Kaieteur News
PAGE 02
Tuesday November 30, 2021
Exxon’s ramped up production, Fmr. Finance Minister says... 7% salary increase is a reckless chase after money maltreatment of public servants In recent days, reports have surfaced of oil giant, ExxonMobil, bragging of its ability to ‘safely’ produce more oil resources than the prescribed safety limit in the Liza One development. These reports have attracted the attention of several environmentalists, including Ms. Simone Mangal-Joly, who believes that the ramped up production rates are a reckless chase after money. In an interview with this newspaper on Monday, the environmentalist said it is, “A reckless rush to chase money without counting the damages and losses in other areas in the process, both in direct benefit we accrue daily, and monetary terms, is shortsighted and dangerous to all of us, including businesses and our economy as a whole.” She explained that each time a new Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel is welcomed to Guyana, it also brings along tonnes of toxic waste that is discharged into the waters, thereby impacting our fish and other marine species. Not only this, but a tremendous amount of waste is being brought to shore for treatment and disposal, Mangal added. The environmentalist was keen to note that the risks are not only limited to an oil spill, but the dangers extend way beyond such an event. “The risks are not just in an oil spill. The coastland is low and prone to
– Environmentalist flooding that will create a toxic soup if and when floods come, and we know they will as the climate changes in the 10-30 year horizon. No one can escape a toxic soup, no matter how rich and elite
Environmentalist, Simone Mangal they feel they are. Plus, our ground water tables are high and easily contaminated. This is the water we and future Guyanese must rely on for centuries to come or long after oil and foreign companies that profit are gone,” she posited. Mangal also questioned the logics behind the development that has negatively impacted the lives of fishermen and their customers. She argued, “Is it really positive development to put fisher folk out of work, to not be able to buy and eat the fish we grew up with that defined
our cultural identity? Is it positive development to have middle men firms from Trinidad and elsewhere recruit and extract value, whilst paying our citizens who own the oil a pittance and treating them like second class humans on their job sites? Is it positive progress to have the cost of living skyrocketing whilst workers’ wages in both the public and private sector are not rising to keep up?” Furthermore, she asked why the government would put its faith into a company that would be relying on multiple compressors to avoid an oil spill, when it struggled to fix one compressor to put gas back into the ground. “Sure some folks are able to make money but at what cost to the country as a whole? This is not to say that oil could not be positive for that, but for us to get there, we need measured, evidence-based, and caring leadership,” she contended. In further making her case, Mangal said it must be understood that the environment is the sum total of our economic assets, oil included, and is the means of existence. “Are we really justified in this rush when basic safeguards are not in place, when they are not even respected?” she questioned. Former Head of the Continued on page 9
Head of State, President Ali, recently sought to defend the seven percent across the board increase that was announced by his Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh. In his defence of what was criticised widely as meagre and lowly, President Ali sought to contextualise the increase in the context of the eroded spending power of the citizenry by the coalition government. To this end, former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, in response has since sought to discredit President Ali’s assertion and in fact posits that the increases that were handed out to public servants in just two and a half years during its time in office was nominally more substantial than forced payouts by the PPP administration. Accusing the incumbent administration of repeated maltreatment meted out to public servants during its 23 years in office prior to 2015, the former Finance Minister drew reference to “The Armstrong Arbitration Award.” That tribunal’s ruling had mandated government to provide substantial increases in wages and salaries to public servants for the years 1999 and 2000 at 31 percent and 66 percent respectively. He reminded that despite of this substantial increase that was mandated by that tribunal ruling, by 2006 the minimum wage for public servants was just over
Fmr. Finance Minister, Winston Jordan
Head of State, President, Irfaan Ali $26,000 and by 2015 it had moved to about $29,000, an increase of about $3,000 during that time. According to Jordan, when the coalition took office in 2015, within two years—2017—had managed to increase the minimum w a g e b y 5 0 percent—increased from an already increased minimum wage. As such, it meant that the increased provided by the coalition administration had been nominally more substantial in terms of value. This, he said, obtained even as the Coalition had reportedly inherited an “economy that was built on sand fuming.” According to Jordan, his administration had in fact set out on a wages policy that sought over time to bring it as close as possible to a livable wage and remove gaps. He used as example, the practice that was being employed by the now incumbent administration
that would have seen persons being paid different pay scales for the same job. To this end, Jordan said his administration set about bringing all public servants onto an established system and improving tax thresholds at marginal rates. He was adamant, “all this was done without a drop of oil to assist us” and called the performance testimony to the “superiority of our approach.” According to Jordan, the seven percent increase by the administration after a twoyear hiatus merely represents the manner with which the PPP administration has treated with a public service over the years that is largely perceived to be non-PPP supporters. Jordan was adamant that it appears the PPP appears interested in developing a public service that they can control and again drew reference to the fracturing of the established public service through the use of contracts. President Ali on Friday last, in an ‘election campaign style’ presentation lasting some 37 minutes, used up more than half of that time lambasting what he called ‘politicised’ unions and the ousted A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) as being responsible for the quantum of the increase. He sought to qualify his position saying, “When the APNU+AFC came to government, they inherited a buoyant economy; they didn’t inherit a situation which we inherited – a COVID-19 situation, the economy in shambles.” According to the President, the increase provided by his government, as such, has to be seen in the context of an economy decimated by the then government and a global pandemic, in addition to the global economic environment. The President, however, was quick to claim that his administration has done more for the people of the Continued on page 17
Kaieteur News
Tuesday November 30, 2021
PAGE 03
Exxon to determine own standards for 3.7M barrels of offshore discharges daily for 20 years US$9B Yellowtail Project…
- as Guyana still to set its own rules six years later discharges which include drill cuttings and fluids; cement; well completion and treatment fluids; produced water; cooling water; sulfate removal, ultra-filtration, and wash water processing brines; topsides drainage; hydrostatic test water; commissioning fluids; ballast water; and blowout preventer testing fluids.
Map showing the location of the US$9B Yellowtail Project. By Kiana Wilburg If the government approves ExxonMobil’s U S $ 9 B Ye l l o w t a i l development in the Stabroek Block, the oil giant has disclosed, via project
documents, that Guyana can expect to see several waste products being discharged into its waters. Since the world’s latest oil producer is still to set its own rules to govern how ExxonMobil will discard of its oil wastes,
the company will have the privilege of outlining what those parameters would be. According to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Yellowtail is expected to have several potential
B a s e d o n t h e conservative estimates cited in the project document, Kaieteur News noted that these discharges will total no less than 3.7 million barrels on a daily basis over the 20year lifespan of the project. Exxon was keen to note that since Guyana has no specific legislation or regulation governing the foregoing oil
wastes, it has moved ahead with putting together a collage of standards it selected from across the world which would be considered for inclusion in its environmental permit for the project. It assured that the citizenry ought not to worry since the standards it selected are in keeping with Continued on page 17
PAGE 4
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
Bread Basket or Basket case?
I
t seems that every now and again, when the spirits take over, that Guyanese leaders and their supporters go public with lovely speeches. On this particular matter there is no division, no partisanship. It is that we, this vast beautiful Guyana of ours, could be the bread basket of the Caribbean. The problem with that conditional couple of words (‘could be’) is that they speak of potential, another loaded word, of what could be, if certain things are brought together, and then leveraged to make something good happen. We all know some student who was bright as a star, but some demon grabbed hold of him, such as rum or racehorses, and that was the end of him, with all the potential good for nothing, and of what could have been, lost forever. It is the same dismal situation with a worker, who manifested having all the skills to be outstanding, rise head and shoulders above peers, only to fade into the shame and regret of not living up to potential, not doing good. In fact, always struggling even to make do with all the talents and gifts given, when that man or woman had the world in hand. This is the now familiar story of Guyana. It has rich agricultural soils, and plenty of it. It has the right combination of climate features, which makes many varieties of crops possible. It has promise and brightness written all over its hundreds of thousands of square kilometres, and so much so that it has attracted the rapacious eyes of a covetous neighbour, and is the envy of its friends. This was before the discovery of a single barrel of oil, now adding up to billions upon billions, and more still to come. Still this country has nothing to show for it. For all of its promise, it has been less than impressive, largely woefully underachieving, and this is under one government after the other, and one leader after another making stirring promises, yet falling flat on their foolish faces. Today is no exception, but merely a continuing of the rule. Every year and every budget many billions are identified for this and that, all good, in this or other place, and involving agriculture. Yet nothing on the plus side seems to result. It is like one of those wasteful cases where we all shake our heads and lament the unwisdom of throwing good money to chase after the bad. Despite all the talk and all the years and their plans, now we are gearing up to go where we have not gone before. That is, spending for food in amounts that we have not known before (“Food import bill to hit record high -FAO warns as Guyana battles rising cost of living” (KN November 16). As the picture under the caption of our story noted, “Guyanese have been crying out about the high cost of living.” It seems that Guyanese are always crying about something. It could be a PPP or PNC Government that did not deliver on most of the promises made. It could be of fears that most of them will be left out, with nothing but cruelly dashed hopes and dreams, in the excitements of fabulous oil finds. But that is still unfolding, and although their prospects look bleak, Guyanese have to deal with the present. Today, the ordinary Guyanese housewife and shopper are forced to deal with (just) getting by, though what we will term ‘scratching out a miserly existence.’ We have all this wealth, and we are still crying. Today, it is about prices, and the most immediate of price pinches in the pocket involves food. Food purchases from supermarkets or market vendors can only be held off for so long. And when the supply of basic items are limited and have to be imported, then there is more crying inevitably. Because we are now talking of record high food import bills in the cards, then struggling families are back to the perils of even higher prices, which are beyond the reach of minimum wage workers. As we ponder over this, we wonder which is a more accurate description of Guyana’s potential: bread basket or basket case?
Tuesday November 30, 2021
The problem with the VP is that he is in desperate need of a conscience DEAR EDITOR, Many damaging negatives have been piled on the glistening tome of Guyana’s Vice President. I take stock, and reach conclusions, which would surprise my Guyanese brethren (American, too). I now see him in a different light, a human one. The VP is a good man, curious citizen. His head led him astray, he is troubled by bad days. We all have bad days, so he deserves a break. From the looks of him, he rolls out of bed on the wrong side, which everyone know is all downhill from there. I say to fellow Guyanese (and ABC&E friends) please understand, appreciate, even embrace him, for having all his days beginning like this. Matters can’t be helped, since there are no human obstacles in his feathered bed(s) to hinder his roughrolls; well, at least, not in the official registers, at last check. Because he starts like this, he wears that permanently pinched scowl, a haunted, scared look. Translation: a man seeing jumbie, one living in a world of phantoms and rakshasas. In the VP’s case, those are the shadows harrying him. It is this darned oil. Like Narcissus, he looks into the light sweet waters. Unlike the Greek, his is a horror story, a crude one, which he brought upon himself by trusting too much in his slickness. He believes more in Exxon, and now in cherished Americanism. Nowadays, his lips shake, and if he were a drinking man, I would say lay off the sauce. Instead, I urge
that he leaves the oil alone, this fatal Waterloo. I feel sorry for the man (really do). Look at what it did to that pantheon of glorious heroes, the Shah of Iran, Saddam, and Chavez. For good measure I add Gowan, Gaddafi, and our very own Granger. Oil does that to people touched, and the VP should know that he does not have full immunity. Frankie Anthony should tell him. Since he is not a chronic boozer (like many karaoke and gambling comrades), I struggle to trace the source of this visible unsteadiness, this pale, drawn (lean and hungry) look. I make progress, and these things take time. Still, I feel sorry for this super patriot, Guyana’s first oil war casualty. As Sir Winston would have said: never before in the storied annals of Guyanese endeavor, has one solitary stalwart given so much for so many of his useless, hapless, spineless, helpless countrymen. For sure, he made them that way. For sure, too, the VP is trying hard, but he takes the wrong road, his feet get entangled, his mind muddled, his visions more frightening now. How could he have done this to himself? It is of someone rich in work ethic, but richer in the mysteries of his handiworks. After all the unsolicited warnings I gave him. Stuff happens. Indeed, sometimes the runner stumbles. I have the right antidote for him. It should give him some elusive equilibrium. I suggest a little lightening up, with that reminder from
Reader’s Digest -laughter is the best medicine. I absorb and share humor daily. He should learn not to take himself so seriously. Many say his oil stewardship is shield for much showmanship; I see it as a special kind of slippery craftsmanship. I must consult with counsel, meaning, conscience. I did, and acting under advisement, all I can share is that the results are confidential. I have the right prescriptions, anyhow, for the VP: truth, justice, integrity. He should try those sometime. Incidentally, Frankie’s medicine cabinet don’t have those. I recall last August when the VP returned, many held him out as pure as the driven snow. Like Mae West, he drifted. Unlike the amorous Hollywood siren, Guyana’s VP drifted so much, he became a whole damn avalanche; precious second chances wasted. Give some men a break, and they breakup. I credited him for being sharper, less of the funny money stuff. Believe me, I pray for him, but God is curiously silent. The problem for the VP, and the PPP, is that there are no brakes on runaway exploits. In olden days, there was the Jolly Roger as a heavy restraining hand; that would be Dr. Luncheon. Today, there is nobody. Certainly, not His Excellency, Dr. Transparency Ali. He is too much a part of the fun. Definitely not his own handpicked Palace Guard of mythmakers and propagandizers, not the assorted swooning, drooling, media cheerleading squad.
He has got no one and nothing, a classic case of a man who gained the world, and lost his marbles. The problem with the VP is that he is in desperate need of a conscience and the directions to which such a moral compass urge. Added to that, there must be the restraining weight of ethical anchors that caution against the unhinging instincts which overflow with heady abandon. The lessons from above are simple, which I do my duty and share freely with the VP: don’t get too smart for own good. And a man should be careful not to think that he is smarter than he actually is. Or, as Dirty Harry (Eastwood) smirked: a man’s got to know his limitations. To my fellow independents: ease up on the VP. Give the man some space; as to what he does and where he goes, or what becomes of him, with the respite given is anybody’s guess. I hope that it is the opposite of what and how he has been now (and ever). He may think he has the whole world by men’s proverbial weak spots. But of this I leave him and his people to ponder, if they are still capable of such an exercise: he is in the hands of what judges, what determines; maybe penalizes. I wish him well, since no one is beyond redemption. I reassure all that I pray for Guyana, including the Hon. Vice President. Now I must withdraw for Christmas -most of December, other than a few smidgins. Sincerely, GHK Lall
Politics does not create wealth for people DEAR EDITOR It gives me no pleasure to respond to one of the most inefficient government ministers, Charles Ramson Jr, who by mere affiliation and privilege sits where he is, but I’m compelled to so do. This little boy minister, was on 94.1 Boom FM radio, of which I’m told is owned by two dynamic young African Guyanese entrepreneurs. The minister’s very condescending and berating views of the African Guyanese community and its leadership were not even recognised sadly, by one of those said young men, hosting the programme/ free talk. His attempt to lecture the black community with his illinformed and very disrespectful rhetoric, has certainly come from a place that is foreign to his very sheltered and privileged life. A life bestowed to him from the politics of the PPP that is still in practice even more glaring today, speaks volume. Anyone listening to his
empty rants without having background knowledge of the PPP’S 23 years of discriminatory and intentional economic marginalisation of the black community; would probably try to make sense of his views. The Minister posited several points of view that are not only confusing, but what many of his colleagues and supporters of the PPP would strongly disagree with. Firstly “politics don’t create wealth for people.” Secondly, being a leader in the political sphere you “encourage people to create wealth for themselves”, and thirdly, “there is a difference between land tha is land and land that is an asset” Clearly, this guy is not only confused but is far from reality and does not know what he is talking about. This guy is the son of one of Guyana’s former minister and Attorney General who was exempted from paying taxes on his salary, over two million dollars a month, unlike the many un-
derprivileged hard working Guyanese public servants who work twice as hard to make ends meet while paying their taxes. Many of us are still trying to grapple with his government’s imposed 7% after not receiving anything in the last two budgets and have to deal with this ridiculously high cost of living. This little boy’s failure to realise that many of the political doings and wealth garnered, were on the backs of many tax payers. Some of those actions done by the PPP for wealth creation were not garnered from encouraging words young Ramson, it was from politics and the political decisions, be it good and bad, legal or otherwise and policies/ attitudes of the ruling cabal that created such an environment. An environment of the haves and the have nots, the poor and the super rich, the get rich or die trying attitude, tax evasion, drugs trafficking, money laundering, guns ,
crime, etc. This was and now is Guyana’s reality under the PPP. It was that kind of politics that allowed him to have his privileged gold spoon life and the position he now has because of political relationships and his kinship to the PPP cabal. Encouraging people to get wealth by mere rhetoric has never worked and it never will. One has to create the positive environment for that to happen and make the playing field of opportunities level for all the people as a government, not only a section of the population. The justified criticisms I have made and will continue to make of the PPP will not stop until there is fairness and benefits for all Guyanese. The PPP’s blatant tokenism of offering a handful of selective black contractors will not deter me from the much needed criticisms, premised on a matter of principle for the respect of law, the rules of good. (Continued on page 6)
Tuesday November 30, 2021
PAGE 5
Kaieteur News
Equalising the opportunity for all Guyanese through legitimate redistributive policies, not perverse contract awards for a few DEAR EDITOR Minister Charles Ramson’s recent interview revealed what is the PPP Government’s agenda. It is to create wealth amongst its “fellowship”, namely, its friends, followers and family. This certainly is not good governance, nor democracy by any measure. How are the masses of black people, or even brown people, empowered here by generating wealth for one elite black company formed the other day – St8ment Investment Inc? The awarding of this contract, incidentally, has been critiqued by many commentators as not in accordance with procurement requirements. The Minister seems most annoyed that the Opposition brought this issue to the public attention in the first place. The scandal behind what the Minister is saying though is what ought to be poured over. It is that the Coalition government is wrong for representing all Guyanese and equalizing the opportunity for all Guyanese to benefit, when they were in office. What the Minister in-
sidiously and insidiously suggests is that the Coalition should have represented only its, Coalition, “fellowship”. Where is the principled position of political morality and ethics when dealing with this sensitive question of equality of opportunity in a plural society? And to use the same company to sponsor airtime for such an interview? The interview reveals a deliberate intention to create strife in an already polarised society, and a desire to turn Coalition supporters against its leadership. The latter will fail. As regards the former, time will tell where we will be carried by this dirty politics of division. All right thinking Guyanese are aware of what the Coalition Government did on equalizing the opportunity for all Guyanese to a better standard of living. Undoubtedly this project was uncompleted. But it correctly was commenced. It spanned the spheres of health, security, infrastructure, ITC, education and foreign affairs. The effects were felt in the most remote of vil-
lages and depressed communities. These efforts empowered young people through programmes such as the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme which trained over 2500 young people with technical skills. Another such effort was to raise the salaries of public servants’ minimum from $39,000 to $70,000 whilst lowering VAT by 2%. It was showing love for sugar workers by the Coalition that these workers were paid for three years (2015 to 2018) by spending $36 B, when not one cent of the European’s Funding of the sector to the tune of €110 M from 2004 to 2014 was spent on sugar by Jagdeo Incorporated. Of course even the sugar workers realised that this subsidy could not go on forever and that there was need for rightsizing the industry. Such measures are what equalise opportunity for all. It is not done through a perverted, exaggerated analysis upon the grant of one contract to one black company when we know where the wealth is concentrated. And
‘if you don’t know me by now you will never, never know me’ DEAR EDITOR I thank you, my members for the confidence you have reposed in me by nominating me for inter alia the highest office in this great party of ours, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR). I had said from the outset that if nominated I would then consider whether the circumstances allow for me to contest. No doubt it is because you know Basil Williams SC has been your servant/leader over the last twenty (20) years going where all others feared to tread. I was upfront and centre in combating the oppression of the PPPC and helping to lead us to victory in 2015 to become the government of the Cooperative
Republic of Guyana. I note the impact Covid19 is having on our members and supporters and indeed the people of Guyana. In March, 2020, during the height of the last General and Regional Elections (GRE), I was inspired to create the legal framework to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, in order to save lives. It is the first of its kind in Guyana. Currently, we are the country with the highest death rate per capita in this hemisphere. Over nine hundred and eight three (983) deaths have occurred due to Covid-19 to date. I am still saddened by the loss of Comrades Gloria Lindo-Wolfe, Namela Henry,
Imran Khan, Mondale Smith and many other comrades to COVID-19. We are asked to hold our Congress in this milieu and therefore it can’t be business as usual. The world has had to adapt and also Guyana. The PNCR must also adapt lest we ‘kill-off’ our treasured members. Virtual meetings, and other forms have taken over to avoid wherever possible face-to-face meetings in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and more deaths therefrom. I do not propose to provide the occasion for our people to contract the virus by having them assembled to (Continued on page 6)
it cannot be done by an elongated subsidisation and allocation of continuing billions into the reverted sugar industry without appreciating the need for diversification and breaking the intergenerational transmission of poverty through skills and education for value added ventures. That will mean an enslavement to sugar! The Minister’s approach, apart from other detriments, will be a worsening of the difference between the haves and the have-nots. The consequence of this will be a rising crime rate. But more dangerously, there will be an onset of tremendous resentment. This Minister needs a crash course in policy and governance. This is the view of even his close comrades who have loudly whispered thus in the corridors of power. His attention should be directed, for example, to the APNU+AFC comprehensive Manifesto re Conditional Cash Transfer. Just to state for him even if he feels shy to go by there, here are some gems: • Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT)
based on a feasibility or pilot study including, but not limited to, Nutritional Support; Housing Support; Public Transport and a Single-Parent Support Programme; vouchers for day-care and eldercare services and adult remedial classes and training; increased stipends for students attending Technical Institutes, Nursing Schools, School of Home Economics, Guyana School of Agriculture; • Cash transfers through the Public Education Assistance Service (PEAS) and, • Cash Transfers for the purchase of essential items. This is a redistribution policy for equalizing opportunity – that an extra dollar of income means more to the poor (better welfare, increases utility) than for the rich. In effect, an extra dollar of income is worth more to a poor person than a rich person through redistribution policies such as social safety nets including conditional cash transfers that could reduce inequality. If we value democracy and we value social welfare, we will place a heavy value on equality which correlates with the
decrease in crime, increase health and happiness in a population. This cash transfer policy the Minister should know was tested in Brazil, just next door, and proved successful via the Bolsa Fam ìýlia Social Protection Program. These policies the Minister must know find expression in the APNU AFC Manifesto re Conditional Cash Transfer that is needed for generating income and wealth for the masses, not this one farcically trumpeted contract to an elite black company. Finally, Ramson’s PPP Government cash grants, like the recent Covid and Flood Relief grants, especially when so corruptly constructed are not income generating either. Just like the recently awarded construction contracts, these cash grants are payback with big kickbacks. These handouts, which has nothing but vote-buying as their attribute, will not address structural problems.So Ramson, stop playing politics with Guyanese lives! Regards Diana Rajcumar Rickey Deonarine
Fear of heights was not taken to be real DEAR EDITOR Another work site death, another family in grief. The latest fatality is of a teen working on a steel structure at a rice mill. It is alleged the teen was employed as a labourer and fell from the high steel structure.
This begs the question, employed as a labourer, should the teen have been at that height, given his employment status, and for which he obviously had no training in, amid claims he had a fear of heights, which, as reported in an online report (News
Room, Nov 27) he repeatedly told the employer of ‘his phobia for heights’? This fear was not taken to be real, it seems, and the lad might have felt, if he did not comply then he would be out of a job, which would be to his family’s detriment.
PAGE 6
Kaieteur News
Tuesday November 30, 2021
Access to Financing: Myth or Reality: DEAR EDITOR Does Creditinfo really facilitate access to financing in Guyana? This question has become even more relevant in light of recent discussions regarding the extent of the financial sector’s support to expanding business and personal credit. I am therefore seizing this opportunity to clarify misconceptions and share important information regarding Creditinfo’s experience in Guyana particularly since some players in critical segments of the population view our operations as ‘complicated’. Established in 2012 and earning the licence to operate in 2013, Creditinfo’s mandate in Guyana is facilitated by the Credit Reporting Act of 2010 and the Credit Reporting [Amendment] Act of 2016. Creditinfo provides intelligent information, software and analytic solutions to facilitate access to finance. We also empower companies to mitigate their risk when assessing investments and general financing requests through one or a combination of powerful risk management tools. Use of the credit reporting mechanism is mandatory for entities that are aiming to offer credit facilities safely and securely and Creditinfo’s mandate requires a reciprocal arrangement with subscribers that include financial institutions, utility and hire purchase companies, trade credi-
tors and other related lending agencies. Prior to the company’s launch, the mechanism for ascertaining creditworthiness of individuals and businesses required an extended, manual process which resulted in approval decisions stretching, on average, over weeks. In contrast, lenders now have the opportunity to provide instant credit decisions based on up-to-date information that is literally at their fingertips. As a result, information which provides a full perspective of the financial capacity of the potential borrower has been particularly beneficial for those data subjects [individuals and businesses] with no borrowing history. With the establishment of the credit bureau, these data subjects are now able to have a full credit profile from which they can be objectively assessed for credit. This credit facilitation process is effectively supported by a sufficient database comprising 100% data from all of the main lenders in the financial sector. Creditinfo applies a multifaceted approach to the facilitation of access to credit for which the key beneficiaries have been individuals, financial institutions and trade creditors, among other institutions. To date, the provision of a Full Suite of Risk Management Solutions has supported the Value of Financing Decisions in excess of $5.5 Billion. Further, there has
been the expansion of the suite of services beyond mere credit reports to include data analytics solutions in support of total credit risk management activities. The provision of Value-Added Services in the form of Credit Market Overview Reports that provide targeted market insights; Portfolio Benchmarking Reports; Advisor Strategy Tools that support credit expansion, limit management and collections; determination of total credit exposure/ expected credit losses; Automated Credit Decision Solutions as well as Digital Onboarding are but some of these expanded services currently being offered. In addition, highlights of and inferences from the Creditinfo Data clearly indicate expanded access to financing. We have seen improved access by individuals via various promotions being offered by lending and hire purchase institutions; by auto dealers for vehicles; for guarantors of university students; and even to facilitate access to credit for medical services. Greater connectivity and engagement with data subjects/ consumers utilizing technology – in the form of our online portal - have served to expand the credit bureau’s reach to consumers and consequently engendered greater awareness of the importance of consumers monitoring their credit profiles. Notwithstanding the pandemic, Creditinfo has seen an approximate in-
Politics does not create wealth... From page 4 governance and the need for transparency and accountability of tax payers monies. That will continually be done irrespective of race or ethnicity. The calling out of contractor Courtney Benn reaffirms my point that this little boy speaks from a place of ignorance. He needs to ask the PPP, what really happened to that said contractor. He was their poster boy, the
only one who was their talking point for black empowerment. Tokenism! That will not work, silence one and a thousand more will speak until you do what is right. We in the black community have many honest and prominent black role models that we have and will continue to look up to, people with unblemished character, people with integrity, good morals and respect for self, people who are brave and have contributed to this nation and the world.
That is part of our wealth and legacy as a people, teachers, nurses, doctors, lawyers, policemen and women, single mothers who struggle to send their children to schools, colleges and universities, hardworking, honest public servants, too numerous to mention that keep the engine of government running. Those are our role models who we look up to and who we are proud of. Regards Jermaine Figueira MP
crease of 500 percent [500%] in mostly online engagements - safely facilitating queries and increasing credit report requests. Over the past year alone an average of thirty percent [30%] of all new credit facilities were granted to persons with no previous borrowing history. Interestingly, the bureau hit rate, which represents the likelihood of finding data on individuals in the credit bureau database, has steadily increased at an average rate of 11% since 2016 - which represents a clear opportunity for the utilization of credit bureau data in the credit decision making process. The current hit rate stands at 80% which also indicates the increasing capacity of Creditinfo to assist subscribing lenders with the credit adjudication process and support the profitable expansion of their credit portfolios. Creditinfo, having received the mandate in 2013 to operate Guyana’s first credit bureau, has benefited from the privileged position of observing first-hand how the credit
industry has been evolving in Guyana as well as being able to determine where the gaps and opportunities lie. A declining trend in average delinquency rates and an increasing number of repeat borrowers are but a few of the positive insights that have been observed from the Creditinfo experience in the local market. We have also noted a commendable development in the increasing trend of loans being granted to women as shown in the table below. More recently, we have also seen an upsurge in the requests for credit reports by non-subscribing entities within the private sector indicating a wider recognition of the value of the credit reporting mechanism in supporting business expansion by safely offering credit - primarily for the acquisition of vehicles and other small business loans. As an aside, this Christmas is likely to be a very bright one for quite a number of new, first-time drivers. Creditinfo is heartened by this development and would welcome the formalizing of ar-
rangements with these and other entities in the interest of facilitating greater access to financing. An even greater opportunity lies in supporting the expansion of trade and supply chain credit as companies in the commercial sector seek to take advantage of new and emerging opportunities. The burgeoning oil and gas industry also lends the promise of greater business opportunities; enhanced profits; more job opportunities; higher incomes; economic expansion and, in general, a better life for all. It is argued that the degree to which benefits can be derived depends heavily upon the individual and collective capacity to discern, exploit and take full advantage of the opportunities being presented. Apart from training and skills development, adequate financing is therefore arguably one of the most critical elements of the equation to enable individuals and businesses to effectively achieve and/or benefit from these opportunities. (Continued on page 17)
‘if you don’t know me by now you will... From page 5 listen to me campaign for the post of leader. I will adopt the relevant means of messaging as attend the pandemic. I can so do because I have been working nonstop for the last twenty (20) years as a member of our Central Executive Committee (CEC). During that time I spent seventeen (17) years in Parliament, practised as a lawyer at all material times, and served as Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General the last five (5) years for the APNU+AFC government. I have been travelling incessantly the length and breadth of our Country and the diaspora to visit with our membership and indeed wider communities. I can appropriately say ‘if you don’t know me by now you will never never know me.’ But I have worked my
way up the CEC’s ladder from an ordinary member in 2001; Vice Chairman for four (4) consecutive two (2) year terms, eight (8) years, and Chairman for three (3) consecutive two (2) year terms, six (6) years. It was under my watch as Chairman we won government again after twenty-three (23) years. The only office I never served in is that of Leader. I believe that having been nurtured by our Founder Leader Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and inherited by subsequent leaders after his death and having performed with excellence, the ordinary member, armed with facts and knowledge of my works would agree that Basil Williams SC is a sound choice for Leader of this great party of ours. Nonetheless, the conduct of the elections for the 21st Biennial Delegates Con-
gress could be quite taxing as it is unprecedented in the annals of our Party that is, decentralised to all other regions in the country and in the North American region my team and I, of necessity, must continue to assess that the process is transparent. If the leader is to be the Presidential Candidate then this brings into focus other considerations such as whether the leader can win a General and Regional Elections (GRE), whether he or she is a dual citizen and is otherwise qualified under the rules of the PNCR and the Constitution of Guyana. It would be my distinct pleasure to serve as your Leader and therefore come the day of elections, I unequivocally ask for your vote. Once again I thank our members for reposing confidence in me. Yours Faithfully, Basil Williams SC
Tuesday November 30, 2021
Kaieteur News
PAGE 07
Kaieteur News
PAGE 08
Tuesday November 30, 2021
Rescind mining agreement and apologise to Indigenous People
Marudi residents’ protest… The controversy over government’s recent signing of an agreement with a Canada-based gold c o m p a n y, w i t h o u t consultations with the Indigenous People who are the traditional owners of the land in Marudi, has attracted the attention of a Caribbean Human Rights lawyer. The lawyer believes that the incumbent administration should not only apologise to the locals but rescind the contract until the required processes are followed.
The Human Rights lawyer, Malene Alleyne, is the holder of a Master of Laws from Harvard Law School and a Master of Advanced Studies from the Graduate Institute of International Studies, Geneva. She received her Bachelor of Laws from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, and a Bachelor of Arts from Eckerd College. She is qualified to practice law in Jamaica, having received her Legal Education Certificate
– Caribbean Human Rights lawyer of Merit from the Norman Manley Law School. Alleyne is also the founder of Freedom Imaginaries, an organisation that uses rights-based strategies to imagine and build a truly post-colonial world. In an interview with this newspaper on Monday, the lawyer said that she was deeply shocked and alarmed over the recent agreement to
resume mining on the Marudi Mountains. “My understanding is that this was done without any participation or consent from the Wapishana people and they are the traditional owners of this land,” she explained. The Human Rights lawyer was keen to note that under Intentional Human Rights Laws, Indigenous people, such as the Wapishana tribe, have a right to free, prior and informed consultations and consent. According to Alleyne, “This right requires the state to accept and disseminate information. It also entails constant communication between the parties. The state should have ensured that the Wapishana people were aware of possible risks before entering into an agreement to develop projects on their lands.” In fact, she noted that information should have been shared with the land owners pertaining to environmental and health risks. “This is essential so that any consent that is given by the Wapishana people is informed, so they give their consent knowingly and voluntarily,” Alleyne said. Additionally, the Human Rights lawyer pointed out that another requirement is that these consultations must be in good faith, with the objective of reaching an agreement which must be in accordance with the Wapishana people’s own traditions. As a matter of fact, she said that the consultations of
Human Rights lawyer, Malene Alleyne such nature must take place at the early stages of the proposal. Even though these are all requirements enshrined in International Human Rights Laws, she said these were not met. “I understand that there was a meeting on Saturday for example with members of the Cabinet, but this took place after an agreement was already
comply with basic standards for consultations in these cases,” she noted. As a consequence, the lawyer said that she stands in solidarity with the Indigenous People even as she called on government to apologise, having violated the rights of its people. In addition to this, she called for the project to be put on hold, until the villagers are properly consulted and have a full understanding of the project, including the potential risks and benefits. “An apology is necessary…I stand with the Wapishana people and demand that the ministry of Natural Resources rescind the mining deal on Marudi Mountain and carry out meaningful consultations with the people,” she posited. The lawyer was keen to note that only in 2018, the United Nations Committee
“There is an urgent need for Guyana to comply with this obligation to protect the Wapishana people’s rights and to ensure that any activities that are proposed for their territories must be done in conformity with the International Laws.” s igned, and this agreement is one which allows companies to come into their territory and hunt for gold. I have read complaints that Indigenous communities were not even given adequate notice of the meeting and the people who attended were denied an opportunity to raise their hand (ask questions), so this is basically a failure to
o n the Elimination of Racial Discrimination called on Guyana for the suspension of the mining project on Marudi Mountain until free, prior and informed consent is granted by the Wapsihana people, following full and adequate discharge of the duty to consult. “There is an urgent need for Guyana to comply with
Tuesday November 30, 2021
PAGE 9
Kaieteur News
Driving in Guyana is hazardous to your life There is a chorus line to a song called Da Dip, the lyrics of which go like this: I put my hand upon your hip When I dip you dip we dip You put your hand upon my hip When you dip I dip we dipI put my hand upon your hip When I dip you dip we dip Most road safety codes prescribe that where there is no streetlight; you should drive with your high beam lights but must dip when vehicles are approaching. Where areas are well lit, it is recommended that motorists drive with their lights dipped. The problem in Guyana is that even where there are streetlights, the street lighting is of such poor quality that many motorists are forced to use their high beam. This would be a problem, as it appears that many of our drivers ignore the requirement that when a vehicle is approaching from the other direction, you should dip your lights. As a result of this indiscipline, many drivers find themselves blinded by the glare of the high beam of oncoming vehicles whose drivers refuse to dip their lights. And this can lead to accidents. The failure of motorists to dip their lights represents a serious problem on the country’s roadways.
In Guyana, the streetlights are atrocious. There are large stretches of public roads in which there are no streetlights. This makes visibility difficult. And to add to motorists’ woes is the tendency for persons to be riding bicycles without lights and the wearing of dark clothing by pedestrians, which makes it difficult for them to be seen by motorists. Then of course, there is the constant presence of animals seeking warmth of traversing our roadways. Motorists therefore not only have to contend with approaching bright lights but also cows, pigs, goats, horses, dogs, cats and all manner of animals on the roadways. They also have to negotiate cyclists riding cycles without front or rear lights and drunken pedestrians suddenly weaving out into the traffic. Where there are streetlights, it is not uncommon to find that many of them are not working. It is not clear what programme exists for the daily checking of these streetlights but even on public roads this is a major problem.The previous APNU+AFC Government had launched a massive campaign to install streetlights in a number of areas. Unfortunately, it does not appear as if sufficient attention was paid to ensuring that non-functional lights are quickly repaired and
restored to working order. In 2019, concerns were raised about non-functioning streetlights on public roads. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure was reported by this newspaper as saying that some of these complaints were gross exaggerations. What is not an exaggeration is the poor lighting of many of the lamps. It appears as if little attention has been paid to ensure that the lights provide sufficient illumination to provide good visibility at nights, including at the shoulder of the roads. One has to ask whether any light tests are done on streetlights to ensure that they provide the minimum visibility, which would allow a motorist clear sight of what is ahead and what is beside. The lighting should also be of such as to ensure that a person could drive with their dip lights safely. Many of the streetlights on public roads are mounted so high on the lampposts that they do not provide sufficiently bright illumination. The Ministry of Public Works should seriously consider lowering the height of many of these streetlights so as to improve visibility. But motorists also need to be reminded of the rules of the road. When a vehicle is approaching and your bright headlamps are on, you are
Dem boys seh ...
De best alibi is one without holes! De police investigating a bloody murder. Dem arrest a suspect. De suspect clothes full ah blood. Suh de detective asked he, “Where were you last night?” De man start fuh talk, “I was driving meh car when it fall in a pothole and I get thrown out and end up falling down a manhole. When I managed to climb out a dog chase me and I twisted my ankle in a rabbit hole.”De policeman tun to de suspect and seh, “We gan charge yuh with murder. Yuh alibi
full of holes.” One time a man get charge fuh murdering he wife and daughter with a spade. De judge tun to de man and tell he, “You are charged with beating your wife to death with a shovel.”A voice at de back of de courtroom yelled out, “You bastard!”De judge continued, “You are also charged with beating your daughter to death with a spade.” Again, de voice at de back of de courtroom shout, “You bastard!!!”De judge stopped, looked at de
man in de back of de courtroom, and say, “Sir, I can understand your anger and frustration at this crime, but I will not have any more of these outbursts from you or I shall charge you with contempt! Now what is the problem? ”De man stand up at de back and say, “For 15 years I lived next door to that bastard and every time I asked to borrow a spade he said he didn’t have one!” Talk half and try yuh case in court!
7% salary increase is maltreatment of public... From page 2 country, in terms of making available to them more disposable income to the tune of billions of dollars above any increase the APNU+AFC would have paid out. He cited as examples, the one-off cash grants and COVID-19 relief packages, in addition to other measures implemented by his administration since taking office. Lashing out at trade unions specifically that would have condemned the increase as meagre, President Ali said, “…I am seeing a lot of socalled trade union leaders,
who are more political operatives; I would consider them political operatives. If you look at their attitude and behaviour and their level of activism now, compared to when the APNU+AFC was in government, you would see that they are driven by an agenda, and [in] this country sometimes, we do not want to call a spade, a spade.” To this end, he said, “when you have persons driven by an agenda, they try to distort the facts, they try to distort the truth, and they try to manipulate information… I say to all of those in
the public service, and all of the workers in this country, do not be distracted.” Speaking to an international context, President Ali, in fact, praised his administration’s ability to outshine others globally, and pointed to countries like the UK, which has a wages freeze in place. Additionally, he pointed to the fact that several countries across the world, rather than focusing on salary increases and other benefits for their citizenry, are in fact prioritising other areas, such as protecting jobs.
supposed to dip your lights. Some drivers couldn’t care less. They drive at nights with their bright lights and because the streetlights do not provide sufficient illumination, it fails to neutralise the effects of the bright lights. The PPP/C administration should undertake an assessment of the streetlights on our
public roads. Because many of them are perched too high in order to properly illuminate the road, this makes driving on the road more hazardous rather than safe. (Republished) (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Kaieteur News
PAGE 10
Tuesday November 30, 2021
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Vice President Harris in Paris and the connection with Guyana One night, moons ago, as e d i t o r- i n - c h i e f o f t h e Kaieteur News, Adam Harris and I were discussing my column for the next day in the office. I can’t remember who or what I was criticising but Adam said to me that I am going to be a lonely man in this world without friends. I remember telling Adam that I will choose that pathway rather than staying silent over the unacceptable things people do in this country. Moons ago, a UG lecturer, O’Neil Greaves, said something to me while I was still a lecturer at UG. I always remember his words. He told me that one day when I look over my shoulder, my army will not be there. It so happened I repeated that Greaves’ observation to Bryan McIntosh at his gate
last week. The O’Neil Greaves’ words to Bryan will form the basis of a separate article shortly. Adam and O’Neil were right. But I will continue to do what I feel is inside my veins. Yes, I have regrets. Yes I know Guyana is a lost horizon, perhaps irretrievably so, and that this country can allow an analyst to do three columns a day. What I am writing here I have commented on several times before there was the March 2020 election rigging. What I am about to comment on here, I did long ago in my columnist career. After the March 2020 election I have revisited that theme several times. It is this – there has to exist a moral failure in some Guyanese that they could be silent over one of the worst tragedies in both British Guiana and independent Guyana – the March 2020 election rigging – yet find their voice on other issues that cannot even remotely be compared to March 2020.
Do Guyanese know that when the rigging was going down, cultural icon Ian McDonald composed some words of disapproval? Mr. Mc Donald does not get involved in political commentary at all. But the decency in the man compelled him to show his disgust. We c o m e t o Vi c e President Harris. She was in France recently and bought US$500 in cooking material. On arrival back in the US, Republican politicians and right-wing commentators attacked her for the amount she spent. The controversy had a sudden death because Harris backers accused her detractors of absolute hypocrisy. They showed where Trump spent indecent sums on unnecessary things. This moral lesson is easily found in Guyana and I will not put my pen down on highlighting it. Where the Guyana Human Rights Association, Transparency International- Guyana Chapter, the women rights
groups, the LGBTQ community, In The Diaspora column, and certain intellectuals were, who at the moment are carping on EXXON but were silent when the rigging was taken place? We saw the sudden birth of a group named Election Reform Group (ERG). Who or what is this organism? Where were its leaders during five months of volcanic eruption at GECOM? Is it possible, like me, that they didn’t have a smart phone to see the actual events? But I saw those events from my daughter’s smart phone right in my home. These anomalies took place for five consecutive months. Then we have to add the no-confidence vote where the Caribbean Court of Justice was asked to agree that 34 is the majority of 65. One person went to an influential international organisation to request its intervention in stopping oil extraction by EXXON in Guyana. The critic lives in a
developed c o u n t r y. T h e person was described in the media as a human rights activist. How can any Frederick Kissoon person accept the label of human rights activist and not of the amendments. The lead expand on the illegalities “implementing member” of that almost destroyed this the ERG is Dr. Desmond nation for five consecutive Thomas. My question to the months? Now I read in the n e w s p a p e r a b o u t a implementing members of gentleman named Dr. Rory the ERG is logical and Fraser and his critical important to the expanding p o s i t i o n o n t h e discussion on the role of government’s proposed moral responsibility in a m e n d m e n t s t o t h e society. I asked Dr. Thomas Representation of the People before and I am asking the Act. He is listed in the implementing members of n e w s p a p e r a s a n the ERG now – just 18 implementing member of months ago, Guyana almost returned to Burnhamite the ERG. permanency of state power. I honestly don’t know Where were they and how do what is meant by an “implementing member” of they feel about the disaster? an organisation. Another (The views expressed in “implementing member” of this article are those of the the ERG is Mr. Lawrence Latchmansingh. He was a u t h o r a n d d o n o t featured with his photograph necessarily reflect the and his admonishing views opinions of this newspaper.)
Tuesday November 30, 2021
Kaieteur News
PAGE 11
Kaieteur News
PAGE 12
Tuesday November 30, 2021
$7M water supply system commissioned at River’s View
Two young River’s View residents assist in the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon at the station.
Minister Croal is flanked by residents and other officials as he samples the water from one of the River’s View wells.
R
esidents of River’s View, a village located on the border of Region 10, now have first time and improved access to potable water with the completion of a water supply improvement project to the tune of approximately $7M. This project, according to a media release, was executed by a Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) inhouse team in close collaboration with the River’s View Village council and was funded by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) under the Water, Sanitation and H y g i e n e ( WA S H ) programme. The works which were done included the installation of almost four kilometres of pipelines, the upgrading of two wells and the installation of new Photovoltaic systems in the c o m m u n i t y o f approximately 1100 residents As a result, GWI noted in its release that 70 percent of the community is now
benefitting from improved or first time access to potable water. Of these beneficiaries, 334 residents now have access to potable water for the first time. The water produced by the wells have been tested and results show that it is safe for
consumption. This achievement is in keeping with a promise made by the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Shaik Baksh, during a visit to the community earlier this year upon an invitation from Village Toshao, Melena
Pollard. On Sunday last, November 28, the system was commissioned by Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, who stressed that the immediate focus is to ensure that Guyanese without access to potable
water gain such. In this regard, he expressed confidence that GWI will achieve 100 percent access to potable water in Guyana by 2025, five years earlier than the target set under Sustainable Development Goal Number Six Further, he outlined that by the end of its 2021 programme, GWI would have increased water access coverage by five percent along the coastland. With regard to the hinterland, Minister Croal noted that GWI has been working in a programmed way to remove the practice of the pumping of water from waterways and continues to move in the direction of the drilling of wells. He assured that two Community Service Officers from each community will be trained to maintain the water supply systems. T h e M i n i s t e r congratulated the residents of River’s View on their new water supply while informing that partnership will be explored to provide water access to the Satellite community of Fall Mouth by the end of 2022. He took the opportunity to express gratitude to UNICEF for its support in the execution of the WASH project, under which the River’s view system was funded. Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of GWI, Baksh, stressed the importance of community involvement in the execution of Water supply improvement projects. This was evident in River’s View which now has an improved distribution network and hundreds of
residents can now access water on their premises for the first time. Baksh was in high praise of UNICEF for making improved water supply in the community a reality under the second phase of the WASH project. He urged the residents to care the water supply system which is for their benefit. UNICEF Focal point for WASH/Climate Change, Gaulbert Sutherland in his r e m a r k s a t t h e commissioning said that the organization, along with its sister agency, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was happy to provide funding for the project. A c c o r d i n g t o Sutherland, UNICEF’s partnership with GWI has focused on providing WASH services in the most vulnerable hinterland communities, including those that host migrants. He stated that the organisation is happy that the River’s View water supply system is solar powered, since this provides families with a higher quality of water while helping to reduce carbon emissions. Sutherland thanked GWI and the Ministry of Housing and Water for their valuable partnership in ensuring an adequate and safe water supply for the survival and growth of children and their families in Guyana. Toshao Pollard also used the opportunity to urge residents to care the system which is providing an invaluable resource to the community. Prior to the execution of the water supply improvement project, only a section of River’s View was served by one existing well.
A section of the audience at the commissioning ceremony.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday November 30, 2021
PAGE 13
$32 million road works at Tuschen Pres. Ali urges vaccination crumbles 8 months after completion amid new COVID variant
Some eight months after undergoing repairs to the tune of $32 million, the Tuschen New Housing Scheme’s main access road is in a state of deterioration. This state of affairs was highlighted by some residents by way of a letter which was published in the Sunday edition of this newspaper. “It was only recently that the main road in the scheme was repaired and in a matter of months, you would be shocked to see the condition,” the residents said. They noted that some parts of the road, especially the area where the Tuschen Police Outpost is located, are
in a deplorable state which severely affects road users, mainly motorists who traverse the area. “There are huge potholes, pools of water and mud,” the residents described in the letter. According to the residents too, this may be a case of “bad work done by the contractor, coupled with negligence and poor oversight by authorities.” Kaieteur News has since learnt that the contractor responsible for the road works is Fawaz Bacchus Construction, who was awarded the contract for a sum of $32,147,360. According to previous
reports, some $185 million in contracts were granted for road works in the Tuschen area. This was revealed in November, 2020 by Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodar Indar, during a visit to the area. Addressing the residents’ concerns yesterday, Minister Indar told this publication that his Ministry is aware of the complaints and that an investigation has since been launched into the reports. The Minister said that the road was never accepted b y t h e P u b l i c Wo r k s Ministry from the contractor because its engineers were Continued on page 17
A deplorable section of the Tucshen New Housing Scheme main access road.
His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has charged Guyanese and foreign nationals living in the country to be vaccinated, in the face of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, which scientists say may be highly transmissible. While the infection rate of the new strain of the virus increases, Dr. Ali affirmed that the only way Guyana’s population could be protected is through vaccination. “Our only tool to be ahead of all these variants, all the changes, the mutations that we are seeing is vaccination. If it is that this variant is far more infectious, the only thing that will save us is vaccination. The only thing t h a t w i l l s l o w hospitalisation is vaccination. The only thing that will slow death rate successfully is vaccination,” the Guyanese leader said in a Facebook message Monday. President Ali assured there is no shortage of COVID vaccines in Guyana, as the government has been working around-the-clock to ensure vaccines are available for the country to reach herd immunity. He reiterated the statement of Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, MP, that booster shots are available. Those eligible for booster shots are persons 50 years and above and those from 18 years and older who have co-morbidities as listed b y t h e Wo r l d H e a l t h Organization. “Those who are qualified for the booster, make that decision, take
This person takes her Covid vaccine. (DPI Photo) the booster. This is our only chance of fighting off and being aggressively ahead of the impact of any variant on our country. Once you are in the category for booster, get your booster,” Dr. Ali encouraged. The Omicron variant has been detected in a number of countries including South Africa, Netherlands, Canada, Hong Kong and Australia. T h e Wo r l d H e a l t h Organization, (WHO) says it is unclear whether it is more transmissible than the other variants such as Delta, or if it was first detected in Southern Africa. The WHO said in a statement, “preliminary data suggests that there are increasing rates of hospitalisations in South Africa, but this may be due to increasing overall numbers of people becoming infected, rather than a result of specific infection.” The WHO also urged countries to enhance surveillance and sequencing of cases and to report initial cases or clusters to its office. It also advised individuals to continue observing the WHO approved COVID safety measures.
“The most effective steps individuals can take to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus is to keep a physical distance of at least 1 metre from others; wear a well-fitting mask; open windows to improve ventilation; avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces; keep hands clean; cough or sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue; and get vaccinated when it’s their turn.” As of Sunday, 399,829 adults took the first dose of a COVID vaccine, while 276,888 returned for the second dose. For adolescents, 29,088 have been inoculated with the first dose, and 20,270 with the second vaccine. Persons have also been responding positively to the rollout of the booster shots. (DPI)
Kaieteur News
PAGE 14
Tuesday November 30, 2021
Probe begins to determine cops’ culpability in death of rape victim The Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) on Sunday began a probe to determine whether three of its ranks can be deemed culpable in the death of 18-year-old Tonika Calder, a rape victim. Calder reportedly took her own life on Thursday, November 11, last, moments after returning from the Cove and John Police Station on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD). She was allegedly raped by a 49-year-old taxi driver on Saturday November 6, last and had reported it to police at the ECD station. O n Tu e s d a y, t h r e e investigating ranks, two males and a female, had invited Calder to the police station to conduct an interview with her and the suspect. When she returned home that day, Calder went straight to her room and closed the door, according to her mother. The mother
revealed that a few moments later, she called out for Calder but after getting no response she went to her room and found her dead. According to reports she had committed suicide. It is believed, however, that although Calder took her own life, the ranks who conducted the interview with her might be the ones who caused her to take that action. Sources told this newspaper that the Commissioner of Police (ag), Nigel Hoppie, on Sunday summoned Calder’s relatives to his office at Eve Leary, Georgetown to commence the investigation. They were reportedly present when the three ranks were interviewing Calder, and as such OPR investigators, on Sunday, wanted to take their statements. Speaking to Kaieteur News, Calder’s relatives said that they believe that the ranks currently under
investigation had conducted themselves in an unprofessional manner. “The way they conducted the interview (with Calder),” they opined, “caused her to relive the trauma” she had experienced on the day she was allegedly raped. On Saturday, November 6, Calder was allowed to attend the birthday party of one of her friends. Her family had made arrangements with a taxi driver, who has been known to the family for the past two years, to pick her up from the party around 17:00hrs. The taxi driver allegedly picked her up from the party about an hour after the scheduled time and instead of dropping her home immediately, he took her to a location on the East Coast of Demerara and allegedly raped her in the back seat of his car. He then reportedly dropped Calder home and left.
Dead, Tonika Calder Her relatives recalled that the young woman went to her room and later told her mother that she was raped by the taxi driver. The following day, November 7, Calder ’s relatives lodged a report against the suspect with police. They said that it took a while for the police to arrest the suspect. “We would tell them where he is and every time the ranks go to his house, they would return empty handed and when we ask them why, they would always have an excuse,” stated her elder sister, Dixie Jordan. The suspect eventually promised to turn himself in and on Thursday police summoned Calder for an interview at the Cove and
John Police Station. Relatives, who had accompanied Calder there, said that the three began to interview Calder in the presence of the accused. Kaieteur News was informed that the services of a social worker was not requested by the ranks. As Calder told her story, the relatives alleged, the suspect started to deny and even mocked her. When it was his turn to relate his version of the events, according to the relatives, it appeared as though the ranks believed his version of the story. It was at this point, the relatives intimated, that the ranks began to act in an unprofessional manner. Calder’s sister, Jordan, recounted that the accused told the cops that “she wanted sex and he give her sex.” Kaieteur News was told too that not only did he try to convince the ranks that it was not a case of rape but that he was even allowed to give details about everything he did to her. Jordan said that her sister broke down in tears and started to scream, he is lying’ as the suspect described the sexual acts he performed on her that night in the back of his car. As the young woman tried to defend herself, the relatives alleged, the ranks shouted at her and even threatened that if she continued ‘lying’, she will
get into trouble. They said too that the ranks even ended up mocking the victim and forced her to reveal details about her own sexual life with a boyfriend. Calder reportedly left the police station that day in tears with the view that the ranks did not believe her story and doubted that she would get justice. Later that evening, she ended her life, a development which resulted in the suspect being released from custody. This newspaper understands that he has since left Guyana for a Caribbean territory. H o w e v e r, C a l d e r ’s relatives are optimistic that justice will prevail. When Kaieteur News made contact with the police force yesterday to seek clarity on the protocol used to interview rape victims, a senior officer related that throughout the years it is protocol for ranks to use the confrontational method when dealing with such cases. However, he pointed, that there are instances whereby some ranks might go “overboard” because they are not equipped with the skill and knowledge to deal with sensitive matters. In recent times, workshops were conducted with police ranks on the proper way to deal with rape and domestic violence matters.
Woman found not guilty for facilitating rape of minor A woman, who found herself before the Sexual Offences Court for allegedly facilitating the rape of a minor, has been found not guilty of the charge. Sherry Ann Bashier was acquitted of the charge after she faced a trial before the judge and jury at the Suddie High Court in Essequibo. According to the indictment, which was presented by State Counsel Tiffany Lyken, Bashier between November 11 and 12, 2015 caused a 15-year-old girl to engage in sexual penetration with a third party, namely Nazim Paul. Bashier had pleaded not guilty to the charge before Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry. According to the facts of the matter, the accused had accompanied a friend to the Charity Public
Road to look for decorative lights since it was Diwali. According to the facts of the matter, while at the Public Road, Bashier, then 20 years old, met with another female friend and later they met her nephew (Nazim). It was revealed that the friends met with the 15-year-old and they all visited a bar. Afterwards the friends took the teen to hang out at a house. It was reported that while at the house, the teen was raped. The victim reportedly told police that she was encouraged by the adults to go to a house where they were drinking. She said that she too was offered something to drink and she took it. Shortly after, the girl reported she felt numb and fell to the floor. The victim
was then led by Bashier into a bedroom while Nazim took off the teen’s clothing. The victim contended that the woman held her down as the man raped her. The victim claimed that after the incident, the matter was reported to the Charity Police Station but no action was taken since this is where the perpetrator’s aunt worked. After finding that there was no progress, the matter was taken to the Eve Leary Police Station where a report was lodged at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). And on May, 29, 2017, Bashier was contacted by a female special constable who told her of the allegation, cautioned her and she agreed to give a statement with regard to the matter.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday November 30, 2021
PAGE 15
A tribute to Sir James Mitchell, fmr. PM of St. Vincent and the Grenadines By Carl B. Greenidge
C
aribbean citizens are uncommonly p r o u d o f nurturing remarkable statesmen, harbouring unusual political conundrums and throwing up more than their fair share of idiosyncratic political leaders. ‘Son’ Mitchell stands out among the crowd even in this special region. Sir James ‘Son’ Mitchell’ is undoubtedly one of the remarkable characters of the English Caribbean. He is notable for his success as a national politician, as a regional leader with extraregional influence and for the energy he demonstrated in the pursuit of his and his region’s goals. Like many Caribbean leaders, James Mitchell was charismatic and that latter characteristic, as well as his h u m o u r, w e r e p a r t l y attributable, I suppose, to a range of experiences – agronomist, school-teacher, researcher, etc - which fed his story-telling penchant. All of this meant that he was very entertaining – around a table on the podium or at the hustings. He first came to office as Premier of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) in political circumstances which at that time were rather unusual – attaining the Premiership as an independent MP with a single seat and no Party and its MPs in tow - but are not now unfamiliar in the region. One of my early notable experiences with ‘Son’ Mitchell took place in Caracas prior to a regional meeting in 1984/5. On arriving at the hotel hosting
Sir James Mitchell
This photo was taken at a CARICOM meeting in Jamaica in 1992. From left are Hon. Mr Rashleigh Jackson, PM James Mitchell, Min. Carl B. Greenidge, Min. Winston Murray and Ambassador Noel Sinclair. (Photo provided by Mr. Carl Greenidge) the meeting I encountered he and PM Eugenia Charles in conference, a huddle actually, in the lobby. I approached and greeted them and they in turn said hello and the Dominica PM asked why I had not attended the recent CDB meeting at which an exercise I initiated a few weeks prior was to have been followed up. I explained that I had been committed to attending a meeting of Regional Planning Agencies scheduled for the same period. In response to my question about how the meeting went, Mitchell‘s retort was, “who was that man you sent with all those fancy words and stilted language? Imagine that man tell us, ‘we are estopped from servicing or re-paying
our debts!’”. He had just met our inimitable Deputy Chairman of the State Planning Commission, W. Haslyn Parris and was not impressed………as yet! The other encounter that I recall involved President LFS Burnham and the newly elected PM Mitchell. It gave rise to bountiful sparks as a result of a less than diplomatic comment he made about Walter Rodney’s treatment and elections issues in Guyana. After a few sharp exchanges LFSB dismissed him. But Mitchell was not so easily disposed of and the Chairman, PM George Chambers of T&T had to ensure the situation did not escalate. I mention those early events because they offer
something of an insight into the man James Mitchell. He could be very candid and undiplomatic and was not easily overawed or intimidated. On the other hand, the events were no indication of how his relationship with Guyana and its leadership would evolve. He maintained a very strong interest in Guyana and the
well-being of its citizens and, as far as can be determined that interest was very genuine. He remained interested in Guyana and he was always very supportive of Guyana’s cause. The world is aware of the role he played in assisting Hugh Desmond Hoyte to make peace with the region and its concerns about Guyana elections. He did this with the aid of his ‘Mustique Magic’ (Mitchell, 2nd Commemoration Speech on the Occasion of HDH death anniversary). His interest and assistance did not end there, however. Few citizens will be unaware of the support that Caribbean leaders lent to Guyana in the struggle to secure external support for its Economic Recovery Programme (ERP 1987-92) and to bridge its financing gaps. However, today few can recall the role that James Mitchell, along with John
Compton of St. Lucia and Eugenia Charles of Dominica in particular, played in mobilising Caribbean and multilateral supporting for Guyana in that fight and more specifically for sustainable debt rescheduling terms in relation to those debts accumulated by Guyana since the 1950s and compounded by declines in foreign exchange earnings following the post-1979 sugar and commodity price collapses, the fiscal imbalances due to failure to adjust and the libor scandal of the 1979 and early 1980s. Mitchell and Caribbean Heads in general were very supportive of the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP) which helped restore Guyana standing in the international financial community and which reestablished internal economic balance. Mitchell’s engaging and Continued on page 16
PAGE 16
Kaieteur News
Tuesday November 30, 2021
Man committed to stand trial for murder of brother-in-law
T
CAR RENTAL Aidan's Car Rental.Tel:2253234/628-1183.
VEHICLES FOR SALE Toyota Premio PAB series white, year 2008 registered August 2021. Tel:621-7993.
FOR SALE 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. Half breed Pitbull,five weeks old vaccinated & deworm. Call Shanice Edwards appointment between 3&6 6286783
SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 House plan drawing & estimates. K.Lakeram Building C o n t r a c t o r. C a l l : 2 1 6 0671,692-8464 or whatsapp 622-0267. Specialized repair/service: A/ C, refrigerator, washing machine,treadmill,stove, deepfryer, pressurepump & backwash,dryer,oven. 6949733. Grade 3&5 teachers needed at Jos-el educational Institute. Tel:226-7868/678-0652, 120 Peterose & Laluni St Queenstown. Business opportunity of a lifetime,earn extra cash,part time/fulltime.Tel:656-2682.
wenty-three-yearold Martin Blair was yesterday committed to stand trial in the Demerara High Court for the murder of his brother-in-law, Daniel Boutrin, 23, of Lot 157 Guyhoc Park, Georgetown. Blair, a mason of ‘D’ Field, Sophia, made his first court appearance back in March of this year. He appeared in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleges that between March 13, 2021 and March 15, 2021 at ‘D’ Field, Sophia, he killed his brother-in-law. Following the conclusion of the preliminary inquiry (PI) into the matter, Magistrate Liverpool ruled that sufficient evidence was produced to the WANTED
LAND FOR SALE 102 GoodHope Mahaica, 500ftx42ft Roadside. Call: 6918420. Carmichael St,La Penitence, Cummingslodge, Eccles, Soeskdyke, Linden Highway. Contact Ray's Realty 6279685.
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. 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.
PROPERTY FOR SALE Parfaite Harmony.Tel:6839146. Queenstown,Sheriff St,Robb,Betterhope,O gle,Campbelville, Enterprise, Diamond.Contact Ray's Realty 627-9685.
Kitchen Assistant, Baby sitter & Sales person, must have secondary education. Call:659-5559.
VACANCY WANTED FOR RENT Fully furnished 2 & 3 bedroom luxury apartments with AC and hot & cold,long & short term.Tel:682-2585/6911432. Business space,suitable for any business .Located at Zeelugt Public Road E.B.E, 2nd Floor -4000 SQ FT,3rd Floor - 4000 SQ FT 650-0402/ 652-0251.
Urgently Needed! Dried carilla bush.Contact:6098281/693-3003. 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.
2 bedroom apartment in Eccles Housing Scheme,3 bedroomhouse in Albertown. Tel:225-3234/628-1183.
Skilled carpenters, masons, welder and labourers to work long termin Georgetown & Linden. Call:602-9469,6157526.
Middle St & Hadfield St for business.Contact Ray's Realty 627-9685.
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. One salesman,able bodied porters.Experience in writing bills,stocktaking & cashing. Keyfood Trading,Mc Doom village. Dish-Washer,Counter Staff, Bond Clerk,Meat prep d e p t , P o r t e r. A p p l y : Bettencourt’s Diner. Call: 231-1368/223-1938.
Dead, Daniel Boutrin.
Committed, Martin Blair.
court for the defendant to be committed to stand trial at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara Criminal assizes. According to the facts of the charge, during the latter part of 2020, Boutrin reportedly borrowed a bicycle from Blair, but he lost the bicycle. On Saturday March 13, 2021, around 08:30hrs, Boutrin was at his in-law’s home when he became in-
volved in an argument with Blair over the bicycle. According to police, the argument escalated and both men armed themselves with weapons. Boutrin was armed with a cutlass and his brotherin-law was armed with a k n i f e . However, the suspect’s parents intervened and that caused him to leave the yard. Sometime after the argu-
ment, as Boutrin was about to enter a taxi, his brother-inlaw, who was still armed with the knife, confronted him and fired several stabs at him. Boutrin was still armed with the cutlass and in return, he fired several chops at his brother-in-law, but missed. The injured Bo u t r i n managed to run for some distance before he collapsed, while his brotherin-law made good his escape. Boutrin was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was hospitalised in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). He was stabbed to his left side chest. He remained in the ICU until Monday March 15, 2021when he succumbed to his injuries at around 02:48hrs. The Police Force later issued a wanted bulletin for Blair and he was subsequently arrested and charged.
A tribute to Sir James Mitchell, fmr. PM... From page 15 forceful style was distinctive and it was invaluable. He, like the other Heads, would willingly incorporate the texts we drafted for his statements on behalf of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and those on behalf of the Caribbean when it was his turn to deliver on the region’s behalf. Additionally, he would, without prompting, raise the matters in his own national meetings with bilaterals, EU Ministers and with Heads of the Multilateral Financial Institutions with which he engaged for SVG. The OECS leaders were not the only ones to play that supportive role but he was the most energetic of the OECS Heads. He would, from time to time ask me to accompany him in order to emphasise the point. His commentaries attest to the forcefulness and commitment he demonstrated in this regard but I was impressed not only by his resoluteness but this eye for careful preparation. In my briefing of him prior to his engagements he demonstrated a good eye for planning and preparation. The OECS heads coordinated their approach to foreign affairs and development assistance and prior to the ACP Ministerials and ACP Heads meetings they were briefed. As the Secretary General ad interim of the ACP Group of States I was invited to many of these, sometimes intense and highly charged, sessions. He would prod and push whatever issue he took up. Those included the Group’s main preoccupations which were the plight of the
LDCs, banana price and quota, Stabex now forgotten, sugar price and quotas and financial assistance for the region as well as assistance for Guyana. Outside of bananas, Mitchell has been acknowledged for his contribution to maintaining Caribbean solidity and in helping to calm some of the more extreme reactions to at least one regional or national crises. We were provided with some insights into the personalities and line-ups involved in some of these issues in his presentation for the HD Hoyte Memorial Lecture. In most of his intervention PM Mitchell always took the opportunity to capture and hold listeners attention with some kind of story drawing on some experience or reading which he had had and that could range from soil science to the biblical and they were usually very funny. He read widely and was witty and in debates was superb at repartee. Although at first glance PM Mitchell’s humour and ready wit could give the impression that he was simply flippant and superficial, the truth was the contrary. He was a very serious person and could be very profound. He had a pre-occupation with national elections. In his commentaries on the Guyana condition he was especially concerned by the plight of the Guyanese people. He was a committed non-socialist and was critical of what he saw as socialist influenced centrist policies of Guyana Governments. He argued that Guyana needed dissolution
of power from the centre and saw regionalisation as an antidote to the tendency to these centrist policies. In calling for reform and the need to address the calming of tensions in Guyana he observed that, “no system that entrenches misery, however constitutional, will endure” Hoyte Lecture 2008.Having served for over 16 years as PM and having lived a full life for some 80 years, Sir James Mitchell can be safely said to have played almost to the max the cards he was dealt by fate. What little I knew of him suggests that he would feel that he had not only done his best but had left the region a better place than where he and his peers had found it. I was happy to learn that he had been able to utilise the time retirement allowed in his picturesque vantage point in the Grenadines to set his thoughts to paper. We in Guyana are among the beneficiaries of his energies, his forceful personality of this sincere son of the region. We are thankful that he was able to devote some of those attributes to enthusiastically and sincerely helping to relieve the plight of Guyana’s citizens.James Mitchell was known for the intensity of his views, his wit and well developed sense of humour. To Guyana he was a friend in deed and a man of sincerity. (Carl B. Greenidge is a former Minister of Finance, Planning (and Trade) and SG ad interim of the ACP Group of States)
Tuesday November 30, 2021
PAGE 17
Kaieteur News
Ministry records 5 new COVID-19 deaths
Access to Financing: Myth... From page 6 With eight (8) years of experience in the local market, Creditinfo has definitely inspired confidence in the lending process having developed relevant data, market knowledge as well as access to local, regional and global expertise in support of the local operations. On the other hand, there continues to be the lament of lack of access to financing and this therefore begs the question as to whether there is greater scope for the services of the credit bureau to be more fully and effectively utilized. With the advent of the digital imperative now being further propelled by the COVID 19 pandemic, there is evidence that enterprising young entrepreneurs are moving towards establishing new peer to peer lending platforms that are likely to disrupt the current lending landscape while at the same time underscoring the importance of digital connectivity to facilitate the credit adjudication process.As the competitive landscape rapidly changes, the benefits of digitization and digital engagements as well as the use of data and analytics cannot be overemphasized. Consequently, industry experts recommend that traditional lending institutions must therefore embrace what they refer to as a ‘competitive mindset’ in order to ‘future proof’ their companies where new
nimble market players are focusing on combining data and digital delivery to meet customer’s needs. Creditinfo is even now being asked to consider the potential for partnerships in supporting peer to peer lending, fintech operations as well as the new digital lending platforms – as increasing value is being placed on critical due diligence and risk management processes. As the future points to a shift to the adoption of mobile and online technologies, Creditinfo as a digital facilitator is even more poised to support this move - and enable greater efficiencies in the lending process across the board. From our company’s perspective, where the future is seen as being insights driven, more effective utilization of the full range of credit risk management solutions would facilitate the application of useful information that would help to identify where gaps and opportunities lie within the credit industry. It would also serve as a good catalyst for further expanding credit as well as supporting the application of innovative credit solutions particularly in areas where the demand is greatest. Yours Sincerely, Judy Semple-Joseph Chief Executive Officer Creditinfo Guyana
Exxon to determine own standards for 3.7 ... From page 3 international best practices. Even before oil production commenced at Guyana’s maiden project—the Liza Phase One operations—kicked off in late 2019, local authorities were warned to keep a watchful eye on all chemically treated waste materials that would be dumped into its waters and to put in place, its own standards to govern how this would be discarded. The Open Society Institute (OSI), an international body that aims to shape public policy for the promotion of democratic governance, human rights, economic, legal, and social reform, has warned many nations, Guyana included, that oil exploration and production poses serious risks to a country’s ecology and public health.It said that every environmental medium—air, water, and land— is affected when oil exploitation begins. The Institute said the degree of environmental harm is however determined by operator responsibility and government oversight. Further to this, the Institute explained that the disposal of oil wastes from offshore drilling operations has been a significant environmental concern for decades. It warned that one of the apparent impacts of offshore discharges has been mercury pollution from oil discharges. It noted in this regard that a study had found that mercury levels in the mud and sediments beneath oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico were 12 times higher than acceptable levels under U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency standards. Taking this into account, OSI said it is expected that oil producing states, take every precaution to protect its marine life and citizenry. Further research by Kaieteur News has also found that the discharges from the said project are known to have toxic compositions as well as impacts that must be studied. Drilling fluids and cuttings for example, are considered as hazardous or waste which are very complex and difficult to be managed due to several impurities (i.e. heavy metals, etc). With respect to ballast water, this is water that is held inside the ship for balance when it leaves one aspect of the world and releases that water into the environment of its new destination. If suitable conditions exist in this release environment, these species will survive and reproduce and become invasive species. In some cases there is a high probability that the organism will become a dominant species, potentially resulting in the extinction of native species, effects on local and regional biodiversity, effects on coastal industries that use water extraction since some of these organisms carry diseases and parasites which in turn leads to effects on public health. There are also impacts on local economies based on fisheries. Guyana does not have a single regulation on offshore discharges from the oil industry despite approving three multibillion dollar projects by ExxonMobil and its partners.
Exxon’s ramped up production a reckless... From page 2 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams recently shared his concerns over ExxonMobil’s ramped up production rates on the Liza One development. It was reported that while the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) listed the safe operating limit as 120,000 barrels of oil per day, production rates exceeded 124,000 during the first half of the year. The current head of the EPA, Kemraj Parsram, later disagreed with this position, as he noted that the same EIA states that production can occur beyond 120,000. Ac-
cording to him, page 28 of the EIA mentions that emissions associated with the project were calculated based on peak production at a conservative 144,000 barrels of oil per day. Chairman of the Cooperative Republicans of Guyana, Jamil Changlee also recently voiced his concerns over the news of production being allowed to go beyond design specifications for the extraction of oil. In a letter to Kaieteur News on Sunday, he too pointed out that Exxon struggled for months to repair equipment that failed, resulting in environmental damage
and excess flaring. As a consequence he said, “The rush to extract and sell oil and gas must not be at the expense of the environment. Fishers are already seeing the negative impact the sector is having on our seafood industry. As a rule, we should target 80 percent of the designed maximum load and ensure that there is a predictive and preventative maintenance programme in place that is effectively implemented; and key elements of extraction operations are reviewed on a daily basis during the life cycle of the project”.
The Ministry of Health yesterday reported that five more persons, who tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, have died. As a result of this, Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll has moved to 992. The country’s fatalities, according to the Ministry, are that of five unvaccinated persons who died over a two-day period (November 28 to 29) while receiving treatment at a medical facility. The fatalities are that of two men, a 64-year-old from Region 10 (Up p e r Demerara-Berbice) and an 84-year-old from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), and three women, a 67-year-old, a 41year-old and a 68-year-old all from Region Four. Meanwhile, in its latest edition of the COVID-19 dashboard, the Health Ministry recorded 52 new infections, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 37,825. The dashboard shows too that there are 15 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 68 persons in institutional isolation, 1,371 in home isolation and three in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 35,379 persons have recovered from the virus.
Rescind mining agreement and apologise... From page 8 Wapishana people’s rights and to ensure that any activities that are proposed for their territories must be done in conformity with the International Laws,” she advocated. On Saturday, Cabinet members rushed into SouthRupununi, following stanch criticisms on social media, following the inking of an agreement between the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Canada-based gold company to prospect the land, without prior consultations with residents. The visiting delegation included Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, and Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai. Officials from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) were
also present. At the conclusion of the meeting, several villagers complained to this newspaper that they were not allowed to ask questions, as the team was rushing to another meeting. This caused the villagers to become even more upset as they felt that they were disrespected. In fact, Youth Chairperson on the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC), Joshua Fredericks complained to this publication that they were given inadequate notice of the meeting Saturday and vague responses were given in relation to resolving the impacts of the mining activities. 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, given that they are heavily reliant on farming and animal rearing. “We want to protect our land and our sacred sites, our natural forests, and we are looking at the negative 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 a 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.
$32 million road works at Tuschen crumbles... From page 13 not happy with the works done. “We have not signed off on that road, when we looked at how the road was being done, I had asked for an inquiry on the construction of the road; the road was not yet signed off by our ministry as completed,” he asserted. Minister Indar noted that the contract for the area was done under “sectional re-
pairs” (meaning that only the sections that were bad had to be repaired). He noted that only a small part of the road was completed by Fawaz Bacchus Construction. Currently, he revealed, engineers are on the ground assessing the situation to see how they could deal with the problem. When questioned about
what action would be taken against the contractor, Minister Indar said that the contractor will have to remedy all sections of the road that have deteriorated. Additionally, he said that the engineers on the ground are assessing the cost to fix another section of the road outside of the contractor’s border, which his Ministry has jurisdiction for.
PAGE 18
Kaieteur News
Tuesday November 30, 2021
Tuesday November 30, 2021
Kaieteur News
PAGE 19
Interim financial officer appointed to clear GECOM’s debt
A
n interim officer h a s b e e n appointed to carry out the financial functions of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) which includes clearing the outstanding debt the commission owes for rental of buildings Kaieteur News understands that the interim officer was appointed by the Ministry of Finance in lieu of the Chief Election Officer (CEO). The post has been empty since the dismissal of the former CEO, Keith Lowenfield, last August. This publication was told that before then, GECOM’s CEO was appointed by the Secretary to the Treasurer of the Finance Ministry to carry out the financial functions of the organisation but in the absence of a CEO, the Finance Ministry appointed
an interim officer to carry out the functions. This newspaper was told that the interim officer has been paying the bills and settling the debts the commission has outstanding even as the commission winds down its search for someone to fill that vacancy. “The Ministry of Finance has appointed the interim officer and he has been doing a fine job in terms of clearing the debt for rental of buildings and so forth. He has been holding meetings quite regularly to ensure that G E C O M ’s f i n a n c i a l business is sorted out,” an official attached to the commission told Kaieteur News. Last September, this newspaper reported that the a b s e n c e o f k e y s t a ff members could see GECOM grinding to halt. It was
Beware of fake drugs, medical devices on local market for festive season
- GA-FDD warns
GA-FDD Director, Dr. Marlan Cole There has been a recent proliferation of fake drugs and medical devices infiltrating the domestic market, according to a recent warning by the Government Analyst - Food and Drugs Department (GA-FDD). T h e s t a t e a g e n c y ’s director, Dr. Marlan Cole, via a public missive y e s t e r d a y, a d v i s e d consumers to exercise caution, and be very alert when purchasing articles of cosmetic, medical device and medicines during the festive season. To this end, he said, “…consumers are reminded to ensure that articles purchased must have a label applied in English Language with a clear written expiry date.” Providing some bit of advice, it was noted that medicines being sold must have package insert, must not be pre-packaged and must be manufactured to be sold in Guyana’s climatic
zone. Additionally it was noted that special attention needs to be paid when purchasing articles that are offered for sale at a significantly low or reduced price. As such, the department has been increasingly “intercepting substandard articles of cosmetics, medical device and medicines on our local market.” It was noted too, that in some cases, articles are either, “not manufactured for Guyana’s climatic zone, being marketed at significantly reduced prices, in a foreign language, expired or would have had their expiry date deliberately removed or do not comply with the regulatory standards.” According to that body, its inspectors and members of the National Food Safety and Control Committee (NFSCC) “focuses on protecting consumers from unsafe articles by assuring its safety, effectiveness, and quality will continue to monitor activities regarding the trade of substandard articles that fall under the remit of the GA-FDD.” To this end, it was noted that consumers are encouraged to be alert, especially during the festive season, and to report any suspicious/substandard article of cosmetic, medical device, and medicine seen on our local market.
reported that the staff deficiency at GECOM had essentially brought the work at the Commission to a standstill. PPP/C appointed GECOM Commissioner, Bibi Shadick had explained
that the lack of key managerial staff such as the Chief Accountant can put GECOM in an embarrassing position. “We have rent payments for buildings that GECOM
occupies around the country, outstanding since January. We don’t know when the landlord will say time’s up for GECOM; they want their building. So filling of those posts has now become a priority. We have cheques that cannot be signed and the Ministry of Finance (is) holding off on accounts because there is no accountant to do the transaction and pay GECOM’s bills,” she added. Shadick had predicted too that the Commission’s plans to host Local Government Elections (LGE) later this year may not
materialise. She said, “Personally, I don’t see that happening. Local Government Elections cannot be held if we don’t have any of the necessary personnel. We have no registration commissioner; no one to sign off on ID cards, there is no Chief Election Officer to do the necessary preparations in time for an election, at year end.” In addition to its search for a new CEO and DCEO, GECOM is also seeking a Chief Accountant, Legal Officer, Research Officer and Logistics Manager.
PAGE 20
Kaieteur News
Tuesday November 30, 2021
Tuesday November 30, 2021
Man Utd appoint Rangnick as interim manager SportsMax - Manchester United have appointed Ralf Rangnick as their interim manager until the end of the season. Club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and United parted ways following the 4-1 humiliation at Watford, with the Red Devils announcing they were looking for a temporary boss until the end of the campaign when they will search for a permanent solution. Rangnick, 63, leaves his role as head of sports and development at Lokomotiv Moscow to take up the vacancy at Old Trafford, which Michael Carrick had temporarily occupied. Former midfielder Carrick took temporary charge for the 2-0
Champions League win at Villarreal and the 1-1 draw at Premier League leaders Chelsea on Sunday. Rangnick, whose appointment is subject to work visa requirements, will take up a two-year consultancy role with United once 2021-22 is concluded. Rangnick, who is known for his highpressing philosophy and influence on some of B u n d e s l i g a ’s b r i g h t e s t minds, started his career with his hometown club Viktoria Backnang. After spells with the likes of Stuttgart, Hoffenheim, Hannover and Schalke, Rangnick enjoyed a brief managerial stint with RB Leipzig, who rose from
the fourth tier of German football to the Bundesliga with the new United man as director of football. Across 293 games in the German top flight, Rangnick has 120 victories to his name at a win percentage of 41, though he remains somewhat of an unknown quantity outside of his homeland. Indeed, Rangnick has only faced United twice in his managerial career when in charge of Schalke, who were outclassed over two legs in the Champions League semi-final in 2011 as Alex Ferguson’s side made their third final in four years. The Red Devils are eighth in the Premier League, five points outside the top four and 12 adrift of Chelsea.
Tuesday November 30, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Drop the conclusions you've reached concerning your work at the moment. Like it or not, life is going to throw you a curveball. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) It looks like you're making headway again. Now that you're planning for the future, you could enroll in an educational program or take a trip. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You can look forward to a bright day. What a relief it will be after the tension of the past several days. This would be a good time to confide in a close friend. CANCER (June 21–July 22) It's a relief when the hostilities subside, isn't it? It has seemed like people have repeatedly slammed doors in your face. But today a visit or encounter will unlock some mysteries for you. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) There's something blossoming inside you today. The heavy pressure of the past several days has ebbed, and you're able to go about your business with a lighter heart. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) The last several days have been a bit of an ordeal, so you could be surprised by the brightness of the day ahead. Although you may not be trying to assert yourself any more than usual, you'll receive compliments and congratulations from many sources.
PAGE 21
Kaieteur News
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You'll enjoy the gentleness and relaxation today offers. You'll be more talkative than usual. This interlude will give you an opportunity to refresh yourself by spending some quality time with family. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) This may be a laid-back day for you, but a period of calm will do you a lot of good. You could lounge around in a park and let your imagination go. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today will be lighthearted and just in time, too. Life was getting serious there for a while. Smile and try to go outside your normal routine. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) It's true that you aren't ten anymore, but who's to say you can't go back to your childhood now and again? Without going so far as to play hopscotch in the street, go see some friends for some laughs. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You may be feeling way too serious at the moment. Whether you know it or not, you're in dire need of cheering up. If someone invites you to a comedy club, go. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) New winds will begin to blow away the black clouds that have been hovering over you lately. What more could you want? Today will seem like a walk in the park compared to days past!
Ralf Rangnick
Despite no medals Coach Mahaica... From page 21 year olds and twenty-threeyear-old swimmers, who would have participated in multiple competitions,” stated Coach Mahaica. According to the Coach if he were to do this again in a country with such high altitude, it would be better for the athletes to be in that Country for a longer period. “Despite the challenges the athletes faced… age differences, the pandemic and the high altitude, we would have seen that they have improved. I am very pleased and happy because their performance shows that they are very talented and they need to be considered fairly,” Mahaica continued. “What I would like to see over the next couple of years is to see these same athletes competing in the sport way into their twenties. With age comes experience, they would be more rounded athletes like the competitors that they had to compete against over the past weeks,” the Coach pos-
ited. We have been losing good athletes in their early twenties and in their late teens such as Britney Van Lange, Jamila Sanmoogan, Omar Alves, Onika George, Nile Roberts and Hannibal Gaskin. Had they continued in the Sport we might have had athletes qualifying for the Olympics and other major games,” added the Coach. He said that he would like to see the private sector get involved as much as possible. “I am heartened and thankful to our Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Mr. Charles Ramson for the initiative of the Sports Academy. I feel it is a step in the right direction for all of Guyana Athletes. Aleka Persaud and Patrice Mahaica will return home for a few before they join Andrew Fowler and Raekwon Noel to travel to Abu Dhabi for World 25m Short Course Championships scheduled from December 16-21.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 22
Tuesday November 30, 2021
Tenelec Inc pumps US$5,400 into Berbice Cricket for two tournaments - Foster unveil plans to produce ten West Indies players at all levels in two years
Bobby Deonarine receives a gift from BCB Secretary Angela Haniff. “On behalf of the Berbice Cricket Board, I would like to welcome you back as an official sponsor of our cricket and I am confident that your investment would assist us to produce more international players like you did in the past. Berbice cricket is now widely considered the role model of cricket administration and we look forward to working along with you and Tenelec Inc to lift it even further,” the words of BCB President Hilbert Foster at a simple presentation ceremony at the Albion Ground as overseas Guyanese Bobby Deonarine
handed over a cheque for US$5,400 on behalf of his company Tenelec Inc. The sponsorship would be used to host a knockout fifty over tournament for the county eleven first division teams and a round robin under15 tournament with sixteen teams. Foster disclosed that despite the ongoing rain season a total of six matches have been played to date and the tournament would be used to select the Berbice team for the 2022 Under15 Guyana Cricket Board tournament. Among the teams in the Tenelec Under15 tournament are Achievers, Cotton
Bobby Deonarine of Tenelec Inc hands over sponsorship to BCB Secretary Angela Haniff in the presence of other executives and under 15 players.
tree, Tucber Park, Guymine, Mt Sinai, Albion, Rose Hall Canje, RHTYSC, Port Mourant and Upper Corentyne. The fifty overs knock out tournament would be played in early 2022 and would be contested by Blairmont, West Berbice, Police, Tucber Park, Rose Hall Canje, Young Warriors, Albion, RHT Namilco Thunderbolt Flour, Port Mourant, Upper Corentyne and Skeldon. The BCB would consider a team from the Berbice Riverain area but a final decision would be made early next year by the executives.
Among the players expected to play in the tournament are Romario S h e p h e r d , K e v i n S i n c l a i r, Guadakesh Motie, Veersammy Permaul, Kevlon Anderson, Nial Smith, Shimron Hetmyer, Anthony Bramble, Keon Joseph, Jonathan Foo and Devendra Bishoo. Foster reassured Deonarine, who is an uncle of test player Narsingh Deonarine that his tournaments would be well organised and will be completed on time. The BCB President, who is also a Vice President of the Guyana Cricket Board, stated that the board was committed to hosting at least
four major first division tournaments in 2022 and a total of at least 30 at all levels including juniors, seniors, internal zones and females. Deonarine stated that he was delighted to be back with the BCB and expressed confidence in the current executives led by Foster. Berbice cricket, he stated was very special to him and he would continue to invest as long as he can. Tenelec Inc is co-owned by Bobby Deonarine and Tom Gruentzel. It provides services to the American public in the electrical and telecom sector.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday November 30, 2021
PAGE 23
Junior PanAm Games-swimming
Despite no medals Coach Nissanka hits unbeaten 61 as Sri Lanka closes Day 1 at 113-1 Mahaica says trip was successful Rain threatened to wipe out the first session in Galle • Nov 28, 2021 © Associated Press
GALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) — Opening batsman Pathum Nissanka scored an unbeaten 61 to get Sri Lanka off to a good start yesterday on the first day of the second test against the West Indies as the hosts reached 113-1 at stumps. Play was suspended because of bad light in the 35th over. Nissanka, who completed his third test half century, and captain Dimuth Karunaratne shared 106 runs for the first wicket. Karunaratne, who scored 147 and 83 in the first test, looked rusty in his 90-ball 42 before being caught and bowled by offspinner Roston Chase. Karunaratne hit six boundaries. Nissanka looked more fluent as his runs came off 109 deliveries. He hit a six and four boundaries.
The pitch in Galle had spin and bounce on the first day but the three West Indies spinners failed to take full advantage. Chase finished the day with 1-33. Sri Lanka dropped fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera to give batsman Charith Asalanka his first test match on his home ground. The West Indies made two changes from the first match, dropping fast bowler Shanon Gabriel for Kemar Roach while left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul was recalled after more than five years and took the place of offspinner Rakheem Cornwall. Sri Lanka won the first test at the same venue by 187 runs and the West Indies need to win the second to draw the two-match series. Scores: Sri Lanka 113 for 1 (Nissanka 61*, Karunaratne 42, Chase 1-33) vs West Indies.
By Sean Devers Ye s t e r d a y i n C a l i , Colombia 15-year-old Aleka Persaud swam 28.05 in the 50m free in the Junior Pan American Games in her final race in which attracted the best young swimmers from 37 Countries. A day after setting the National Women’s 100m free record of 10:1.11 to better the record set by Brittany Van Lang as a 14year-old in 2010, Aleka, the current Guyana record holder in the 50m free which she set at the Olympics, yesterday fell 0.29 of a second short of her Tokyo
time. The other female swimmer in the team, Patrice Mahaica completed her race in a time of 29.96 to shave off 0.11 of a second off of her entry time as she too showed improvement in Colombia despite battling the high altitude there. In the men’s 50m free, G u y a n a ’s t o p J u n i o r swimmer 17-year-old Leon Seaton Jnr., finished the race in a time of 25.07 after starting the event with an entry time of 24.91. Paul Mahaica made the biggest improvement as he completed the 50 meters in a
time of 26.60 as he swam 3.17 of a second faster than he entry time which was 29.77, as he like his sister registered Personal Best performances yesterday. Despite his charges returning home without any medals Coach Paul Mahaica said the trip has been very successful. “I am seeing our athletes putting in a 100 percent, even with the limited training and exposure, these are young athletes… fifteen yearolds…and the eldest is seventeen…who are swimming against eighteen (Continued on page 19)
PAGE 24
Kaieteur News
Tuesday November 30, 2021
RHTYSC Namilco Thunderbolt Flour and Vitality Inc Cricket Teams donate $100,000 in cycles to the Basil Butcher Memorial Trust Fund
T
RHTYSC Members poses after receiving their cycles under the Butcher Trust Fund.
he Christmas C h a r i t y Programme of Guyana leading youth and sports organisation continued on Friday last with a presentation of one hundred thousand dollars worth of bicycles to six members of the club at the Area H Ground. The presentation was done under the Basil Butcher Memorial Trust Fund and was sponsored by the Atlantics Cricket Club of New York, United States. The members were specially selected by the cricket management committee of the club, headed by Cricket Manager Ravindranauth Kissoonlall. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, at the presentation ceremony, stated that the RHTYSC over the years has assisted hundreds of youths across the country with cycles, while a total of one hundred and seventeen members have also benefitted. The main objective is to make sure that youths can attend school and cricket practice. He noted that the majority of the youths who have received the cycles are from single parent households and as such their parent struggles to assist them with transportation costs. The six youths, he
The Late Basil Butcher AA in his playing days. disclosed were selected based on discipline, attitude, commitment and potential for the future. He urged the attentive youths that it was a privilege to be a RHTYSC,MS member as the club was determined to make sure that they succeed in life - on and off the cricket field. He spoke at length on the importance of discipline, hard work and staying in school to obtain an educational background. The RHTYSC,MS he noted is very passionate about making sure that each of its players understand the importance of education and never give up. Foster, who is also the President of the Berbice Cricket Board and a Director of Cricket West Indies advised the youths to say yes to sports, education, religion, culture, life and No to suicide, drugs, crime,
Samuel Ince-Carvalhal lost 8-11, 7-11, 4-11 (3-0) to Juan Jose Torres Lara.
alcohol and the evil ways of Satan. RHTYSC Asst Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu expressed thanks to the Atlantics Cricket Club of New York for their support with special mention been made of its President Colin Sandy for their support. He noted that it was the second successive year that the New Yo r k b a s e d c l u b w a s supporting the Butcher Fund and expressed confidence that the relations would continue in the future. The Basil Butcher Trust Fund was established in 2020 after the death of the legendary player by the club and his family to assist youths and less fortunate families. Butcher played 44 test matches for the West indies, scoring 3104 runs at an average of 43.11 with seven centuries and sixteen half centuries. The Rose Hall Town NANILCO Thunderbolt Flour team is sponsored by the National Milling Company of Guyana of Agricola, while the Vitality Under 23 team is sponsored by Vitality Inc of Providence. Among the players in the teams are Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Shemaine Campbelle, Keith Simpson, Shawn Perriera, Jonathan Rampersaud and Chanderpaul Govindan.
Shomari Wilshire lost 6-11, 1-11, 5-11 (3-0) to Matias Knudsen Martin.
Guyana lose to host Colombia in Squash team event
G
uyana Squash team at the Panam Games in Colombia remained winless as they lost to the host Colombia, Guyana going down 2-0. Team leader, 18-year-old Shomari Wilshire, lost 3-0 to 22-year-old Matias
Knudsen Martin, while Sixteen-year-old Juan Jose Torres Lara beat Guyana’s 17-year-old Samuel Ince-Carvalhal 3-0. Fifteen-year-old Michael Alphonso did not play after Guyana lost their first two games.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday November 30, 2021
BCB completes third Social Skills seminar at Albion
PAGE 25
The participants of the seminar pose with their certificates and Lecturers after the end of the seminar.
- Another ten youths receive educational grants from Patron’s Fund
T
he Berbice Cricket Board ( B C B ) o n Saturday last successfully completed the third of four social skills seminars for youths at the Albion Ground as it presses ahead with its off the field cricket developmental programme. A total of fifty youths including four females attended the seminar which was conducted by four graduates of the University of Guyana Social Works Class and Mr. Levi Nedd of GUYSUCO. To date a total of one hundred and forty students have benefitted from the seminars. The first seminar was held at the New Amsterdam Secondary School for youths
in New Amsterdam and the second at the Fort Wellington School for the West Berbice area. BCB president Hilbert Foster in declaring the six hours seminar open, urged the attentive youth cricketers to take advantage of the opportunities been presented to them by his administration as never in the history of Guyana cricket has a board been so pro active. The BCB President disclosed that the hosting of the seminars was the idea of Patron Minister Vickram Bharrat and was funded under the Patron Fund. The CWI Director informed the youths that he was confident that all Berbician cricketers would now not only excel on the
The ten youth players who received educational grants from the BCB. field but off the field as sports ambassadors of the county. The BCB, he stated would be there every step of the way in their personal development while providing opportunities for them to fulfill their potential on the field. He disclosed that the objective of his board is to produce a total of ten more players for the West Indies at all levels over the next two to
three years. The students were involved in several lectures on a series of topics including life skills, leadership, table etiquette, basic mannerism, public speaking, time management, how to behave at a public ceremony, importance of education and discipline. The BCB President also spoke to the youths at the conclusion of the seminar, where he spoke of the need to
remain focused while rejecting the evil world of Satan. Each of the cricketers received a Certificate of Participation from the BCB and would also be involved in a one day mini cricket academy as part of their development. Meanwhile, another ten youths received an educational grant from the board under its Patron’s Trust Fund. Those receiving
ten thousand dollars each were Shiv Harripersaud, Deon Sital, Kumar Deopersaud, Trisha Hardat, DeShawn Govindan, Priya Mahadeo, Dharshanie Subramanie, S. Daniels, R. Ramnauth and B. Chapelle. A total of thirty seven youth cricketers benefitted from a combined four hundred thousand dollars under the fund which was completed b y M i n i s t e r Vi c k r a m Bharrat.
Rakesh Arjune hands over the winning trophy to Richard Dowlatram.
Deonarain spurs LBI SC to victory over Floodlights Teenager Romeo Deonarain produced a fine all-round performance to guide LBI SC to a nine-run win over Floodlights when the teams collided in a T20 fixture held in memory of the late Reyaz Hussain at the LBI ground on Sunday. LBI SC batted first and managed 116-9. Deonarain topscored with
26, while Richard Dowlatram scored 21 with three fours and extras contributed 22. Rakesh Arjune claimed 3-26, Lloyd Ruplall 2-11 and Anil Beharry 1-11. Floodlights responded with 107 all out in 20 overs. Ruplall struck three fours in scoring 31, while R. Dat made 26 including three fours and Beharry 24 with
two fours and two sixes. Deonarain captured 4-18 and Yogeshwar Bishun 3-13. LBI SC would like to thank Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall for donating the trophies and Hafeez Ali of Rockaway Group of Companies for supplying the uniforms. Wellman Masters beat Floodlights in the
The victorious LBI SC with their hardware.
T20 softball fixture played earlier. Meanwhile, the Lusignan Sports Club will be hosting a fund raising T20 softball competition on Sunday. Action is expected to commence at 09:30hrs with Wellman, Fisherman, Success and Rockaway battling for supremacy.