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Kaieteur News
Monday October 11, 2021
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Guyana this blessed or Exxon this gifted? “Guyana’s proven reserves climb to over 10 billion barrels -Exxon” (KN October 8). It is delightful news, following in the footsteps of recent similar encouraging news from out there under the seabed. The latest find by Exxon, in a bow to local life forms, is from a well called Cataback-1. Guyanese had better be contented with a series of names for billionbarrel wells that Guyanese can identify well with, and not much else. Because we are so cynical about most things that Exxon does, in cahoots with leaders in past and present PPP Governments, as well as those in the prior Coalition Administration (now deathlike Opposition), we look at this latest billion-barrel oil discovery, and wonder whether Exxon is playing with us, what is it really up to, since nothing can be put past it, nothing be left to its good graces. Only Exxon knows what is going on out there in the vast watery expanses. We Guyanese don’t. Only this sophisticated and experienced, thanks to its century long global footprint, American corporate colossus has the best understanding of how much oil is possible in exploration fields that are almost as big as Guyana’s underfoot mileage in whatever measurements employed. The number of possible productive fields, the probability of billion-barrel discoveries, and how to go about perfecting this lovely game that it has fixed. For sure, Exxon has the technology and science, those versed in reading and interpreting the special mathematics of the geology, to appreciate how wellpositioned it is, how dirt cheap are the Cataback-1 billion barrels and the ones before and to come. Best of all, Exxon has the monopoly over this oil. It can announce to us, and release to us, whatever and whenever it pleases its calculating top tier executives. We Guyanese don’t have a clue and are clearly not even working with speed and zeal to getting some semblance of that which alters the equation a little in our favour. We are comfortable with being passive and reactive to the latest good news. Our leaders have gotten so complacent that they will not even stir to look at the many billions in expenses that Exxon said it incurred. Exxon has the best of every conceivable world existing anywhere on this earth. It has a docile herd of captive political leaders to a still unmoved and uncaring population long conditioned to accept any vileness that high-placed people stuff down their throats. The history of leadership vileness has been swallowed wholesale because of the constant reassurances to citizens that what is destructive is the best of tonics, those packed with vitamins and minerals. Nobody is stopping to ask whether it is quicksilver that could ruin us and not Quaker Oats, as Exxon claims another surprise oil find to be. It is in this political and social climate that Exxon thrives, given that we accept contentedly whatever it shares with colluding leaders, whatever is filtered for local consumption. With all of this said, it is not beyond reason, or well within the bounds of our intellectual width, to ask ourselves whether Exxon is staggering these oil discoveries. In other words, whether it has a playbook and timetable for dishing out to Guyanese a little bit of relish, some soothing sauces, all of which tells us how lucky we are. We wonder also, if Exxon is not smartly (think a confidence trickster’s hustles) using oil finds to keep us panting and drooling for more, while distracting us from the gathering storms that are building on the company from within the domestic fold: contract renegotiation, leadership wavering. Cataback-1 gives conspiratorial Guyanese political leaders a bright talking point. It is one that overwhelms all the other noise nuisances about oil which upsets the company and agitate PPP powers. With a billion-barrel find here and there, carefully staged for selected occasions, when the pressures build we could be rejoicing at our funeral. Suddenly, two percent fades to a shade, and 50/50 netted in our favour doesn’t look so terrible. Exxon is so gifted at finding these winning oil wells so opportunely, it is almost like a crooked cardsharp. Guyana is so lucky that it could care less, and doesn’t know better.
Efforts: we must learn from the past, prepare for a new world Dear Editor, For hinterland farming communities to become effective, supportive of a National Food security programme, there has to be a paradigm shift in the way agriculture is done. Historically speaking the Indigenous people knew very little about plantation agriculture and they still do. Later in the mid-nineteen hundreds, Guyana saw a shift in policy towards boosting of commercial cultivation of coffee, coconuts (for copra), and peanuts in hinterland communities, like in the Moruca area and elsewhere. Residents briefly benefited from the United Nations’ funded programme. Careful soil analysis, along with other scientific research, could have aided such a laudable experiment. While some people indeed benefited, it could only be described as a good experiment. Agriculture in Guyana may currently be in need of reports on such experiments to aid farmers go a step further. The analyses of agricultural experiments, not only farmsteads, but others like a cassava processing factory should not be thrown into the dustbins of history. Someone, perhaps with the
right knowledge, may use these findings to determine why such experiments failed, what went wrong, so all could learn from the errors of the past. Was the soil rejuvenated in time; was the soil ph range at the optimum level? On business ventures, were persons only concerned about the running of the business, thus losing sight of the objectives? Could it be that in the haste of earning quick money, certain cultures like the crop rotation system, management practices, were ignored? Was government policy supportive? Why could it not be sustained, etc.? Some questions need to be answered from whence can come vital information on the way forward. Making use of soil analyses is of critical importance when acting on basic information on the use of hinterland soils. This component of soil analysis which, if ignored, often leads to loss of time and labour, thus leading farmers to become disenchanted, whenever crops fail. This could be the reality in many cases. Generally, soils in the hinterland are highly alkaline, unsupportive at fruiting stages, with 9.0—11.5 on the ph scale and a farmer without certain practical information
would be like a man shooting in the dark. Then, there is the human component. Interest groups embracing human development should change focus and embrace the paradigm shift in agriculture in hinterland communities. As long as new measures do not conflict with control mechanisms, e.g. storage and optimum usage of chemicals, there can be aggressive growth and an expanded hinterland agriculture programme. Supportive behavioural patterns among representative groups, notwithstanding their reluctance in their support base of possible use of modern techniques, including the use of inorganic chemicals seems to be high on the agenda. Peter Drucker, an Economics icon, once wrote, “Every few hundred years in Western history there occurs a sharp transformation. We cross a ‘divide’. Within a few short decades, society rearranges itself- its worldview, its basic values, its social and political structures, its arts, its key institutions. Fifty years later, there’s a new world. And the people born cannot even imagine the world in which their grandparents lived and into which their parents were
born.” Drucker was talking change-big change-language here, sudden bursts in history of incredible change that overwhelm every person and institution, not unlike a huge waterfall, like our Kaieteur, gushing down with devastating power. Business (farms), schools, governments, all institutions, families, even churches; you name it—everyone feels the effect in one way or another. Here’s the important thing, which is inevitable: once that burst of change begins, nothing can stop it. We may want to resist it for a while, or simply hope it’s going to go away. But finally, you capitulate to it. As Drucker said: “A new world is born.” Sounds familiar? Editor, growth in hinterland agriculture needs a systematic approach. Not being made aware of the role of agriculture in human development is perhaps the greatest deficiency in hinterland communities. It should embody a range of new initiatives resulting from historical analyses, detailed resource mapping vis-a-vis community needs. In this way, result can no doubt be a new focus, a new shift to support a national agricultural drive. A new world-outlook will indeed be! Yours truly, Joseph C. Atkinson
One of the most blatant forms of workers discrimination letters sent by the workers’ the Guyana Bauxite is the post independent history of Guyana union, and General Workers Union Dear Editor, Trade unions or trade unionists, in principle, do not begrudge any employee or group of employees receiving an increase (raise) in pay at any time. What we may oppose is when that increase, raise or payout is being used as a wedge to divide the working class, and moreso in a situation where the racial overtones are evident. In the specific case where Bharrat Jagdeo, last week, visited a sugar community and made an on-the-spot announcement that the Government will pay a quarter million dollars ($250,000.00) to each sugar worker severed by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), is cause for grave concern. These workers, when they were terminated, received their Severance Benefits as per the Termination and Severance Pay Act, even though late and with interest paid, as ordered by the High Court. There was no outstanding benefit due or owing to former sugar workers from their former employer or the state. As such, the quarter million
dollar promised by Jagdeo to each unemployed sugar worker must be seen for what it truly is- a cash grant payout from the state in attempt to subdue former workers, after failing to reopen the estates, and to secure political loyalty. There is also the contention about the number of unemployed workers to benefit from the payout. Whereas the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is on record saying 7000 sugar workers were affected by the closure of estates during the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration, GuySuCo said less than 5000 workers were laid off. This means there is a major discrepancy of over 2000 workers. $250,000.00 distributed to an unidentified additional 2000 plus workers will rob the coffers of the state a hefty sum of over $500 million. This payout is a new precedent being set by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), where a severed group of employees
who received all benefits due them at severance are selectively given a further sum and notably a very huge sum of money from the state. This is no more than a Cash Grant and an act of discrimination to other workers and vulnerable groups in this country. What of similar cash grants for the hundreds of public sector workers that have been laid off since August 2020? They too are Guyanese and would have contributed to the development of this nation and the Treasury through sweat and taxation. What of the hundreds of bauxite workers from the Bauxite Company Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) who were terminated by the company, of which the Government of Guyana is a shareholder? Their status is no different than former sugar workers where the Government is the employer. Bauxite workers’ termination benefits were miscalculated by the government part owned BCGI and they were paid less than they are entitled to. Several
(GB&GWU), to Minister of Labour Joe Hamilton to correct this economic injustice, to date have seen no effort by him to right this wrong. We have seen many communities suffering from laid-off, COVID-19, flooding and the regime have shown no similar or other care or compassion to alleviate their hardships. Communities also affected by workers being laid off include the Kwakwani/ Aroaima location with the wicked closure of BCGI mines. These communities were developed around and rely on bauxite. Must we believe now that these residents and workers are not equally deserving as being communicated to us by this regime? The quarter million cash grant given to former sugar workers should likewise be given to all former and current workers. We are all Guyanese and by law none is more equal than the other. No group of workers, employed or severed, is more entitled under the law to benefits not agreed to in their collective (Continued on page 6)
Monday October 11, 2021
Guyana requires improved infrastructure Dear Editor, There is a great need for improved infrastructure in Guyana. Even recently, the fire at Brickdam police station could’ve been avoided with better infrastructure in place. One of the ways that we can move forward is by building concrete buildings with better materials. There has to be collaborative effort between regulatory bodies and companies to ensure that construction is done in a safe, sustainable way. I was happy to read about the recent commitment by Superior Concrete Inc. to work with local companies and to build a state of the art concrete facility in Guyana. While this company has been involved in some controversy in the past, it’s admirable to see how open they were with admitting that they changed their management and approaches. Their actions reflect how we should handle mistakes. Instead of pretending there wasn’t a problem, the
company addressed it and put measures in place to avoid this in the future. Guyana needs to adopt quality materials in their construction. I hate reading stories about people losing their homes to fires. Our construction companies can benefit from working with foreign companies that provide specialised products/ services. With these partnerships, we would benefit from the early adoption of quality home and commercial construction. Yours Sincerely, Juliana Lopes
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Kaieteur News
A disrespect to Indians in Guyana that needs correcting Dear Editor, There is vehement protest by some after the Indian High Commissioner proposal to name a street in Guyana. Well that call will fall on deaf ears with this present-day Government. His Excellency and other Indians like him do not realise that the PPP do not favour the Indians in Guyana even though we put them there. Case in point, May 5th, the day when the first Indian literally stepped on these lands and the PPP Government cannot bring themselves to dedicate it specifically to the Indians in Guyana. It is ARRIVAL DAY and not INDIAN ARRIVAL DAY. For His Excellency edification, one of the promises that Reepu Daman Persaud made to his followers every May 5th, is that the day
he (Reepu) gets in power, he will declare May 5th, Indian Immigration Day. We know today where that and many more empty promises went. His Excellency should also be aware that the National Cultural Centre was constructed with money belonging to the Indian Immigration Fund. Dictator Burnham wanted to show off to the World when he hosted CARIFESTA. He purloined the money of the Indian Immigrants and built that place. To add insult to injury, he put it in a place where Indians do not live and till today there is not a syllable in that building to pay tribute to the people whose money was stolen to make it. I have proposed already and am now making a direct appeal to His Excellency...please end
this disrespect to the Indians in Guyana. Please ensure that: 1. The NCC is renamed to honour the people whose money was stolen to build it. I suggest The National Indian Heritage Cultural Centre, or The Jahaji Cultural Center, or even The Indian Memorial Cultural Center. 2. Make part of the building, a museum to the
Indians who came here. Place suitable paintings and even statues in the foyer downstairs. 3. Have the Indian Government donate a suitable monument to be place in front of the building that will depict the people who came from India. No one should dare to (Continued on page 6)
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Kaieteur News
Tribute to Gokarn Ramdhani Dear Editor, It was with a deep sense of shock and disbelief that I woke up to the tragic news that my dear friend and colleague in sports Gokarn Ramdhani had died the previous night in Alberta, Canada. Gokarn was the long serving President of the Guyana Badminton Federation and an active Council member of the Guyana Olympic Association. He served as chef-de-mission for us on more than one
occasion and could have been relied upon to complete any task that he undertook. His competence and ability were recognised not only in Guyana but internationally, as he served as an executive member of his sports body and was employed as the Badminton coach at a university in Alberta. I would like to express to his dear wife and two children the sincere condolences of myself and all the members of the Guyana Olympic Association. His effervescent personality will be truly missed. K.A. Juman-Yassin President Guyana Olympic Association
Monday October 11, 2021
...One of the most blatant forms of workers discrimination is the post independent history From page 4 bargaining. This regime continues its various acts of economic, social, and political discrimination. We must be incensed about this new form of discrimination and raise our voices in protest. We must see it for what it is - the regime is empowering one group over another group. This is another effort by the PPP/C to divide the country through its discriminatory policies and programmes. Only a selfish, wicked, and uncaring government would deliberately engage in actions to antagonise and divide workers and citizens. This here stands the risk of pitting workers against workers, communities against communities, deprived against deprived, and it is not an accident but a carefully orchestrated action that Irfaan Ali must take full
responsibility for. This is one of the most blatant forms of workers discrimination in the post independent history of Guyana. And whereas Guyanese are aware that Ali is not his own man but rather a front for Jagdeo’s Third Term, this act has all the hallmarks of the draconian measures of he who holds the title of Vice President but is in fact the President and executing these divisive and provocative policies from behind. The Consolidated Fund being used by the Ali/Jagdeo regime, as though it is their personal bank account, belongs to the people of Guyana. All the affected are equally entitled to such Public Assistance in the form of Cash Grant given to former sugar workers. Lincoln Lewis
...A disrespect to Indians in From page 5 object to this request as this is just reclaiming and demanding what is our right as Indians in Guyana. I am praying that this High
Commissioner from India will see to it that this disrespect to the Indians in Guyana be corrected. Yours sincerely, N. Sahadeo
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Monday October 11, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Human Services Ministry says optimism helps; urges pursuit of meaningful projects The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security noted via a missive to the press yesterday, that it has taken note of the damaging effects the Coronavirus pandemic has on people’s mental health and therefore sought to use the occasion of World Mental Health Day to emphasize the need for being optimistic and taking on new, meaningful projects. As it joins the rest of the world in raising awareness on mental health today, the Ministry was keen to note that it has also been working to rally practical support measures for sufferers. Subject Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud said: “Our mental health determines our state of well-being and our ability to function optimally, cope with challenges, and make everyday life choices and decisions. It is critical that conversations around mental health not remain taboo and people seeking help to alleviate mental health
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Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud illnesses not be stigmatised. The Covid-19 pandemic stressors have increased the numbers of persons seeking treatment for mental health issues. It is imperative that every person can access that help and not be disparaged.” The pressures of everyday life can have an overwhelming effect on
persons and thus lead to frustration, causing them to develop a pessimistic outlook on life. The Ministry is therefore urging persons who are struggling with mental health issues to cultivate optimism, described as, “hopefulness and confidence about the future or the success of something.”
Doctors the world over concur that being optimistic, positively impacts health and wellbeing. The Mayo Clinic lists the following health benefits that positive thinking may provide: increased life span, lower rates of depression, lower levels of distress, greater resistance to the common cold, better psychological and physical well-being, better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease, and better coping skills during hardships and times of stress. Doing something new and keeping the mind and brain occupied also works wonders when it comes to managing stress during the pandemic. In this context, hundreds have been signing up for the Ministry’s Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme, for which men are also welcome to be trained in a number of skills areas. A brainchild of Dr. Persaud, WIIN encourages persons who are unemployed and at home doing nothing, to make effective use of their time by learning something new, and even receiving a certificate upon completion of the course.
Minister Persaud to launch two media projects to observe International Day of the Girl Child In an effort to empower girls and amplify their voices, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud disclosed yesterday, that she will be launching “The Storyboard Initiative” and a special edition of “Youth Unfiltered” as the Ministry joins the rest of the world in observing International Day of the Girl Child. The ‘day’ being observed on October 11 annually is used for recognising the importance, influence, and budding talents of girls and to also promote the opening up of more opportunities for them. The occasion is also designed to raise awareness of gender-based issues such as the digital divide, poor learning opportunities, violence and exploitation of girls. “Girls in our country must be actively involved in the conversation about their welfare and future, and be given the enabling environments in all spheres to develop their potentials. It must be our mission to equip a formidable generation of girls with the every tool to make the architects of world for tomorrow’s women,” Minister Vindhya Persaud declared. The Storyboard Initiative to be launched by Minister Persaud was conceptualized during a conversation with one of her team members, Anuradha Persaud. It espouses the idea of imparting creative writing skills along with functional literacy to develop storyboards written by girls who had difficult lives and surmounted those challenges. Kaieteur News understands that these
inspirational stories will be published and the proceeds used for these young women’s wellbeing. A series of inspirational books is intended to be published over time. Each girl in the programme will be tutored for six weeks and provided a creative survival kit which includes a tablet, hygiene products, toiletries, stationary supplies and a backpack to motivate and support them. Teachers and journalists will be partnering with the Ministry of Human Services in the pilot programme intended to be rolled out countrywide next year. Dr. Persaud believes that ‘Youth Unfiltered,’ a programme featuring young influencers, who will discuss timely topics on the ministry’s social media platforms, will help to ignite health discussions among girls across the country, promote awareness of their challenges and propose solutions for girls who would have surmounted hurdles and succeeded. In her recently launched Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme, a practical, skills training programme for women and girls, Dr. Persaud has included courses on Information Technology, garment construction, graphic designing, video editing, photography, and interior decorating as a tangible solution to bridging the digital divide as captured in the theme of this year’s celebration “Digital generation. Our generation.” She is cognizant of the heavy dependence of this generation on digital technology to connect, learn and network.
Monday October 11, 2021
Kaieteur News
Brickdam Police Station was a hellhole The Brickdam Police Station was one of the many structures designed by renowned Maltese Architect, Cesar Castellani. That structure was destroyed by fire a few Saturdays ago and became another of Castellani’s major local creations to be destroyed. The other included the Palms Geriatric Home and the old New Amsterdam Hospital. The towers of the now destroyed Sacred Heart Church were also said to have been designed by Castellani. According to the National Trust, the main building in the compound of the Brickdam Police Station Complex is believed to have been designed and constructed by Cesar Castellani and bears a decorative cast iron and a weather vane atop the roof – which is one of its main architectural features. But despite bearing the features of Cesar Castellani, the Brickdam Police Station had long lost any architectural appeal. The entire compound, which stretched for one block from east to west and from north to south, was crowded with buildings which disfigured Castellani’s centrepiece. The Brickdam Police Station was not an inviting place, as most police stations are in Guyana. From the moment you entered the gate, the foul stench which emanated from the lockup at the front and eastern section of the compound assailed your nostrils. If you did not feel like puking, then you know you had a strong constitution. If you were going to report a crime, you had to enter into a ground floor office which was in poor state with officers sitting behind a counter at desks which had seen better days. The stairs leading to the Certifying Office were
unpainted and unvarnished and many of the counters at the station used to be covered with cheap linoleum. The staff worked in poor conditions in that station. There were far too many buildings located in that compound. The Traffic Office was located there, as were the Brickdam CID Office, a smelly and stink lockup worse than a medieval dungeon, the Impact Base and even the pits which were used for inspecting vehicles. At the western end of the compound were the barracks, which should never have been so close to the adjoining roadway. Quite a few incidents of theft and violence were known to have occurred in that barracks. The lockup was a hellhole. If you treat prisoners like animals, they will behave like animals and this is what happened at Brickdam recently. No human being, no matter what his or her crime, should have never had to be detained in such sub-human conditions. Brickdam Police Station was no better than a rat hole. It was unfit to house the headquarters of the largest Police Division. The fire which destroyed the Brickdam Police Station was a terrible tragedy but it was a tragedy waiting to happen because of the numerous buildings in that compound. It will cost the government billions of dollars to rebuild that facility. But whatever goes up there must not resemble that overcrowded monstrosity which was the former Brickdam Police Station. And before anything is built, the police have to get their maintenance programme right. The police have a serious problem with maintaining their
buildings. A large wooden building next to the Officers’ Mess in Eve Leary was pulled down and rebuilt in concrete. It is a sad indictment of the Police that it keeps its stations in such deplorable condition while other structures such as its Sports Club and Officers’ Mess are much better maintained. The historic wooden which once was the Brickdam Police Station has been levelled. It is not likely, nor advisable, that any wooden structure should replace it. Georgetown is too crowed and ill-designed a city to allow for any more massive wooden structures. The risk of fire and the high cost of maintaining such structure should act as a disincentive to building grand wooden structures. The services offered by the Brickdam Police Station should be decentralised. The Certifying Office should be moved to another location as should the Impact Base. Since the station is near to the commercial zone, it would be suitable for the traffic office to be located therein but that compound needs space to breathe, something which did not happen with the now destroyed facility. A part of the country’s architectural heritage was lost in that fire a few Saturdays ago but the appreciation for that heritage had long disappeared given the deplorable conditions which existed at that compound on Brickdam. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Dem Boys Seh…
Trini running things in Guyana Dem boys read how de Trinis coming fuh set up gas station in Guyana. But is nah like de Trinis comin fuh tek over Guyana. No dem nah coming fuh tek over Guyana. Dem done deh hay suh. Dem done dominating de trucking business. Dem done gat a big footprint in providing services to dem oil companies. Dem done deh in de supermarket business. Dem done gat de major share in de banking sector. Dem done deh in de beer business. Dem deh in anything yuh could think
bout. Dem in de cargo business. Dem deh in logistics. We children drinking dem sweet drink and eating dem sweet biscuits and chocolate. Christmas deh round de corner and dem gan soon send over a couple container ham. Dem even deh in de fast food business in Guyana with locals. And soon dem gan rule de roost in de sale of petrol. Within de next 10 years nah surprise if de capital of Guyana tun Port of Spain. All dis been happening
and we guvament nah see how lil bit space leff fuh we. But dem still talking bout local content. Dis ah we country and we nah gat wan guvament wah looking out fuh we. How dem gan allow all dem foreign company fuh come and tek over dem business wah should be reserved for Guyanese. De guvament talking bout local content but dem nah talking bout de local context. Guyana company nah deh pun equal footing. Talk half and learn fuh talk like Trini!
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Monday October 11, 2021
Over 6000 persons contracted COVID-19 in September With September 2021 deemed the deadliest COVID19 month so far, it is also the month with the highest number of positive cases and saw over 6000 persons contracting the virus. According to Kaieteur News’ analysis, from September 1 to 30, 2021 some 6,285 persons tested positive for COVID-19 out of the 33, 696 confirmed cases reported to date. Out of the 6,285 persons who contracted the virus, 3,514 were women while 2,771 were men. During that period, the least number of cases seen in one day was recorded on September 26 with 88, while on September 21, some 362 persons tested positive making that the highest number of cases recorded within a 24 hour period. Not only was it the month with the highest number of deaths and new cases, it was the month with a spike in COVID-19 hospitalization. This publication had reported that some 169 persons died in the month of
September with 92 of those persons being women and 77 were men. In September also, a fivemonth-old baby girl from Region One died along with a 17-year-old boy from Region Three. The Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, while addressing this worrying trend in one of his COVID-19 interviews, stated that if these numbers are to go down people have to abide by the guidelines and get vaccinated. He had also urged business owners to implement the COVID-19 measures in workplaces, so as to safeguard all workers and customers against the virus. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health yesterday announced that five more persons have died of the virus. According to the Ministry, out of the five, three persons were unvaccinated, one was fully vaccinated while another was partially vaccinated.
The five persons are that of two men, a 41-year-old from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), a 57-year-old from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and that of three women, a 62-year-old from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), a 76-year-old from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and an 84-year-old from Region Four. All five persons the Ministry reported, died over a three-day period (October 8 to 10) while receiving treatment at a medical facility. The Health Ministry via its daily COVID-19 Dashboard recorded 130 new infections, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 33,696. Presently, there are 27 persons admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 148 persons in institutional isolation, 3,689 in home isolation and nine in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 28,992 persons have re c o v e r e d after testing positive for the virus.
...Govt. aims to finalize draft of New Mental Act From page 14 next five years as a means of offering care and support to those affected. In addition, Dr. Anthony noted that the Government will also address the issue of substance abuse which is linked to Mental Health. Further, he said that the Government has allocated over $70 million to ad-
dress the shortage of essential medication for psychiatric patients. He noted that the Government had also set aside $26 million in the 2021 National Budget for the construction of an 18-bed Mental Health Ward at the National Referral Hospital (National Psychiatric Hospital), located in New
Amsterdam, Berbice in Region Six. “One of the things is that, when patients get acutely ill, they will be able to come in and be hospitalised and stabilised before we are able to send them home again… that’s why we need additional beds,” Dr. Anthony explained.
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Kaieteur News
Monday October 11, 2021
Monday October 11, 2021
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Kaieteur News
Tyson Fury caps epic trilogy vs. Deontay Wilder with 11th-round KO in thriller
Tyson Fury beat Deontay Wilder in an incredible trilogy fight in Las Vegas - here he knocks down Wilder in the third round. (Getty Images)
Monday October 11, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Have you been thinking about moving? Perhaps you've even bought a new home. Whatever your situation, you may execute some paperwork today, perhaps an agreement with a realtor or contractor, or maybe escrow papers. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) A new, exciting neighbor could move in near you. If you're single, this person might be a potential romantic partner. If you aren't, you could make a new friend. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Have you been waiting to execute some paperwork regarding money? If so, you might finally be able to do it today. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Transformation of your life, even your very being, may have been in the works for some time. Today you could finally see it made manifest. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Have you been concentrating strongly on spiritual studies for a while? Do you meditate regularly? If so, don't be surprised if insights and revelations come to mind today. Write them down. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today you'll meet a very compatible and exciting circle of new friends. These people may be from foreign countries, or they might be involved in professions in religion, law, or education. They'll feel like kindred spirits.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today an opportunity may come your way that causes you to consider changing your career. No matter what you've been involved with up to now, education could attract you. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) New beginnings are heralded today, particularly where travel, education, and legal matters are concerned. Difficult decisions may need to be made. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your dreams may hold the key to your future financial success. Though the symbols that your unconscious sends could be obscure, it would pay you to try to make sense of them. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The primary focus today should be on romance and commitment. Have you been thinking about getting married? If so, you could be surprised to learn that your significant other has been thinking the same thing. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) A new addition to your routine may be in the works. Whether this involves work that produces additional income, you can expect your tasks to change in some way. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A new romance is definitely in the air. This could be a renewal of he romance within a current relationship or, if you're single, someone new and exciting might cross your path.
Yahoo Sports - LAS VEGAS — Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder put on a heavyweight battle for the ages on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena. There were five knockdowns, three by Fury and two by Wilder, in a wild battle that enthralled the crowd of 15,820 that witnessed one of the best heavyweight fights in years. Fury dropped Wilder with a crushing right hand in the 11th, causing referee Russell Mora to wave it off and stop it at 1:10, giving Fury the TKO victory and a 2-0-1 edge in their epic trilogy. Over the three fights, Fury knocked Wilder down five times and Wilder dropped Fury four times. They saved the best for last, though. They went at each other with, yeah, a fury on Saturday, ripping big shots at each other from the opening bell. But Wilder was weakened by the big shots the nearly 280-pound WBC champion kept hitting him with. He was struggling to keep his balance in the latter stages, but was still dangerous and catching Fury with big shots. “It was a tough fight and he came in really determined,” said Fury, the lineal champion who retained the WBC heavyweight title with the 31st win and 22nd knockout of his career. “I’ve always said I’m the best heavyweight in the world and he’s the second-best.” This was, by far, the most entertaining fight of the series. The first fight was
excellent but most of the drama in that bout was saved for the 12th, when Wilder dropped Fury and Fury unexpectedly got up. Fury dominated the second bout, stopping Wilder in the seventh. But this time, both took and gave out a lot of punishment. In the third, Fury dropped Wilder late in the round and that may have saved Wilder from being stopped then. But if you thought he was out, you don’t know Deontay Wilder. He started the fourth on unsteady legs, but dropped Fury twice in the round and had him in massive trouble. Fury did not look stable as the round ended. Fury, though, is unimaginably tough and took over the fight in the fifth. He was leaning on Wilder, forcing the smaller man to
carry his weight, and he was hitting him consistently with massive rights. Wilder was courageous in taking those and still fighting back. His problem was twofold: He was fighting not just the best heavyweight in the world, but a guy who it can’t now be denied is one of the best ever. And on top of that, he was only throwing one punch at a time and that wasn’t enough to take care of a ring genius like Fury, no matter how much power one has. When Fury dropped him in the 11th, Mora quickly stopped it and Fury went to the ropes in celebration. “The Gypsy King” is the king of the heavyweights and the king of a sport that needs more of his kind: Colorful, engaging, exciting fighters who take on all comers and deliver time and again.
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Kaieteur News
Monday October 11, 2021
29th Annual Aquatic Centre International Invitational in B’dos
Guyana’s Woodroffe is Champion Boy in 13-14 category
D
orado Speed Swim Club’s14year Vladimir Woodroffe made waves to take the Champion Boy title in the 13-14 category competing at the 29thAnnual Aquatic Centre International Invitational which concluded yesterday at the Aquatic Centre in Barbados. Accompanied by his father for the threeday Meet which commenced on Friday, the versatile swimmer produced outstanding performances over the duration of the competition winning six Golds, three Slivers and a Bronze. On Friday, Vladimir started in auspicious fashion winning Gold in the Boys Open 400m freestyle, Gold in the Boys 13-14 years 200m Individual Medley and Silver in the Boys 13-14 years 50m backstroke. He continued his good form on Saturday with Gold Medals in the Boys 13-14 200m Freestyle and 100m backstroke and a Bronze medal in the Boys 13-14 100 Freestyle. Yesterday, Vladimir finished up the last day of competition with two Golds and one Silver medal. He won the 1500m freestyle and came back to win Silver in the 50m fly then Gold in the 200m backstroke. His next assignment will be at the National Aquatic Centre in Guyana on October 17 when GASA holds their time trials for the World championships in Dubai, UAE.
Woodroffe is Champion Boy in Barbados swim Meet.
Monday October 11, 2021
Kaieteur News
GFF funds and delivers 19-seater bus for Rupununi Football
T
he Guyana F o o t b a l l Federation (GFF) has funded and delivered a 19-seater minibus for use by the Rupununi Football Association (RFA) to enable enhanced and affordable participation in football competitions and development programmes across the remote hinterland of Region 9. The Toyata HiAce bus, t h e f i r s t l a rg e g r o u p transportation vehicle provided to a regional football association in the 120-year history of the GFF, will create immediate and considerable cost savings and remove a significant barrier for the participation in football among remote communities. “We have to make it possible for football to be played more often and in more places across this beautiful country. In order to achieve this, It is important that every young boy and girl must have equal access to the game and its developmental resources,” said GFF President Wayne Forde. The bus, funded through the GFF’s ground breaking Members Financial Assistance Programme
(M-FAP), was handed over to the RFA at a ceremony in St. Ignatius on Saturday, followed by matches involving male and female players from the region. “With the introduction of the M-FAP programme in 2020, the GFF is now able to provide unprecedented support to the entire fraternity,” Forde said. “The RFA Executive Committee has delivered remarkable success despite the unique challenges the geography of the region poses. This minibus will now allow the RFA to access every corner of the region, play more games, scout more talent. This is one additional step in our determined effort to improve hinterland football by creating a clear pathway to the national teams of the GFF.” RFA President Rayan Farias said the bus would vastly accelerate his organisation’s efforts in developing football across the Rupununi and praised the GFF for the creation of the M-FAP initiative, which is modelled on FIFA’s financial distribution model for supporting its members.
“Back in 2015, when the football mantle was taken up under the administration of Mr. Wayne Forde, today’s reality was just a dream,” said President Farias. “It is indeed an honour to express our gratitude to the Guyana Football Federation for their continuous support. We want to thank the Federation for allowing this for our youth and senior players.” The Rupununi, on the southern border with Brazil, has a renowned passion for football, with girls and boys taking up the beautiful game from an early age and community male and female teams often embarking on long, arduous journeys to compete against rival villages. “The Rupununi is the largest administrative region of Guyana. To move around this region is costly, very costly, and I am certain, with today’s activity, it will bring a great ease to the RFA and the clubs that exist in the Rupununi,” said Mayor of Lethem John Macedo. “This is truly a great gesture by the GFF. It is very special to be here this afternoon for what I consider to be a very historic event.”
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Monday October 11, 2021
Dhoni cameo helps Chennai down Delhi to reach ninth IPL final AFP - Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 70 and an unbeaten cameo from skipper M.S. Dhoni helped Chennai Super Kings reach a ninth Indian Premier League final with a fourwicket win over Delhi Capitals yesterday. Chasing 173 for victory, Chennai rode on a 110-run second-wicket partnership between Gaikwad and Robin Uthappa (63) but were in trouble after the two departed. Delhi pace bowler Tom
Curran needed to defend 13 off the final over and got Moeen Ali out for 16 on the first ball. But Dhoni (18) kept his calm to smash three boundaries and take the team home with two balls to spare. “My innings was a crucial one,” said 40-yearold Dhoni. “Delhi has a very good bowling attack. They exploited the conditions well, so we knew it would be tough.”
Virat Kohli, whose Royal Challengers Bangalore face Kolkata Knight Riders in the eliminator on Monday, hailed Dhoni’s vintage performance. “And the king is back, the greatest finisher in the game. Made me jump Outta my seat once again tonight,” Kohli, who will step down as Bangalore captain after end of season, tweeted. Dhoni will be India’s mentor in the upcoming T20 World Cup in the United
Arab Emirates and Oman where Kohli will captain the national team for one final time in the shortest format. The first IPL qualifier had the top two teams in the league table clash, with three-time champions Chennai getting a direct entry into the final - their ninth in 14 seasons - on October 15. Delhi, led by Rishabh Pant, will have another shot at securing a berth in the final when they play the second
qualifier on Wednesday. “We are going to rectify our mistakes, learn from it and hopefully, we can move on and play the final,” said Pant. Delhi posted 172-5 with attacking knocks from Prihvi Shaw (60) and skipper Rishabh Pant (51 not out). Chennai’s Australian import Josh Hazlewood took two wickets while Moeen returned figures of 1-27 with his off-spin. Chennai lost Faf du
Plessis for one, bowled by Anrich Nortje in the first over, before Gaikwad and Uthappa set up the chase. Curran hit back with two wickets in one over including Uthappa’s key scalp, but the in-form Gaikwad took the attack to the opposition and got past 600 runs this season. Delhi, meanwhile, will now play the winner of the eliminator in the third playoff. Scores: Chennai Super Kings 173 for 6 (Gaikwad 70, Uthappa 63*, T Curran 3-29) beat Delhi Capitals 172 for 5 (Shaw 60, Pant 51*, Hazlewood 2-29) by four wickets.
Kaieteur News
Monday October 11, 2021
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10th Kadir Mohamed Mem. ‘Ounce of Gold’ Cycle Road Race
Golfers and representatives of the sponsor at the end of the tournament. From left; Selwin George, Sharon Khan, Maxim Mangra, Troy Cadagon, Joann Deo, Andre Cummings, Jeetendra Dhanpat, Roy Dhori, Mike Guyadin, Paton George and Patanjali Persaud.
Maxim Mangra narrowly wins Bruster’s Open Golf tourney
Jamual John is top senior; Sampson (junior); Wilson (juvenile); Hamilton (ladies) also win Sherwin Sampson (right) receives his prize from a Mohamed family member.
I
t was not as straightforward as it may seem, but Maxim Mangra emerged on top of a large field of golfers to take the Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Open Golf tournament on Saturday at Lusignan. Mangra, popularly called Danny, finished with a net of 65, same as Andre Cummings and Jeetendra Dhanpat, but was adjudged the winner after a countback. The champion played off a handicap of 15 took 80 strokes to complete the course ahead of Dhanpat who had the best gross of the day, 73. Dhanpat played off a handicap of 8 took the overall second spot, while Cummings with a handicap of 14 and a gross of 79 finished third. The Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Open which was rescheduled from April this year and attracted 44 registrants with 42 eventually teeing-off. This was comfortably the best turn out of the year as players look to fine tune their preparations for the 2021 edition of the Guyana Open. In sunny conditions with a persistent light breeze, the players enjoyed the course and got great value for their strokes, thanks to the hardworking team of curators headed by Mike Guyandin who is also an excellent golfer. The experienced golfer put down the tools and picked up the clubs to add to the competitiveness on the course. The businessman playing off a handicap of 12 finished with a net score of 68 (gross 80) and copped a prize for having the Best Net in the Front Nine, 29. Troy Cadagon also had a welcomed return to the course and marked the occasion by picking up the prize for the Best Net in the
Joann Deo (left) receiving her prize for the Longest Drive on Saturday at the Lusignan Golf Club from Sharon Khan of Bruster’s Real Ice Cream. Back Nine, 31. Cadagon played with a handicap of 22 and took 97 strokes to finish the course. The prize for Longest Drive went to one of three female starters, Joann Deo who finished with a net of 69 playing with a handicap of 13, while the Nearest to the Pin trophy went to Roy Dhori. Also in action were Guyana Open champion, Av i n a s h P e r s a u d , Parmanand ‘Max’ Persaud, Tom Watkins, experienced golfers William Walker, Club Captain Patrick Prashad, Guillermo Escarraga and LGC executives Patanjali Persaud and Paton George. George, Treasurer of Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) and Director of Bruster’s Real Ice Cream in a presentation of the trophy ceremony at the end of the action on the greens said his company is honoured to be sponsoring a tournament of
this magnitude and is looking forward to a long term relationship with the club. George then provided three delicious flavours of ice cream to everyone present. Also addressing the membership was President Persaud who thanked W&T George Group Enterprise for branding the tournament and spoke of the competitive spirit shown in golfers ahead of the highly anticipated Guyana Open. Persaud also made special mention of the large turn-out, the extremely good condition of the course and the immediate plans in terms of tournaments for the club. The next tournament is on Saturday at the same venue which is likely to be the Trophy Stall Open followed by the Crown Mining Supplies Open then the three-day Guyana Open set for October 29, 30 and 31.
On another sunny and humid day, the performance of Jamual John was equally blistering as he romped to yet another win when outclassed the field yesterday to win the 10th annual Kadir Mohamed ‘Ounce of Gold’ Cycle Road Race orgainsed by the Flying Stars Cycle Club and sponsored by the Mohamed’s Family of Fourth Avenue, Bartica. The ultra fit John, who recently returned from campaigning with Team Foundation in the USA, imposed himself on his rivals on the downward journey, gradually pulling away from them as he rode all alone to the finish line outside Banks DIH, Thirst Park. Paul DeNobrega, Christopher ‘Chicken Legs’ Griffith, Curtis Dey, Walter Grant-Stuart and Alex
Mendes closed out the top six senior places for the race which commenced at Banks DIH and proceeded to Dora (Coca Cola) sign on the Linden Soesdyke Highway before returning to the starting line. The other two categories that covered this same distance were the juniors which saw Sherwin Sampson winning ahead of Alex Mendes and Mario Washington, while the veteran’s Under-50 shin dig was taken by Grant-Stuart who was better than Mendes and Paul Choo Wee Nam, Horace Burrowes and Segun Hubbard closing out the top five. Continuing to dominate all and sundry in the ladies division was National Time Trail and Road Race Queen, Susan Hamilton who was
once again all alone when she crossed the finish line; Clavicia Spencer was a distant second. The ladies, like the juveniles and veterans Under-50, turned back at the Yarrowkabra Junction. The lone juvenile competitor was Nivonne Wilson, while the winner of the Over-50 race was Ian ‘Deaf Boy’ Jackson who was unchallenged in victory, second was 60 yearold Garfield Lorrimer with Kennard Lovell, third. Members of the Mohamed Family assisted with the presentation of prizes and trophies to Jamual John, Sherwin Sampson and Walter Grant-Stuart. Andrew Hicks won five prime prizes with one each to De Nobrega, Briton John and Christopher Griffith. (Franklin Wilson)
Susan Hamilton, a winner once again. (Franklin Wilson photo)