Kaieteur News

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Saturday Edition GDF rank pleads NEWS guilty to being part of multi-million gold heist

AIETEUR

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October 16, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 39

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $80 readership yesterday, 99,449

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

- tells court he was struggling to provide for family after being demoted

Bandit confesses to stabbing teen to death during robbery

Confessed Killer: Kapildeo Jangadin

DEAD: Ganesh Persaud

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Porter killed by plane’s propeller at airstrip p.

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Teen missing Success Family of three after dropping Elementary beaten, tied up tops NGSA during home brother to school performance invasion p.

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Ex-Deputy Commissioner of Police I demand all foreign on bail for fraud, sexual assault contracts change NOW! p.

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Draft Local Content Law Essequibo residents proposes Guyanese join forces to capture participation in 152 bandits after oil sector services robbery p.

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GWI is spending hundreds of millions importing manganese to purify our drinking water, while our leaders are allowing the Chinese to fetch it away for free.

Our leaders are not interested in relinquishment of Oil Blocks @11:00hrs on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM

Kaieteur News

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Saturday October 16, 2021

Ex-Deputy Commissioner of Police on bail for fraud, sexual assault S

u s p e n d e d Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) and Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Slowe, yesterday made his first court appearance

and was slapped with three counts of sexual assault and a fraud charge.

Slowe was charged in absentia back in May for conspiracy to defraud but recently returned to Guyana to face the charge. Yesterday

when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts, ranks from the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) attempted to arrest him. However, their attempt was foiled by Slowe's lawyers, who

insisted on the matter being handled in the courtroom.

In the company of his lawyers, Selwyn Pieters and P a t r i c e H e n r y, S l o w e appeared before Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus.

He was not required to enter a plea to the three sexual assault charges that were read to him. The three charges allege that he sexually assaulted a female member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on three occasions back in 2019.

The first charge alleges that between March 26 and April 2, 2019, Slowe allegedly touched the victim in a sexual way by rubbing her left leg and foot without consent.

The second charge stated that on March 29, 2019, at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Slowe allegedly touched the victim in a sexual way by rubbing her left leg and foot without consent.

The third charge alleges that on April 2, 2019, at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Slowe allegedly touched the victim in a sexual way by rubbing her left leg and foot without consent.

Principal Magistrate Issacs-Marcus granted Slowe bail in the total sum of $225,000 for the sexual assault charges and the matter was adjourned to November 26, 2021.

The Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police was also charged for conspiracy to defraud. That charge was also read to him yesterday.

On May 20, 2021, Slowe, along with several other retired high-ranking officers of the GPF and members of the Force were slapped with a joint conspiracy to defraud charge. While others had appeared in court, Slowe was charged in absentia.

Those charged are retired officers: Assistant Commissioner, Clinton Conway; Assistant Commissioner, Claude Whittaker; Senior Superintendent George F r a s e r ; S e n i o r Superintendent Michael

Suspended Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) and Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Slowe.

Sutton and Superintendent Mark Gilbert. Other serving members of the GPF charged are: former Police Finance Officer, Senior Superintendent Marcelene Wa s h i n g t o n ; s e r v i n g Assistant Commissioner, Royston Andries-Junor; and Police Finance Officer, Assistant Superintendent Marlon Kellman.

Slowe was not required to plea to the charge which alleges that between March 1, 2019, and July 7, 2020, at the Guyana Police Force Headquarters, Eve Leary, he conspired with Conway, Whittaker, Fraser, Gilbert, Andries-Junor, Washington, Sutton and Kellman, and with other persons, to defraud the Force of $10,056,000.

The charge further alleges that Slowe, Conway, Whittaker, Fraser and Gilbert were paid the sum of $10,056,000, without following the correct procedures, in allegedly reviewing the Force's Standing Orders, which had already been reviewed.

He was placed on $100,000 bail for that offence and the matter was adjourned.

Kaieteur News had reported that a SOCU (continued on page 17)

Kaieteur News

Saturday October 16, 2021

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Success Elementary student is country's top NGSA performer

The country's top NGSA performer, Nirvana Wimal.

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ut of the 13,821 s t udents who wrote the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations back in August, it was Nirvana Wimal of Success Elementary School who was named the country's top performer at this year's exams.

This was announced by the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand yesterday during the opening ceremony of the 2021 results at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre.

Wimal secured the top position with 524 marks, three marks short of the highest attainable score of 527.The second place was shared by two candidates,

Second place performer, Deja Datt.

Parris Timmerman of Chateau Margot Primary and Deja Datt of New Guyana School who gained 523 marks each.

Jada Persaud of Success Elementary School copped fourth place with 522 marks, while five candidates secured the fifth position with 521 marks each. They are Aditi Joshi of Mae's Under 12, Joshua McArthur of Vryheid's Lust Primary, Shabaka Yisrael and J'Kell Whyte of Success Elementary, Khevin Sandy of Lowe's Academy and Chelsea Persaud of Dharmic Rama Krishana.

This year's examination, which was written at 503 institutions across the country was entirely

conducted and marked by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).

Candidates were tested in four subjects namely, Mathematics, English, Science and Social Studies. In each subject area, the assessments consisted of two papers, Paper One with multiple choice questions, and Paper Two with essay type or open-ended questions.

The areas tested in the subject of Mathematics were Knowledge, Algorithmic thinking and Reasoning; in Science were knowledge, comprehension and application; in Social Studies were knowledge, conceptual understanding and use of knowledge and in English

Family of three beaten, tied up during home invasion

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family of three from La Grange, We s t B a n k Demerara (WBD) remains in a state of shock after two bandits invaded their house Thursday night, held them at gunpoint, then beat and tied them up.

According to a police report, one of the victims – a 5 6 - y e a r - o l d busi n e s s w o m an – was about to close her shop and so she sent her 21-year-old nephew to lock the gate during which time one of the armed bandits barged in at around 20:30hrs.

The bandits were armed with a knife and gun. One of

them held onto the nephew and dragged him into the shop while the other rushed to the businesswoman and demanded cash and jewellery.

The victim said she became fearful and started to plea with the men asking t h e m t o h a v e m e r c y.

According to the police, one of the bandits took out what appeared to be a gun and put it to the victim's head and started to cuff and kick her while the other suspect took out a knife and dealt her two cuts to both of her thighs.

They also tied up her 47year-old sister and her

nephew. The bandits escaped with $120,000 in cash, two gold bangles valued at $120,000, three silver bands valued at $18,000, a pair of baby bangles valued at $18,000, a silver baby band valued at $5,000 and two Samsung cell phones.

The matter was subsequently reported to the La Grange Police Station and the victim was escorted by a r e l a t i v e t o t h e We s t Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) for medical attention where she was treated and sent away by a doctor on duty.

An investigation into the matter is ongoing.

Second place performer, Parris Timmerman.

Language candidates were assessed for reading, comprehension and vocabulary: structure and mechanics- content, focus, vocabulary and language and organisation.

Giving a brief synopsis of the examination report at yesterday's ceremony was Dr. Nicole Manning, Director of Operations at CXC. According to Dr. Manning, at this year's sitting, English recorded the highest pass rate with 65.7 percent of candidates passing, Social Studies with 56.3 percent of students passing, 40.1 percent of students passing for Science and 36.5 percent passing Mathematics.

Following the announcement of the results, top performer Wimal told media operatives that she feels happy with her results.

She noted that she did not expect to cop first place but she is glad that all her hard work has paid off. She said in preparation for the exams, there were many sleepless nights and a lot of studies and extra lessons, which she took to get her to this point.

When asked what she would like to become when she is older, the Success Elementary student shared that she wants to be a teacher.

“I want to be a teacher when I grow up, because I can share the knowledge that my teachers taught me to everyone else,” she added.

Nadira and Ralph Wimal, parents of this year's top performer told this new cast, that they are very proud of little Wimal. They shared that it was not easy sacrifice

Fourth place performer, Jada Persaud.

their child made to get her thus far, not forgetting the challenges of the pandemic.

“We feel proud, very, very proud, we never expect this but we knew she would do good though,” they expressed.

Another top performer, Datt told reporters that it was only during the ceremony she found out that she copped second position. “I was really shocked. I started crying in my seat, I was so happy… I must give thanks to God for the numbers of things that could have gone wrong and he prevented all of it; He has provided for me

in the past and He will continue to provide for me,” a cheerful Datt related.

The second place performer also thanked her mother for helping her to prepare for the exams, and for her encouragement. This year's NGSA results can be accessed via this website: https://exams.moeguyana.or g

Kaieteur News

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Saturday October 16, 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

How about a “Release of all Oil and Gas Statistics & EPA Day?”

Dear Editor, I noticed in yesterday’s paper three full-page ads in newspapers, celebrating Caribbean Statistics Day under the theme, This is too small a country, with less than a million people, “ L e a v e N o O n e for its Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be showered with over 2,500 complaints (KN October 14). It is B e h i n d … E v e r y o n e also too big a place, with far outlying areas, to be overseen C o u n t s . ” T h e r e w e r e with the regularity, energy, and quality needed. Still, those messages by “Senior Minister of many complaints have been lodged with the local EPA, and Finance” (no longer Minister impacted citizens are looking for results.

The residential complaints range from air to noise within the Presidency?), the pollution. Though we saw it fit to categorise as “nuisance”, Chairman of the Bureau of Statistics the level of noise in some neighbourhoods escalates it to that Board, and the CARICOM of pollution, with many negative effects. The noise pollution Secretary General. is laid mainly at the foot of such business establishments as The Senior Minister bars and restaurants, while air pollution is claimed to be s a i d , “ G o v e r nment caused by dust and odours generated by spray painting, auto recognises the essential role bodywork, and furniture workshops. Given the nature of those different businesses, there has to be significant noise of data and statistics in eruptions and pollution emerging daily also. When that is informing and guiding linked to the sight of growing numbers of such business policy and decision-making entities, mainly small and either roadside or ‘bottom-house’, a n d w i l l c o n t i n u e t o it is surprising that more such pollution complaints have not advocate stridently the been received. Further, when allowance is made for pollution further strengthening of related to garbage dumping, it is clear that Guyana’s EPA has statistical systems...” The its hands full with complaints that are largely local in origin. Statistics Bureau Chair Meaning, the people and entities responsible for the waxed eloquent quoting the pollutions are Guyanese. This does not give even them a free World Bank, which said, pass, since they must comply with what the rules and “without good statistics, the development process is regulations dictate. blind.”

To this end, a senior officer at the EPA said: “We need The Chair also said, partnerships with other agencies to resolve these complaints “ G u y a n a ’s n e w a n d and we have recognised over the past year that there are some agencies out there that have a mandate or jurisdiction to respond to these complaints.” We think that is well said, and with specific application to the EPA’s recognition and admission that partnership and consultation and Dear Editor, collaboration all go hand-in-glove to address, and resolve I’ve encountered just one matters that trouble, if not plague, residents in near and question, on numerous distant communities. Now, we take this to another level and a occasions. broader plain using the same EPA’s sensible position It’s been the talk of the Other residents, all concerned citizens, are on record with topic, inside and outside of their anxieties and fears about bigger pollution concerns. my residence. The question Without in any way minimising those 2,500 plus pollution is always, “why issue a complaints from agitated neighbourhoods, there are vaccine, that one cannot Guyanese on the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara that travel with?” are alarmed at announcements of factories that are springing There are persons dying up to take advantage of various business opportunities and from COVID-19, and our activities related to the oil sector. For sure, these are not Government is doing their routine facilities, but ones that may be involved in the storage utmost, to reach out to the of materials considered hazardous. unvaccinated. They are We will be blunt about this: whenever that word making strenuous efforts to ‘hazardous’ comes into the mix, such factories, plants, prevent deaths from this facilities, projects (or whatever name they go under) must not lethal virus. be anywhere near residential neighbourhoods. When we The most obvious answer speak of residential neighbourhoods, we at this paper are not to this question would be, the thinking of high-end or gated communities alone, but across Government’s catering for the board. They must be located as far away as possible from your safety, and not your our neighbourhoods where people live, and of that there flying purposes. should be little discussion or disagreement. After all, and Another matter I’d like with reason, which one of us, would look with appreciation at a chemical storage bond in the middle, or in the vicinity, of our place of abode? It matters not, whether we are upwind or at the other end of the area, we just don’t want any such thing Dear Editor, around us. We ask with similar fairness (and fearlessness) It boggles the mind that whether the good Guyanese who make Pradoville their home a f t e r a l l t h e a d v e r s e would be welcoming to such an arrival in their midst. We think publicity regarding the not. But we do think and like what the EPA said about US$18 million bonus, partnering with other agencies. We recommend extending that which the former Minister partnering to those Guyanese in society who do not take kindly a n d h i s G o v e r n m e n t to facilities considered hazardous. Consultations are a start, but vociferously denied, that only if they mean something. Partnering is welcomed, but only the whereabouts of the if there is sincerity. Engaging concerned Guyanese is good, monies are still an unsolved but only if proceedings are not rubberstamped against them. mystery.

The EPA can do good work, but only if it is genuine and not Yet Mr. Jordan wants us the joke into which it has been made. to believe that the allegations

EDITORIAL

Pollution complaints

emerging oil and gas sector also necessitates expanding our data collection and reporting systems to cover this sector…”

In light of a current review by the EITI (The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative), which the Government is likely to fail, I would like to propose to the Government to have our own, “Release of All Oil and Gas, and Environmental Statistics Day: Leave no barrel of oil or EPA report behind.”

Surely, the Bureau of Statistics must get busy about providing more oil and gas data as required by law.

But while data and statistics exist, the Government has treated some of these as top state secrets withholding such information and refusing to release data repeatedly requested by the media, and groups such as the Oil and Gas Governance Network ( O G G N ) , T I G I (Transparency Institute

Guyana Inc.), and other environmental groups.

It is one thing to issue nice sounding full-page ads, but deliberately refusing to release the “people’s data” on matters concerning the Guyanese people’s national interests.

Requests for EPA data, some specific oil production data, what tax certificates have been issued by the Minister of Natural Resources, oil expenses and audit data, status of insurance coverage for oil spills, gas-to-shore project data, Amaila Falls project data, local content data, etc. have gone unanswered.

The Government shows ongoing contempt and scant respect to those concerned Guyanese and groups requesting data.

What does the Government think the Civil Society folks would say to the EITI review team about Government’s commitment to full disclosure and release of available data on oil, gas, and the environment?

What would they say to Escazu about our Government’s transparency and accountability in oil, gas, and the environment? While the PNC signed a bad secret deal for the Stabroek Block contract, the PNC gets credit for releasing a bit more production data compared to that released by the PPP’s report.

O u r G o v e r n m e n t ’s secrecy concerning national data does not serve the best interests of the Guyanese people, it serves the best interests of the oil companies, thus putting the Government of Guyana and Exxon on the same side versus the People of Guyana on the other side.

We need to see good faith, honest efforts not full page, hypocritical ads.

The Government must do better on transparency and accountability in oil and gas, and the environment. Right now, it’s getting a failing grade.

Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall

Travelling with Sputnik-V to discuss is, how “inconvenient” the SputnikV has been to those that want to travel to the following places, (which I know of): USA, as well as Trinidad.

This specific vaccine, which has helped significantly decrease the death toll, which could, and has already saved, thousands of lives.

How really inconvenient, of said persons, to take the best vaccine and not be able to leave their country, until further notice.

What is it that persons want the Government to do about them having issues with travelling, when we are in a pandemic, and the Government’s dealing with

its people’s safety?

What can our Government do either way if the two countries listed earlier, have complications with the vaccine (for the persons that have already taken it)?

It seems like we’ve forgotten about the times, where there was no travelling allowed, in general. Where we once thought it’d be like that forever.

I’ve always been taught growing up, time is virtue, patience is key.

Who does the Government apologise to, for the said persons, not being able to travel? You and me?

When in the first place,

it’s not even our Government’s decision, to make.

My heart goes out to the persons that have emergencies in said countries and cannot leave due to taking the Sputnik-V. It’s out of the Government’s control.

They are sure to assist, if they can. The vaccine itself is only doing its job. An effective one, might I add.

Before we assume the Government is giving its people vaccines that they cannot travel with, understand their intention was to see that after taking this vaccine, you’d be alive to travel one day.

Yours truly, Saaya Prasad

Time for Justice of possible corrupt actions by him are “false, baseless and repugnant”.

One can only imagine that if the first monies from oil cannot be accounted for, what would have happened to the revenues, which keeps coming in.

We as Guyanese must be forever thankful that the Coalition is not still in Government.

It is heartening to note that the Attorney General will also be going after the many corrupt land transactions and giveaways of prime State lands in addition to those who have benefitted from belowmarket value sales of State lands.

The Attorney General must also launch an investigation into the

spending of the $17.4 billion of the GuySuCo Bond and the corrupt sales of estate assets by the SPU. Many operable equipment, machinery and even houses were sold for peanuts to friends and families.

The SPU Head and the former Finance Minister must be brought to justice.

Yours sincerely, H. Yusuf

Saturday October 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Importance of community care Nothing is more terrifying than dying alone

Dear Editor, Women and children are often seen as “second class citizens.” The way in which society responds to and treats them is often very hostile and disrespectful. We see this truth almost daily not only in our homes and communities, but also in our politics.

Examples of the way society largely views women was recently seen with the Guyana Teachers Union responses to the current and previous Ministers of Education. The chants and various media that came out of those events were incredibly sexist and violent, sending an unfortunate message regarding the way we should address differences with each other.

One of the foundations for community care is creating an environment for healthy communication.

This ensures not only that

persons are able to settle misunderstandings in a respectful manner, but also provides a great model for young children coming up as their environment ultimately shapes them. If it is that we continue to display negative behaviours, it is more likely that children will also begin to exhibit similar negative traits amongst their peers, which they will likely take into adulthood.

Children deserve good role models and women deserve to be treated with respect, even in times of conflict.

Responses to conflict that rely on physical or verbal abuse just helps to continue the cycle of violence as both children and adults see it as the normal and “just” thing to do. This type of thinking is also behind the culture of victim blaming that exists within our society. Many survivors

of abuse are often reluctant to share their stories, as they do not believe that they will get the type of support that they need.

Unfortunately, they are often right, as many people continue to hold the view that if someone was abused, they might have been asking for it or had done something to cause the person to abuse them.

There needs to be more care and support in the way we treat each other on every level. It might often sound simplistic, but it is only through sustained acts of kindness, concern and accountability that we will be better able to create safe and healthy communities.

Akola Thompson Blue Umbrella Consultant, ChildLinK To report or seek counselling, please call 914/227-0979/2272023/233-3500

Open Letter to Minister Priya Manickchand Dear Minister Manickhand, I write to bring to your notice several issues affecting the delivery of education specifically in District Four. Since schools opened, several schools in my area have had no internet connection. This has affected the continued delivery of virtual classes.

Before the opening of schools, some of us were able to adequately and frequently engage with our children and parents. This is no longer possible. Contrary to the gazetted order, teachers are now required to stay in schools every day from 08:00 to 15:00hrs, although you had said at your press conference before the

opening of schools that classes will be held on a rotational basis. What I understood from this, is that teachers are only expected to be at schools during the time they are scheduled to work face-to-face after which learning would continue online. This was a good idea as it would have helped teachers with young children who cannot get babysitters given the risks associated with transmission.

I propose that the Ministry adopts a mixed model; encompassing both virtual and face-to-face sessions. This is how it would work: have face-toface sessions with the learners on specific days of the week and virtually

follow up on whatever would have been taught.

Minister, our country is not p o o r . We j u s t n e e d aggressive leadership.

Recently, I read about some countries that have supplied gadgets with the internet to schoolchildren to enhance (Continued on page 6)

Dear Editor, The fear of dying alone is nearly universal — a fact of which anyone who’s taken care of a critically ill patient is acutely aware.

A few days ago, my friend was doing work for me and wasn’t wearing a mask. I assumed that he was fully vaccinated, but I was wrong. He wasn’t.

Today, he is in the COVID Hospital fighting to live. As he fights to stay alive, there is no one to hold his hands, hug him, talk with him, to hear his last words, his regrets, his disappointments, his hurts, and his pains.

Editor, we can’t allow people to die alone. No one should have to die alone.

Nothing is more terrifying

than dying alone.

That is cruel and inhuman punishment.

Editor, does the COVID Hospital permit chaplains (pastors) to be with the patients as they face death?

The hospital should permit fully vaccinated chaplains to visit and pray with dying patients so they don’t have to die alone.

Editor, I understand that the hospital doesn’t want the virus to spread so it prohibits visitors.

I get that. But with the care and compassion of frontline health care workers, maybe we can harness creative solutions to help patients feel some connection, while still keeping everyone safe.

Guyana’s health care

system can do better. As telehealth and virtual meetings become the new normal, so can telecommunication between isolated patients and their families.

Perhaps setting up a tablet computer facing the patient or repurposing a workstation on wheels logged in to a video chat would be a solution.

In the 21st century, the fear of dying alone must not be. Death is inevitable. But dying alone must not be inevitable too. Come on people, we can do better for dying patients.

Editor, please pray every day for the patients in the COVID Hospital and for the frontline health care workers.

Anthony Pantlitz

Is this a nefarious scheme?

Dear Editor, “Reference is made to the article in another section of the press “Ministry warns city against shady property transactions.”

Minister Dharamlall knows fully well that under Guyana’s Municipal and District Councils Act Section 240, a council can only sell land with his a p p r o v a l . Wo u l d t h e Minister therefore tell the

public exactly what shady transaction he approved?

Or is this just another example of the PPP/C government’s duplicity and part of a nefarious scheme to remove the democratically elected council so it can do

what it wants with the city including selling valuable lands to its cronies and foreigners? Is there nothing in this country they don’t want to control?

Yours sincerely Francis Newton

Kaieteur News

PAGE 6

Outliving COVID-19 Dear Editor, One should be grateful to SN, which on October 12 released a Pie Chart showing the devastation by COVID19 of 159 deaths over the past month. It is indeed instructive that while there is published daily the numbers of identifiable unvaccinated victims, there is absolutely no information on the numbers of those certified as

vaccinated. Surely, such recorded information is readily available, and should be published, if only to provide incentive to the hesitant survivors amongst bereft families in the respective Regions.

Right now, there seems to be an illogical concentration on portraying only a negative pandemic environment.

E.B. John

Saturday October 16, 2021

Do you love Guyana?

Dear Editor, A Guyanese on Facebook poignantly, pertinently and (perniciously?) asked a persuasive, primeval and (prejudiced?) question, “What do you love about this land?” This inquiry is believed to activate an honest, heartfelt and perhaps, humorous reaction.

What will be your immediate instinct in responding to a request that maybe, touches the heart, one that you’re very much at home with and one that you can unreservedly relate to without reservation, malice or animosity? For sure, there will be very interesting, amusing, passionate, sad, jealous, zealous, erudite, sarcastic and flamboyant attempts to describe a pent up, free flowing or constrained reflection of what really and truly affects the heart, mind and soul of Guyanese.

Will consideration be entertained for admiration, sentimental feelings, emotional attachment, generations of families, historical values, moral upliftment or decline, regard or disregard for law and o r d e r, i m p l i c a t i o n o r complication of rules and regulations, constitutional irregularities, a referendum battle or baffle, economic potentials or downturn, h u n g e r a n d s u ff e r i n g , depression, oppression, suppression, dictatorial administrators, leaders, bleeders electoral fraudsters, corruptive forces, collusive permissiveness, financial misappropriations, approval or disappointments from

election and selection, a garden city to a run-down city, the Taj Mahals or the dilapidated huts, the humungous business enterprises or the road side stands, the well-kept streets or the polluted ditches, gutters and drains, the politicians, the economists, the social workers, the armed forces, the religious societies, the shelters or the luxurious hotels.

How will the crime situation ventilate an outpour of affectionate giving or misgivings? Will the entire Guyana be judged on the border of criminal activities that are so prevalent, consistent and ambivalent?

Is there a thin line that demarcates the reason, purpose and outcome of crime pursuits, which will attract any sympathetic opinions? The dangerous, devious and damaging crime situation certainly plays a pivotal role in announcing or denouncing any call of likeness for this land. Should the mention of road carnage and accidents come into play to promote or demote any respective view on this heavenly land or godforsaken land?

Certainly, employment opportunities will impress or depress the formation of any statement. Who is working, who is not working, who is willing to work without having any success, who is refusing to work and who wants to work but is denied, these are all segments of a painted or tainted picture, projecting an outcome which is susceptible to invariable conclusions. A judgment

focused on the repercussions of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic will also alienate or alternate diversion to summarise any actual, factual or fictional conclusion on the adversaries of attachment or detachment. The aftermath is certainly bearing a heavy toll in many directions, and, Guyanese are reeling and wondering about many propositions.

Then again, there are those who are full of venom, anger and hurt, who are ready to contradict the word love and quickly replace it with “hate.” They could be residing on this beautiful land, or, has departed at the first instance. For reasons beyond control, many are still aligned and grounded, and, awaiting the opportune moment to pack and book the earliest flight from this land.

In direct opposition would be the die-hard, sworn to live and die on this land, yes, to visit overseas but, to certainly return home and hang their hat on the stand!

Which category will you prefer to affiliate yourself with?

Do Guyanese still enjoy the freedom of choice, or, has this right been taken away or denied from them, or, Guyanese no longer care about such a discussion, or, such concern no longer bears any interest for digestion?

So we see, there is enough food for thought not to jump to a hasty rap up session and give a reactive verdict. There is the need for a second thought after a careful analysis to the law of action and reaction. All that

glitters is not gold and the sea is full of many fishes. Like they say, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but, words will never.” Will Guyanese remain loyal to the land, regardless of what is said or done and by whom?

This land, that belongs to you and me, a land of many waters, a land below the sea level, a land exposed to wind, rain and sun, a land enjoying the tropical weather, a land so rich and fertile, a land rich in agriculture, minerals, forestry, oil and gas, bauxite and people, a land famous for sports and international figures, a land that has absorbed the blood, sweat and tears of so many, a land that has borne the happiness and sadness of residents, a land that has sheltered the rich and poor, a land that has provided birth, growth and death, a land that man has grown from strength to strength, a land that has been plundered, raped, desecrated and destroyed by pilferers, colonists and opportunists, a land that so many want to divide, conquer and rule, a land that has buried so much memories, a land, ready, willing, capable and culpable for advanced development, a land devoid of adoration, care and affection, what we should love about this land is that, she allows each and every loving Guyanese to give back to her and her people what she has given to us and what we have taken from her, willingly and forcefully, deceptively and cunningly!

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

Prime Minister Phillips had done us proud Dear Editor, Prime Minister Mark Phillips is heading a highlevel government team to the United States of America showcasing Guyana as an economic destination area that investors can invest in.

As an emerging Third World Developing State, Guyana welcomes those who would like to come on stream and make their contribution towards our country’s development. On this note, I must say the Prime Minister and his team have done us proud.

Among some of the more important engagements of

the team, were visits to churches and temples where the congregants, who are mainly Guyanese, meet to worship. They were warmly welcomed by the worshippers there. Here again, the call to the diaspora to get involved in our developmental thrust. Thank you Mr. Prime Minister for a job well done.

Now, I pause here to take note of the political posturing of the PNC Rabble Rouser. His aim, was to disrupt the proceedings and score some cheap political points. In fact, he first tried to influence one of the church leaders, Pastor Dr. Reynold Howell, to turn down the g o v e r n m e n t ’s t e a m engagement at his church, but that attempt failed miserably. The highly esteemed minister in

question who is a cousin of mine, would have none of that illiteracy and promptly shunned his request. So, The Rabble Rouser took the opportunity to turn up himself.

I don’t know if he thought that his presence there would have conjured up rancour and protest, but what actually took place was a sheepishly looking person, trying desperately to make a point. I guess in the face of the statesman-like response

by Prime Minister Phillips, he was smothered. The Prime Minister made it very clear that his government is not in the business of partitioning Guyana into racial factions, but when he speaks, it is for all of Guyana.

So once again Burke and his forces playing that tribalism role were left disgracefully on the sidelines, Guyana has no place for racial politics.

Respectfully submitted, Neil Adams

...Open Letter to Minister From page 5 virtual classes during the lockdown. If other countries can do that, Guyana, with all the resources we have and a small population, we surely can.

I propose that the

Ministry of Education partner with telecom companies like GTT and Digicel to procure electronic devices and fit them with internet modems to facilitate virtual classes.

Name Provided

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Saturday October 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

A report from the PPP/C Government states that Guyana received Royalties of GY$2.5B in the Natural Resource Fund rd for the 3 quarter of this year.

That sounds like it is time for rejoicing. Christmas is coming and it is only October.

That means the PPP Government will get to be holier than thou and say: 'look we haven't touched one penny of it.'

True, but Government leaders are not telling Guyanese the other part of the story. The deceptive part, where they borrow billions to cover expensive projects, and the oil money will have to be used to repay the hefty, inflated loans.

PAGE 07

Saturday October 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Draft Local Content Law proposes Guyanese participation in 152 oil sector services

By Kiana Wilburg

T

he Government's Draft Local C o n t e n t Legislation is proposing to have Guyanese participate in 152 oil sector services so as to ensure maximum participation across the industry. In the document perused by Kaieteur News, it was noted that oil companies as well as their subcontractors are expected to comply with the sliding

scale targets for the respective sectors.

Under Petroleum Agreements, the government is proposing that oil companies in the upstream sector ensure 10 percent of their management staff is Guyanese at start up with an increase of 20 percent in three years, followed by 25 percent in five years and 45 percent in 10 years.

For supervisory staff, oil companies in the upstream industry are being asked to

have 15 percent of their staff be Guyanese and have this increase to 65 percent in 10 year. All unskilled workers are proposed to be 100 percent from start up to a period of 10 years.

For oil companies in the Midstream and Downstream industries, they are expected to have management staff of locals accounting for 20 percent at start up and climbing to 50 percent in 10 years. Here again, all u n s k illed w o r k er s f o r

Midstream and Downstream services are expected to be 100 percent Guyanese.

With respect to Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) services at onshore facilities, the draft legislation proposes to have Guyanese supply 20 percent of these services for companies starting up with this level being increased to 90 percent in 10 years.

For FEED at Liquefied Natural Gas facilities, the document proposes locals supply 10 percent of the services at start up and increase to 90 percent in 10 years. As for FEED related to hull and topside modules, it is being proposed that locals supply 10 percent of the services at start up and ramp

up to providing 95 percent of same in 10 years.

With respect to the provision of materials such as steel plates, flat sheers, steel pipes, and low and high voltage cables for the oil sector the government wants Guyanese providing 100 percent of these to the oil sector in 10 years.

In the area of well drilling services, the draft legislation notes that in 10 years time, Guyanese should be providing 90 to 95 percent of reservoir services, well completion services, production or drilling services, 3D seismic data acquisition, well overhauling or stimulation services, well head services, well crisis management

Some of the sliding scale local content levels being proposed in the draft Local Content Law.

services, With respect to health, safety and environmental services, the draft legislation is proposing to have 95 percent to 100 percent of the s e c u r i t y, f i r e f i g h t i n g , electrical, equipment brokerage, vessel tank cleaning, catering, laundry, o ff s h o r e m e d i c a l a n d support, and industrial cleaning services be provided by Guyanese in 10 years.

Other carve outs for locals include legislative drafting and legal consultancies being done 100 percent by Guyanese from now to the next 10 years and tax preparation, payroll support, accounting support being (continued on page 15)

Saturday October 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

THE POLICE FORCE NEEDS MORE RECRUITS FROM THE MIDDLE CLASS

Y

ou are not going to improve the professionalism and performance of the Guyana Police Force by simply having a strategic management team located outside of the existing management apparatus seeking to devise plans for the entity.

You are not going to root out corruption and improve the crime fighting capabilities of the Guyana Police Force by simply pumping more monies and resources into that institution.

You are not going to restore confidence in the Guyana Police Force by even implementing the recommendations of the Disciplined Services Commission, as wellintentioned as they are.

You are not going to achieve an efficient police force by simply improving the training of members, establishing forensic capabilities or even paying the ranks more money. In fact, the situation is as such that no matter how much you increase the pay of staff, there will still be an unacceptable level of bribe taking and slackness within the institution The Guyana Police Force needs a total revamp, one that will entail removing or retiring at least 90 percent of the existing staff. The diagnoses of why the imperfect police force inherited upon Guyana's Independence came to such a

Dem

boys seh...

Y

uh know yuh getting old when despite putting on yuh young boys' threads fuh go and pay yuh light bill, de security tek yuh out de line and put yuh in de elderly line. Yuh know yuh getting old when de candles cost more dan de cake.

Yuh know yuh getting old when every birthday after 80 is a surprise.

Yuh know yuh getting old when yuh see yuh classmate deh in de line at de post office.

Yuh know yuh getting

sordid state are well known, but the narrative is often selectively read so as to avoid facing the reality of some of the central developments that led to the decline in public policing.

One such development was the failure to accede to recommendations made by the International Committee of Jurists who had recommended just after Independence that the police force be made to be more reflective of the ethnic make-up of the society.

Such a balancing would have encouraged greater public confidence by the public in the police force, which is a fundamental requirement for improving policing and ensuring greater public safety.

Another development was the food crisis of the seventies which forced many ranks to engage in corruption. The Guyana Police Force has never, in fact, recovered from the corruption that many of its members were forced to enter into because of the food crisis of the late seventies and eighties in Guyana.

It was this crisis more than any other that destroyed the morale of ranks because many of them had no compunction of shame in demanding a box of Chinese food in order to turn a blind eye to some indiscretion.

As a consequence of the police losing their pride in their badge, the public began to increasingly see these

ranks as irritants and as an object of ridicule. The norm became that if you did something wrong on the road, however harmless, the police would not give you a warning because they were looking for something.

The norm also became that since some police ranks may be looking for something, you did not have to worry about breaking the law because a little something would go a far way to avoiding the book being thrown at you.

The culture of corruption that has been bred in the Guyana Police Force since the food crisis of the late seventies and eighties is endemic, too pervasive and too entrenched to be rooted out or reversed.

Instead, what is needed is rebuilding a brand new Guyana Police Force one in which recruits enter to pursue a career in policing rather than simply hoping to cash in on the perquisites of the job.

There is a need to return to the good old days when policemen joined the force not because of the pay but because a police rank was a respected member of the community. That respect is gone because the police force allowed it to go down the drain by not taking enough pride in their job by refusing enticements to be unprofessional.

There is a need to return to the days when policemen could be relied upon to settle disputes not always by

Yuh know yuh getting old when… old when dem young girl wan hold yuh hand… fuh help yuh cross de road.

Yuh know yuh getting old when de same young girls calling yuh grandfather.

And as de man pon Tik Tok seh, yuh know yuh getting old when yuh family talk 'bout yuh in front yuh face.

And when yuh learn de difference between a house and a home - de home is where yuh family will put yuh when dey chase yuh out de house.

Yuh know yuh getting old when yuh toes out

number yuh teeth and when you and yuh teeth nah sleep together in de same bed.

Yuh know yuh getting old when de only safe place to cough is in de toilet.

Yuh know yuh getting old when yuh gat to clean shave yuh head every couple day fuh hide de grey hair.

Yuh know yuh getting old when despite yuh could hardly walk and keep yuh eyes open, yuh get appoint as a government advisor worker, or better yet get elected President of Guyana.

Talk half and remember all ah we gan get old!

waving the big stick but by offering counsel and advice to citizens.

There is need to return to the days when most of the ranks in the Guyana Police Force were drawn from the middle class and lower middle class. These ranks saw a respectable and a rewarding career in the police force.

Today, you will not find many middle class and lower middle class persons wishing to join the police

force and that is because they got turned off by the politicisation of the force in the seventies and eighties.

Increased recruits from the middle class will increase the chances of there being more hardworking, decent and honest cops seeking a career rather than a mere hustle.

What is equally needed is for greater public confidence in the Guyana Police Force.

Instead of excuses about the persons of certain ethnic

groups not wanting to join the force, there should be an affirmative action policy to encourage greater diversity and an investigation as to how the internal culture within the force deters minorities from staying on in the institution.

(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

Saturday October16, 2021

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Charles Mills who exceeded Walter Rodney is dead C

harles Mills, one of the most learned minds the CARICOM region and the Third World has birthed is dead. He died from cancer on September 20, last. I didn't know until I was sent an email yesterday about the upcoming day of appreciation on Sunday. We were contemporaries in the doctoral programme at the University of Toronto (UoT).

Charles, a Jamaican was a strange fellow. He hardly mixed with anyone on the campus in the context of foreign student life. West Indian students on foreign campuses in white countries become a tightly knitted unit.

Tall, handsome and soft

spoken, Charles did not appear as a free spirited West Indian. I may be wrong but I think his English background may have led to a dual personality.

Charles never hung out w i t h t h e We s t I n d i a n students who were doing their doctorates at UoT. While the West Indians, including me, were a neatly solidified group who were always in each other's company, I would say Charles was a peripheral member.

His dissertation was on philosophy and even though he was studying such a subject he never seemed to want to discuss Black politics in Toronto or West Indian politics.

It is one of academia's phenomenal transformations that after obtaining his doctorate in philosophy, Charles went on to exceed Walter Rodney, CLR James, and Franz Fanon - Caribbean geniuses.

I honestly feel that Charles has been more profound than any West Indian scholar including the names above in explaining the ways in which White domination of Third World people and the African race in general shaped the modern, White world.

I would rate his work above anything else in the adumbration of the effects of colonialism and Western domination on the Black race. I believe Edward Said's

m a g n u m o p u s , “Orientalism” is one of the most classical analyses on the destructive influence of Western domination of the Third World but Charles' magnum opus, “The Racial Contract” is one of the great books of a great Third World Mind.”

Charles published some brilliant works but The Racial Contract is a masterpiece in philosophy.

If you are not white, The Racial Contract, on reading it, will transform your understanding of your identity.

Simply put, Charles argued that all philosophy from Socrates to the 21st century is flawed because philosophy was composed by white people who saw the world and its existence from a white perspective.

Nowhere in their consciousness were they aware that they were essentially preaching white supremacy which, Charles contends, is part of the white psyche.

Prior to Charles' publication of “The Racial Contract,” philosophy rested on the “social contract” by Plato passing through two thousands year from the Enlightenment philosophers of the 17th and 18 centuries and finally being crystallised

by John Rawls' celebrated book, “A Theory of Justice.”

But even the most Frederick Kissoon brilliant advancement on Rawls' work, the Martin Heidegger of Indian thinker, Amatya Sen Germany in the 1930s and (see his fantastic book, The Charles Mills of Jamaica. (I Idea of Justice) did not t h o u g h t a b o u t h o w c o n f i g u r e r a c e i n t o Heidegger, a man who wrote philosophy's equations. one of the best books on From Plato to Sen, The philosophy - “Being and Social Contract was about Time”, could have supported one type of discourse led by the Nazi regime). one type of civilisation. Race I couldn't understand in that discourse was non- how, for all Charles' efforts existent until Charles Mill's in educating the world about genius appeared. the flaws of European Cornell University, the philosophy and educating publisher of the book will the non-white peoples of the publish a reissue next year in world of thousands of years honour of the greatness of of white supremacy and its this philosophical work. I continued penetration, he would never have believed Charles, could have taken C h a r l e s m y s t u d e n t American citizenship. contemporary at UoT would When I came home and have taken global academia took a teaching job at UG, I by storm with his radical didn't want to write books approach to the study of and articles in journals. I philosophy. wanted to be a public When I left UoT to work intellectual. It is a loss to with the Maurice Bishop West Indian society that government in Grenada, I Charles, unlike Rodney and lost contact with him. I only CLR James before him didn't knew of his intellectual shape a public political genius through his work. p r o f i l e . We s t I n d i a n Looking at his pictures on civilisation would have been the net, I couldn't believe it better off if he had. was him. He was still more (The views expressed in than six feet tall but had lost this article are those of the his hair. author and do not Philosophers are strange necessarily reflect the people, two of them being opinions of this newspaper.)

Saturday October 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Porter killed by plane's propeller at airstrip

A

p o r t e r employed with Air Services Limited (ASL) was killed after he was chopped multiple times about his body by a plane's propeller at the Kamarang Airstrp located in Region Seven.

The dead man has been identified as Nigel Rodrigues, 29, of Kamarang Landing, Upper Mazaruni.

The fatal incident occured around 15:00Hrs. According to a police report, the plane, a Caravan 8R GFA, had just landed on the airstrip and Rodrigues also known as “Collin” had rushed out to offload its

Dead, Nigel Rodrigues

cargo.

The pilot was still in the process of shutting down the engine when Rodrigues walked in front of the moving propeller. He was reportedly sucked in by the force of air and chopped to death.

Eyewitnesses described it as a gruesome scene and recalled that the man's internal organs were left protruding. They said they saw the moment his heart stopped beating.

Kaieteur News learnt that before meeting his demise Rodrigues was seen imbibing alcohol at the Kamarang Landing.

Saturday October 16, 2021

Bandit confesses to stabbing teen to death during robbery

The scene after the porter was chopped to death by a plane propeller.

Confessed Killer: Kapildeo Jangadin

Killed: Ganesh Persaud also known as “Chris”

A

nineteen-year-old man was yesterday killed by a bandit who had invaded his family's store called Deals on Electronics located at Strathspey on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD). He was identified as Ganesh Persaud also known as “Chris”.

Kaieteur News understands that the youth was attacked and stabbed to his neck sometime after 16:00hrs.

According to his father, Persaud was alone in the store at the time of the robbery while he (the father) was in another section in the building. He recalled that his son came

running towards him holding his neck. The youth reportedly told him that he was just stabbed and robbed.

Kaieteur News understands that he was rushed immediately to a private hospital but succumbed to his injury on the way.

This newspaper was told that the bandit stole Persaud's gold chain from around his neck along with cash from the store.

According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), based on intelligence received, its mobile patrol ranks were able to apprehend the suspect sometime after.

They reportedly caught the perpetrator with the stolen chain and cash in his possession. He has since confessed to the heinous crime.

Persaud's life was snuffed out just days away from celebrating his 20th birthday on October 25.

Saturday October 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

Public Works Ministry signs eight $1.5B contracts T

he Ministry of Public Works on Friday signed eight contracts valued at $1.5 billion for major road upgrades in several parts of Guyana. The signing was done this week in the presence of Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill and Minister within the Ministry, Deodat Indar.

Speaking with contractors, Minister Edghill noted that the roads are very important as residents have been lobbying for them for a long time. Among the major road works to be completed, is the construction of the Moleson Creek to El Dorado Road in Region Six, at a cost of $ 151,227,000. The

contract was awarded to Shaffeeullah Sawmill.

Minister Edghill noted that the road which is currently a mud dam, will be upgraded to laterite, and later to asphaltic concrete at a length of 2500 meters and 7.2 meters wide.

“You're putting on this first phase and then you will have to bring it to an asphaltic road because ultimately, when you have the bridge, it's containerised traffic and everything that is going to be passing there so in that whole scheme of things, you will have to eventually get up to asphaltic concrete road,” Minister Edghill said, noting that the road will have several benefits.

“It is two-fold. Number one, getting us to the abutment to facilitate the alignment and secondly, it's a dam that is already used for farmers and people live in that area.”

Guyanese Chief Transport Planning Officer, Mr. Patrick Thompson said consultations are still ongoing for the final design of the bridge.

He said the project will unlock a host of economic possibilities between Guyana and Suriname.

Other contracts signed Friday included the rehabilitation/construction of Cane Grove Phase Three (from the market) awarded to Avinash Contracting and

Draft Local Content Law proposes...

From page 8 provided 100 percent from the time of start up to the next 10 years.

Interestingly, within a six month period, the government wants the following services to be done 100 percent by Guyanese: transportation of goods and services, shipping and logistics services, accommodation services,

conferencing facilities, rental of buildings and equipment, surveyors, environmental studies for development projects of each field such as for the FPSO and gas development project, environmental services, pipe weight coating, pipeline installation excluding welding and NonDestructive Testing services,

civil works, structural fabrication, waste management, warehousing facilities, construction services, cleaning services, and catering services.

It should be noted that the draft legislation is still receiving feedback from the business community and the final version will be made public soon.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Mr. Vladim Persaud.

Scrap Metal for $117,447,275, and the construction of No.58 Village Road, awarded to The GuyAmerica Construction for $ 640,713,500.

The contract for the construction of the No.52 Village road was awarded to Associated Construction Services for $239,732,000, lots 96 and 97 (maintenance) of the Mara access road were awarded to Shaffeeullah Sawmill and Kascon Engineering Services for $27,919,000 and $34,840,890 respectively.

Two contracts were also signed for projects in Region Seven. They include the

rehabilitation of the Itaballi to Puruni road, awarded to Rim Construction Inc. for $176 , 6 1 5 , 0 4 0 a n d t h e rehabilitation of the Bartica Potaro Road (Mile 6 to 19), awarded to Adamantium Holdings for $77,311,641.

Minister Edghill noted that the projects are important to the people of Guyana.

The Number 58 road, for example, will lead to the Canje Creek and open up new lands for farming and foster the development of the agriculture sector.

He noted too that the unpriced bills must be handed over to the NDCs in the areas, immediately so there will be

no controversy or bad community relations.

He urged the contractors to work diligently to complete the works on time.

“The government that is being led by President Irfaan Ali, we are delivering services to these people, you are a partner in helping us get what we committed to the people, ultimately the people are the beneficiaries,” Minister Edghill said.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar also urged the contractors to use local labour and services to foster economic activity in the communities.

PAGE 16 VACANCY

WANTED LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

Vacancy for sales girl. Contact:611-8353,667-2881.

IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara].

The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 4th day of October, 2021

NIGEL NILES. Attorneyat-law whose address for service and place of business is at “Guyana Water incorporated.

Corporate Complex.

Vlissingen Road and Church Street. Bel- Air. Georgetown. Guyana and file it with proof of service at the Registry at Georgetown. Demerara, not later than 4 (four) days before the date fixed for hearing of the application. and you or your Attorneyat-Law must appear at the hearing. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you fail to File such Affidavit and/or if you fail to appear at the hearing final judgement may be given against you notwithstanding your absence. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that this matter stands adjourned on the 29th November, 2021 at 9:00am before the Honourable Mr.Justice Navindra A.Singh. Dated this 7th day of October,2021.

Vacancy for Technician for phone shop.Contact:6118353,667-2881.

FOR RENT One bedroom apartment for rent,471 East Ruimveldt $40,000 per month.Call:2252737.

VEHICLES FOR SALE Allion, Primo, Spacio, Blue Bird, Field Wagon, 212, Carina, RZ, Pit Bull and Canter.

Tel#650-7501.

Two bedroom house for rent in Parfaite Harmonie West Coast Demerara. Call:6840159.

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040 Repairs at affordable prices: F r i d g e , A i r c o n d i t i o n e r, Washing machines, Dryers , TV, Microwaves & Freezer.

Call: 610-5846 or 661-8158.

FOR SALE Popcorn machine.Contact 698-6503 or 222-4708.

Steel Rods Sale! For the cheapest prices in Guyana, come to Alabama Trading,3/ 8"HT rods,1/2HT rods & 5/ 8"HT rods.

Transported house lots for sale.Gated community,4Mil per lot.Call:671-9015/6221957.

Dobermann and German Shepherd mix pups for sale.

Contact Devi on 639-2828.

EDUCATION Electrical wiring,Auto electrical wiring training courses.

Tel:225-9587. Technical Studies Institute.

Cook/Baker,Kitchen assistant and Pitmen for interior location.Applicants must be experienced.Call:231-2250.

Factory workers and Sale Representatives.Must have a sound Secondary Education. For more info, call:2230090.

Domestic worker, Baker, Counter staff,Kitchen assistance. Apply:Bettencourt's Diner.Call:231-1368/2231938.

WANTED SERVICES

Counter Clerk to work in charity. Contact 223-5273 / 2235274.

Experienced counter clerk in Hardware business. Attractive salary.Contact Charles 623-4242/227-1363 between 9-4.

Experience Taxi driver at Princess Hotel Providence.

Call:265-7075/616-5419.

Labourers and operators to work at Ice house.Tel:2237165.

Experienced Roti/Puri cook, Counter server, Kitchen assistant,Handy Boys,Cashier. Apply Hack's Halaal Restaurant,5 Commerce St. Domestic help,must have some knowledge of cooking preferably from Kitty/ Campbellville area. Call:6176135/226-6137.

Skilled Carpenter,Mason and Labourers to work long term in Georgetown and Linden.

Contact:602-9469,6575800,666-2887.

Male general assistant wanted, computer knowledge & CXC required. Contact: 600-4497.

One female able bodied clerk.

Call:225-2313,226-1497.

1 full time Industrial mechanic to manage workshop at JFWW Network Outlet.

Call:622-1957,671-9015,2336997.

Backhoe Operator.Tel:6663303/623-8285.

1 operator for excavator to wok in the interior.Tel:6984064,660-5010.

One experience Procument clerk to work in the mining sector. Call:223-5180.

Farm workers in Timehri. Living accomodation provided.

Tel:661-1585/617-2032.

Auto Electrical apprentice age 19-25 yrs.Apply in person, Lot 120 Forth Street Albertown G/Town or call 610-0340.

Exists for experience mason to work on contract or daywork. Contact: 624-9507, 624-9508,624-9509.

Female shop assistant to work at bar in the interior aged 20-30 yrs old. Contact:689-4461/663-2815.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area.Call: 615-9132.

Experienced Carpenter and apprentice,to work on construction site in Oleander Garden & McDoom.Call:6249507,624-9509.

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles,age 25-50, Car/ Van licence. Call 642-9823.

Vacancy for Housekeeper & experience cook to work with family.Call:503-0359 or 6082444.

Vacancy at People's Choice Kitchen for Cooks, Bakers, Pastry maker, Counter Staff.

Tel:679-9449.

Vacancy exist for water delivery driver.Tel:692-6768/ 676-1363.

Lorry drivers.Must have valid licence, send application survival. human resources @gmail. com /6092995.

LAND FOR SALE 1 house lot for sale,Cove & John E.C.D 50X100FT. Contact:664-1856 or 698-7152.

FOR RENT Vreed-En-Hoop junction, place to rent for Office, Bond, Hair Salon other. Call:6036400.

Shop for rent opposite Stewartville Secondary School.Contact:649-2197.

Saturday October 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

VACANCY Porters,TM log Truck drivers,Chainsaw & Mill operator.Call:609-7675/6741705.

TO LET Enmore mall commercial space for medical facility.Call centre and any other type of business 609-7675/674-1705.

LEGAL NOTICE 2021-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-1075 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO.: FD- 1075 BETWEEN:(ALI) OMAPATTIE nee RATTAN Petitioner/ Applicant -and-(ALI) RAFEEK Respondent TO: RAFEEK ALI (Last Known Address) Lot 995 Kaneville, Grove, East Bank Demerara.

TAKE NOTICE that on the 12" day of August, 2021 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by OMAPATTIE ALI nee RATTAN, the Petitioner/ Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 1st day of October, 2021, the Petitioner/Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur NewsNewspapers, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web (Online).

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

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirty five) days from the date of the second and final publication of this Notice.

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 29"” day of November, 2021 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious in the Directions Hearing Room via Zoom Meeting ID: 648 772 9256 and Password: 5hRiHf of the High Court at Georgetown.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF GUYANA. COMMERCIAL JURISDICTION. 2021-HC-DEM-CIVFDA-113 BETWEEN GUYANA WATER INCORPORATED a company incorporated in Guyana under the companies Act 1991 of the Laws of Guyana and having its principal place of business at Vissengen Road Church Street,Bel Air Georgetown Demerara. Applicant-and- BIBI SHANAZZ EMBLETON Respondent.

NOTICE: TO: Bibi Shanazz Embleton Lot 112 Mon Repos,EastCoast Demrara, Guyana. TAKE NOTICE that a fixed date application was filed against you on the 17th day of August,2021 in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature at Georgetown, Demerara by the GUYANA WATER INCORPORATED in which the applicant’s claim for: (i)The sum of $600.000.00 (six hundred thousand dollars) being the sum due, owing and payable by the respondent to the applicant. (ii) lnterest in the said sum at a rate of 6%, per annum and 4% thereafter until the full sum is paid: (iii) Costs: (iv) Such further or other Order as this honorable Court deem just.

AND TAKE NOTICE if you desire to defend this action you must forthwith within 28 days after the final publication of this Notice. prepare an affidavit in Defence in Form I 0C prescribed in the Civil Procedure Rules 2016. serve it on the Applicant’s Attorney-at-Law. Mr.

Saturday October 16, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Health Ministry records Man who assaulted women at five more COVID-19 deaths Bourda, slapped with six charges The Ministry of Health yesterday announced that five more persons who contracted the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease have died. As a result of this, Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll has moved to 862.

The Ministry reported that the fatalities are that of two unvaccinated persons, a fully vaccinated person, a partially vaccinated person and another whose vaccination status is

unknown who all died over a five-day period (October 11 to 15), while receiving care at a medical facility.

The latest fatalities are that of two women, a 79-yearold from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and a 57year-old from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and that of three men, two 71-year-old from Region Four and a 73-yearold from Region Three.

Further, via its COVID-19 dashboard, the Health

Ministry within the last 24hour period recorded 108 new infections, bringing the total number of confirmed COVID19 cases in the country to 34,240.

Presently there are 31 patients admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 120 persons in institutional isolation, 3,614 in home isolation and 22 in institutional quarantine. To date, a total of 29,613 have recorded after testing positive for the virus.

A thirty-six-year-old man, Kellon Albert, who was caught on camera assaulting two women in Bourda Market, yesterday made his first court appearance and was slapped with six charges.

He appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus.

The first three charges allege that the defendant unlawfully and maliciously wounded Lashawna Joseph, his child’s mother, and unlawfully damaged her goods and her motorcar windshield.

The fourth and fifth charges allege that the defendant, unlawfully damaged goods valued $40,000 and one motorcar windshield valued $70,000 both property of Laquan Joseph.

The final and sixth charge stated that Albert unlawfully assaulted Kim Rampersaud.

The incident occurred on October 8, 2021, at Bourda Market, Georgetown. The defendant denied the six charges that were read to him and he was placed on $40,000

Kellon Albert, the accused

bail for each charge.

Moreover, Laquan was slapped with a damage to property charge.

He denied the charge, which alleges on the same date and at the said location, he unlawfully and maliciously damaged the front and back motorcar windshield valued at $108,000, property of

Albert. He was placed on $50,000 bail for that offence.

While Lashawna, was slapped with an assault charge.

That charge alleges that she assaulted Albert; she was placed on $10,000 bail for that offence. Subsequently, a restraining order was given by waiver.

GDF rank pleads guilty to being part of multi-million-dollar gold heist - Tells court he was recently demoted and was struggling to provide for his family

...Former Deputy Commissioner of Police From page 2 investigation had revealed that retired Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, solely hired Slowe, Conway, Whittaker, Gilbert and Fraser, to conduct a complete revision of the Force's Standing Orders during March 2019. It was noted that the former Commissioner, had failed to prepare a budget for the revision and also did not make any contractual agreements specifying what needed to be revised and the terms of payment for the job.

It was reported that he never sent for nor received approval from the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Security nor the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board. The payments amounted to over ten

million dollars. As such, it should have been budgeted and sent to Tender Board for approval.

The Force's Standing Orders comprise of 104 orders and it was discovered that the former officers were reportedly paid for the job but had not completed the revision. Moreover, according to reports, the Orders that they were hired to revise had already been revised in its entirety during the period July 2018 and March 2019, by highly qualified and competent policy analysts of the Strategic Planning Unit (SPU).

The charges were brought against them by SOCU and a total of 11 officers were charged.

Others members of the

Force before the court facing similar fraud charges are: Deputy Commander of Division 4 'B', Senior Superintendent Lorraine Saul; former Deputy Finance Officer, Deputy Superintendent Frank Jackman-Wilburg; and former Deputy Finance Officer, Assistant Superintendent Roxanne GriffithAdams.

Other ranks that were charged are: Officer-inCharge at the Police Finance Department (ag), Assistant Superintendent Kurt Smith; former Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kevin Adonis; Sergeants Jermaine Fraser and Michael Corbin; Corporal Rawle Haynes and constables Jenneka Carmichael and Tatyana Smith.

Keyon King now labeled as an ex-member of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) yesterday pleaded guilty to being part of a multimillion dollar gold heist which took place on Thursday August 5, 2021 at Wallison Enterprise, located on Gordon Street Kitty.

Three gunmen posing as customers entered the premises that day, cuffed the employees with plastic zip ties and carted off jewellery, cellphones, $38M in cash and $20M worth of raw gold.

A tracker on one of the stolen cellphones assisted detectives in cracking the case as they were led to King’s backyard where they found $18M of the stolen cash buried. King was one of three suspects remanded on Tuesday August 10, 2021 by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus for what detectives dubbed a well-orchestrated heist.

On the day he was remanded, King had initially pleaded guilty but then changed his plea to not-guilty after reportedly clearing his head.

Yesterday during his scheduled court appearance, King decided once again to admit his role in the heist and this time he opted not to change his plea. Instead, he explained to the court the reason behind him being a part of the heist. He said that he had recently been demoted in the army and was struggling to provide for his family and source enough funds to build his house.

King said that he had been serving his country for some 15 years and had been denied a promotion too.

The ex-GDF rank told the court that he had tried to walk a straight and narrow path but with the responsibility of being the sole bread winner of his home and under tremendous pressure he did not think twice when the offer

Ex- GDF rank Keyon King to rob Wallison’s Enterprise was made to him.

Represented by his attorney Lashawna Roberts, King pleaded with the court for leniency and while doing so he apologized to the persons he would have cause pain by committing the act. He requested to apologize to them in person and the magistrate agreed.

He reportedly told his relatives and GDF that he was sorry that he caused pain and embarrassment by committing a heinous act.

King is expected back in court on November 5 when a probation report will be presented.

Meanwhile, the two suspects who were charged together with him remain on remand and police are still hunting for three more persons who are still at large

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Kaieteur News

Teen goes missing after dropping brother to school A worried mom is seeking the public’s help to locate her teenage daughter who disappeared on Wednesday after dropping off her brother at the Vreed-en-Hoop Primary School on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD).

Missing is Varshnie Ramdass, 14, a student of the Windsor Forest Secondary School and a resident of Jetty Squatting Area, Vreed-enHoop.

According to her mother, Ramdass was last seen around 11:00hrs wearing a pair of blue jeans, a grey top, and a pair of black slippers. That day, Ramdass and her mother had planned to go to Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary School to see if she could be transferred there.

The worried mother told Kaieteur News that they got up early that morning and prepared. She recalled giving Ramdass $15,000 cash, personal documents and a one pennyweight gold chain to put in a pouch, which she was carrying at the time.

Ramdass left some time later to take her younger brother to the primary school located not too far away from their home and was to return to pick up her mom but she never did.

Calls were made to relatives and close friends but no one had seen or heard from her.

As a result, her mother was forced to make a

Missing Varshnie Ramdass. missing person’s report at the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station.

Anyone who might have seen Varshnie Ramdass or knows where she is, is asked to call telephone numbers: 603-8147, 673-3793, 636-3133 or the nearest police station.

Saturday October 16, 2021

Jamaica’s Skillibeng drops Records expresses gratitude first album - Slingerz for opportunity to collaborate Skillibeng in collaboration with Johnny Wonder released his first album yesterday, Friday, titled “Crocodile Teeth.”

This highly anticipated 12-track album includes features with some of the biggest names in the music industry such as Bobby Shmurda, Stefflon Don, Rich the Kid, Popcaan, and Spice among others.

Skillibeng captured the ears of many people around the world with his billboard hit song “Crocodile Teeth,” including superstar Nicki Minaj, who did a remix of the hit song on her latest album earlier this year.

Skillibeng also included another promising hit song called “15teen” which is track 12 on his album, and it is produced by Guyana’s very own Slingerz Records.

“We’re very grateful to be part of this album. This project is getting tremendous support from some of the

biggest names in the entertainment industry and it’s a blessing to be part of the project,” says Troy from Slingerz Records.

“I just remember getting that phone call from Skillibeng and him saying how much he loved the song and wanted to put in on the album. I know

when putting an album together the artiste wants nothing but their best work on there, so it was a real big deal for us,” says Kevin from Slingerz Records. The Crocodile Teeth album was released yesterday and can be accessed via all digital platforms.

Another 1,000 Guyanese are now proud landowners, as the Ministry of Housing and Water – Central Housing and Planning Authority, hosted yesterday its second allocation exercise on the East Bank of Demerara, Region Four. The allocations were facilitated at the National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal; Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues; Permanent Secretary, Mr. Andre Ally; and Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Mr. Sherwyn Greaves, were all present.

As the Ministry aims to clear its backlog, the distribution process saw applicants dating back to the early 2000s receiving house lots. Among those was mother of two, Ms. Shameeza Mohan, who applied in 2009.

An overwhelmed Ms. Mohan stated that the allocation is significant to her family, as they will finally be able to build their own home.

“After waiting so long, it feels so good that I was able to get through and have something of my own.” she said, as she expressed her

eagerness to begin construction soon.

Also, among allottees was Woman Assistant Superintendent of Police, Ms. Myrna Richards, who lost her property in October last, due to a fire at the Vigilance Police Station.

Ms. Richards, who has given 33 years of service to the Guyana Police Force, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government and the Ministers for the allocation.

The lots allocated fall in the Block Plantation Grove/ Block Great Diamond area for moderate and middle-income earners.

The area is said to have the potential to generate a lot yield of over three thousand lots, inclusive of residential, residential/commercial, commercial, industrial and the sites reserved for social and economic activities, as the area further develops.

Notably, the Diamond/Grove area is also strategically located in close proximity to the East Coast/East Bank Bypass Highway.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, stated that the scheme will be outfitted will all the necessary infrastructure, in keeping with the Administration’s goal for wholesome communities.

“The demand for housing

is just the tip of the iceberg.

Other demands arise too for better roads, bridges, drainage and access to water, among others,” said Minister Croal. He added, “the allocation of house lots and simultaneous infrastructural development that is taking place, will ensure that our promise of fully developed housing schemes is kept.”

While, this exercise catered for moderate- and middle-income earners, in July, the Ministry also allocated 1,000 house lots to low-income persons on the East Bank of Demerara.

Minister Rodrigues noted that this is another example of the Government’s commitment, to serve all Guyanese.

“While there are lots of competing interests for lands for commercial and industrial development, we have to make lands available for the ordinary Guyanese […] We are giving equal opportunity to all income brackets,” she stated.

The Minister also noted that not only is the allocation process free of economic discrimination but ethnic and religious as well. This is also the sixth allocation exercise conducted by the Ministry across Guyana for 2021.

Essequibo residents join forces to Another 1,000 House Lots capture bandits after robbery Distributed on East Bank Demerara

Residents of Good Hope located on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two joined forces with police yesterday to capture two of three bandits moments after they invaded the home of a 46year-old man and stole his cash and jewellery.

The third suspect who had managed to escape was nabbed hours later by ranks in Supenaam Creek.

The trio had reportedly invaded the victim’s home sometime around 01:00Hrs. According to investigators, the victim woke around 01:30Hrs and headed to his washroom located on the

bottom flat of his home but before he could enter three men held him at gun point.

One of them dealt him a blow to the face and the victim turned and ran upstairs screaming loudly.

His screams reportedly alerted neighbours and the suspects decided to escape.

After the victim realized they were gone he decided to check his home and soon found out that his three gold chains along with $1.5M were missing.

The matter was reported to the police and patrol ranks were dispatched.The

suspects did not get far before police and residents from the community caught up with them close to the Essequibo River.

As the ranks attempted to detain them they put a fight and had even pushed one of the ranks over board. The irate residents decided to step in and assist police which led to two of the bandits being captured while the third ran away.

Hours later, he was captured.

Detectives have since recovered part of the stolen cash and a .38 revolver from the bandits.

Kaieteur News

Saturday October 16, 2021

PAGE 19

Kaneville murder suspect surrenders to police

D

ays after a wanted bulletin was issued for 25-year-old Seon Caesar called 'Ratty', the murder suspect yesterday surrendered to the police.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) in an update stated that the suspect was taken to Regional Division Four 'B' Headquarters by his lawyer and handed over to police.

He was placed in custody at the Diamond Police Station.

Caesar is wanted in relation to the murder of Nelson Thomas, a miner of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara who was killed during the course or furtherance of a robbery.

Kaieteur News had reported that on the night of September 9, 2021, less than a week after Thomas had travelled out from the interior to sign for his newborn baby, that opportunity was taken away from him after bandits pounced on him and robbed him of his gold chain and his cell phone. The father of one was stabbed fatally during

Dead, Nelson Thomas the attack.

It was reported by the police that the miner was killed sometime around 21:30hrs that night. He was reportedly killed after he left his Fourth Field, Kaneville home where he resided with his wife, his newborn son, and his mother.

The man had left his home to visit his uncle who lives at Second Street, Kaneville.

This publication had reported

EPA conducts noise nuisance workshop with police force

T

he Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday and Thursday, conducted training workshops on noise management with members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in Region six.

Over the two day training period the exercise saw approximately forty-seven participants benef i t t i n g from the assistance of the EPA staff at the Felix Austin Training Collage at Adventure, Corentyne.

The ranks were drawn from Police Stations across the region and were educated

o n t h e E PA ' s r o l e i n Environmental Protection and Noise Management (EPNM) and the EPNM's regulations and evidencebased collection for monitoring and enforcement.

The event was held as a part of a series of collaborations with the GDF addressing noise pollution across Guyana and has totaled the number of trained officers to 262.

The training was conducted in both theory and practical modules.

The objective is to boost the force's technical capacity to monitor and control noise pollution.

Murder suspect, Seon Caesar

that during an interview with Thomas' relatives, they related that the deceased's wife had given birth to her baby boy several days before Thomas returned home.

As such, they stated that Thomas who spends most of his time in Cuyuni, Region Seven, travelled out so that he could sign papers for his son.

“He left home to go by his uncle who had promised him something. He only came out this week and today [September 10, 2021] he had planned to go sign for his one and only child,” Thomas' aunt had said. She further stated

that after he left home, his wife had called him to inquire when he would return. It was at this point that Thomas reportedly told his wife that he was 15 minutes away, and that he will be home soon.

They noted that minutes later, they got the news that Thomas was found dead with a knife wound to his chest.

It was reported that when they went to the scene, they saw Thomas lying on his back in a pool of blood with his eyes and mouth open. The miner's body was then escorted to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was pronounced dead on

arrival.

On September 17, 2021, Leroy Griffith, was remanded to prison for the murder of the 36-year-old Thomas called 'Nelo.' The matter was called in the Diamond/Grove Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Sunil Scarce.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which alleges that on September 9, 2021, at Kaneville, East Bank Demerara, he murdered Thomas during the course or furtherance of a robbery.

Griffith is expected to make his next court appearance on October 26, 2021.

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Saturday October 16, 2021

Saturday October 16, 2021

Chinese Grand Prix: Shanghai race dropped from 2022 F1 calendar BBCsport - The Chinese Grand Prix has been dropped from next year’s Formula 1 calendar.

The Shanghai race has not been held since the coronavirus pandemic began and restrictions surrounding Covid in China mean staging it is impossible.

China will be replaced by the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola on 24 April. Australia, Canada, Singapore and Japan - none of whose races have yet been held during the pandemic - are back for 2022.

In the past two seasons, all four countries had their races cancelled as a result of their respective national restrictions surrounding Covid-19. A statement from F1 said that China would be “restored to the calendar as

soon as conditions allow”.

F1 published a record 23race calendar for 2022, starting in Bahrain on 20 March and ending in Abu Dhabi on 20 November, with the season crammed into 35 weeks. The championship will end three weeks earlier than this year’s to avoid a clash with the football World Cup in Qatar, which is scheduled to start on 21 November 2022.

And it features the first race in Miami, a blue-riband event that is being held in addition to the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, with the hope of growing F1’s audience in America. This year, F1 published a 23-race calendar but had to amend it as a number of countries decided they could not hold races during the pandemic.

In the end, 22 races will be held this year, despite the cancellation of the events in Australia, China, Canada, Singapore and Japan. F1 is confident that the chances of this happening again next year are greatly reduced.

Japan, which has managed to bring Covid back under control after a summer surge that coincided with the Tokyo Olympics, is considered the event most likely to fall if the circumstances surrounding the virus change.

Australia, which has had some of the world’s most

Saturday October 16, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your energy level is at an alltime high, so you may work harder than usual. You could be inspired to work around the house and straightening up.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) A shift in responsibilities may be needed at home. You or your partner may need more help with household tasks or want to abdicate responsibility for all the daily errands.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Expect to hear some great news today. Some distant relatives may call to say they're coming for a visit. Or you could find out about a trip that you and your family will take in the near future.

CANCER(June21–July22) You have a keen mind and you're thirsty for knowledge.

A recent accomplishment may make you look for the next challenge. Consider looking to your hobbies for the next big thing in your life.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You may be feeling nostalgic for old friends and faraway family. Even if you haven't spoken to them in a while, pick up the phone and call them up.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) With the current aspects, you can expect positive job changes. You've worked hard these past few months and contributed important ideas.

Don't be surprised if you get rewarded with recognition, raise, or promotion.

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Take care that you don't exhaust yourself. You could be doing too much for others right now. Your kind heart often have you saying yes to requests when you should be refusing.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today you hit the ground running. You're happy, energetic, and optimistic. You feel love for all mankind. Don't be surprised if this brings new people into your life.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You're a traditionalist at heart and happy to do the same thing year in and year out. Your partner could be tiring of the old routine. Today your friend may want to do things differently.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) The love you feel for everyone today draws new people into your orbit.

You're in love with all, even people you couldn't stand yesterday.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You have a gentle way of expressing yourself to your loved one. It isn't your style to make grand gestures or buy extravagant gifts.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may be expecting some visitors. Happy as you are about this, you may be feeling overwhelmed by what remains to be done.

Pace yourself.

stringent Covid travel restrictions, has been moved from its traditional slot at the start of the season to become the third race to give it more time to prepare for the grand prix.

F1 president Stefano Domenicali said: “This season has been incredible so far with great battles on the track, large audiences tuning in and fans returning to the races after the impact of the pandemic. “We look forward to welcoming more fans back next season and hope 2022 feels more normal than the life we have all experienced in the past two years.

“We are very pleased with the interest in Formula 1 from places that want to host races and the growth of the sport, and believe we have a fantastic calendar for 2022 with destinations like Miami joining famous and historic venues.

“The pandemic is still with us, and we will therefore continue to be vigilant and safe - to protect all our personnel and the communities we visit.”

Expected 2022 F1 calendar: 20 March Bahrain (Sakhir), 27 March Saudi Arabia (Jeddah), 10 April Australia (Melbourne), 24 April Emilia Romagna (Imola), 8 May Miami, 22 May Spain (Barcelona), 29 May Monaco, 12 June Azerbaijan (Baku), 19 June Canada (Montreal), 3 July Great Britain (Silverstone), 10 July Austria (Spielberg), 24 July France (Le Castellet), 31 July Hungary (Budapest), 28

...De Grasse ready to dominate From page 21 anyone, not just in sprints but for anyone in any event whether it is long jump or shot put just bring a little personality to the sport and show up and perform at a high level so the people will be excited to watch the sport of track and field.”

Nowhere will that be more important than next year’s world championships in Eugene, Oregon with athletics eager to raise the sport’s profile in North American market where it remains a niche sport.

“The U.S. is one of those places where track and field is not that big,” said Bolt. “So the fact we have brought it to the U.S. now is very important for the athletes to perform and to really get eyes on the sport. “For me I would love to be part of it. No matter what is going on I will be there.”

Agnes Tirop: Husband arrested in Kenya after athlete’s death BBCnews - Police in Kenya have arrested the husband of record-breaking long-distance runner Agnes Tirop who was stabbed to death at her home. Ibrahim Rotich, who was detained in the coastal city of Mombasa, will face charges once investigations are completed, an official said.

Ms Tirop, 25, was found dead on Wednesday in the western town of Iten, a training centre for top athletes. Last month, she broke the women-only 10km road race world record.

Mr Rotich, whose first name is not Emmanuel as earlier reported, was described by the police as the prime suspect in her killing.

He was caught on Thursday as he was trying to go “to a neighbouring country to evade justice”, the police said. Earlier in the day, he “rammed his getaway vehicle into a lorry... as he desperately escaped our dragnet”, a statement on Twitter added.

Mr Rotich is now being questioned.

On Thursday, Athletics Kenya - the sport’s governing body in the country suspended all athletics competitions for two weeks as a mark of respect for Ms Tirop. “We just lost a great

Ibrahim Rotich talent. She was such a strong woman and committed to what she was doing,” Julius Yego, Kenya’s former athletics captain, told the BBC World Service’s Newsday programme.

During her career, Ms Tirop had success as both a junior - winning 5,000m bronze at world championships in 2012 and 2014 - and as a senior, winning the World Cross Country championships in 2015.

In August, she finished fourth in the 5,000m final at the Tokyo Olympics and in 2017 and 2019 she won the 10,000m bronze at the World Athletics Championships. In September, she broke the women-only 10km road-race record by 28 seconds in Germany, setting a new time of 30 minutes and one second.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Saturday October 16, 2021

Faf du Plessis and bowlers stifle KKR to seal CSK’s fourth IPL title E

SPNcricinfo Chennai Super Kings made good on their promise to erase last season’s aberration, as one comeback story trumped another in the IPL 2021 final: MS Dhoni and his team put an end to Kolkata Knight Riders’ rollicking second half of the season as they picked up their fourth IPL title.

No team, barring Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016, has won the title after finishing outside the top two since the playoffs system was introduced in the IPL, and KKR didn’t come close to turning that around.

Having elected to bowl, they

endured one of their worst evenings in the field since the tournament moved to the UAE, with CSK’s top order not letting their spinners settle down, while taking plenty off their fast bowlers.

Faf du Plessis led the charge, making 86 as he anchored half-century stands for each of the three wickets that fell during the course of CSK’s 192.

Robin Uthappa and Moeen Ali played their parts with the bat, before Shardul Thakur ended Venkatesh Iyer’s innings - and a dangerous opening stand - to cut KKR’s middle order open and consign them to their first defeat in an IPL final.

du Plessis shows up again for CSK - The previous two times - that is, 2018 and 2019 - when CSK reached the IPL playoffs, du Plessis managed to get a half-century in one of those big games.

He did it again in IPL 2021, this time with a freeflowing 86 in the biggest game of the lot.

His innings tonight ended off the last ball of the innings, and meant the tournament finished with the top two run-getters being from CSK, his opening partner Ruturaj Gaikwad being the other. Tonight, the pair of them put CSK into top gear as soon as the final began. Gaikwad’s method

usually leans towards safetyfirst early in the innings, but he flipped the script when KKR brought on a favourable match-up: Shakib Al Hasan bowled two overs in the powerplay and Gaikwad, who has never got out to a left-arm spinner in the IPL and has scored at over 10 an over against these bowlers, decided he wouldn’t miss out.

He got two boundaries and a six against him in those overs, even as it became apparent this pitch had nothing close to the traits of Sharjah’s.

But KKR managed to keep him in check towards the end of the powerplay, and his 32 off 27 when he fell to Sunil Narine in the ninth over, would look unflattering by the end.

Then, du Plessis and Robin Uthappa - who got 63 in CSK’s last game - took the attack on through the middle overs.

Once again, it was through Shakib that the shackles broke, his third over fetching a six each for du Plessis and Uthappa. That 63-run partnership off 5.2 overs involved a six in every over but one, not counting the over in which the pair was united. du Plessis also tucked into Lockie Ferguson’s back-of-a-length deliveries for picturesque boundaries, the highlight a back-foot punch over extra cover.

A tiring du Plessis managed only 34 off his last 24 balls, but the sixes never would stop for CSK. Moeen Ali, back at No. 4 after a short-lived Shardul Thakur experiment in their last match, hit three of them. By the end of the innings, it was 10 sixes, three consecutive half-century stands and a score of 192 after being put in to bat in a final.

The only thing CSK would have worried about at that stage was how good the pitch still was, and the prospect of dew.

KKR’s off day in the field - Kolkata Knight Riders’ path to the final after qualifying had one thing in common - they bowled first, strangled two teams, and chased when batting got easier. The first part of that went alright in the final, Morgan won the toss and elected to bowl. But the

Faf du Plessis goes over the off side © BCCI

parallel ended there.

Shakib was able to be economical bowling early in the innings in Sharjah, but was taken down by Gaikwad in the powerplay. Dinesh Karthik missed a stumping of du Plessis early on and their go-to fast bowler, Ferguson, went for 56, his most expensive IPL spell.

Morgan himself misfielded twice in what became KKR’s worst bowling innings of the UAE leg.

Dhoni drops Iyer, Gill saved by wire - Venkatesh Iyer was reprieved off the second ball of his innings, MS Dhoni putting down a routine catch going reversecup to his left after Josh Hazlewood had induced an edge. Iyer went on to make his fourth fifty of the season, managing especially to pick the gaps in an off-side ring that at one point had six fielders.

He also showed off what has become a trademark swing to the leg side the ball immediately after he was dropped.

Dhoni was duly forced into bowling Dwayne Bravo over Ravindra Jadeja after a wicketless powerplay of 55 runs. When Dhoni had no choice but to bring on Jadeja, Iyer managed two sixes over the leg side to hit him back out of the attack.

The other fifty, Shubman Gill’s, might not have happened if Ambati Rayudu’s catch running in from deep midwicket had stood. It didn’t stand because the miscued slog touched the spidercam wire on its way down, rendering the ball dead immediately. Dhoni, at that point, was shaking his head in frustration. KKR’s opening stand put up 91 in 10.3 overs.

Thakur brings CSK back, KKR crumble - CSK needed wickets, and Shardul

Thakur was the man who delivered. Iyer looked to launch him on the up over extra cover and ended up slicing it high for Jadeja, who held on with his fingertips before wrapping his palms around it at sweeper cover. The sense of relief for CSK was palpable at that point as they jogged towards Jadeja. A small opening had been made, but the required rate was hovering about ten and KKR had nine wickets in hand.

But Thakur struck again in the same over. An injured Rahul Tripathi wasn’t available to come in, and Nitish Rana came in at No. 3.

T h a k u r ’s c r o s s - s e a m delivery stuck in the pitch and Rana’s drive on the up only meant a catch at mid-off for a first-ball duck.

Narine came in at No. 4, Dhoni went to his fastest bowler immediately, and Hazlewood ended that gambit in two balls.

At that point, 91 for 0 had turned to 97 for 3 in six legal balls, and that would turn to 120 for 6 by the end of the 15th over. Here’s how: with the momentum swinging their way, Dhoni went back to Jadeja to try and tie KKR down further, and he got Dinesh Karthik and Shakib in one over, immediately after Deepak Chahar had ended Gill’s laboured 51 off 43.

There would be no other double-digit score for KKR outside of the openers’ until Lockie Ferguson and Shivam Mavi found some boundaries, but by then the match was well beyond KKR’s reach.

Chennai Super Kings 192 for 3 (du Plessis 86, Moeen 37*, Narin 2-26) beat Kolkata Knight Riders 165 for 9 (Gill 51, Iyer 50, Thakur 3-38, Hazlewood 229) by 27 runs.

Saturday October 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

Six-member contingent for South America C/ships Beginning today, a quartet of Guyanese athletes will represent the Golden Arrowhead at the South American under-23 Championships that is being held in Ecuador. The team consists of South American Senior Championships bronze medallist Noelex Holder, who will contest the 100m-200m sprint double, while Daniel Williams is billed for the 200m and 400m races.

On the distaff side, National 800m champion Joanna Archer will feature in her pet event while 2021 NCAA finalist Chantoba Bright will leap for Gold in the long and triple jump events.

The team will be accompanied by Coach Johnny Gravesande and

Manager Orin Thomas.

In an invited comment, President of Athletics Guyana (AG), Aubrey Hutson posited that, “I see all of them as medalists.

They’re very great athletes.”

However, the administrator was disappointed that only four athletes were able to book tickets to the spanish speaking country which also hosted the South American Senior Championships in May this year.

He mentioned that, “This is far below what we wanted to send, but to get to Ecuador is a logistical nightmare for most of our athletes who don’t have US visas. The ones who are residing in the US and Mr. Noelex Holder are the only athletes that will be attending the meet this time around.”

The Athletics boss went o n t o d i s c l o s e , “ I t ’s unfortunate, we would have, really and truly, like to send a lot more than that, as a matter of fact, we had enough funding to send at least 12 to 15 athletes to those championships.

But because of what’s going on in terms of the whole airline industry, for us to get to Ecuador, the easiest part for us was to go to Miami and to come back down to Ecuador, two direct flights but without a US visa, we cannot do that. And, the US Embassy currently is on shutdown, they’re only dealing with emergency cases. And even if we were trying to make a case for that emergency, we would have had to, at least, be there, two weeks prior.”

De Grasse ready to dominate sprints, says Bolt Andre de Grasse and Usain Bolt compete In the Men’s 200m semifinals at the Rio Olympic Games (Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Reuters - Lamont Marcell Jacobs may be the 100 metres Olympic champion but Andre De Grasse is the man to watch and runner most likely to put his stamp on the men’s sprints, says the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt.

De Grasse took silver behind the Italian in Tokyo b u t t h e C a n a d i a n ’s consistency makes him the frontrunner to dominate the sprint scene, including next year’s world championships which will be staged in the United States for the first time.

The Tokyo Olympic 200m title represents the only major gold on De Grasse’s resume but the 26year-old has been a medal machine at the big events collecting 10 Olympic and world championship medals.

DeGrasse has been on Bolt’s radar since finishing runner-up to the Jamaican sprint king in the 100m at the 2016 Rio Games and now

the Canadian may finally be ready to assume the throne.

“Andre De Grasse is more consistent any time he is in shape he is always on the podium,” Bolt told Reuters. “So if that continues on this line he would be the guy to watch, or he will be the guy to beat.

“Everyone else has been up and down, win one meet lose the next and it is all about consistency.” Since Bolt, an eight-time Olympic champion, left the sport no one has been able to fill the void left by the charismatic Jamaican on the track or off it.

Jacobs shot from relative sprinting obscurity in Tokyo to snatch the 100m crown Bolt had worn for three Games (2008, 2012, 2016) while Americans Justin Gatlin and Christian Coleman won the last two world titles that had been the Jamaican’s property.

Bolt’s departure has resulted in a revolving door

at the top of the podium and left the sport without a marquee personality that casual fans can grab onto.

CROSSOVER STAR More than four years after his last race in 2017, athletics is still searching for that one crossover star. Asked if there was anyone out there ready to assume that responsibility Bolt said “not yet”, adding that it doesn’t need to be a sprinter.

“It’s always good to have one person that really stands out who pulls people to the sport,” said Bolt, who launched his newest project on Friday, Labs powered by SprintRay, an initiative focused on expanding global access to dental care.

“But it is also good to have that surprise of whose going to be great, whose going to step up, whose going to do well,” added Bolt. “It depends how you look at it. “For me the opportunity is there for (Continued on page 19)

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Kaieteur News

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Saturday October 16, 2021

GCA clean bowled by Pandemic - Little being done both on and off the field

By Sean Devers In late March two rounds of first division cricket was contested but the rain stopped all Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) competitions. However, when the weather improved the Covid cases began to rise and the National Covid-19 Task Force shut down sports, including cricket and it has been over seven months without any cricket in the City.

Kaiteur Sport sought Chairman of the GCA’s Competitions Committee Shawn Massiah yesterday for an update on the status of the game in the nation’s Capital.

“So far nothing is being

done, we were to continue with our outreach programmes and start our Electronics scoring training for Scorers in GCA, but since we were asked to stop the cricket, all seems lost,” said Massiah.

“For the vaccination, we Executives from the GCA has asked the clubs to send to us a list of their players names who took the vaccine, date of birth, date they took the vaccine and where they took the vaccine and so far only two clubs have done so.

We are still waiting on the rest.

This info is to be sent to the Task Force so that they can give us the approval, but this also seems like a

herculean task for the clubs, since all other sports, bars, schools etc. are operating,” lamented Massiah, who himself plays at the first division level for Transport Sports Club.

The GCA have not stopped players from practicing - “I am seeing some clubs are practicing between themselves and in small numbers. I think the Gazette stipulates that you can exercise for some period of time,” Massiah added.

According to the GCA official, to keep the players interested, the only thing is to have them continue practicing and maybe playing short matches between themselves as well

as watching the TV channels which can show some past matches.

“We had the CPL, then IPL, now we will have the T20 World Cup which may help sustain their interest in the sport. The Pandemic as we all know really affected all players and Cricket in this country; we lost a good crop of Under-15, 17, and 19 players. When it comes to playing competition at that age group, the good players that we would have seen and probably gone on to represent Guyana and West indies have been robbed of that opportunity,” Massiah noted.

He informed that a lot of off the field work such the GCA’s outreach programs have been affected. “ We s t a r t e d w i t h Agricola and we were to get started with Sophia, a lot of competitions are on hold and new ones are waiting to start.

It is a great set back; it may be hard to find Under-13, 15, and 17 players whenever we resume” Massiah stated.

“As a passionate cricket enthusiast and while I agree that the covid cases are going up, we have to be cognizant of the fact that stopping cricket entirely is also aiding the youths to do other illicit things, some may get into

Shawn Massiah

crime, smoking, video games and they may lose the interest of the game.

A lot of players are always asking me when…why? Parents as well are asking how come cricket not playing when some other sports are playing, schools open, bars open, cinema open, buses full to capacity plus the Task Force ask us to

take injection and players took it and yet we can’t play.

What more must be done? These are the many questions being asked by many of cricketers and cricket enthusiasts. All I could tell them is that we are waiting on the Task Force.

Plus, we got very good weather.” concluded a disappointed Massiah.

Saturday October 16, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Budget for 2021 Seniors discussed as GBBFF pays courtesy call on NSC T h e G u y a n a Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) paid a courtesy call on the Director of Sports, Steve Ninvalle and Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Kashief Muhammad on Tuesday last.

At the meeting, GBBFF President of the GBBFF introduced the members of CAC 2021 team which included bronze medalist in the Junior Bikini category, Rosanna Fung and silver medalist in the male p h y s i q u e c a t e g o r y, Emmerson Campbell.

According to a release from the Federation, the opportunity was also used to present their budget for its highly anticipated 2021 Senior National Championships slated for December 18th. The release further outlined, “Both the Director of Sports and Chairman of the NSC indicated that the Commission will be a strong financial contributor for the

first Senior National competition to be held since 2019. The exact extent of financial support has not yet been indicated but the GBBFF expects that, with its fundraising activities and support from the National Sports Commission, and other sponsors such as Fitness Express, it will be able to make Seniors 2021 a grand spectacle.” Guyana’s successful bid to host CAC 2024 was also high on the agenda at the meeting and both Director of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission congratulated the GBBFF on its successful bid and further expressed their happiness at Guyana’s opportunity to host such an international competition and equally encouraged the GBBFF to commence preparations now because 2024 is right around the corner. In closing, the Director of Sports and NSC Chairman were informed that Guyana will be sending

Muhammad (center left) and Ninvalle (right) pose with members of the GBBFF Executive and athletes.

two athletes in Darius Ramsammy and Nicholas Albert, to the 2021 Dominican Republic IFBB Open, slated for next weekend.