. Investigators also detained the female relative and she cracked under a brief interrogation and related to the officers that his brother was the one who had given her cash to pay the bribe. Police arrested him too and now both of them have been placed in the lock-ups with the alleged fraudster for conspiring to commit a felony by a corrupt transaction with an agent (the investigating officer).
Teen dies after falling off building at construction site in E’bo Police on the Essequibo Coast are investigating the death of a sixteen-year-old boy who died after reportedly falling off a building at a construction site last Saturday afternoon. According to reports reaching Kaieteur News, the incident occurred at a rice mill at Vilvorden on the Essequibo Coast. The victim has been identified as Amar Dindyal, of Dry Shore on the Essequibo Coast. Based on information reaching this publication, at the time of the incident, the teen was nailing zinc sheets on the building when he reportedly fell . A witness who is familiar with the incident, told Kaieteur News that the teen died almost instantly, after falling from the structure. The body was taken to the Suddie Public Hospital and was later pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor. Kaieteur News understands that the teen was the eldest child in his family, and would usually work to support his mother.
Deceased: Amar Dindyal
A 20-year-old man was pinned to death by the tractor he was operating on Sunday at Vryheid Backdam, Corentyne. . The dead man has been identified as Samuel Singh, of Dun Robin Farm, Corentyne, Berbice. His uncle, Manoj Kumar Singh disclosed that he received a call just before 12:00 noon and was told that Samuel was pinned by the tractor he was driving in the Vryheid backdam. He added that his nephew left with his father for the backdam at 06:00hrs Sunday to execute some work in the fields. Singh said after he got the call he left for the scene and rushed him to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body is presently at the New Amsterdam Hospital mortuary awaiting autopsy.
Deceased, Samuel Singh
PAGE 16
Monday November 29, 2021
Kaieteur News
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FOR SALE PACIFIC -Houses For Sale Onderneeming,Tuschen, Haslington Call/WhatsApp 223-6035,673-6210, +1(917) 771-5202. Pure Dobermann pups call:699-7077/619-6086.Pure German Shepherd pups call:674-7531/645-5767. Stall with bonds in Stabroek Market. Call:227-3463 between 8am to 4pm for inquiries.
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WANTED 1 live in maid,salary $80,000 monthly.Call:665-0679. Domestic- to work in Georgetown from 7:30am to 4:00pm(honest & mature). Call:623-6383 between 7 am to 7pm.
House plan drawing & estimates. K.Lakeram Building Contractor.Call:2160671,692-8464 or whatsapp 622-0267. Specialized repair/service: A/ C, refrigerator, washing machine,treadmill,stove, deepfryer, pressurepump & backwash,dryer,oven. 6949733.
A West Ruimveldt woman died on Saturday afternoon following a car accident at Mocha on the East Bank of Demerara. Dead is Euclin Joseph, 49 of Lot 270 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown Guyana. The accident involved motorcar # PSS 7652 driven by Aaron Rodrigues age 21 years of Lot 4 Freeman Street East La Penitence Georgetown. Rodrigues is also Special Constable attached to the escort section of the Guyana Police Force. Enquiries disclosed that motorcar #PSS 7652 was proceeding west along the southern side of the Mocha Access Road at an alleged fast rate of speed when the driver lost control of the vehicle, which ended up on the southern parapet where the right side collided with a GPL light post. As a result of
LAND FOR SALE 102 GoodHope Mahaica, 500ftx42ft Roadside. Call: 6918420.
Live meat birds & pluck chicken.To buy call:6955310/225-9304. We are looking for one experienced & certified cosmet o l o g i s t / h a i r d r e s s s e r. Tel:626-6450.
PROPERT FOR SALE Parfaite Harmony.Tel:6839146.
VACANCY Cook/Baker and Pitmen for interior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020/231-2250. Maid to cook and clean for East Bank.Call: 615-9132.
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One four bedroom apartment at Eccles East Bank, price $80,000.Call:233-6930. Fully furnished 2 & 3 bedroom luxury apartments with AC and hot & cold,long & short term.Tel:682-2585/6911432. Rental of buildings,middle floor at 20 George St Werken-rust,Georgetown. Tel:226-9560 (between 9:30am to 4:30pm). 2 bedroom apartment in Eccles Housing Scheme,3 bedroomhouse in Albertown. Tel:225-3234/628-1183.
2 soup cooks,2 kitchen assistants.Must have experience. Good pay.Police clearance needed.Call:6971955. Manager.Call Indian Henna 671-5759/657-6979. One male able bodied clerk. Call:616-5954,231-2029. Skilled carpenters, masons, welder and labourers to work long termin Georgetown & Linden. Call:602-9469,6157526. Males to work at supermarket in interior 20 & over. Tel:687-7638/691-3942.
Vacancy for Managers & Supervisor to manage a distribution business. Appy at Alabama Trading. Vacancy for 1 person to assemble bicycle,also experience vegetarian cook. Apply at Alabama Trading. Vacancy exist for Security Officers,male & female 18yrs & above. Contact:223-4172/ 632-0099. Taxi & Minibus Drivers. Tel:225-3234/628-1183. 1Accounts/Inventory Clerk.Must have CXC Maths & English,email: benjamin_nathalie@yahoo.com. One salesman,able bodied porters.Experience in writing bills,stocktaking & cashing. Keyfood Trading,Mc Doom village.
The mangled vehicle at the scene of the accident the collision, several occupants namely: Raymond Joseph age 39 years of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Samantha Andrews age 32 years of Triumph East Coast Demerara, Lashana Young age 32 years of Providence East Bank Demerara and
Joseph sustained injuries about their bodies. Some of the injured were taken out of the vehicle by the police and public-spirited citizens and taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where they were seen and examined by a doctor on duty.
Joseph was pronounced dead on arrival whilst the rest of occupants are receiving medical attention. Breathalyzer tests conducted on the driver found no trace of alcohol in his breath. He is in custody assisting with the investigations.
Region 2 man is Guyana’s latest COVID-19 fatality A sixty-nine-year-old man from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is now deemed the country’s latest COVID-19 fatality, according to the Ministry of Health. The Ministry is a press release said that the man was a fully vaccinated patient who died on Saturday while receiving treatment at a medical institution. As a result of this, Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll has moved to 987. Meanwhile, in its daily COVID-19
dashboard, the Health Ministry recorded 66 new infections, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 37,773. The dashboard shows that there are 17 patients admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 71 persons in institutional isolation, 1,433 in home isolation and three in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 35,265 persons have since recovered from the virus.
Proposed amendments to elections laws inadequate... From page 8 inadequate. “Yet, there is no proposal for increasing that limit or to prevent elections becoming hostage to foreign interests and private capital. Nor do the proposed amendments deal with the abuse of State resources by the party in Government and egregiously, the shutting out of opposition parties from the State media,” Article 13 said. In addition, the group said that it reviewed the several proposed penalties in the
amendments to the (ROPA) as well as the proposed introduction of the new regulations under that Act. “We note that several of the amendments introduce severe penalties, including a ten million dollars fine and lifetime imprisonment for certain conducts by elections officials. We are concerned too that if these proposals make their way into the law, they can have a chilling effect on the willingness of citizens to
serve for a paltry sum as clerks on Election Day,” the group said in the release. Article 13 therefore called on the Government to immediately extend the period of consultation, which ends on December 17, 2021. “The laid down procedure lacks transparency, shuts out large segments of the population and fails to address the fundamental issues affecting elections in Guyana since Independence, 55 years ago,” Article 13 said.
Monday November 29, 2021
Marudi residents up ante against Govt. over... From page 13 Center for this meeting”. He noted that the GGMC officials spoke about how the community of Marudi is poised to benefit from the mining activities, while vague responses were given in relation to resolving the impacts of these activities. “They were only talking about the benefits and the many good things that they want to do; how miners will put funding into the community…but basically we think that this is just a brainwash to the people of the community,” he opined. The Youth Chairperson said that while the authorities were bragging on social media that all stakeholders participated in the decision, this was not the truth. In fact, he said that the SRDC was never part of the discussions to formulate the agreement. As a consequence, he called on the Government to make the agreement available for residents to understand how they stand to be affected. “This is totally wrong. It is like putting the cart before the horse. Doing a consultation after you already signed an agreement. It looks like now they want to inform the people that this agreement was signed,” he protested. Fredericks said that because villagers are ignorant of what the mining companies were permitted to do, they are also clueless as to how their livelihood can be affected. “We want to protect our land and our sacred sites, our natural forests, and we are looking at the negatives impacts this thing can have. Also we know that it can be positive. We are not against the mining but we’re upset about the way they are carrying about their selves. It is in manner that is disrespectful to our rights as Indigenous People,” he pointed out. The Youth Chairperson was keen to note that the village is completely dependent on natural water sources. Against this background, he
expressed fear as to what could happen to the people, should the river become polluted as a result of the mining activities. “We depend on the head waters. We depend on the natural water source and the water head are located in that area where there is a mine and if our water is polluted, it is not only the South Rupununi that would be affected, but other communities that depend on the water source, the Rupununi River,” he explained. “We are not seeing any environmental plan, are they going to plant over trees, what are they going to do? We haven’t seen anything and we don’t know what is in that agreement,” Fredericks quarreled. He is of the view that the villagers in Marudi inherited the land from their forefathers and they must remain keepers of the space. “They must recognize that we are the keepers of the land and we want our rights to be respected at all times, at all forums whether it be locally or internationally, we are not only asking but are demanding legal recognition of our land. We have heard them saying that oh we care, but if they really cared they would be consulting our people and settle an agreement in the best interest of our community,” he concluded. Meanwhile, another resident, Kid James echoed the sentiments shared by the other village leaders. He insisted that the South Rupununi District Council was never included in the agreement, and any development taking place in the district should pass through the Council. “Mining may not be very ideal for our communities, but we know it is important to the economy. But we just wanted to make sure it as done the right way because when those people leave our communities, our land, it is our children who will continue to be affected by that, so any-
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thing about our development, our community voices need to be heard,” he posited. James added, “This is a slap in the face, because this community gave over whelming support to this Government in the last elections…we in the south have been impacted by the pandemic, but the flooding recently gives rise to the issue of climate change. We want to make sure that our areas are not contributing to climate impacts that the world is experiencing at the moment and I think we have the resources and the local knowledge and we can help to reverse and keep within the limits in which we need to stay alive.” The SRDC represents 21 Amerindian Communities in the district including Crowdar, Achiwib, Aishalton, Shea, Shulinab, Marudi and Awaranau. Back in 2016, a ‘Mediation of the Marudi Mountain Dispute Agreement’ was made after the then Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, intervened in a standoff between small miners from the Marudi Mountain area, representatives of Indigenous communities, and Romanex Guyana Exploration Limited. The Minister had facilitated a mediation process resulting in all parties signing the ‘Mediation of the Marudi Mountain Dispute Agreement’. This agreement paved the way for approximately 70 small scale mining operations to be able to continue operations providing they adhere to the environmental, safety and health stipulations. However, in late 2018 and early 2019, several small-scale operators had descended upon the Mazoa Hill area and began dangerous and illegal mining operations. This was a direct breach of the terms of the agreement, signed in 2016. A total of thirty-four operators of “Crushers” and four operators of hydraulic excavators were issued with orders to remove.
Camille’s Academy celebrates 90%... From page 12 subjects which included 11 Grades ones and One Grade Two while Omkar Haimpersaud from the Diamond, E.B.D branch secured 16 subjects with 9 Grade ones, and 7 Grade twos.” Other successful graduates within the top 10 included: Marcia Manna, who got 13 subjects; Tiffany Dasilva who also attained 13 subjects; Marissa Arjune got 15 subjects; Miranda Branche got 14 subjects, Shena Persaud who received 14 subjects; Ashley Ram who acquired 13 subjects; Leanna Hundar who received 13 subjects and Bindi Latchman who copped passes in 12 subject areas. Meanwhile, the Camille’s Academy founder noted that the three (3) locations combined achieved an average of 80 percent passes overall, their newest location at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara secured an excellent pass rate of 90 percent with their top performer; Tai Panday graduating amongst the top 20. AWARDS AND HONOUR During the ceremony, awards were also presented to top performers in various subject areas. This year, the Academy’s Math award went to a female student, Shavein Burnham who also copped prizes for Information Technology and Electronic Docu-
ment Preparation and Management. Similarly, Valedictorian Omkar Haimpersaud also took away the “Best Business Student” and the “Best Science Student” awards. Mrs. Deokie Gorakh noted that every year as the academy awards their students for their excellent performance; the teachers are also recognized & rewarded for contributing to the overall performances as well. This year, the saw 12 CSEC teachers receiving their “Outstanding teacher of the year” award for achieving over 80 percent pass rate in their subject areas. The Principal noted “Ms. Susanne Dorsett was awarded the “Teacher of the year for CSEC with 100 percent passes in Human and Social Biology and, 91 passes in Integrated Science and 80 percent passes in Biology.” Ms. Stacey Austin was awarded “The Teacher of the Year” for NGSA 2021 with an overall pass rate of 90 percent. The Principal noted that while many students encountered numerous challenges during the pandemic, there were two students who faced extraordinary challenges. She disclosed: “None can compare to a child losing her father due to an accident month prior to her examination. Despite many days feeling lost and broken, Leanna Hundar, persevered and continued to
demonstrate true courage and resilience, even securing a place amongst the “top 10 performers for CSEC, 2021.” She continued that another student who faced opposition but made it in the “top 20” dedicated his achievements to his mother who passed away due to a prolonged illness while awaiting his result. “Benkhai Langelier is a disciplined young man and the school pledged their support at the graduation to see him further his studies in whatever area he chooses to pursue,” the CEO added. Deokie-Gorakh noted that despite several challenges, the Academy continues to grow and expand. The Academy is currently preparing 63 candidates for NGSA 2022 from four (4) locations; Soesdyke, Diamond, Lusignan and the newest location which opened its doors in September, Crane, West Coast Demerara and currently 75 candidates are registered for CSEC 2022. Speaking further on the expansion, Deokie-Gorakh mentioned that her plan is to focus on the existing locations by supporting new team members with adapting to the systems and culture of the organization and by providing continuous training as the school moves towards completing the requirements for international standard (ISO) certification.
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Monday November 29, 2021
A lesson for Guyana... French oil company sends
auditors on fishing expedition in Mozambique - as hundreds of millions in ineligible costs detected - Guyana still to scrutinise billions of US dollars expended by Exxon
President, Irfaan Ali By Kiana Wilburg
N
atural gas discoveries in the Rovuma Basin off the coast of northern Mozambique are among the most significant in the world. The discoveries are of such massive quantities that their development can easily catapult the African nation to being a top gas exporting powerhouse. In light of this, French multinational, Total S.A,
Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo Italy’s ENI and other oil companies have spent billions behind the development of the gas resources, which are spread across two concessions Area 1 and Area 4. Mozambique’s government estimates that it will receive as much as US$64 billion from the gas projects. It is crucial to note however that these projected revenues are heavily influenced by both capital and operating costs incurred by Total and its partners.
Map showing the location of Areas 1 and 4 in Mozambique’s gas rich Rovuma basin which extends offshore. Given that there has been limited public oversight of
the said costs, civil society groups in Mozambique have been calling for its government to conduct cost recovery audits and ensure the subsequent disclosure of their results. These calls were made since 2014 but it was only in 2018 that the government caved to the requests. In 2018, the country’s National Petroleum Institute started the audit process of the recoverable costs of the Concession Contracts for Exploration and Production (EPCC) of Areas 1 and 4 offshore of the Rovuma Basin. These costs, which are still under review, pertained to the years 2015, 2016 and 2017. Three years after that process commenced, the auditors have found that the fears of the people of Mozambique were valid. According to the reports that were made public and seen by Kaieteur News, it was found that out of the approximately US$2 billion declared by the concessionaires in the two areas, US$33M was not considered eligible for recovery. The reasons for the non-eligibility of these costs as recoverable include: noncompliance with the accounting and financial procedures established in the EPCC, the non-submission of supporting documents for the costs incurred, etc. In addition, regarding
Area 4, US$ 676 million of the recoverable costs (corresponding to 34% of the total costs declared by Area 4 concessionaires) were c l a s s i f i e d i n c o r r e c t l y, contrary to the accounting and financial procedures of the contract. At the moment, the audit of recoverable costs for Area 4 is in the process of finalisation. The auditors also noted that they faced several challenges when carrying out their work. In the report seen by this newspaper, it was noted that it took Total several weeks to successfully deliver access to its online document database while several documents were not available to support some of the costs claimed for recovery. What was also frustrating to the auditors was that the data provided included unnecessary financial transactions, which had nothing to do with the project and therefore “wasted significant time in processing this redundant data.” They said too that resources were wasted in processing or numbering documents that were not related to the target transactions. “The overall effect of these challenges has resulted in a huge amount of our time and resources,” the auditors noted. Over in Guyana, there
have been incessant calls for the PPP/C Government to complete the audit of close to US$10B in costs incurred by ExxonMobil’s affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) for its Liza Phase One and Two Projects as well as for expenditure that occurred prior to the 2015 oil discoveries. The government, specifically Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has said that the audits are delayed by the lack of strong local content. He had said locals ought to have a leading role in the audit process but it was not evident enough when bids for the audits were s u b m i t t e d t h i s y e a r. President Irfaan Ali and Jagdeo have nonetheless pledged to ensure the audits are done. They did not say when this would be done. In the meantime, local and regional stakeholders are concerned that Guyana will not be able to challenge any ineligible costs found since the two-year time frame prescribed in the contract to scrutinise annual costs has elapsed. There have also been calls for Guyana to withhold the approval of Exxon’s $1.8 trillion Yellowtail project until the previous cost audits have been completed. Ali and Jagdeo have not responded to this request by some sections of the citizenry.
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Palmeiras retain Copa Libertadores title after extra time
GAPLF issues statement on Carlos Petterson-Grifith possible Anti-Doping Rule Violation
AP Palmeiras successfully defended the Copa Libertadores title after beating Flamengo 2-1 in an all-Brazilian final that went to extra time on Saturday. The third title from the Sao Paulo-based club kicked off street parties in the metropolis, regardless of new concerns about COVID-19. The champion opened the scoring at Centenario Stadium in Montevideo through Raphael Veiga early. Flamengo, which started the final as favorite, levelled in the second half thanks to Gabriel Barbosa. Substitute Deyverson netted the winner in the first half of extra time. Palmeiras became the first team in 20 years to win backto-back titles. Boca Juniors
“The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) has received an official notice of a possible Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) under the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) AntiDoping Rules (“ADR”) by Mr. Carlos Pettterson-Grifith,” a release from GAPLF informed. “This is as a result of tests conducted during the 18th NAPF / FESUPO PanAmerican Regional P o w e r l i f t i n g Championships held in Orlando, Florida, USA, August 18-21, 2021. The process to resolve the issue of ADRV,
Players of Brazil’s Palmeiras celebrate with the trophy after beating Brazil’s Flamengo 2-1 in the Copa Libertadores final soccer match in Montevideo, Uruguay, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico) won in 2000 and ’01, the first of those titles against Palmeiras in the final prevented the Brazilian side
from retaining its first Copa title. A counterattack started by defender Gustavo Gomez
Monday November 29, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Are you one of those people who thinks that your bank account can't be overdrawn as long as you still have checks in your checkbook? TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today is good for relationships. Regardless of whether it's personal or professional, you can expect good things to happen. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You deserve a day off. Why not play hooky from your duties and surround yourself with beautiful works of art? Better yet, try to create some yourself. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Today, you might have an irresistible impulse to put your home in order. You want to give it a thorough cleaning and decorating. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) It's likely that you've been working too hard and too long. Don't you think the time has come for a bit of a break? Even if you manage to drag yourself out of bed, you're unlikely to accomplish much. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) It's time to expand your horizons. No more waiting around for events to change of their own accord. You've grown up enough to realize that if change is going to happen, you have to make it happen.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) As much as you want to change your financial situation, don't act rashly. If there are several options to choose from, you're advised to refrain from making any decision until your thoughts have crystallized. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Try as you might, you may spend the better part of the day with your foot in your mouth. It's one of those days when anything you say to clear up the confusion only confuses matters more. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Just because you're stressed now doesn't mean that you need to be stressed tomorrow, or the rest of the day for that matter. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Your tendency is to rush headlong into a new project. Not everyone is caught up in your enthusiasm. Be careful not to steamroll over those you care about most. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Out with the old and in with the new! That seems to be your mantra for the day, especially where your home is concerned. Your energy and motivation are high. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Don't look a gift horse in the mouth, as the saying goes. You're likely to receive some good news today. Don't second-guess it, or worry if you're worthy of it.
found right back Mayke free and onside thanks to Flamengo defender David Luiz. Mayke’s low cross reached Raphael Veiga, and he put it past goalkeeper Diego Alves in the sixth minute. Flamengo wasted opportunities in the second half, and didn’t level until the 72nd, courtesy of its its top scorer Gabriel Barbosa. Assisted by Giorgian de Arrascaeta, the man nicknamed Gabigol scored from close range against goalkeeper Weverton, who was not quick enough to block the shot. Barbosa scored both Flamengo goals in the 2-1 final win against River Plate in its second and last Copa triumph in 2019. The 1-1 looked fair at the end of regular time. But it didn’t take long for Palmeiras to regain the upper hand. A slip by Flamengo midfielder Andreas Pereira in the 95th made the difference. Deyverson, who replaced a fatigued Veiga minutes before, carried the ball all by himself and calmly beat goalkeeper Alves. Deyverson returned to Palmeiras in June after a loan to Alaves, and was in tears after his first goal in this Copa. “I had ups and downs here, I made many mistakes, but I never stopped working,” the striker, once again in tears, said. Deyverson signed a fiveyear contract with Palmeiras in 2017, but problems on and off the pitch led him to being loaned to Getafe in 2020 and Alaves shortly later. Many Palmeiras fans did not enjoy the news of his return. Deyverson surprised fans and players alike near the final whistle when he fell to the ground after being lightly touched on the back by Argentine referee Nestor Pitana. Pitana laughed at the player’s reaction and told him to stand up. Deyverson’s rolls on the pitch went viral on social media.
commences with an official notice, with various dates for the submission of requested information and a full determination of all the related issues. The athlete is obliged to comply with the requirements of the process and is obligated to comply with the outcome.” “As a consequence, the athlete will not participate in the upcoming South American Championships and the GAPLF National Seniors,” the release noted. “The GAPLF has engaged the athlete and will continue to do so throughout the process,” the release concluded.
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Monday November 29, 2021
GFF ATC Challenge Trophy
Georgetown and East Bank to contest final Both semifinal matches of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Academy Training Center (ATC) Challenge Trophy competition were contested yesterday at the National Training Center (NTC) at Providence where kicks from the penalty mark decided the victors in each clash. In the opening semifinal match was a sixgoal affair between Bartica and eventual winners Georgetown that finished
deadlocked after the allotted 70 minutes of play. Micaiah DeFreitas scored a hat-trick for the Vurlon Mills’ coached G/T side, while Tyrese Collisson matched his effort for Bartica in a losing effort following a 4-2 loss in the penalty shootout. In the other semifinal that pitted East Bank and East Coast together, East Bank won via kicks from the penalty mark after the stalemate in regulation time.
Team Georgetown celebrate after winning the shootout.
Monday November 29, 2021
West Indies look to bounce back against Sri Lanka
Joshua Da Silva showed grit in the first Test. (AFP/ Getty Images) GALLE, Sri Lanka (AFP) — Sri Lanka are favourites in the second Test against the West Indies that begins today after a resounding victory in the first game, but if the tourists win the toss and get Dimuth Karunaratne early they are in with a chance. The West Indies top order fared badly in the first Test in Galle, managing just 100 for six in the first innings and slumping to 18 for six in the second. “Everyone has the ability to play spin. We have to be more precise on our footwork,” Nkrumah Bonner, the lone hero of the second innings with an unbeaten 68, said ahead of the final match in the series, also in Galle. “The key is for the batters who get a start to go on. I am confident we will do well in the second Test,” the Jamaican said. It didn’t help in the first game, which Sri Lanka won by 187 runs — a margin that actually flattered the visitors — that the West Indies lost the toss and Sri Lanka enjoyed the best batting conditions on day one. “The toss is crucial in these conditions. The first day it didn’t spin as much when they batted,” Bonner said. He said they know they have to target Karunaratne when bowling after his masterful 147 and 83 in the rain-affected first match. Karunaratne is the world’s third highest rungetter this year with over 850 runs in six Tests including four hundreds. One more 50 will see him equal a world record of seven-consecutive halfcenturies in Test cricket. “Karunaratne is the batsman we need to target,” Bonner said. “We need to make sure that we take those chances and get him out early.” The West Indies need to win to remain seventh in
the ICC rankings. Sri Lanka will push them down to eighth with a win or a draw. “We were keen on working on a few areas leading up to the series, and playing spin well was one of them. I guess we have countered the spin threat by sweeping well. But we need t o m a k e m o r e improvements,” Karunaratne said ahead of the match, which could again be hit by rain. “Another area we need to concentrate on is close catching. We dropped way too many in the second innings and can’t do that. Looking at the second Test, maybe we could leave out a fast bowler for a batsman. Will take a call on that after training,” Karunaratne added. If they opt to leave out a seamer, it is likely that Dushmantha Chameera will be left out. In that case, Charith Asalanka could make his debut. West Indies (from) — Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Kyle Mayers, Ve e r a s a m m y P e r m a u l , Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Jeremy Solozano and Jomel Warrican. Sri Lanka (from) — Dimuth Karunaratne (captain), Oshada Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Minod Bhanuka, Ramesh Mendis, Praveen Jayawickrama, Lasith Embuldeniya, Vishwa Fernando, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera and Lahiru Kumara. Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena (SRI) and Ruchira Palliyaguruge (SRI) Third Umpire: Lyndon Hannibal (SRI) Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)
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Monday November 29, 2021
PanAm Games Boxing
Inverary, Jackman, Harvey out of Medal hunt after suffering Q/F losses The Guyana Boxing team and Coach Terrence Poole (extreme right).
The trio of Youth boxers Travis Inverary, Patrick Harvey and Alesha Jackman all drew byes in the opening round and moved into the quarter finals of the Junior Pan Am Games which began Thursday and concludes on December 5, in Cali Colombia. Harvey, Inverary and lone female Jackman are among 22 Athletes representing Guyana at the inaugural Games and among 41 Countries in the Americas. As of yesterday, Mexico had the most medals with 58 which include 14 Gold, 31 Silver, 13 Bronze. However, Brazil has the most Gold medals with 19, 9
Silver and 13 bronze with an overall tally of 41, while the United States has 17 Gold and 38 overall. Host Colombia has 15 Gold and 45 overall. Because of the age stipulation, Guyana, who was preparing for an U-19 tournament, found it hard to advance to the medal round. In Saturday’s quarterfinals, Travis Inverary lost by a unanimous decision to C o l o m b i a n Ye f e r s o n Belalcazar in the 69kg division. And on Saturday evening, Aleshia Jackman, rated as the best female Junior Boxer in the Caribbean, lost by a unanimous decision in her
battle against Colombian Roxanne Briseno. A win in their first fight would have guaranteed at least a Bronze medal. Yesterday (Sunday) Patrick Harvey carried Guyana’s last hope of winning a Medal in Boxing when he fought Puerto Rican William Adrian Ortiz in the 63kg division in his opening bout. However, the Guyanese failed to register a victory as the Boxers will return without a medal. Coach Terrence Poole, w h o i s t h e Te c h n i c a l Director of the Guyana Boxing Association, said the boxers lacked aggression in their bouts. (Sean Devers)
Neymar suffers gruesome ankle injury... From page 3 ankle. The Brazilian megastar’s foot rolled under his leg and he was in tears as he left the match with PSG up 2-1 in the 88th minute. Denis Bouanga gave Saint-Etienne the early lead with a VAR-awarded goal, but their task got bigger when Timothee Kolodziejczak was shown a 45th-minute red
card for a “last man back” foul. PSG had 71 percent of the ball and held a 15-8 shot advantage over Saint-Etienne, who has shockingly slipped to last in the Ligue 1 table. Mauricio Pochettino’s men are now 131-1 and have a 14-point lead on the chasing pack. Nice is in second.
Kaieteur News
Monday November 29, 2021
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Motie set to make senior Swimmers all improve times - Persaud set new but fail to advance Guyana 100m free record team debut in Pakistan Junior PanAm Games
- Intends to maximize every opportunity
The Guyana Swim team (L-R) Seaton, Persaud & Patrice and Paul Mahaica in Colombia.
Led by 15-year-old Olympian Aleka Persaud, Guyana’s swim quartet of Leon Seaton, Patrice and Paul Mahaica junior all improved on their entry times yesterday at the inaugural U-23 Pan American Games in Cali, Colombia. Aleka Persaud swam yesterday and broke Britney Van Lange 100meters free record which she set as an 18 year-old. Swimming in the 100m free, the Boys were the first to enter the pool in a Championship which has attracted 3,500 of the best young Athletes in the Americas in over 25 sports disciplines. In high altitude conditions, 17-year-old Leon Seaton improved on his entry time of 54.85 by finishing his 100m free in a
time of 54.43. Swimming in heat 1 in Lane 4 the Guyanese who trains in Florida USA, clocked 26.31 in the first 50meters before slowing down in the second half when he swam a time of 28.11 to finish second in his heat after shaving off -0.43 of his entry time. Next on show was 15-year-old Paul Mahaica who also improved on his entry time by -2.69 to finish eighth in his heat. Mahaica, with an entry time of 1:01.77, swam his race in 59.08 after swimming the first 50meters in a time of 27.55 before his time in the last 50meters was 31.53. On the distaff side Persaud, with experience of Tokyo Olympics and Junior World Championship in Peru, swam her 100mters Freein a time 10:1.11 to
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better her entry time and break the national record. Patrice Mahaica also bettered her entry time by finishing her 100m free in a time of 10:4.85 Coach Paul Mahaica said he was pleased that all of his charges improved their times yesterday. “It will be very hard to advance when you have 15year-olds competing against 22-year-olds. They are much more accomplished and experienced than our swimmers due to their age. But I am pleased with the improvement shown by these swimmers in high altitude conditions, especially during this Covid Pandemic period when very little sporting competitions were held.” Persaud is scheduled to swim her third and final race today. (Sean Devers)
Neymar suffers gruesome ankle injury, Messi 3 assists in PSG win NBC Sports - Lionel Messi fueled a second-half comeback win for Paris Saint-Germain that will be overshadowed by a gruesome injury to Neymar ’s troublesome ankle. Messi assisted a pair of goals from Marquinhos sandwiched around his setup of Angel Di Maria as PSG overcame an early 1-0 deficit. Neymar had a tough day outside of the win, his sixthminute goal overturned by VAR before a hard sliding tackle caught his foot at the (Continued on page 22)
By Sean Devers wenty-six yearold left-arm spinner Guyanese Gudakesh Motie has been named in the West Indies’ One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) squads for their series against Pakistan at the National Stadium in Karachi from December 13 to 22. The Berbician is set to make his West Indies ‘white ball’ debut in what will be the West Indies’ first tour of Pakistan since April 2018 when three T20Is were contested and the first for an ODI series playing ODIs since December 2006. The ODI Series will be West Indies fourth series of 12 in the World Cup Super League in which the top seven teams can secure automatic qualification for the 2023 World Cup in India. West Indies are in eighth position out of 13 teams and will go above Pakistan into seventh place with a series win. Motie, who joins Sew Shivnarine, Narsingh Deonarine, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Devendra B i s h o o , Ve e r a s a m m y Permaul and Sunil Dhaniram (for Canada) as Albion players to play ODI cricket, said he only had the opportunity to go back to the US and play some T20 cricket after CPL. “My plans are to maximize every opportunity I get to the fullest of my ability,” says Motie, who taken 27 List ‘A’ wickets from 18 matches at an economy rate of 4.20 and has eight wickets from six T20
Lionel Messi set up three goals for PSG. (AFP/ Jeff Pachoud)
Motie & Bramble celebrate another wicket in the CPL. games. “I’m always working alot on my batting because I know I have the ability to become an all-rounder,” posited Motie, who has 100 wickets from 29 First-Class games in which his highest score is an unbeaten 72. Motie, who was born on March 29, 1995 to Kanhai Motie and Tarmattie Harilall and is the last of three children, the other two being girls, said from watching, the conditions look similar to here but he has to adjust and adapt it. Motie made his National U-15 debut in 2007 as an 11year-old and played four years at that level before representing Guyana for two years at the U-17 level and three years at the U-19 level making him the most capped Guyana youth player. In 2013 Motie was selected for the West Indies under-19 team to tour Bangladesh before playing for the Regional side in the 2014 U-19 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. He made his first-class debut for Guyana in
November 2015, playing against the Windward Islands in 2015 and in just his second game, against the Leeward Islands he took 620 and 5-85. Motie bagged 679 in the following match against Barbados and added a fourth five-wicket haul for the season two games later, taking 6-33 against Jamaica. In October 2019, he was named in Guyana’s squad for the 2019–20 Regional Super50 tournament. He was the leading wicket taker in the 2021 Super50 series with 16 wickets. The six-footer made his Twenty20 debut on 2 September 2021, for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the 2021 Caribbean Premier League and along with fellow Berbician Romario Shepheard are the only Guyanese in the touring party. S h i m r o n H e t y m e r, another Berbician, has made himself unavailable due to personal reasons. Motie, who recently became a father, says he feels confident in doing well in his biggest assignment so far in his career.