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Public should be aware NEWS of Code of Ethics to hold - Attorney judiciary accountable General AIETEUR

Sunday Edition October 17, 2021

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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Without dramatic reductions in fossil fuel use, we will see untold destruction - IMF Chief tells member countries

Bandit tells tale of how he stabbed 19-year-old to death

The protest continues for change of all Foreign contracts.

NGO to honour firewoman for bravery GTT CEO tells Bartica residents poor service will be a thing of the past

Oil production to drop to 109,000 barrels in December - Report $500M in Chinese Laptops came damaged, $290M Scanner breakdown, another $600M bid out for CJIA, Mayor get cuff to head, 20 new hotels to be erected, foreigners allowed to build gas station & storage bond as Local Content, fishing and sugar industries gone, disappear with the wind, Govt. now begging oil company to hire sugar workers.

Instead of Guyana getting back 75% of our oil blocks in 7 years, our leaders have settled for 20% using a loophole in the law to benefit ExxonMobil and others. @ 11am, 4&7pm on Kaieteur Radio 99.1/99.5FM GWI spending hundreds of millions importing manganese to purify our drinking water while our leaders are allowing the Chinese to fetch it away for free. The leaders' reckless, corrupt and irresponsible actions are endangering us each day that goes by and more.

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Sunday October 17, 2021

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Oil production to drop to 109,000 barrels in December - Report W

ith downtime planned for the Liza Destiny FPSO in December, the Ministry of Finance has disclosed in its Half Year Report that oil production is expected to average around 109,000 barrels of oil per day instead of being at its nameplate capacity of 120,000 barrels of oil.

As previously reported

by ExxonMobil and its partner, Hess Corporation, the Liza Destiny is expected to see a new gas compressor being installed in November, following which, adjustments would see production being ramped up by next year to approximately 140,000 to 150,000 barrels of oil per day.

Speaking to the oil sector's performance over the last six months, the Ministry of Finance said it was anticipated that the average production rate for the first half of the year would be approximately 114,100 barrels per day. But due to technical challenges

experienced with the flash gas compressor on the Liza Destiny, the achieved rate of production was approximately 111,767 barrels of oil per day, as efforts were made to limit the flaring of excess gas.

Though below the targeted rate of production, the Finance Ministry said this rate compared favourably against approximately 67,205 barrels of oil during the first half of last year.

Expounding further, the Ministry disclosed that the

total output from the petroleum sector increased by 65.4 percent when compared with the same period in 2020.

As a result, the Ministry said the subsector grew by 32.3 percent in the first half of 2021 while adding that it is now projected to grow by 47 percent in 2021.

Kaieteur News had previously reported that Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), M r. K e m r a j P a r s r a m , increased the flaring penalty for ExxonMobil from

US$30—per tonne of Carbon Dioxide equivalent released—to US$45. As a result, Parsram disclosed that the EPA has already received $400M penalties from ExxonMobil.

He was keen to note that the fine was increased as of July since ExxonMobil is still flaring, though at significantly reduced levels.

In fact, Parsram noted that ExxonMobil was flaring 15 million standard cubic feet of gas per day but this is now down to six million standard cubic feet of gas per day.

Based on the information provided thus far to the EPA, Parsram said ExxonMobil is expected to reach pilot level flaring by year end, which is one million standard cubic feet of gas per day or less.

This would occur once the new flash gas compressor is installed. The EPA Head said he finds this to be a reasonable timeline while adding that there have been noticeable improvements and also the willingness of the operator to make every effort to comply.

He had said, “The important thing is not so much how much money or how many applications have been made but rather that there is real effort at achieving compliance and a clear plan to solving the issue.”

It was in May when Kaieteur News reported that the EPA amended the Liza Phase One Environmental P e r m i t t o h a v e ExxonMobil's subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) pay US$30 for

every tonne of Carbon Dioxide equivalent (CO2e) – a term for describing different greenhouse gases in a common unit – burnt after May 13, 2021.It is significant to note that ExxonMobil was projected to exceed flaring 14 billion standard cubic feet of gas by May 13, 2021 in its Liza Phase One Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). In light of this, the EPA said it had engaged EEPGL to amend the Liza Phase One Permit.

Kaieteur News understands that EEPGL had agreed to the changes which include: revised terms and conditions relating to emissions reporting requirements, technical considerations for flaring, timelines for flaring events and an obligation on the company to pay for the emission of Carbon Dioxide equivalent (CO2e) as a result of flaring in excess of these timelines.

The modified Permit was signed subsequently between the two parties.

Without dramatic reductions in fossil fuel use, we will see untold destruction - IMF Chief tells member countries W

ith the science clear to all and sundry that climate change is worsening, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, recently sounded the alarm bells for member states such as Guyana on the need for urgent action to be taken.

During her address at a High-Level Dialogue on Energy under the auspices of the United Nations General Assembly, the Managing Director said, “Without dramatic reductions in the use of fossil fuels, we will see untold destruction to our environment and continuing damage to people's health and livelihoods. And the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement will fall quickly out of reach.”

Equally clear, said Georgieva, is the need to get fossil fuel prices right. In this regard, she said the right prices must fully reflect both supply costs and

IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva

environmental costs – especially carbon emissions and local air pollution.

Towards this end, she disclosed that IMF staff has proposed an international carbon price floor among large emitters, set according to development levels. The Managing Director is of the firm conviction that it would help to get the right price on fuel and accelerate global climate action. “And now is the time to do it,” the IMF official intimated.

Georgieva was keen to

note that putting a robust price on carbon will no doubt provide a critical signal for redirecting private investment and innovation to clean technologies, and incentivise energy efficiency.

She said, “Our research is clear—without it we simply cannot reach the goals of the Paris Agreement. And this price signal needs to get predictably stronger—by 2030, we need an average global price of US$75 per tonne of Carbon Dioxide, way up from today's US$3

per tonne.”

The IMF Head said a minimum first step on carbon pricing is a regular stock taking of measures by the G20 countries such as China and the USA to assess progress toward mitigation commitments while adding that a higher level of ambition to have is an International Carbon Price Floor Agreement among major emitters.

With a pragmatic design, the IMF Head said this type of arrangement would allow different minimum prices based on different development levels and different national policy approaches. “And the carbon price floor does not have to be a tax. Some countries may prefer other measures that achieve the same outcome, such as emission trading or combinations of feebates/regulations at the

sectoral level,” expressed Georgieva.

While the foregoing would be very effective, the IMF official was keen to note that carbon pricing alone is not enough.

The IMF head said radically decarbonising economies will require a substantial scaling-up of investment over the next two decades. She stressed that the shift to renewables, new electricity networks, energy efficiency and low carbon mobility offer a huge investment opportunity.

Georgieva said too that international public finance can help reduce both costs and perceived risks. In this regard, she said governments can help provide the infrastructure to support the deployment of low-carbon technologies in response to carbon pricing while adding that financial sector policies

c an steer private investment toward sustainable projects.

Closing her position on t h i s m a t t e r, t h e I M F Managing Director referenced the words of the great Italian painter and theorist, Leonardo da Vinci.

Georgieva said, “I have been impressed with the urgency of doing but knowing is not enough; we must apply…We must do.”

On this note, the IMF Chief stressed that climate change is a global challenge where all leaders know what must be done but are required to act now. She said action is what is expected when heads of government converge at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference between October 31, and November 12, 2021, under the presidency of the United Kingdom to address this frightening global

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Sunday October 17, 2021

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL - Tel: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Earnings uptick versus deadweight The headline in KN on October 13 trumpeted that “Guyana produced 20.2M barrels of oil at half year -Crude export earnings increase to US$1.3 Billion”. For a small country, this is good, and gives the impression that things are humming in the oil sector, with more such announcements pending. The reality check came quickly, thanks to that same KN October 13th edition with a caption that speaks for itself: “Guyana’s External Debt Stock stands at US$1.3 Billion.”

That should give pause, prompt a little reflecting.

We will be gentle, helpful, supportive, but only as far as commonsense permits. That US$1.3B on the revenue side (oil only) seems to be wiped out by that US$1.3B in the debt column of the balance sheet. This was for “External Debt” only, as the Central Bank’s report indicated. We leave alone the differentials in interest rates, earned versus charged, in those sums coming in and due. Suddenly, this doesn’t look like a wash anymore.

We will agree that oil has only recently started to take wings, with much more promised in the future. Now, if Guyana was getting a bigger, fairer share of the sales proceeds, then there would definitely be great and prolonged applause, which we would lead from the front. Let’s not hold our breath, as we are sure to topple over from failed hopes and oxygen failure. Also, oil benefited from a coalition of circumstances, which positives literally trickled down to Guyana. Again, if only it were more than a trickle, we could cheer for a few multiples of current royalty numbers. But leaders are not listening, least of all to us.

Among the circumstances leading to that dollar uptick in oil earnings was the jump in price, and gathering demand for the commodity in world economies slowly reopening after a devastating pandemic. That good news is underlined by widespread awareness that supply discipline could lead to still higher rises in the price of this volatile product of which the world is starved, and which looks poised for a price breakout. A hundred dollars (U.S.) a barrel looks reachable in the near future, but it doesn’t take much for oil prices to spook, in either direction; and, increased oil prices lead to squeezes here. North American and European heating demands, traditional holiday travels, and rebounding consumer confidence can all play a part. On the other hand, the colder weather, and unchecked virus mutations could wreak havoc, forcing everyone to shut up shop, with things grinding to some standstill. This would not be rosy for Guyana’s upside with oil, with this country holding the dirty end of the money stick.

Another side of the local oil coin is that we have yet to account for huge amounts of expenses still to-be-reviewed, approved, and paid to Exxon. That could be considerably reducing the earnings numbers waved about today, or later.

Sure, there is more oil out there to be discovered and produced. But Guyanese should be just as sure that Exxon has its big bag of tricks of how to skim every last cent in expenses out of us. Exxon is a wise old dog in this oil business, while Guyana is a puppy without sight and without teeth, one that can’t even walk around on its own presently.

On the debt side, that US$1.3 billion is external only, which means that internal/domestic-originated debt is not in that Bank of Guyana reckoning. And while, it is part of the local political pastime to gloat about how not a penny from the Natural Resources Fund has been touched, there is much more to that clever political story. Every lending institution of standing knows that though there is a process for accessing it, they know that we can borrow against that and future oil earnings. Guyana is the best credit around, with oil collaterals in hand.

Hence, leaders in the PPP Government have gone on a borrowing binge, which that raised debt ceiling allows. We can ignore interest charges today, but there are countless opportunities for corruption, and look who are the people in charge of the cash. That said, oil numbers may be glowing, but they conceal much that is dark and disturbing.

Former Finance Minister incensed at insinuations and innuendoes Dear Editor, I refer to a letter, “Time for Justice”, penned by H. Yusuf and published in Kaieteur News, October 16, 2021. An excerpt from the letter reads, “It boggles the mind that after all the adverse publicity regarding the US$18 million bonus, which the former Minister and his Government vociferously denied, that the whereabouts of the monies are still an unsolved mystery.” Another extract reads, “One can only imagine that if the first monies from oil cannot be accounted for …”

I am outraged and incensed by the insinuations, innuendos and implications of these two extracts and his letter as a whole. If my memory serves me well, it was this same individual who libeled me in a letter published in Kaieteur News on October 18, 2019. You were forced to publish an apology in KN, October 25, 2019, while an action for damages in that matter waits the Court’s ruling.

In a very informative article in KN, October 15, 2021, under the caption “Govt. launches probe into ExxonMobil’s US$18M

signing bonus”, Kiana Wilburg traced the origin of the signing bonus, its placement in a numbered and named account at the Bank of Guyana; and the subsequent closure of that account and the transfer of the proceeds, including interest, to the Consolidated Fund, in January 2019. All of this was detailed in the 2019 Report of the Auditor General.

On the basis of these facts, the average person would query the reason for KN publishing a letter, the very next day, in which the writer imputes improper

motive to me, with respect to the signing bonus. In my view, it continues the public assault and assassination of my character. Be advised that I will not be cowed. I am prepared to take all necessary actions in this and other matters.

Yours faithfully, Winston Jordan Former Minister of Finance Editor’s Note: It was unfortunate that the letter referenced was published.

Indeed this was an error on our part and we hereby offer an unequivocal apology to Mr. Jordan.

Govt. needs to setup more centres countrywide to offer free counselling Dear Editor, Guyana has been severely affected by the COVID-19 virus. As a result,

many lost close ones, or have been feeling the effects financially. Many issues also arise, coupled with the

confusion arising from the election and crimes. Over the years, periodically, Guyana would see a surge in suicides,

and whilst many would vent their concerns, little could be done. Incidentally, many of (Continued on page 6)

Sunday October 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

Let there be STEAM, not just STEM; and more strength in Literature and Social Studies Dear Editor, After viewing the telecast and listening to the various presentations and the announcement of the CAPE, CSEC and other CXC examination results, I am motivated to make the following observations.

I am in full agreement with the Registrar of CXC, who opined that the retention of the content of the various subject areas should not be seen as the only desirable and/or optimum outcome for the learners. The optimum outcome should include their acquisition of the skill of learning, so than in the rapidly growing expanse of knowledge, they can continue to be relevant, by being able to access and acquire new knowledge without which, even though qualified, they could become dated, and not quite up to the challenge/task. What I would wish to add is that critical thinking, problem solving, the application of knowledge in the determination of actions to be taken, and being creative trump the importance of the expansive retention of knowledge. This poses the question as whether the learning outcomes, as a whole, of our current students meet the standards outlined above, notwithstanding their quantitative achievements.

What also struck me was the reported low percentage performance in Literature and Social Studies, when compared with most of the

other subjects. Literature, as a subject, is the reflective crucible of human existence, albeit abstract. A society that pays little or no attention to Literature, formally or informally, is one that has embarked upon a journey without the use of a compass that can lend to the determination of the best path to be traversed, rather than being the victim of trial a n d e r r o r. E d u c a t i o n , ultimately, is about the adaptation of knowledge in the course of navigating through one‘s environment, and the determination of the uses of the resources that that environment provides for the purpose of enabling and enhancing the quality of life.

The knowledge and skills to be derived from an exposure to the study of Literature is a compass in life‘s quagmire, without which the voyager may be clueless. Being clueless is antithetical to b e i n g e d u c a t e d (knowledgeable and cognitive).

Equally important is Social Studies. Life’s journey is relational as much as it is self-discovery. There is no life unrelated to interactions with others.

Those interactions are best managed if one understands oneself. Social Studies provides an opportunity to study relatedness and the positioning of the individual in that relatedness. Without an exposure to Social Studies the individual is deprived of anthropological and historical information

that helps the individual to determine his or her identity and that of others and, in so doing, be in a better position to relate to others, which relating is an unavoidable reality of human existence.

This relating would be at various levels: familial, community, national or international level.

G i v e n t h e aforementioned my abiding concern is that the results of the CXC examinations reflect the candidates’ lack of interest, or below average performance, in subjects that are critical to making knowledge useful to human existence and endeavours.

This presents a challenge, if we are to agree that education is not about certification. Education is about the preparedness to face the challenges of life and human development at all levels. The matrix of preparedness would be

incomplete, if Literature and Social Studies (History) are omitted, since they provide the basis for, and the framework within which, knowledge has to be applied if it is to serve the purpose of human sustainability and development.

A parting word: the emphasis on STEM to the exclusion of the Arts may in some way be a fault line of the formal education system.

It reflects an appreciation deficit of what education really means and how it should be pursued. Let there be STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) rather than just STEM ( S c i e n c e , Te c h n o l o g y, Engineering and Mathematics).

Yours sincerely, Vincent Alexander

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Guyanese and COVID-19 Dear Editor, I take note of a letter penned by one Brian E. Plummer titled “Has our COVID Strategy been Successful”.

Sometimes Editor, I wonder about Guyanese and how they managed to survive this long in the pandemic.

Maybe this letter accurately captures why the Guyanese populace is struggling to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. The reason I say this is because how a letter with so much fallacies could be published? How? So

many unvaccinated people are dying and this writer, who is no scientist, doctor or anything of the sort is proclaiming natural immunity is the way to go.

Fire the WHO and the CDC folks! We’ve got the answer!

Regards, Amir Khan

Kaieteur News

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Sunday October 17, 2021

Oil companies must release timely production data to foster transparency Dear Editor, Imagine if you drive your car to an Esso gas station and fill your tank with US$27.20 in gas. Then, you decide to pay the cashier only US$20 for your gas and you walk out. The police would soon track you down for robbing the franchise owner of that Esso location. Hence, it is puzzling why Exxon, a company that is owned by millions of people, known as shareholders, directly via shares and indirectly via index and other funds, would allow one of its subsidiaries, Esso Guyana, to pay an extra US$7.20 for every US$20 owed in royalty. Has Exxon

had a change of heart and started to compensate the Guyanese people for an unfair oil deal?

We l a c k d e t a i l e d production and sales data for the oil that was produced in the Stabroek Oil Block for 2020. Hence, without this data, if one just looks at the Esso Guyana 2020 financial statements, the royalty is stated in millions as GY$2,049 and revenue in millions as GY$75,430. The royalty as a percentage of ESSO revenues works out to 2.72 percent. However, the Stabroek contract, specifically Article 15.6, states, “… a royalty of two

percent of all Petroleum produced and sold...” If we use the 2.72 percent figure as correct, that represents an overpayment of 36 percent above the two percent royalty Exxon is required to pay.

P a y m e n t s t o shareholders, usually every quarter, are what an owner of shares in a company, such as Exxon, would expect to receive for holding on to their stocks. These payments are also known as dividends.

There are probably tens of thousands of retirees in the Western world that depend on Exxon to supplement their income with the

Stop politicising crime fighting Dear Editor, Guyana is in the midst of a criminal pandemic and the Government is at its wits end at the possible methods they can use to solve it.

This criminal onslaught is both worrisome and mind boggling and much has to be done to curb it. In recent weeks the police have been making major inroads into this destructive attack.

However, many are of the view that the police is not doing enough, because the criminals are getting more and more vicious and deadlier with each attack.

While I must agree that I share those sentiments too, as I witness the daily muggings and killings, it is indeed heartrending.

However, there is one serious loophole with that reasoning, in that the criminals keep changing their strategies momentarily.

From motorcycle bandits to those who might pass you by

as seemingly harmless shoppers going about their business, when suddenly they pounce, brandishing a handgun or a long-pointed knife or some other dangerous weapon. In such circumstances, you are helpless before the robber/attacker.

Then, there are the political parasites of the day, I am talking about those who lay wait to spin their spineless political yarn.

These are the individuals, who are of the view that the police must be circumspect and church-like when confronting criminals.

In the worst case scenarios where there is a violent exchange, then, it is a l w a y s t h e p o l i c e ’s responsibility not to shoot, or if he does, he must take into consideration the race, gender and political affiliation of the offender.

These are the so-called experts at giving the police

directives and other such asinine advice.

Their politics knows no boundaries as they emotionalise the criminals’ plight while denigrating the police, these and other political tactics undermine crimefighting, while at the same time embolden the criminal.

This is the bugbear; this is the real problem that keeps hampering the work of the police in our country.

I will be relentless on this subject as I say politics must be kept out of crimefighting.

Politicians stay in your league, please stay clear of the law enforcement zone!

For us to make any headway in crime fighting we must cooperate with the police, we must strive for the safety and wellbeing of society. I will tell you, it is a work in progress and all hands on deck.

Respectfully submitted, Neil Adams

...Govt. needs to setup more From page 4 us would see someone displaying abnormal signs and would disregard them, without giving a second thought, because lots of people are not trained or know how to deal with such issues. Some would even use the opportunity to add salt to the wounds of someone who is experiencing mental health issues, or some would refuse the help being offered, or just be scared to talk to anyone because of the way society works.

Editor, of recent, there’s an increase of posts flooding social media about mental health, and whilst many are citing others or their observations, some seems to be experiencing the same based on their posts.

Of all the posts about mental health, only one person posts up information regarding

counselling for mental health issues. There are about nine places offering counselling services and only the Ministry of Health is offering their service for free. Many people are willing to seek help for issues affecting them, but some are reluctant to visit the Ministry.

It’s time the Government seriously makes provisions to combat this plague that has been affecting for the longest time. Get more centres countrywide and ensure the service is free.

Guyana always has groups that are forming, collecting grants/loans/monetary donations from all around and not providing a proper service. Some only seems to surface when it’s time to bid for grants/loans.

Sahadeo Bates

dividends they provide. In 2020, Exxon paid out US$3.48 in dividends for every one of its more than four billion shares for a total payout of US$14.9 billion.

However, Exxon reported a loss of US$5.25 per share or a total loss of US$22.4 billion. Hence, a company that had a loss of US$22.4 billion and then had to find an additional US$14.9 billion to pay shareholders in 2020 would be strapped for cash and cannot afford to be generous.

Thus, it would seem illogical for Esso to increase Guyana’s royalty by 36 percent in 2020. Without detailed oil production reports, we lack the data to decipher why the anomalies between what the Stabroek Oil Block contract states, and what is shown on the financial statements of the oil companies.

The EITI standard encourages companies buying oil, gas and minerals from the government or government entities to disclose the volumes received, and payments made for the purchase of oil, gas and minerals.

T o e n s u r e standardisation, the EITI has developed reporting

guidelines and model templates for companies to use when publishing their disclosures. To date, several EITI supporting companies including Glencore, Gunvor, Equinor and Total have adopted the guidelines.

ExxonMobil - an EITI supporting company –could consider adopting the guidelines into its reporting framework to provide information relevant to stakeholders in Guyana.

Total Energies, one of the seven supermajor oil companies which includes Exxon, discloses detailed oil information on a per country basis. On Total Energies w e b s i t e l i n k , https://totalenergies.com/sy stem/files/documents/202103/2020-universalregistration-document.pdf, one can find its most recent disclosure for 2020. Starting on page 445 of its report, there is a detailed breakdown on a per country basis of payments including taxes, royalties, licence bonus, among other figures. There are entries for Guyana in Total’s report, which shows that in 2020 it paid Guyana about US$164,000 in licence fees. That figure is broken down where it shows that in 2020, about US$102,000

was paid in licence fees to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission for the controversial Canje block.

One cannot find similar information on Guyana from publicly accessible links from the Exxon, Hess and CNOOC websites and most likely they don’t exist. The oil companies operating in the Stabroek Block may argue from an accounting perspective that the figures are not material, thus no need to disclose. But Total’s report fosters transparency, which is why it releases detailed information, irrespective of how small the numbers are with respect to its overall operation.

It is highly unlikely Exxon, given the US$22.4B of losses it incurred in 2020, would have given Guyana a 36 percent increase in royalties. Hence, we request that with regard to the EITI guidelines that Exxon, Hess and CNOOC all release timely Guyana oil related data to foster transparency and help the Guyanese people decipher if they are being paid fairly by the oil companies as per the Stabroek Oil Block contract.

Darshanand Khusial on behalf of OGGN, www.oggn.org/about

Central Bank regulation of commercial banks nonexistent Dear Editor, I recall, sometime last year, the former Minister of Finance had reason to complain that commercial banks had restricted banking hours, while raising their fees for using their ATM machines. So, the banks restrict customers from using their buildings to conduct transactions, driving them to ATM machines, and then seize the opportunity to m a x i m i s e t h e i r incomes/profits by increasing ATM usage fees.

In fact, ATM machines are deployed by banks to reduce its employee costs (it’s part of automation, the more one interacts with a machine, the less one does with a person), but here in Guyana, unlike other countries, the banks are allowed to charge for its use.

It’s what one would expect from a monopoly/oligopoly system and why they should be properly regulated.

But the abuse by the banks is not limited to ATM machines.

Another automation/technology feature subject to such exploitation is the emerging online electronic money

transfers.

This allows customers, from the safety of their homes and offices, to move funds from one bank account to another.

Again, the technology provides a cost saving to the bank but be warned - use it only if you’re willing to pay a minimum of $1,000 per transaction. Yes, a transfer of $1,000 will result in the attachment of a $1,000 bank fee.

Banks get away with this abuse because regulation by the Central Bank is nonexistent in Guyana.

Commercial banks are allowed to run helter-skelter over their customers aided by a system, which restricts the offering of financial services by others, thus ensuring the continued exploitation.

So, commercial banks in Guyana, abetted by the regulators, charge usuary interest rates on loans, which are three times that of the US; attach fees to every service imaginable – ask them to certify an account balance and be willing to pay $4,000; apply enormous charges for blank paper cheques – a free

good at most US banks; and maintain large interest margins – the difference between the interest it pays depositors and what it charges on loans using the same depositors’ funds. I’m even aware of a foreign sale of US$26 which, when paid by bank transfer, the bank deducted its fee of US$25 and gave the recipient US$1.

As I’ve heard complaints about the country’s financial system from many in the diaspora interested in investing here, it is obvious that development is severely retarded when financial services come at a high price.

It is the regulators who have allowed the situation to get out of control and they need to get their act together.

Proper regulation requires that every charge by the bank be cost justified.

This cannot be the current case as banks are charging for use of technology, which results in cost savings to them. Unless properly regulated, development would just be an unattainable dream.

Yours Faithfully, T. Gravesande

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Kaieteur News

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Sunday October 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

Public should be aware of code of ethics to hold judiciary accountable - Attorney General

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, SC.

A

ttorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, is in support of a notion to make the recently launched judicial code of ethics public so that citizens can help to ensure that officials of the court act responsibly in the conduct of their duties.

The judiciary launched its revised code of ethics for judicial officers earlier this month to, among other things, ensure integrity, impartiality and independence in upholding the Rule of Law. During last Tuesday's episode of his social media commentary “Issues in the News,” the Attorney General (AG) noted that while the move to implement a revised code of conduct is laudable, there are still issues with judges obeying the Law as it relates to the prescribed time limit for the handing down of written decisions.

The AG explained that the law requires judges to give decisions in writing within four months of the determination of a case or the end of a trial. However, Nandlall noted, “The law is not being complied with…I talk to people in the streets and they tell you how long they are waiting…I have no control over the pace at which the judiciary works and the most I can do is what I'm doing now, calling for compliance with the laws of the land.”

Nandlall stressed, nevertheless, that since judges are part of the system that punishes people who break the laws, it is a reasonable expectation that they comply with the laws that govern the judiciary in full. “Those [four] months to deliver a decision is a matter of law and while it's good passing the code of ethics, they also must comply with the law.

They [judges] must ensure there is compliance with the time limit for judicial

decisions,” the AG said during his programme.

He added, “Unless the law is appealed, rescinded, or revoked, it is the law and must be complied with.” In 2009, the Guyana Parliament passed a legislation making it compulsory for judges to deliver their written or oral decisions within 120 days after the conclusion of the matters.

The legislation was introduced to give judges a prescribed timeline for delivery of decisions, in wake of a culture of delay which has hampered the effectiveness of the Judiciary.

The Judicial Time Limit Act of 2009 made provision for, inter alia, penalty for judges who continuously breach the law, of which the ultimate sanction is removal from office.

However, this was not enough to motivate some high-ranking members of the judiciary to deliver their decisions on time. Some have retired and others promoted to senior positions without handing down their decisions in time.

Hundreds of court cases are still languishing in the judiciary without a decision either in oral or written form.

In recent years, the local judiciary has drawn criticisms from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for the lengthy delays in delivering judgments and for clearly contravening the Time Limit for Decisions Act 2009.

The failure by both Justices of the High Court and the Court of Appeal to give judgments on time has significantly hindered the delivery of justice as well as the efficacy of the judiciary, especially when compared to other courts in the region, particularly the CCJ which publishes judgments on its website within minutes after matters are concluded.

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 17, 2021

4 deaths, 122 new cases due to COVID-19

F

our more deaths as a result of COVID-19 have been recorded. The fatalities have brought the death toll for this month to 67.

According to the Ministry of Health, among the deaths is that of a 45-year-old woman from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) on October 15.

Her vaccination status is unknown.

The other fatalities are of a 65-year-old unvaccinated woman from Region Four

Dem

boys seh...

De exam results come out and dem had de usual wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Some people even so wicked and cruel dat dem pick pun one ah dem children fuh try to mock de parent.

Is suh when yuh envious or yuh gat bad mind.

But nuff ah dem children feeling hurt because dem feel dem disappoint dem parents.

But is dem parents at fault fuh putting suh much pressure pun dem children by having high expectations.

De system is set up fuh

(Demerara-Mahaica), a 68year-old partially vaccinated woman from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), both of whom died on October 16, and a 59-yearold-man from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) also died on October 15. He was fully vaccinated.

The Ministry also noted that another 122 people were infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These new cases were recorded in: Region Two which has five

cases; Region Three - 23 cases, Region Four - 45 cases, Region Five - seven cases, Region Six - 27 cases, Region Seven - four cases, Region Nine - four cases and Region 10 - seven cases.

There are also 28 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, 125 in institutional isolation, four in institutional quarantine and 3,624 in home isolation.

According to the Ministry, a total of 29,719 people have recovered since being infected with the virus.

Some of dem children happy… and some sad failure. Is only a small number of dem children gan get dem fancy school wah everybody want send dem children tuh.

But fuh de rest ah dem, is dem school wah nobody nah bin want to go tuh.

Dem boys' nah bin to dem 'big' school.

But dem boys still come out good.

Dem boys bless and accept wah dem bin get after dem write dem exam.

Sometimes dem children does get so nervous in exam room dat dem mind does go blank.

Is nat dat dem nah know

de answers to dem questions. But de pressure suh much pun dem dat dem fuhget wah dem study.

One teacher bin decide fuh mek it easy pun dem picknee.

He bin give he students take-home test.

All de students, except one, return dem script. In fact, de one student nah turn up to class.

When dem find out, de student get so nervous when he get de take-home test paper dat he fuhget way e bin living.

Talk half and ease de pressure pun dem children!

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Kaieteur News

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Sunday October 17, 2021

UG orientations for new students set for next week

The University of Guyana will welcome new students of the Turkeyen and Berbice campuses with virtual orientations which will run for one week from October 18 – 23, 2021.

Altogether close to 10,000 (new and continuing) students are expected to commence classes when the new academic year begins in a blended format on October 25, 2021, UG noted in a release it disseminated yesterday.

I t n o t e d t h a t approximately 65 percent of the university's classes will remain online for the first semester from October 2021 to January 2022 due to

prevailing COVID-19 conditions as well as major building works arising from recent extreme weather conditions. The remaining 35 percent, mostly consisting of laboratory and field exercises, are expected to be blended and face-to-face delivered at the various campuses for specific courses or parts of courses only in this first semester October 2021 to January 2022. Students will be notified directly of the schedule as well as safety measures they are expected to comply with if any of their courses are to be held face-toface. Schedules will also be posted on Faculty websites.

Separate refresher orientations were already held for continuing students on October 1, 2021, and saw the participation of students who will continue to pursue their academic careers with UG. Like the refresher orientations for continuing students, the orientations for new students will be conducted online.

New students already fully or conditionally accepted to the University for the new year should have received communication with links to the sessions from their prospective departments and Faculties as well as from the University's Registry. Students will

receive emails directly with the necessary login information to register.

T h o u g h m a n y programmes are at capacity, students who have not yet heard from the university or who wish to register for programmes which still have spaces are encouraged to contact the University as registrations will be ongoing into early November for waitlisted students.

The orientation sessions are aimed at providing a stepby-step introduction to all of the systems, policies, personnel, and resources that students need to navigate the university. This will be particularly important for students to start their classes seamlessly on the first day of classes. This also will address programme-related queries and concerns and provide the necessary support and guidance to students to ensure their time at the university is smooth, enriching, and fulfilling as far as possible.

The orientation process is an onboarding exercise whereby students are also introduced to the rules, regulations, lecturers, specific processes, given a tour of the physical and online classrooms, how to read and calculate their grade point average (GPA) and academic profiles. They are also made aware of the special services and opportunities available to them during and after their studies.

Key dates for the Academic Year 2021/2022 The first day of classes for the new academic year will be on October 25, 2021.

The traditional ceremonial opening will also be held virtually on October 22, 2021, at 17:00h. https://zoom.us/webinar/regi ster/WN_1eMKpGQhQEeU WGEgU7-CDQ Applicants Awaiting Word Students who have applied and are waiting to hear from UG, please note and check the following: Students are being reminded that due to prevailing COVID-19 conditions the University is facilitating fast-tracked applications by processing submissions without

uploaded certified or notarised documentation.

BUT, full admission will not be possible until the certified or notarised documents are uploaded and verified.

Applicants are therefore urged to ensure they have uploaded their documents.

Therefore, it is in the students' best interest to submit the certified or notarised documents at the earliest time possible to complete their document verification process.

Actions Prospective Students Can Take While Awaiting Results and Validated Documents Students are encouraged, however, to not let any challenges in getting their documents certified or notarised deter them from completing their online application form and subsequent submission of provisional registration if they have been admitted to pursue a course or programme at the University.

Students are asked to kindly note that when submitting documents, they MUST be CERTIFIED or NOTARISED with signature and stamp by any of the following persons: Justice of Peace, Commissioner of Oaths, Minister of Religion, Senior Public Servants, Head Teachers, Medical Doctors, or Police Officers.

The U nivers ity has instituted a rolling application process for the first semester of the new academic year. Applicants can also apply for admission pending their results.

For the Frequently Asked Questions kindly visit here: https://uog.edu.gy/notice s/university-guyanafrequently-asked-questions (New Students Orientation Information.

Kindly see details with links: October 18 – 23, 2021.

General New Students' Orientation webinar series.

09:00h daily. A joint session for new students and applicants of both campuses. https://zoom.us/webinar/regi ster/WN_1eMKpGQhQEeU WGEgU7-CDQ October 20, 2021.

College of Medical Sciences (CMS). 13:00h. A joint session for CMS applicants and students of both campuses. Join Zoom

Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/910540 98945?pwd=aFh3TTFYWn R3a2xMV1dkZWVnclFPU T09 October 22, 2021.

Faculty of Agriculture & Forestry (FAF). 13:00h. A j o i n t s e s s i o n f o r FA F applicants and students of both campuses. Join Zoom M e e t i n g : https://zoom.us/j/949342908 03 October 22, 2021.

Faculty of Earth & Environmental Sciences (FEES). 13:00h. FEES applicants and students. Join ZoomMeeting:https://zoom. us/j/95542947578 October 20, 2021.

Faculty of Education & Humanities (FEH). 13:00h.

A joint session for FEH applicants and students of both campuses. Link to join Webinar:https://zoom.us/we binar/register/WN_bJZGDV 79Tpe0DKCo0Cz6wA October 22, 2021.

Faculty of Engineering & Technology (FET). 13:30h.

FET applicants and students.

Link to join Webinar: https://zoom.us/j/977318867 14?pwd=cURxd2dyRmFR MG5MMXdYOHN5dTdBQ T09 October 18, 2021.

Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS). 1300h. A joint session for FNS applicants and students of both campuses.Link to join W e b i n a r : https://zoom.us/webinar/regi ster/WN_mRpFD0EWQsQ5A2Bo8d9rw October 20, 2021.

Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS). 17:00h. A joint session for FSS applicants and students of both campuses.

Link to join Webinar: https://zoom.us/j/979903061 01 October 21, 2021. School of Entrepreneurship & Business Innovation (SEBI).

17:00h. A joint session for SEBI applicants and students of both campuses. Link to j o i n W e b i n a r : https://zoom.us/j/995835669 08 October 21, 2021.

Institute of Distance & Continuing Education (IDCE). 17:00h. IDCE applicants and students.

Link to Join Webinar: https://zoom.us/j/914856936 27)

Sunday October 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

SUNDAY It is not Kaieteur News making the statement, or taking the position.

'Foreign companies get preference in Guyana's oil sector, while Guyanese lose out'.

That was the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI). The GCCI is not Kaieteur News.

Thank you GCCI for confirming what we have been publishing for the longest while.

Dr. Ali, Dr. Jagdeo: are you listening? Do both of you understand? Will you leaders do something that benefits the true owners of this oil?

MONDAY In last Saturday's edition of this paper, there were three serious crimes: robbery and beating of driver, businessman robbed and beaten, and a sibling released on bail for beating to death of his brother.

That is only one day, and it may not capture every incident of what any reasonable citizen would consider serious crime.

Yet, the official statistics tell us that we are safer, and we should feel so. Do you, fellow Guyanese, feel safe from random or planned banditry?

PPP/C Government leaders tell us how well they are doing with the oil sector; how honestly, they are dealing on our behalf. Do you, fellow citizens, feel secure in the confidence that leadership banditry is not at work with oil and gas?

We provide. Guyanese must decide.

TUESDAY Amaila Falls Hydro is back, and its aim is to break Guyana's back.

All the same old vultures are gathering. They come back to put their names in the hat for what promises to be a corruption feast, involving local cronies and criminal foreigners.

Wherever rich blood, bone and flesh are, the predators are sure to come calling. They are not of the four-legged species. They are human.

Guyanese: we are dartboards and the garbage dump: everybody is making a fool of us, from leaders to outsiders.

WEDNESDAY Chartered Accountant and attorney at law, Chris Ram, noted that there is no independent oil regulator. This means goodbye to transparency.

Now, we tell Guyanese why there is no independent regulator. The PPP Government likes it so, wants it to be so.

When there is no independent oil regulator, President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo get to come up with all kinds of sleights of hand about transparency that lack credibility.

Quite frankly, what Guyana has been hearing about transparency is nothing but utter stupidity.

THURSDAY Guyanese read and understand for yourselves.

GY$50M is NOT chicken feed money.

Though it was for a seed paddy facility it is not bird seed money for a poor country like Guyana.

The present regime cannot blame the last one for this, since it is from 13 years ago.

But now, another GY$25M must be spent to get the seed facility going.

Which poor society can rise up with leaders like these? Lots of 'spending and borrowing' and 'talking and thieving'.

FRIDAY Guyanese better take note of that California oil spill.

After decades of experience in oil production in America, billions in technology development, and all manner of protections, oil spills are still happening and devastating the sea and

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Kaieteur News

Sunday October 17, 2021

Bandit says he hid motorcycle because victim pulled knife on him “Sir dah man pull a knife on me so I tek away he bike and hide it,” a suspect reportedly told police investigators after he was arrested for stealing a motorcycle.

However, what really transpired, according to police, is that a 36-year-old teacher from Region Nine was robbed of his

motorcycle on Friday after he offered a ride to a man (the suspect) who was heading to the St. Ignatius Village in the Central Rupununi.

According to police, the teacher was riding home at around 17:00hrs on his white and black XR150 motorcycle with the number plate CH 4728. The motorcycle is valued some

$250,000.

Whilst travelling north on the Parikwarunau Village Access Road, he was reportedly flagged down by the man who is not known to him. The teacher nevertheless obliged.

When the duo reached to the St. Ignatius Access Road, the man then asked the teacher to stop for him to

urinate. It was then the suspect reportedly placed a knife to the teacher's neck and ordered him to get off of his motorcycle.

He then rode away in an eastern direction with the motorcycle. That man was later identified as a 30-yearold.

After the incident, the area was combed for the alleged suspect and he was contacted at about 21:00hrs in his neighbour's yard.

Police officers told him of the allegation and cautioned him, at which point he took them to a bushy area in Kumu Village where the motorcycle was hidden in some bushes.

The suspect was placed in police custody. An investigation is ongoing.

The motorcycle the suspect hid in a clump of bushes.

Sunday October 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

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BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY! I

n case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecency in our of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our entire nation.

SUNDAY Every place we turn to, Guyana gets scammed.

Everyone we do business with tries to pull fast ones on us.

The latest example is the $290M airport scanner which broke down after five months.

Imagine Guyanese: a brand new car is bought at great expense and after five months it breaks down.

Hard-earned money and hard sacrifices and these things happen. It is not technological failure alone.

It is chronic leadership failure too.

MONDAY President Ali's position is that the Amazon's rainforest is vital to the future of our planet.

We say that was well said. But what President Ali should tell Guyana now, given his position, is how and why Exxon is given an open licence and blank cheque to flare as it does at the oil production sites.

The President has a solid reputation for saying one thing but then turns around and does the opposite.

Tell Guyana this, Mr.

President: Why is Exxon not being held accountable for its poisoning of the atmosphere in Guyana waters?

TUESDAY Guyana is now benefiting from Japan's gift of 23 Viral RNA test kits that can enable 5,750 tests for COVID-19.

But no Guyanese should believe that Japan is doing this out of the kindness of its heart.

Japan is doing this, so that it has chips to cash in when the big business opportunities come up for participating.

They will say: we were there for Guyana.

Bottom line is: everybody wants to be our friend. Everybody is using us – from local leaders to foreign powers.

WEDNESDAY Guyanese have a culture of gaffing under their homes, in front of their gates. Don't risk that anymore.

The bandits are all over and crime is seemingly out of control, regardless of what the statistics say.

People are getting

robbed of their food bowl, believe it or not.

And believe it or not: don't stop to urinate, or your property could be gone.

We live with street crime, village crime, and market crime.

The biggest crime of all is leadership crime. Look at the PPP/C and the PNC and AFC.

THURSDAY Government after government has been delivering damaged goods to trusting Guyanese.

The APNU+AFC Coalition Government is now found to have given out a half billion in damaged laptops. They must have been at a discount, and somebody pocketed the difference.

The current PPP/C Government gives citizens 'damaged goods' and this is costing countless citizens, countless billions. Among the tainted goods are: lies, thieveries, cover-ups. That, dear Guyanese, sounds just like what the Coalition did when it was at the helm too.

FRIDAY The cost for the Airport

Expansion project keeps inching up.

While that happens Minister Edghill and former Minister Patterson hurl grenades at each other, about whose government is responsible for this 'crab-dawg' of a project.

Now Minister Edghill sneaked in that his government is to spend GY$600M more on the project. Minister Edghill thinks he is smooth: he makes a statement about millions and then disappears for a week or two.

Then, he usually returns

with another, and another, couple hundred million for this project.

What is getting done?

Who is really getting this money?

Minister Edghill may think he is smooth. We think all of this slimy is leading this country to slip and slide, like it usually does.

SATURDAY A report from the Government states that Guyana received royalties of GY$2.5B into the Natural Resource Fund for the 3rd 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 and they and their criminal cronies help themselves to most of it under the cover of expensive projects.

Sunday October 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

GTT CEO tells Bartica residents poor service will be a thing of the past T

h e C h i e f Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), Damian Blackburn, on Friday promised residents of Bartica, Region Seven that the poor service they have been receiving over the years “will be a thing of the past.”

Blackburn was forced to make this promise after the residents gave him “a good tongue lashing” for what they labelled as “unreliable service” provided to them by GTT. Speaking with Kaieteur News yesterday, Chairman of Region Seven, Kenneth Williams, said that residents recently lodged a plethora of complaints against the company.

Those complaints, he said, were centred on poor customer and supply services for landlines and internet connectivity.

As a result, he decided to invite the CEO of the company, Blackburn, to a meeting with the Bartica residents to listen to their issues. Williams said he got

An apologetic Blackburn during the meeting.

CEO of GTT, Damien Blackburn the opportunity to extend that invitation to Blackburn during a virtual stakeholders meeting with the business community on August 8, 2021.

The GTT CEO reportedly accepted the invitation and a face-to-face meeting with the Bartica residents was scheduled for Friday, October 15, 2021 at 10:00hrs.

Chairman of Region 7, Kenneth Williams

Kaieteur News was told that during the meeting, the residents did not hold back and did not waste time in unanimously telling Blackburn how poor his company's service is.

They told him that they have to endure possibly the “worst internet service provided by the company in Guyana.”

The residents said too

that GTT is very unreliable in the evenings especially after 20:00hrs.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e y bashed the company for lengthy delays in “restoring service when phone lines are down.”

Blackburn in response, apologised for his GTT's shortcomings in Bartica and called it “past sins of the company.”

He assured the residents that that such issues will not continue to occur under his watch and promised that in six months' time Bartica will receive mordernised internet service. Blackburn also agreed to have an office in Bartica and stated that lengthy response time, dropped calls and stoppage in the internet service during the evenings are

unacceptable.

Blackburn was made CEO of GTT in April of this year and is the first nonGuyanese to hold that position.

GTT had held a monopoly for some 30 years, however, the government decided to liberalise the sector and this has allowed other companies to compete with the telephone company.

Bartica pensioner burnt to death in home The pensioner's home on fire (Photo credit: G News Bartica Newsletter)

Bartica firefighters combing through the rubble (Photo credit: G News Bartica Newsletter)

A

n 81-year-old woman was on Friday burnt to death in her one-storey wooden and concrete home in Bartica, Region Seven after an unattended candle fell and started a fire. The woman has been identified as Iris Baron of Lot 203, Mongrippa Hill, Bartica, Region Seven.

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) stated that it received the call that Baron's house was on fire around 22:23hrs. When firefighters arrived, the entire building was engulfed in flames and Baron was trapped inside, the fire service reported.

Firefighters, the GFS noted, eventually managed to extinguish the flames but could not save the pensioner. They

were tasked with combing through the rubble to retrieve her charred remains.

Kaieteur News understands that the woman lived alone and, according to the GFS, the fire was caused by an unattended candle which fell and ignited combustible materials.

Sunday October 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Sunday October 17, 2021

Guyanese psychotherapist focuses on dealing with mental health during the pandemic in new book

M

ental Health has become a pandemic within the pandemic. This is the perspective being shared

by Guyanese clinical psychotherapist and author, Shane Mark Tull.

Tull, through his recently launched book titled “The Mental Health Pandemic,” encourages readers to explore the impact of mental health in these challenging times.

Mr. Tull brings a specific competency to address these issues. Being Guyanese and having worked in Guyana for the last two years as a clinical consultant for the US-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and USAID, he is convinced that his professional and personal commitment to this issue will be of value to readers.

In his book, the psychotherapist, and international mental health consultant asks readers to observe mental health, not as abstract concepts, but as a

Guyanese psychotherapist and author, Shane Mark Tull.

collaborative process.

He explained that mental health should be a process where clinicians and patients work as a team to address their psychological needs.

Based on over two (continued on page 49)

Kaieteur News

Miss Shanya Singh

Sunday October 17, 2021

This week's beauty is 25 year old US-based Guyanese Shanya Singh, an esthetician and spa owner. Shanya loves working out and travelling. Her favourite quote is by Greek Philosopher Aristotle -“Happiness depends upon ourselves.”

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Kaieteur News

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Sunday October 17, 2021

Our Frontline Worker of the Week is….

Nursing Assistant, Claudette Tobin

Nursing Assistant,

Claudette Tobin

By Sharmain Grainger

H

aving been in the nursing profession for more than two decades now, C l a u d e t t e To b i n i s understandably one of the hardworking frontline workers providing crucial services at the country's premier public health facility – the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) – as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on.

While treating patients who present with symptoms consistent with the disease is one of the main roles of some frontline healthcare workers, they all fervently advocate for persons to embrace preventative measures.

Moreover, one of the many roles of our featured healthcare professional is to educate patients daily about the importance of sanitising or washing their hands regularly, wearing a face mask correctly (covering the nose and mouth) and social distancing, wherever

possible.

To b i n , a N u r s i n g Assistant who is currently assigned to the operating room, revealed that despite the daunting impact of COVID-19, she remains committed to her profession because “I really love and enjoy it and find great satisfaction.”

CHOOSING A CAREER

Born to Percival Tobin, a logger, and his homemaker w i f e , Yv o n n e ( b o t h deceased), on April 28, 1967, as the fifth of nine children, our Frontline Worker was raised at Bartica, Region Seven. She currently resides at Craig Village, East Bank Demerara.

As a lass, she attended the 72 Miles Primary School then the Bartica Secondary School. Back then, she recalled playing games such as Rounders a favourite pastime. However, when it came to choosing a career path, Tobin revealed that it

was her eldest sister who encouraged her to choose nursing.

In 1992, she was accepted at the Georgetown School of Nursing to pursue training as a Nursing Assistant.

As a Registered Nursing Assistant, Tobin said she learned to function as part of a team with a keen focus on assisting her colleagues as well as patients. Speaking

for about a decade with a private ophthalmologist, Tobin has worked in several departments at the GPHC over the years, the majority, thus far, in the O p h t h a l m o l o g y Department.

“I have worked in both female and male eye wards, then the eye clinic and now the theatre,” Tobin related as she briefly turned her attention to the observance

“

I would encourage individuals to do their own research about the vaccines.

Use credible sources such as WHO and PAHO, and they (individuals) should speak to their doctor so they can make an informed decision.

”

glowingly of the profession, she added, “We aspire to give the best possible care and reassurance to our sick patients with the goal of nursing them back to good health.”

In addition to working

of World Sight Day which was observed globally on Thursday last under the theme 'Love Your Eyes'.

Armed with the understanding that protecting one's vision is just as important as caring for the

rest of the anatomy, Tobin said, “I would like to encourage all Guyanese to #loveyoureyes, especially those individuals with a family history of Diabetes Mellitus, glaucoma and other hereditary diseases.

Yearly check up with your eye doctor is highly recommended as early detection is key in preventing blindness.”

COVID-19 LESSONS When the contagious COVID-19 reached our shore in March of last year, it effectively disrupted the routine delivery of some services and even forced healthcare workers, including Tobin, to adapt new methods of operation.

But the imposed Decked in PPE.

A photo taken with her colleagues, pre-pandemic

measures due to the pandemic helped to transform her into an individual who “never takes anything for granted” and has an appreciation for “staying in touch with friends and loved ones because life is too precious.”

She understands this all too well having seen her youngest brother inflicted with the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

According to Tobin, “luckily he had his first dose of the vaccine and was awaiting his second dose so he had very mild symptoms.”

Indeed, she is a staunch advocate for vaccine uptake too.

To those who are reluctant she had this to say: “I would encourage individuals to do their own (continued on page 47)

Sunday October 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

EDUCATION IS IN DEEP CRISIS L

et us not be fooled by the deservedly happy faces on those highflyers of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), or what was previously referred to as the Common Entrance Examination.

Those whose names appeared in the newspapers represent the cream of the crop, the top one per cent of the students that sat these examinations.

There will be another four per cent which represent the cream of the country's top performers at that level. They will gain spots to the top schools around the country.

For the remaining 95 per cent however, the results will not be encouraging and these will be relegated to junior secondary schools, most of which do not perform creditably at the 'O' Level examinations.

In short, we are dooming thousands of students to a third rate and fourth rate education because they are not likely in the schools to which they will be assigned to produce the results that would qualify them for work in the job market.

This has to be one of the great worries facing the Minister of Education who by now ought to know the

gravity of the crisis facing public education but certainly does not appear to have any answers to those problems. Photo-ops cannot be substitute for the grave crisis in the country's education system.

Certainly, the results that were announced this week should cause the government to summon a national emergency of education in Guyana.

But this would reflect on the performance of the government and therefore they are more likely to pretend that the performance of the highflyers is symptomatic of the whole system.

It has already been pointed out that a shocking number of those that sat the Common Entrance Examination failed in the critical subject areas of Mathematics and English.

For a country which now needs its best brains to develop its oil industry, this represents an inflection point.

One of the often touted means of addressing poor student performance is to advocate for better supervision of teachers.

But this measure results in small improvements with the system continuing to fail the overwhelming majority of students.

There has to be a comprehensive approach to dealing with this problem. I have said before that retiring teachers at age 55 is not the ideal thing to do considering the high turnover and migration rate within the teaching sector.

I have no problems with a 55-year retirement within other areas of the government but I believe that since there is a need for more trained and experienced teachers within the system, since many of our best brains are to be found teaching in the islands of the Caribbean, in Africa and in North America, we need to get back into our schools, especially rural and hinterland schools, the best teachers available whether

retired or not.

The Ministry of Education should begin to recruit retired trained graduate teachers and deploy these to the rural and hinterland schools.

I am sure that many of these teachers will be willing even if it is on a part-time basis on the existing salary scale to go back and work with the rural schools. This should help to boost standards in teaching within these schools.

The second pilot project that I would suggest would be to integrate the business community with some of these schools. In this regard I am not referring to what obtained in the past where some companies adopted

schools.

That model may have been applicable when there was a shortage of funds to repair schools and thus by putting schools up for adoption guaranteed that they would receive some assistance from their sponsors.

What I have in mind is something much different. I would like business firms and companies to be directly engaged in promoting a mentorship programme within schools by having some of their top executives go into these schools and teach and guide the children.

Given also what the results of this year's examinations reveal, I believe that the government

should move to appoint School Boards in every school in Guyana and in cases where this may be problematic because of the lack of personnel to convert t h e P a r e n t Te a c h e r Associations into interim School Boards.

The overall strategy has to be to allow the educational stakeholders to play a greater role in the education of Guyana's school children. This is a far better option than simply going back to the tried, tested and failed system of increasing teaching supervision.

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

Kaieteur News

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Sunday October 17, 2021

For the Caribbean, relations with the US and China is not one or the other

By Sir Ronald Sanders

O

n October 12, more than a d o z e n representatives in the US Congress sent a letter to the US Trade Representative, Katherine Tai, asking for immediate attention to what they describe as “the growing influence of the Chinese Communist Party in both Latin America and the Caribbean trade and economic development”.

T h e U S Congresspersons have come to this realisation y e a r s a f t er Caribbean representatives in Washington – me included – have been saying to successive US Governments

and Congress that the US has been absent as a meaningful contributor to the Caribbean development for almost two decades.

The vacuum that the US left has been filled by the Peoples Republic of China, and it would be unreasonable for the US government or Congress to expect Caribbean countries to defer o r d e l a y t h e i r u rg e n t development needs, waiting for the US to refocus its attention on the region.

Further, the terms of China's loans to many Caribbean nations have been far more concessionary even than World Bank and IMF loans to lower and lower middle-income countries, and China does

not use per capita income as a criterion for disqualifying high income but vulnerable and underdeveloped Caribbean countries, from eligibility for loans and grants.

US Congress persons and US government policy makers should take these realities into account when they say, as they did to the US Trade Representative, “Economic prosperity and solidified trading relationships is slowing becoming a matter of national security.”

Caribbean countries do not regard the loans and other economic arrangements they have with China as a threat to US national security, and no member state of CARICOM has put any policies or programmes in place that affect US national security.

Indeed, CARICOM countries have remained faithful to importing goods and services from the US, even though US assistance and investment in the subregion has steadily declined.

Here are a few facts of which the 13 US Congress persons, who signed the 12

October letter, appear to be unaware. First, with the exception of Haiti (which for the US is a special case), the 14-nation independent states of the Caribbean Community have been at the bottom of US official development assistance for decades.

In 2019, for instance, total US foreign assistance globally was US$47 billion, of which all CARICOM countries received US$338 million or 0.7 percent.

For emphasis, that is less than one percent of the global total. Haiti alone received US$268 million of that US$338 million delivered to all 14 CARICOM states, leaving the other 13 to share US$70 million only. For 9 of the 13 countries, the sum provided did not amount to US$1 million.

On trade, the US remained the dominant trading partner of CARICOM states, enjoying a trade surplus of US$6.5 billion.

So, while it is factual that trade between Caribbean countries and China has increased in recent years, no trade in goods with

the US was displaced, and certainly no trade in services.

And, on foreign assistance to the region, if China is now delivering more to the Caribbean than the US, it should hardly be a matter of complaint by the US. A m o n g t h e references made about China is that its representatives use sharp practices in negotiating contracts with Caribbean countries which could lead to seizure of vital infrastructure should defaults occur on repayment of loans.

These references suggest that representatives of Caribbean countries lack the skill to negotiate contracts that are in their interest – an assertion most CARICOM governments would reject.

It also suggests that CARICOM countries have not encountered similar practices from other countries that have led to uneven contracts – the Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union collectively and each CARICOM country individually being a case in point.

What US policy makers should regard as undeniable is that China is giving more scholarships to Caribbean students to upgrade their knowledge and capacity than the US. In fact, the US poaches Caribbean doctors, nurses and teachers – trained at great expense by Caribbean taxpayers.

In the end, if the US continues this practice, they will have only themselves to blame if the Caribbean professionals and influencers of the future know China better than the US. To be sure, the 13 Congress persons who wrote to the USTR were more concerned about China's relationship with the bigger countries of Latin American than they were about the Caribbean.

The Caribbean is usually a forgotten appendage to Latin America among most US policy influencers, including its think-tanks.

It is that concern about loss of trade

Sir Ronald Sanders benefits and influence over Latin American markets that caused them to say, “We believe that it is of the highest priority for the US to keep its relationships strong with our neighbours in the Western Hemisphere. Before long, China will be significantly positioned to completely dominate We s t e r n H e m i s p h e r e economics, as China is already the top trading partner for practically all of Asia, Oceania, Eastern Europe, Africa and, as stated, most of South America.”

If China comes to d o m i n a t e We s t e r n Hemispheric economics, it will be because of a long period of US neglect and the slow process to recognising that the US must re-engage Latin America and the Caribbean in genuine cooperation and not with one-sided strategies that are long on words, but short on allocation and delivery of funds.

In any event, Latin American and Caribbean countries, concerned about improving their economies and advancing the social and economic conditions of their peoples, do not subscribe to a rivalry between China and the US in their region and hemisphere.

They would all declare that there is ample room for economic and other forms of mutually beneficial cooperation with both China and the US. (The writer is Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to the US and the OAS. He is also Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto.

The views expressed are his own) Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s : www.sirronaldsanders.com

Sunday October 17, 2021

Dear Reader, in light of the economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our publisher, with you in mind, has taken the decision to extend our weekly review of some of our major stories in their entirety.

SUNDAY GUYANA’S OIL SECTOR STILL WITHOUT 100 PLUS SAFEGUARDS RECOMMENDED

BY IMF, UNDP Over the last five years, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) and the World Bank have provided Guyana with advice on hundreds of safeguards it must have in place to insulate the oil sector from damning acts of corruption and opacity.

In spite of this, many of those safeguards are yet to be implemented. The IMF for example has been one of Guyana’s key partners in developing the technical capacity that is needed to properly govern the oil and gas sector. In addition to this, the financial institution has been at the forefront of highlighting many loopholes in Guyana’s oil deals as well as its legislative and regulatory framework, which can aid in mitigating significant value loss. In this regard, it has produced several reports between 2015 to now which offer critical recommendations that should be adopted. In spite of the prudent advice, it has offered in these documents, there has been no significant progress

by Guyana’s political leadership on this front.

For example, on numerous occasions, the IMF has appealed to Guyana to strengthen its petroleum fiscal regime through the revision of the Petroleum [Exploration and Production] Act 1986 (PEPA), the Petroleum [Exploration and Production] Regulations 1986, as well as other tax laws and sector regulations. The IMF has been keen to note that while the PEPA gives the government broad powers to grant petroleum prospecting and production licences, and to negotiate oil contracts, it is silent on processing and refining of petroleum products, pipelines and other modes of petroleum transportation, as well as how petroleum marketing arrangements are to be observed. In spite of this, the country has been pushing ahead with the marketing of

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its oil and plans to bring gas to shore.

Additionally, with regard to the lopsided oil deal, the IMF has expressed alarm over the opportunities Guyana gives ExxonMobil and its partners to be abusive in the way they add interests to its expenses, all of which would be recovered in full. Left unchecked, the IMF said that this can have a detrimental effect on the oil profits that would be left to share. In one of its reports, the IMF said it is a well-established industry norm to have limitations on how much interest can be charged and deducted on loans by oil companies.

Furthermore, it has noted that some countries disallow interest expenses or limit the amount of debt permitted for cost recovery purposes through caps.

Other countries, it advised, go the route of prescribing that interest may be deductible only on borrowing to fund development costs or a maximum percentage of such costs. Interest on loans to finance exploration is not allowed. Considering the dire consequences this loophole can have for Guyana, the IMF said it would be appropriate for Guyana to limit the amount of debt for cost recovery purposes or disallow interest expense altogether.

Further to this, the IMF has called on Guyana to close other fiscal loopholes in

existing Production Sharing Agreements; undertake a policy review of fiscal terms contained in existing PSAs to ensure that these are implemented appropriately, and assess areas of improvement for future investment; design a new generally applicable fiscal regime for upstream petroleum projects that increases the government take and limits the scope for individual negotiations; introduce a revised production sharing mechanism for new PSAs that provide the government with a higher share of profit oil as the profitability of projects’ increases; and publish a model PSA that includes the minimum fiscal terms accepted by the government for future contracts. The IMF has also called on Guyana to apply tighter ring-fencing arrangements to contracts so that oil companies would be unable to deduct the costs associated with exploring other wells or developing other projects from another field that is producing oil.

The foregoing represents a mere fraction of the IMF’s recommendations which the nation’s leaders have failed to implement, yet continue to tell the nation that every possible measure is being put in place to protect the oil sector.

UNDP RECOMMENDATIONS In response to a request

in 2016 to help Guyana arrive at good legal, regulatory, contractual and fiscal measures needed to keep corruption at bay, the United Nations Development Programme had commissioned an analysis to be done on the state of the nation’s governance systems.

The subsequent report on the review done was called “Rapid Analysis of the State of Readiness of Guyana’s Hydrocarbon Regulatory Framework.” It was produced

by Trinidadian energy strategist, Anthony Paul.

But, after four years of being in possession of this document, which proposes close to 100 critical recommendations on how Guyana must safeguard itself, nothing had been done.

That document, which was reported on for years by Kaieteur News, was keen to note that the requirements and expectations of government to manage the sector, especially when one considers the magnitude of the resources discovered, are enormous.

It notes that requests for new licences and exploration have accelerated, in spite of the drop in oil prices. In light of this, Paul noted in his analysis that reviewing, approving, and overseeing the implementation of the field development plans for oil projects and subsequent production will require very significant human and other resources.

Paul pointed out, however, that Guyana has a very limited capacity in this area, while adding that its laws, contracts and institutions are outdated and under-resourced to meet the demands of upcoming activities.

The industry expert was keen to note that improving the foundational components of the country’s petroleum governance system, that is to say, its legal and institutional frameworks are fundamental to managing oil money successfully. If the country fails in this regard, Paul noted that Guyana would be left wide open to risks of corruption and abuse as well as losing very significant value.

Among his many recommendations was a call for the frequent use of Guyana’s parliamentary sectoral committees on natural resources and economics. Paul stressed that these committees can be effective regulatory tools for the sector.

In capturing value, Paul said that Guyana needs to implement systems, which will allow it to make the proper decisions on various issues

such as the right rate of production and depletion of the resources, getting the best possible contract terms for Guyana, ensuring the actions of companies are done in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, and ensuring there is maximum capacity development among locals to enable their participation.

In managing revenue, the Trinidadian Strategist said that Guyana would also have to put mechanisms in place urgently, which will allow for the effective collection of all oil revenue due to the State, while ensuring that there is prudent spending by enhancing infrastructure, services and capacity for future sustainability along with ensuring savings for future generations.

Further to this, Paul was keen to note that the authorities of the day must make every effort to ensure that it is informing Guyanese of how and when they are making decisions about the oil resources. He said that it is required of the citizenry to make sure that these decisions are in their best interest.

He said, too, that Guyanese must demand that the government implements systems to ensure transparency and accountability for each institution tasked with spending the oil money and regulating industry performance.

Overall, Paul’s report highlights the need for Guyana to make urgent reforms, otherwise, the nation stands to lose billions more, and that is outside of what is already lost by way of the lopsided Stabroek Block deal.

MONDAY LOOPHOLE ALLOWS EXXON TO RELINQUISH 20% OF STABROEK BLOCK IN SEVEN YEARS, INSTEAD OF 75% – COMPANY NOW IN RACE AGAINST TIME TO LOCK IN MORE DISCOVERIES The Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) is often described by industry stakeholders as being replete with provisions that sell out the interest of present and future generations of Guyanese. One glaring example of this relates to the Relinquishment Provision. It speaks to the giving up of portions of the oil blocks over the ten-year exploration period.

During an invited comment, Attorney-at-Law and Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram lamented

that both the Coalition and the PPP/C Governments have utilised a loophole in the Petroleum Act to the benefit of ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC. Ram explained that the initial period of a prospecting licence is four years. Such licence is subject to two renewals of three years each.

Expounding further, the lawyer said, “The standard provision in the Petroleum Act is that on an application for first renewal at the end of the four years, the company is required to give up 50 percent of the blocks granted and on an application for the second renewal, which is at the end of seven years, it is required to give up 25 percent of the remaining concession.”

He added, “At the end of the 10 years, which brings you to the end of the third renewal period, the company has to give up all portions of the block not subject to a production licence…”

He noted that under normal circumstances, ExxonMobil would have been expected to follow the foregoing process. Instead, through the reckless abuse of the loophole in the law which obliges that the subject Minister can vary the relinquishment arrangements, no relinquishment is required after four years and only 20 percent after the end of seven years, compared with 75 percent in normal situations.

He was keen to note that the first person to utilise this loophole was Janet Jagan in the 1999 Pre-discovery Agreement and made worse under the 2012 model Agreement produced during the time of former President, Donald Ramotar and former Natural Resources Minister, Robert Persaud. But, the Chartered Accountant reserved his disgust with Trotman, Greenidge and Granger, the key players in the 2016 post-discovery Agreement and its relinquishment provisions.

Ram expressed the fear that with little oversight and undisclosed arrangements between ExxonMobil and the Government, the blocks to be given up in 2023 can be subject to any form of machination via production licences. ExxonMobil and its friends are pushing for more and more explorations licences so that by the time the first relinquishment is due in 2023, the 20% would be of a considerably reduced portion of the Stabroek Block.

To date, ExxonMobil has made over 20 discoveries in the Stabroek Block. It is also rushing to find more oil (Continued on page 22)

PAGE 22

From page 21 discoveries before the end of the year and no doubt before 2023.

PANDEMIC CAUSES SETBACK FOR CJIA EXPANSION COMPLETION The global COVID-19 pandemic has caused a setback in the completion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project. This is according to the Ministry of Finance’s 2021 Mid-Year report.

It was stated that while the modernisation of CJIA continues to be a priority on Government’s infrastructure agenda, there have been some setbacks in the progress of works due to the delays in the delivery of imported materials owing to the ongoing pandemic.

Also mentioned in the report, is that the Government has spent a total of $692M in the first half of 2021, to improve the country’s air transport infrastructure.

According to reports, the US$150M airport expansion project has faced several delays. The airport expansion contract was signed in 2011 under then President, Bharrat Jagdeo, and was passed through the truncated presidency of Donald Ramotar.

When the David Granger administration took over in 2015, it claimed that the very defective plan needed adjustments. Then Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, had said that upon assumption of office, the APNU+AFC administration had found that only seven percent of the works was completed, with claims for US$90M casting aspersions on the PPP/C’s management of the project.

Even with the substandard work, former Junior Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma, had revealed that the contractor spent more on certain aspects of the project than was laid out in the contract.

However, he had not shared whether the contractor spent more than the contract sum. Sharma had also said that the former APNU+AFC government would have decided whether to penalise the company for “breach of contract.”

The previous government had also said that it would not spend a cent more on the project, but that proved to be untrue, as a change order that was seen by this newspaper, indicated that the administration made at least one additional disbursement

Kaieteur News

of $6.8M for the “extra time delay and costs for the prolongation of the project” by 807 days.

The order also indicated that it was a payment, not for the first, but the third claim made by the contractor.

As the country awaits the completion of the project which falls way below expectations, taxpayers are still obligated to repay a loan of US$138M to China, which forms part of the contract sum.

Moreover, when questioned on the final costs for the airport expansion, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill had stated that the cost is still unknown, but was keen to note that the cost will not surpass US$200M. This publication had reported that four construction firms bided to execute rehabilitation works to the existing roof at CJIA. The procuring entity’s engineer estimate is pegged at some $23,223,375 for the project.

It was highlighted in the report that the procurement process has commenced for the construction of a new administration block at Timehri, and the Safety Data Collection and Processing System, and that the rehabilitation of the Timehri Control Tower will be done in the second half of the year.

TUESDAY RELINQUISHMENT PROVISION IN 2016 STABROEK BLOCK DEAL RECKLESS AND IRRESPONSIBLE – RAM Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram is of the firm conviction that the arrangement for relinquishment in the 2016 Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) is not only “reckless” but “absolutely irresponsible.”

Expounding on his perspective, Ram explained that the initial period of a prospecting licence is four years. Such licence is subject to two renewals of three years each.

The lawyer further noted that the standard provision in the Petroleum Act is that on an application for first renewal at the end of the four years, the company is required to give up 50 percent of the block granted and on an application for the second renewal, which is at the end of seven years, it is required to give up 25 percent of the remaining concession.

He added, “At the end of the 10 years, which brings you to the end of the third renewal period, the company has to give up all portions of

the block not subject to a production licence…”

He noted that under normal circumstances, ExxonMobil would have been expected to follow the foregoing process. “Instead, through the reckless abuse of the loophole in the law which obliges that the subject Minister can vary the relinquishment arrangements, no relinquishment is required after four years and only 20 percent after the end of seven years, compared with 75 percent in normal situations,” expressed Ram. He was keen to note that the first person to utilise this loophole was Janet Jagan in the 1999 Pre-discovery Agreement and made worse under the 2012 model Agreement produced during the time of former President, Donald Ramotar, and former Natural Resources Minister, Robert Persaud. But, the Chartered Accountant reserved his disgust with former Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman, former Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge, and former President, David Granger, the key players in the 2016 post-discovery Agreement and its relinquishment provisions.

The lawyer in concluding his viewpoint stated, “It is therefore completely reckless that we would give ExxonMobil such an arrangement after oil has been discovered and it is the reason why you are seeing this mad rush to explore for more oil regardless of the country’s capacity to manage the development and provide proper oversight.”

To date, ExxonMobil has made over 20 discoveries in the Stabroek Block. It is also rushing to find more oil

discoveries before the end of the year and no doubt before 2023.

GOVT. NOW BEGGING OIL COMPANIES TO HIRE SUGAR WORKERS The government has been pleading with oil and gas companies to hire workers who have been laid off by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

At least this was what the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, said on Sunday during an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI).

He was at time attending a career fair hosted by Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI) at the Uitvlugt Community Centre Ground.

He had told DPI that his government is encouraging companies in the oil industry to seek out areas that would allow persons who have been laid off by GuySuCo to be employed.

The fair currently being hosted by GYSBI, which began on Saturday at the Providence Stadium located on the East Bank of Demerara, is seeking to recruit 150 persons to work with the company.

Indar had stated that GYSBI had approached the government for advice on where it could look for workers to fill those spots.

The Minister said that he had told them that the best place to recruit persons is from the “catchment area” where GuySuCo had lost workers.

His exact words to the DPI were, “I said the catchment area is the best place, the catchment area where GuySuCo lost workers…because GuySuCo

Sunday October 17, 2021

lost a lot of technical persons, they had technical education, they had good worker welders, good mechanics, etc.”

He further stated that the reason his government has been encouraging the oil and gas companies to recruit laid off sugar workers is because “when they left GuySuCo, no other industry could help to absorb them so they were unemployed.”

Indar added that during his discussions with the executives of GYSBI, he had explained to them that the best welders in the country are from GuySuCo and they along with machine operators and mechanics were pushed out of the sugar industry and had no place to work.

The Minister continued that these laid off sugar workers are the ones that the oil companies can employ and train to work in the sector because it is much easier for them to make the transition.

It should be noted that Minister Indar is not the first government official to highlight that efforts were being made to negotiate with oil companies to employ the severed workers from the sugar industry.

The Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, had stated during a recent visit to Region Six that prospective employers from the oil sector have expressed their need for “several hundred” persons to be employed and there has been discussions with them to employ these laid off workers from GuySuCo. “They need several hundreds of people employed but we are not getting the people to train, and they want people basically from Region Four, maybe closer, Three.

Right now, there is an

industrialisation process in the Demerara River because you have a lot of shore based facilities being built, an industrial area that require a lot of workers and we have already started working on the project,” he had said.

Four of the main sugar estates, Wales, Skeldon, Rose Hall and Enmore were closed in 2018 by the previous administration and at least 7000 workers were sent home.

One of the reasons given by the Coalition for the closure of the estates was that the sugar industry was not making money and they had to be closed as a major costcutting exercise.

When this government took power in August 2020, it started off by trying to revitalise the sugar industry – a promise in its manifesto.

A large part of this year’s budget was also injected into the sector with the hopes of making it profitable again.

However, the recent midyear report that was recently released revealed that the industry has declined by 22.4 percent for the first half of the year and by the end of this year, it is projected to have an overall decline by 10.4 percent.

The government has since stated that major floods earlier this year are to be blamed for this significant lost.

WEDNESDAY GUYANAPRODUCED 20.2M BARRELS OF OIL AT HALFYEAR The Bank of Guyana noted in its latest half year Report that the nation’s oil and gas industry recorded crude oil production of 20.2 (Continued on page 23)

Sunday October 17, 2021

From page 22 million barrels, reflecting an increase of 65.4 percent from the corresponding period last year. The Central Bank further noted that there was a monthly average output per day ranging from as low as 84,026 barrels due to a malfunction of the gas compressor on the Liza Destiny vessel, which then surpassed its nameplate capacity at over 124,941 barrels during the review period.

Guyana’s Central Bank was keen to note that this performance averaged 4.1 percent higher than the 120,000 barrels per day target, during the first quarter, but was 30.0 percent lower in the second quarter.

It was also noted that the petroleum and gas industry saw an increase in oil prices due to higher net demand as major oil producing countries limit supply to world markets, while demand increased from the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in developed countries. The financial institution said this move is intended to help oil prices recover after the drastic decline one year earlier.

With the foregoing in mind, the Central Bank said crude export earnings amounted to US$1.3B, or US$858.2 million higher than the same period one year ago.

Additionally, the nation’s Central Bank stated that the average export price received for crude oil increased by 84.9 percent or US$29.74 to US$64.78 per barrel from US$35.04 per barrel one year ago. This factor it noted also resulted in the increase in export earnings.

In conclusion, Bank of Guyana said it is optimistic that the high level of growth achieved in the first half of the year will be sustained in the second half, while adding that this outturn is expected on account of higher output of oil coupled with improved performance in all other sectors, as the economy

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continues to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.

GUYANA’S EXTERNAL DEBT STOCK STANDS AT US$1.3 BILLION Guyana’s outstanding stock of external debt grew by 2.6 percent to US$1,355 million from the endDecember 2020 level. This is according to Bank of Guyana’s latest report on the nation’s economic performance at half year.

The Central Bank said that the increase resulted mainly from higher multilateral debt owed to the InterAmerican Development Bank (IADB) and the International Development Association (IDA). Expounding further, the Central Bank said that obligations to the IADB and IDA rose by 8.5 percent and 3.7 percent to US$599 million and US$94 million, respectively, from endDecember 2020. The financial institution said this outcome reflected an increase in disbursements of US$50 million and US$2 million from the respective institutions.

Further notes on the external debt stock were also found in the latest half-year Report produced by the Ministry of Finance. In that document, it was noted that the foregoing disbursements were made under two loans geared at combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.

With respect to obligations to the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Bank of Guyana said this declined by 2.6 percent to US$146 million from US$149 million at end-2020.

Furthermore, it was noted that total bilateral obligations, which accounted for 33.5 percent of total external debt, amounted to US$453 million, 2.1 percent lower than the end-December 2020 level.

Bank of Guyana said this outcome was on account of lower disbursements from bilateral creditors during the first half of 2021.

Additionally, it was stated that debt obligations to the EximBank of China, which accounts for 53.3 percent of bilateral debt and 17.8 percent of total external debt, declined by 1.8 percent to US$242 million. The financial institution said this outcome reflected lower disbursements from China, coupled with higher debt servicing during the review period. As for debt obligations to Venezuela and Kuwait, this declined by 2.8 percent and 8.8 percent to US$102 million and US$21 million, respectively. In the case of Venezuela, the bank said payments were placed in an account but not disbursed due to sanctions.

The Central Bank was also keen to note that debt obligations to commercial banks amounted to US$16 million, down from US$17 million, at the end-December 2020, while adding that obligations to multilateral creditors which accounted for 64.2 percent of total external public debt, increased by 2.6 percent to US$870 million.

Kaieteur News understands that the external debt stock is projected to increase by 3.9 percent from its mid-year position to US$1.4B at the end of 2021.

According to the Ministry of Finance, this is mainly driven by disbursements under several IDB funded projects.

THURSDAY VP JAGDEO PROMISES TO LOOK AT INSURANCE FOR OIL SPILL As the government continues its review of key documentation related to ExxonMobil’s fourth Stabroek Block Project called Yellowtail, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has assured that securing insurance in the event of an oil spill remains a high priority for the government.

The local oil czar made this disclosure during his presentation this week at the national stakeholder consultation aimed at updating Guyana’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ahead of the convening of the United Nations (UN) COP26 summit.

While Jagdeo noted that insurance coverage remains an issue of concern, he did not clarify if Guyana would ensure this is obtained from the parent companies and not the subsidiaries which hardly keep any assets. This was one of the major blunders of the former regime with previous projects for ExxonMobil being: Liza Phase One, Liza Phase Two and

Payara.

Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Kemraj Parsram, had previously told Kaieteur News that the issues surrounding full coverage insurance from the parent companies of the Stabroek Block are still being examined but no word has been disclosed on the progress of these discussions thus far.

In the meantime, Jagdeo has said that the government is determined to ensure the evolution of obligations regarding the protection of the environment when permits are granted to ExxonMobil going forward.

ABOUT THE YELLOWTAILPROJECT According to Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL— ExxonMobil’s subsidiary) project summary, the Yellowtail development is located in the eastern portion of the Stabroek Block, approximately 200 km from Georgetown and southeast of the Stabroek Projects. EEPGL said it is expected to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day by 2025. Production from this project is expected to last at least 20 years.

The production facilities to be installed include subsea equipment attached to the seafloor as well as processing equipment on the ocean’s surface known as a Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

The subsurface equipment is expected to be installed at approximately 1,700 – 1,950 m of water depth. The main pieces of kit in the subsurface include the following:

production tree, production manifold, flowlines, risers, and umbilicals.

The subsurface umbilicals, risers, and flowlines are commonly referred to as SURF. Building on the previous Stabroek Projects, EEPGL said Yellowtail would be designed to demonstrate continuous improvement in environmental performance.

EEPGL in this regard said it routinely strives to make improvements in environmental performance through emissions controls, technology enhancements and process improvements.

Expounding further, the subsidiary said in 2020, the FPSO Liza Destiny experienced unanticipated technical challenges and unplanned gas flaring during its start-up and commissioning process.

As a result of the foregoing, EEPGL said it conducted comprehensive root-cause analyses of these issues and evaluated potential improvements to gas handling systems, sparing philosophy and execution procedures. The company assured the EPA that it plans to take significant steps to incorporate the lessons learned from the commissioning of the Liza Destiny into future projects, including Yellowtail.

EPA PROCESSING OVER 2,500 RESIDENTIAL POLLUTION COMPLAINTS The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has received over 2,500

complaints from residents as it relates to pollution and noise nuisance in various neighbourhoods across Guyana.

Head of the EPA’s Complaints Unit and Senior Environmental Officer, Surjpaul Singh, made the disclosure during the October edition of “The Environment Matters” on Monday. The programme is broadcast on Facebook and YouTube once monthly.

During the programme, Singh revealed that the majority of the complaints surround the issue of odour nuisances from poultry and livestock businesses, along with dust and fumes from furniture and spray-painting workshops.

“Some major types of complaints that we receive at the agency are basically odour nuisances from poultry-rearing operations or livestock operations. We also receive a lot regarding dust and fumes from furniture workshops, spray-painting workshops, auto body/ mechanic shops, and noise also from bars and religious places,” he said.

The EPA officer listed Region Four at the top of the list of hot spot areas for pollution. “We receive a lot of complaints about drainage and dumping of garbage and so on from Region Four,” Singh said.

He noted that the other hotspots are Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Region Three Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Given that the complaints coming to the agency are scattered across the country, Singh said that the EPA has to craft a strategic plan in order to tackle these complaints. He noted that, in this regard, partnerships with other stakeholder agencies are essential.

He explained, “We need partnerships with other agencies to resolve these complaints 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. However, most of these complaints still come to the agency, so after that whole realisation about partnership with particularly the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, we have reached out to them and we are doing a series of engagements. We are reaching out to the Regional Democratic Council [RDC] and Neighbourhood Democratic Council [NDC] to (Continued on page 24)

PAGE 24

From page 23 let them know their role in sorting out these issues.”

Singh explained that the Local Government Act as well as the Public Ordinance empowers the Region as well as the NDCs to deal with environmental matters within their locale but they have not been doing so.

At present, the EPA officer said that the agency has been left to group its complaints according to district to minimise the amount of work left on the shoulders of the agency.

“So if we have complaints from East Coast of Demerara, we look from Georgetown to Mahaica/ Mahaicony, we look at all those complaints within that range, and we go out, do our investigation.

Then we come back, do our reporting, then recommendations are made to the polluters to minimise the harm,” he said.

As it relates to dealing with the polluters, Singh revealed that the EPA looks at ways in which it cooperates with the businesses and individuals before any serious action is taken.

He noted that most times, polluters are given time to comply with their order and reduce the amount of harm done to the environment.

“Our first move is never to shut down businesses…our first approach is to work along with businesses to make sure they are in compliance with the recommended mitigation measures,” Singh posited.

The EPA official noted that follows-ups are conducted to inquire as to whether the recommendations were being adhered to, or put into practice. Singh stated that when these measures are continually ignored, then action is taken by the agency to remedy such.

“We could have legal actions brought against you – our Act speaks about a prohibition notice, whereby if you are not in compliance with our regulations or measures that are prescribed to you, the agency can issue a prohibition notice to you or a cessation order, meaning they can cease your operation,” he asserted.

FRIDAY GOVT. LAUNCHES PROBE INTO EXXONMOBIL’S US$18M SIGNING BONUS – SAYS CHARGES TO FOLLOW SOON AGAINST EXFINANCE MINISTER Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, disclosed Thursday

Sunday October 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

that an investigation will be launched into the controversial US$18M signing bonus that the previous Coalition administration received from ExxonMobil back in 2016 and placed into a special account at the Bank of Guyana.

In a video posted on one of the social media pages of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government, Nandlall noted that the role of the former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, would be examined, since he had denied that the Coalition ever received the money. It was only after same was exposed in the media that the former Minister eventually admitted to its receipt and existence. Nandlall disclosed that the files regarding the case will be handed over to the Guyana Police Force with charges against Jordan likely to follow soon.

Following this announcement by the Legal Affairs Minister, Jordan issued a statement to the effect that any insinuation that he was involved in any nefarious transaction concerning the signing bonus is utterly untrue.

The former Finance Minister said, “These allegations are false, baseless and repugnant. As on a previous occasion, circa November 2020, I say without fear that they are designed to impugn my character, tarnish my image and lower my esteem in the eyes of my family, friends, admirers, wellwishers and the general public. Moreover, they are intended to intimidate me, in light of my scathing criticism of the government’s approach to development of my beloved country. I cannot and will not be intimidated.”

Jordan categorically stated that during his time as Finance Minister, he performed his duties in compliance with the oath of his office and to the best of his abilities. “This I have done in my over 35 years of public service, in various capacities. I have consulted with my lawyers on this latest attempt to malign me in public, and we have agreed on a certain course of action. Aluta continua!” concluded the economist in his statement to the media.In December 2020, Kaieteur News reported that every cent of the US$18M signing bonus Guyana received when it penned the 2016 agreement with petro giant, ExxonMobil, was spent by the A Partnership For National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) regime.The Auditor General (AG), Deodat Sharma, made this disclosure in his 2019 report. In that document, he

Representatives of CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited handing over the cheque to UG’s Vice-Chancello XI, Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin stated that the US$18M Guyana received was deposited into the Finance Ministry’s ExxonMobil Account ¹. 845L5086, at the Bank of Guyana.

The Bank, he explained, maintained a “Cash and Investment Accounts,” to independently account for earnings accumulated from investments. The report outlined that during November 9-17, 2016, the sum of US$15.831 million was transferred to that very account and later expended to purchase overseas bonds.

The balance of US$2.176 million or G$449 million remained in the country’s Investment Account.

Later on, the report said, Guyana earned interest of US$498,775 from its investments between November 9, 2016 to December 31, 2018, while the interest from the Investment Account totaled US$2,889.

On December 28, 2018, the Finance Ministry was said to have instructed the Bank to transfer US$3.780 million from the Investment Account to Guyana’s Consolidated Fund.

This was done on December 31, 2018, leaving a balance of US$112,480 in the account.

The Auditor General noted too that in January 2019, the value of the investments appreciated to US$14.545 million, while the interest earned on the Investment Account rose to US$42,378. He pointed out that the Ministry then instructed the Bank in January of 2019 to close the ExxonMobil Account ¹.

845L5086 and transfer all balances to the Consolidated Fund.

“In keeping with the

directive of the Ministry, an amount of G$3.065 billion or US$14.699 million was transferred to the Fund on January 24, 2019,” the AG highlighted, noting that a final transfer of G$104,867 or US$502.96 was made on February 14, 2019 “resulting in nil balances in the account.”

The Bank then closed the accounts in February 2019.

That transfer occurred before the High Court had ruled that the December 21, 2018 No-Confidence Motion was validly passed.

It was only after intense pressure from the media, that the Coalition Government headed by former President Granger revealed that it had, indeed, received the signing bonus from ExxonMobil at the time of inking the 2016 Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

Before that there was silence.

MAN CAUGHT ON CAMERA STEALING SLEEPING GUARD’S GUN CAPTURED Kaieteur News has been able to confirm that police have arrested a suspect they believe was the one caught on CCTV camera stealing a gun from a sleeping security guard.

The man was reportedly arrested Thursday after police found the stolen weapon, along with matching ammunition, in his possession at a location in Campbellville.

Police have related that the captured man also fits the description of a man jumping the fence of a property in the city during the wee hours of Wednesday, and stealing a

firearm that was located in a chair next to the sleeping guard.

The video showed that the man “tip-toed” to where the weapon was, picked up the gun, and quietly walked to the fence and escaped.

Kaieteur News understands that the security guard awoke sometime later and could not find his weapon. He reported the matter to his superiors, who then began to investigate the disappearance of the weapon.

STABROEK BLOCK PARTNER FUNDS 18 UG SCHOLARSHIPS; HALF GOINGTO AMERINDIAN STUDENTS ExxonMobil’s partner in the Stabroek Block, CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited (CPGL) disclosed Thursday that it will be funding 18 scholarships for Professional Executive Energy Training at the University of Guyana’s Institute for Energy Diplomacy (UGIED).

This initiative is said to be part of the UGIED’s aim to deliver energy up-skilling in line with local content requirements, and CPGL’s long-term commitment to help develop the technical capacity of Guyana and its people.

The 18 scholarships, to be coordinated by the Institute of Energy Diplomacy, will enable individuals from remote areas of Guyana to undertake upskilling in Energy Economics, Finance, Management, and Law. According to a statement to the press, 9 of the 18 scholarships are being

awarded to applicants from the Amerindian tribes and areas outside of the Georgetown area. Kaieteur News understands that this is in keeping with a fundamental aim of CNOOC International’s Corporate Social Responsibility policy to support the education, training, and development of Indigenous communities locally and internationally.

The grant was presented by the President of CNOOC Mr. Liu Xiaoxiang at the company’s Georgetown office and received by the Founding Director of UGIED, Mr. Alex Armogan; UG’s ViceChancellor XI. Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin; and Director of UG’s Berbice Campus, Prof. Subramanian Gomalthinayagam.

At the handing over ceremony, President Liu remarked, “This signal of support is the beginning of a long-term partnership and a relationship between CPGL and the University of Guyana. We view these scholarships in alignment with our philosophy of teaching our Guyanese counterparts how to fish. We envision that this programme will continue to grow.”

UG’s Vice-Chancellor XI, Mohamed Martin, in expressing appreciation to CNOOC underscored “the great significance the University attaches to international and partner support in helping the national University meet its enormous mandate of rapidly supporting the creation of the talent needed to fulfill local content mandates”. This kind of support she said not only supports the national thrust, (Continued on page 29)

Sunday October 17, 2021

From page 24 but allows more of the people to get involved more quickly, so that they can begin to benefit from the industry.

Alex Armogan, the Founding Director of UGIED, underscored the importance of establishing a long-term, sustainable relationship between CPGL and UGIED to educate and prepare local students for jobs in the nation’s oil and gas industry.

The Institute for Energy Diplomacy launched its Professional Executive Training in June 2021 and currently offers courses in Oil and Gas Value Chain, Energy Markets, Crude Oil Trading, and Energy Transport and Shipping. UGIED’s portfolio of courses is expected to expand with additions in Oil and Gas Project Planning and Management, Energy Project Investment and Finance, and Oil and Gas Contract Law and Negotiations, among others.

The University’s Energy Executive courses are 100% online and taught over two weeks by internationally respected experts and academics.

SATURDAY DRAFT LOCAL CONTENT LAW PROPOSES GUYANESE PARTICIPATION IN 152 OIL SECTOR SERVICES The Government’s Draft Local Content 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 subcontractor are expected to comply with the sliding scale targets for the respective sectors.

Under Petroleum Agreements, the government is proposing 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

Kaieteur News

be made of 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 with locals accounting for 20 percent at start up and climbing to 50 percent in 10 years. Here again, all unskilled workers for 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 this for companies now 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 the provision of 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 this 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 services, With respect to health, safety and environmental services, the draft legislation is proposing to have 95 percent to 100 percent of the security, firefighting, electrical, equipment brokerage, vessel tank cleaning, catering, laundry, offshore medical and

support, and industrial cleaning services be done 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 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 Non-Destructive 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.

19-YEAR-OLD DIES AFTER BEING STABBED

BY BANDIT DURING ROBBERY A nineteen-year-old man was Friday 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.

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THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Service and the state: Theorising about post-colonial Guyana A

nyone who lived in Europe would know that service is natural, automatic and pleasing. Anyone who lived in the post-colonial world as in a country named Guyana would know service hardly exists and when it exists it is ugly, grotesque and contemptuously delivered.

How does one explain the willingness of the state in capitalist, liberal bourgeois Europe to provide service and the sadistic nature of service in the post-colonial world?

Please note, my example has to be Guyana since I have limited experience in the Third World (TW).

This column is simply brief explanatory notes.

There can be no elaboration because this analysis here is a newspaper column.

For example, both Guyana and Barbados were colonial subjects. But service in Barbados is exemplary for a TW country while in Guyana recipients of service are reminiscent of how slaves were treated.

Briefly, this has to do with the evolution of the economy in both countries. Barbados' fulcrum rests on tourism.

Tourism is a service industry.

Barrington Moore Jr. in one of the Social Sciences' most valued scholarly books, “The Economic Origins of D e m o c r a c y a n d Dictatorship” argued that how a society evolves and what it becomes depends on class relationships. It is this central issue of relations among classes that determined the nature of service in Europe and the TW countries.

The sovereign state in Europe emerged out of the military wars that ended the Thirty Years War in 1648 with the Treaty of Westphalia thereby creating the European nation state.

War played an essential role as to how the state was shaped in the sovereign nation and how leadership saw their subjects.

Since the nation-state was born out of war, monarchs and rulers endowed a special gratitude on the citizenry because it was the citizenry that brought about the nation-state through their courage in war.

In other words, after the creation of the sovereign state there was less class antagonism the opposite of

which occurred after the end of colonialism.

Thomas Hobbes, the great English philosopher, contributed in a critical way with his writings to the shape of the state after 1648.

Hobbes's social contract appeared ironic because he argued for a strong, allpowerful leader but his theory had implication for the process of service.

Hobbes advocated a social contract in which the Leviathan will be allpowerful but the contract can only last if the Leviathan protects the citizenry.

Hobbes argued that if the Leviathan fails to do so then he broke the contract.

The Leviathan then saw service to his subjects as his survival mechanism. This explains why the state throughout the centuries placed should strong emphasis on service.

In contrast, anticolonialism was not a military movement against the European empires.

Even in India, Yemen and Algeria, the agitations did not lead to wars. In most situations, the colonial empires were willing to leave because World War 2 had

literally devastated their economies.

Whereas the rulers were grateful for the subjects' participation in the Thirty Years War thus lessening class antagonism, after the demise of colonialism, the middle classes that inherited the Whiteman's power showed no such gratitude because there were no anticolonial wars that were fought. Class confrontation then ensued as we saw in Guyana between Burnham and Rodney.

The middle class inherited two evils from colonial rule that took over their psyche and their rule was similar to the colonial master.

Colonial rule was a predatory system with three designs – extract resources; use military power for constant subjugation; offer little service so that the subjects would spend all their time trying to make ends meet and would not have

time to think of revolution.

Post-colonial Guyana under Burnham was a Frederick Kissoon militaristic state. It was the Pakistani thinker who st c o i n e d t h e t e r m at “Overdeveloped State” e as a service-provider. meaning the colonials had to Emphasis was on state preserve a large, security security. state to keep the local in There was service under check. The over-developed the colonial state but it was s t a t e r e m a i n e d a f t e r narrow and specific – service Burnham. to the colonial elites.

Former Guyanese The broader society had professor, Ken Danns, noted no experience – whether that one in every four persons private sector or local belonged to a military administrators – as to the o r g a n i s a t i o n u n d e r precious role the state should Burnham's rule. play in providing service to After Independence, citizens. 55 years after service delivery was no Independence, whether in the different as when the state sector or in the colonials governed. You see, c o r p o r a t e s p h e r e , n o under colonialism service employer or governmental was never developed to the boss knows what service point where the local means in Guyana. politicians understood its (The views expressed in importance. Post-colonial this article are those of the governance then did not a u t h o r a n d d o n o t place special emphasis on the necessarily reflect the

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Sunday October 17, 2021

Guyanese assured Miami Int'l Airport safe, efficient for passengers, cargo G

uyanese can be assured that using the Miami International Airport (MIA) is safe and efficient for both passengers and for cargo.

The assurance was conveyed to Prime Minister Mark Phillips on October 8 when his visiting delegation was given a detailed presentation on the operations of the facility by its top management.

The visit to the international airport was organised by the Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) which has identified the airport as a key facility for passengers and cargo bound to and from Guyana. And the figures support that conclusion with US$115,383,166 worth of cargo passing through the f a c i l i t y l a s t y e a r, t h e pandemic notwithstanding.

In his presentation to the visiting delegation, which included Guyana's Tourism, Industry and Trade Minister O n e i d g e Wa l r o n d a n d Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal, Chief of Aviation Marketing, Jim Nares, disclosed that Guyana is number 30 on the list of countries with the most cargo utilising the facility with 3,384 tons recorded for 2020.

The airport is listed as number one in the US for handling perishable cargo.

The top five exports by weight from Guyana that were processed at MIA last

year, according to Nares were fish, pet/show animals, minerals, raw grains and cooking oil/fats while the top exports to Guyana were i n d u s t r i a l m a c h i n e r y, telecoms equipment, computers and computer accessories, scientific instruments and aviation parts.

In terms of dollar-value the top imports into the US from Guyana utilising the airport last year were gold jewellery and gems.

While no data was available for the number of passengers, passenger traffic to and from Guyana is not insignificant among the 49.5 million people that travelled via MIA in 2019, down to 19 million in 2020 due to the pandemic.

In offering the assurance of passenger safety, Nares said MIA was one of the first airports in the US to install state-of-the art 3D CT scanners.

There are 53 passenger a n d 4 1 c a rg o a i r l i n e s operating out of MIA.

“MIA is the largest and best suited gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America and we are embarked on a five billion dollar capital modernisation programme over the next five to 15 years,” Nunes told his audience which included Guyana's Honorary Consul in Florida, Ramzan Roshanali, executives of the GACC and executive chairman of Demerara Distilleries Limited (DDL), Komal Samaroo.

In welcoming the Prime Minister and other participants at the briefing, the airport's Director of Protocol and International Affairs, Desmond Alufohai, pointed to the strategic importance of MIA to Guyana as its economy continues to expand rapidly and the private sectors in both countries heighten their trade relations.

In his opening remarks, President of the GACC, Wesley Kirton, said that the Chamber requested the briefing for the visiting

delegation so that the Guyana government could get an onthe-spot indication of the operations of the airport which is most critical to Guyana's trade relationship with the US. Prime Minister Phillips in his address to participants pointed to Guyana's heightened development activities in several sectors including oil and gas and emphasised the importance of efficient and cost-effective logistics.

He said the timeliness of the delivery of supplies is key to ensuring projects are completed on schedule and within budget.

He also underscored the importance of perishables exported from Guyana being handled in keeping with the requirements so as to avoid spoilage and financial losses to farmers in Guyana.

The Prime Minister said he was pleased to learn of all the mechanisms in place such as the joint command systems for emergency response, the facilities required for the proper handling and security of vaccines especially as Guyana and the rest of CARICOM seek to effectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the state of the art scanners which would prevent any terrorist activity from utilising the aviation sector.

He expressed confidence that with such measures in place, Guyanese passengers and the business community in both countries enjoy a satisfying level of comfort in utilising the airport.

The briefing also heard presentations from Mark Hatfield, Assistant Aviation

Prime Minister Mark Phillips was recently honoured in the United States.

Director, Public Safety and Security; Capt. Patrick Lewis, Miami-Dade Fire rescue Airport Operations; and Humberto Perez, MiamiDade Police Department.

The visitors were the honoured guests at a reception hosted by MIA in the Consular Lounge at the airport. (GACC feature)

Sunday October 17, 2021

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COVID-19: This pandemic has exposed our vulnerability to mass hysteria

By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt Medical Center

I

have mentioned before, that this pandemic has exposed our weaknesses as a species and it worries me to see how primitive our thought processes are becoming in these “modern times”.

Misinformation is now easier to spread and be accepted by masses leading to confusion and retaliation.

From the inception, I saw how misinformation caused panic and led to poor decision making and it's one of the main reasons why I have tried my best to gather data for myself and share with everyone in this weekly column. I recently came across a well written paper online titled “COVID-19 and the political economy of mass hysteria” which reinforced the point of the failures of society from mass hysteria during this pandemic. It highlighted how vulnerable we are to misinformation and how various sources have used this fact to their advantage and caused unnecessary confusion that has exploded during this pandemic. It is

worth reading when you have the time.

What is mass hysteria In mass hysteria, people of a group start to believe that they may be exposed to something dangerous, such as a virus or a poison.

They believe a threat to be real because someone says so, or because it fits their experience. Due to the threatening delusion, a large group of people gets collectively very upset.

In other words, a threat, whether real or imaginary, causes collective anxiety.

Persons may mimic symptoms from the perceived threat or may react untowardly to it. All it takes is for someone to trigger a mass effect by making people believe in a delusion.

The more popular the delusion, the likelier it will be believed by the masses.

What happened during the pandemic At the start of the pandemic, the majority of the world was in fear and went into lockdown.

Social interaction

decreased and many resorted to electronic media for interaction and information.

As soon as there was a new development, the trend was to share it all around so that others can be kept updated with what was happening all over. A new norm was starting where the electronic media had become the main source of interaction and data sharing.

Many took advantage of this a n d t h e a g e o f misinformation began.

Persons were likelier to view or listen to information that looked or sounded “fantastic” whether it was true or not.

Vaccines that were known as life savers were now killers, masks which were used for protection were now dangerous to have on and experts were now ignored for a social media post from a “trending' nonmedical expert.

How you can avoid becoming a victim of mass hysteria The shortest answer is be careful with where and who

you get your data from.

Do not be the innocent reader of social media headlines as it will slowly wear you down and make a “believer” out of you.

A story has two sides; get the facts from both sides and then make a decision for yourself instead of depending on others to do it for you.

Getting facts can be difficult sometimes so consult with more than one trusted expert in the field before drawing a conclusion.

Social media is often not the best medium to obtain accurate information from.

And always remember, the popular decision is not always the right one.

How I tried to keep an independent thought process Patient zero taught me a lot as it made me realise how unprepared we all were.

I left work that day dejected but knowing that I had to be more prepared and I couldn't depend on anyone or any agency. While we were all standing on the same ground, there were so many different views when it came to COVID-19.

I have worked hard since to comb through the evidence to try to get the best information on COVID-19 as they came out.

I can remember being unpopular many times as some of my decisions were not in line with that of altruistic agencies that many followed. The virus being airborne, mask wearing, early treatment with proven medications were facts that I gathered early and practiced but were unpopular at the time. I didn't budge as I knew the science behind these facts and knew that there were no experts on COVID-

19 that I can rely on.

It's now close to two years and COVID-19 is still having its way with most of the world. But it is not because we do not know how to fight it; it is because we continue to allow misinformation to get the better of us.

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Sunday October 17, 2021

Poverty index reveals stark inequalities among ethnic groups -UNDP - in 2019 51,000 people in Guyana were classified as vulnerable to multidimensional poverty

D

isparities in multidimension al poverty among ethnic groups are consistently high across many countries and in nine ethnic groups, more than 90 percent of the population is t r a p p e d i n p o v e r t y, according to new analysis on global multidimensional poverty released on October 7, 2021.

T h e G l o b a l Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) produced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) measures poverty by considering various deprivations experienced by people in their daily lives, including poor health, insufficient education and a low standard of living.

The report examines the level and composition of multidimensional poverty across 109 countries covering 5.9 billion people and presents an ethnicity/race/caste disaggregation for 41 countries with available information, including Guyana.

The report finds, that in some cases, disparities in multidimensional poverty across ethnic and racial groups are greater than disparities across geographical sub-national regions.

Indeed, when the MPI is disaggregated by ethnic group, the range in values is greater than that across all 109 countries and all other disaggregation tested.

It also shows how, within a country, multidimensional poverty among different ethnic groups can vary immensely.

For example, the difference in the percentage of people who are multidimensionally poor across ethnic groups is more than 70 percentage points in Gabon a n d N i g e r i a .

In Latin America, indigenous peoples are among the poorest.

For instance, in Bolivia indigenous communities account for about 44 percent of the population but represent 75 percent of multi-dimensionally poor people.

In Guyana, Amerindians account for 10.51 percent of the population but represent 63 percent of the multidimensionally poor.

This finding resonates with a recent concern expressed by His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, when he assured Indigenous Leaders in Region Nine that his Government will “invest more in Amerindian communities because there is a gap between you and the other communities in this country” and that this gap will be bridged.

The multi-dimensional analysis also maps out next steps. The MPI combines the incidence and the intensity of poverty. For example, the two poorest ethnic groups in Gambia – the Wollof and the Sarahule – have roughly the same MPI value, but their deprivations differ, suggesting different policy actions are needed to reduce multidimensional poverty.

An intra-household analysis of multi-dimensional poverty focused on gender is also included.

Worldwide about twothirds of multidimensionally poor people (836 million) live in households where no woman or girl completed at least six years of schooling. Onesixth of all multidimensionally poor people (215 million) live in households in which at least one boy or man has completed six or more years of schooling but no girl or woman has.

The report also finds that women and girls living in multi-dimensional poverty a r e a t h i g h e r risk of intimate partner violence. Worldwide, across 109 countries and 5.9 billion people: 1.3 billion people are multi-dimensionally poor.

About half (644 million) are children under age 18.

Nearly 85 percent live in Sub-Saharan Africa (556 million) or South Asia (532 million).

More than 67 percent live in middle-income countries.

In Guyana, based on 2019/2020 data: 1.7 percent of the population (13 thousand people in 2019) are multi-dimensionally poor.

6.5 percent of the population

(51 thousand people in 2019) are classified as vulnerable to multidimensional poverty.

The intensity of deprivations, which is the average deprivation score among people living in multidimensional poverty, is 38.8 percent.

The MPI value is 0.007, in comparison Belize and Suriname have MPI values o f 0 . 0 1 7 a n d 0 . 0 11 , respectively.

But what is the day-today reality of life for multidimensionally poor people?

The data paint a grim picture: 1 billion are exposed to solid cooking fuels, another billion live with inadequate sanitation and another billion have substandard housing.

788 million live in a household with at least one undernourished person.

568 million lack improved drinking water within a 30minute round trip walk.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has eroded development progress around the world, and we are still grappling to understand its full impacts,” says Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator. “ T h i s y e a r ' s Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) reminds us of the need for a complete picture of how people are being affected by poverty, who they are and where they live, if we are to build forward better from this crisis and design effective responses that leave no one behind.”

T h o u g h multidimensional poverty remains high, there were encouraging signs of progress in some countries, at least until the onset of COVID-19.

Of the 80 countries and five billion people for which there is data over time, 70 reduced MPI in at least one period, with the fastest changes coming from Sierra Leone (2013–2017), f o l l o w e d b y To g o (2013/2014–2017). Some countries saw the fastest absolute reductions in their poorest regions—helping to fulfill their pledge to leave no one left behind. These areas include North Central i n L i b e r i a (2013–2019/2020) and Province 2 in Nepal ( 2 0 1 6 – 2 0 1 9 ) .

“Achieving a future where all people enjoy core capabilities they value and have reason to value, requires the global community to fix the structural inequalities that oppress and hinder progress.

D i s a g g r e g a t i n g multidimensional poverty data by ethnicity, race, caste and exploring gendered and intra-household patterns unmasks disparities and forms a vital guide to policymakers to leave no one behind in the last decade for action” says Sabina Alkire, Director of OPHI at the University of Oxford.

While complete data on

COVID-19's impacts on the MPI are not yet available, the pandemic has exposed cracks in social protection systems, education, and workers' vulnerability around the world.

These cracks, the report shows, are deepest in countries with higher levels of multi-dimensional poverty. For instance, millions of children around the world stopped attending school during the pandemic but that disruption of formal education was more prevalent in higher MPI countries.

In Zambia for example, the difference between the

UNDP Administrator, Achim Steiner

share of households with children attending school before the pandemic and those who participated in teacher-assisted learning during the pandemic was around 80 percentage points.

Experiences from past health emergencies suggest that many of these children may never go back to school.

(Access full data and publication, including Guyana specific Country Note, Statistical Data and Disaggregation by Ethnic Groups: http://hdr.undp.org/en/2021 - m p i a n d https://ophi.org.uk/multidim ensional-poverty-index/)

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 17, 2021

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>>> ENCOURAGING EVENTS, DISTURBING DEVELOPMENTS <<<

CSEC and CAPE, $1.2B for ICT, street robbers and police rapists

By GHK Lall

T

he encouraging came late in the week from CXC visitors who arrived on our shores to share the good news. It was that Guyanese students recorded “higher than average results for CSEC, CAPE 2021 examinations” (KN October 15).

We have been doing well, but this has to count as e x t r a o r d i n a r y, g i v e n t h e collection of circumstances that stood in the way of the young candidates and their, sometimes, not much older counsels. In the throes and fears of an unsparing pandemic, and the early edges of an

unprecedented deluge, Guyanese students had to be tentative, even a bit unsteady, but they rose to the work at hand, and delivered, yet again.

I congratulate them and their teachers, as I also make exception for their peers in volcanoravaged St Vincent and the Grenadines. Well done, youngsters in the teeth of fierce storms.

I am encouraged by reported improvement in Mathematics, and wonder why there is a decline in English A and B, since it is their mother tongue.

Might be old hat from me, but there needs to be more reading, much more of it, and not just textbooks and Facebook.

It would be still more stirring to observe these young ones going forward into higher learning, and the wider world, and proving that they are not just absorbers, but leaders; not just regurgitators, but those

resonating with profoundness and principle. Guyanese desperately need people in their prime, who can offer those. Again, well done, and especially so, when the times made the tasks more demanding.

There was almost a billion and a quarter spent on ICT, according to the mid-year report. It is a solid sum for a small place.

I would be most encouraged, if most of it went into ICT projects, as presented on drawing boards and blueprints.

We are spending, but we are always catching up, so far behind are we in the swiftly advancing world of technology.

Throughout last week, I was reminded of how much ground we have to cover, since the revolutionary technology world keeps rushing ahead at breakneck speed. Once that one billion plus was spent for the purposes intended, then we would have done well.

But human nature intrudes, and with all those billions

sloshing around all over, thanks to Government spending, the field of opportunity is richer than ever before.

It is mostly the same people calling the shots in political and public service spheres, and they are largely not about honesty and integrity, and of which the record is ample.

The new faces are led: big money and which people and meaningful project decisions are all out of their control.

Decisions are made higher up, orders are passed, and business as usual takes hold. If all Guyana pretend not to know, or not wanting to, I know. Spend those many billions identified in the mid-year report cleanly, and I would sound the trumpets the loudest.

And now for the totally disturbing. I have been casting about for the encouraging, so I don't have to write (think of) the discouraging.

It's hard in Guyana.

Three citizens are walking together on a fairly busy city

street, one is lifted off his feet, thrown to the ground, beaten severely, and robbed. In the same October 15 th edition of KN, two cops were given long prison sentences for raping a woman in the police station house, of all places.

The law is being violated at will on our streets, and lawmen are found guilty of violating a female in a precinct of the law.

The former is out of control and frightening; the latter is out of the ordinary, and alarming.

The latter can be addressed quickly and closed down; but I am troubled that the same degree of confidence does not hold for the street, not even the yard and home.

We are in a bad place, which is made worse by efforts to smooth over and cover-up. We could be in a better place, if more of our fellow citizens come forward and get vaccinated.

Just do it.

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

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Kaieteur News

Sunday October 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 17, 2021

>>> Young Entrepreneur on the Move

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<<<

Owner of Top-Tier & Online Shopping, Camille John.

'Top-Tier Elegance & Online Shopping'

By Allyiah Allicock

A

lover of all things fashion is fledgling e n t r e p r e n e u r, C a m i l l e Fealica John, the founder and owner of 'Top-Tier Elegance & Online Shopping', a small business that provides persons with the latest style and designs in fashion.

To d a y ' s f e a t u r e d entrepreneur is a young woman who hails from Uitvlugt on the West Coast of Demerara, and a current student of the University of Guyana, pursuing a degree in Business Management.

In an interview with Kaieteur News, John said that it was a few things that drove her down the path to owning her own business.

Among other things, her inspiration came from the exposure she got at her previous places of employment. But what really sparked her interest even more, she said, was “a book about a man who was optimistic about owning his own shoe store and started

...catering to your fashion needs with a single pair shoe.”

Following this, the 27year-old woman related that she began her research online to get some guidelines about running her own business. In 2018 when she started making online purchases for herself, it was a friend who had ordered too

grew,” she confessed.

However, it was not until December of last year that she fully committed to turning her idea into a full fledge business. Since then, the support and orders have been nothing but overwhelming, she said.

According to John, to

“

I believe that young entrepreneurs play a crucial role in society, in that we help to create jobs and this contributes to the country's growing economy.

”

that encouraged her to expand and seek more orders from customers. “His (her friend) loyalty and support is what encouraged me to expand and I started ordering for more people. As time passed, I became more optimistic and my passion for the online shopping

date, there is just about a handful of challenges she has encountered along the way. Two of them, she revealed, are items and products customers order that can take some time to locate online and the difficulties reaching those customers who live at far

Some of the items that you can order.

distances. Due to this, she said that some persons interested in shopping may sometimes become discouraged.

Even amid the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, she said business is growing and though it might have a negative impact for others that has not been the case for her.

Two things she pointed out that she would like to achieve a few years from now, is to own a warehouse in the United States and a shipping company and boutique here. Noting that it is going to take a lot to get there, the young woman stressed that she is determined and ready to go the extra mile to accomplish her goals.

John is of the view that the responsibilities young persons in the business arena are “crucial” and that by creating more job opportunities for others, this in return helps to boost the country's economy.

“I

believe that young entrepreneurs play a crucial role in society, in that we help to create jobs which and this contributes to the country's growing economy,” she pointed out.

Having said that, the business student highlighted that to boost small businesses locally, the relevant authorities can assist financially by giving out loans to persons who may want that jump-start.

Another thing she thinks can work is the access to market

places, in which owners can get the space to set up booths or stores to showcase and sell their products.

“For example, stalls which are not occupied can be repossessed and given to entrepreneurs who mean business and at an affordable rate,” she related.

Persons who wish to place an order can do so on via her Facebook or Instagram pages @ Top-Tier Elegance & Online Shopping, or call telephone number (592) 604-5614.

Kaieteur News

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g ts in s... re ture e t In rea C

P

g o r f t r a d Poison

oison dart frog (also known as dart-poison frog, poison frog or formerly known as poison arrow frog) is the common name of a group of frogs in the family Dendrobatidae which are native to tropical Central and South America. These species are diurnal and often have brightly coloured bodies.

This bright colouration is correlated with the toxicity of the species, making them aposematic.

Some species of the family Dendrobatidae exhibit extremely bright colouration along with high toxicity, while others have cryptic colouration with minimal to no amount of observed toxicity.

The species that have great toxicity derive this from their diet of ants, mites and termites. Other species however, that exhibit cryptic colouration and low to no amounts of toxicity, eat a much larger variety of prey.

Many species of this family are threatened due to human infrastructure encroaching on their habitats.

These amphibians are often called "dart frogs" due to the Native Americans' use of their toxic secretions to poison the tips of blow

darts.

However, of over 170 species, only four have been documented as being used for this purpose (curare plants are more commonly used), all of which come from the genus Phyllobates, which is characterised by the relatively large size and high levels of toxicity of its members.

Characteristics Most species of poison dart frogs are small, sometimes less than 1.5 cm (0.59 in) in adult length, although a few grow up to 6 cm (2.4 in) in length. They weigh 1 oz. on average. Most poison dart frogs are brightly coloured, displaying aposematic patterns to warn potential predators.

Their bright colouration is associated with their toxicity and levels of alkaloids. For example, frogs of the genus Dendrobates have high levels of alkaloids, whereas Colostethus species are cryptically coloured and are not toxic.

Poison dart frogs are an example of an aposematic organism. Their bright colouration advertises unpalatability to potential predators. Aposematism is currently thought to have

originated at least four times within the poison dart family according to phylogenetic trees, and dendrobatid frogs have since undergone dramatic divergences – both interspecific and intraspecific – in their aposematic colouration.

This is surprising given the frequency-dependent nature of this type of defense mechanism.

Adult frogs lay their eggs in moist places, including on leaves, in plants, among exposed roots, and elsewhere.

Once the eggs hatch, the adult piggybacks the tadpoles, one at a time, to suitable water, either a pool, or the water gathered in the throat of bromeliads or other plants.

The tadpoles remain there until they metamorphose, in some species fed by unfertilised eggs laid at regular intervals by the mother.

Habitat Poison dart frogs are endemic to humid, tropical environments of Central and South America. These frogs are generally found in tropical rainforests, including in Bolivia, Costa Rica, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Suriname, French Guiana, Peru, (continued on page 35)

Sunday October 17, 2021

Sunday October 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

Poison dart frog From page 34 Panama, Guyana, Nicaragua, and Hawaii (introduced).

Natural habitats include subtropical and tropical, moist, lowland forests, subtropical or tropical highaltitude shrubland, subtropical or tropical, moist, montanes and rivers, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, lakes and swamps.

Other species can be found in seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, arable land, pastureland, rural gardens, plantations, moist savannah and heavily degraded former forest.

Premontane forests and rocky areas have also been known to hold frogs.

Dendrobatids tend to live on or close to the ground, but also in trees as much as 10 m (33 ft) from the ground.

Reproduction Many species of poison

dart frogs are dedicated parents. Many poison dart frogs in the genera Oophaga and Ranitomeya carry their newly hatched tadpoles into the canopy; the tadpoles stick to the mucus on the backs of their parents.

Once in the upper reaches of the rainforest trees, the parents deposit their young in the pools of water that accumulate in epiphytic plants, such as bromeliads.

The tadpoles feed on invertebrates in their nursery, and their mother will even supplement their diet by depositing eggs into the water. Other poison frogs lay their eggs on the forest floor, hidden beneath the leaf litter.

Poison frogs fertilise their eggs externally; the female lays a cluster of eggs and a male fertilises them afterward, in the same manner as most fish. Poison frogs can often be observed clutching each other, similar

to the manner most frogs copulate. However, these demonstrations are actually territorial wrestling matches.

Both males and females frequently engage in disputes over territory.

A male will fight for the most prominent roosts from which to broadcast his mating call; females fight over desirable nests, and even invade the nests of other females to devour competitor's eggs.

The operational sex ratio in the poison dart frog family is mostly female biased. This leads to a few characteristic behaviours and traits found in organisms with an uneven sex ratio.

In general, females have a choice of mate. In turn, males show brighter colouration, are territorial, and are aggressive toward other males. Females select mates based on colouration (mainly dorsal), calling perch location, and territory.

(Source: Wikipedia)

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Sunday October 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

Lessons from a Lashpreneur!!!

The difference between Classic, Volume, Hybrid and Mega Volume Eyelash Extensions

By Latoya Zephyr Hey lash babes, if you are new to the world of eyelash extensions there different terms used for different techniques that you should undertsand. Some of them are Classic, Hybrid and Volume extension….each one is a different technique and we are going to cover the grounds of them all. One thing that each technique has in common when it comes to the installation is the isolation process. This is where you take one natural lash and get in-between your isolation tweezers so that when you place your extension, it won’t get stuck to other lashes. So lets get to it!

What are classic eyelash extensions?

Classic eyelash extensions are simple, beautiful, natural-looking eyelash extensions. They are applied on a 1:1 ratio, which means one extension is attached to one natural lash.

This allows you to achieve a natural enhancement. Classic eyelash extensions come in a range of materials, thicknesses and styles, and part of our training covers the specifics. Classic eyelash extension application typically take about an hour and the results should be soft, natural-looking

lashes. Classic lashes won’t add much volume but will add length. Classic extensions offer an even lash line that opens up the eye.

What are volume eyelash extensions?

Volume eyelash extensions vary from a natural look which adds some length and volume, to a very dramatic and full look. The lashes range from 2D-6D and anything over a 4D is going to appear that your client is wearing a strip versus a natural look that classic and hybrid extensions would give. This technique can be done with pre-made fans or the fans can be made by hand using a special tweezer. The fans are still attached to natural lashes but they come in .03, .05, .07 which are lighter than classic extensions.

What are hybrid lashes?

Hybrid lashes are a 70-30 mixture of both classic lashes and volume lashes. Choosing hybrid extensions gives your clients the best of both worlds. The look is achieved by mixing classic lashes and volume lashes placed strategically to frame the eyes. Hybrid extensions offer a variety of texture and more volume, but without the sometimes-unnatural look of volume lashes. For the clients that want a lash line with a bit more volume but not quite as full as volume extensions, then this is the route to go. what are mega volume lashes?

The mega glory of mega volume lash extensions comes from attaching even fuller fans to lashes than in volume set’s case. You can use up to 20 lashes in a single fan! Sounds intense? Well, that’s what mega volume extensions are all about.

Because of the fact that we use a greater number of lashes, they have to be even finer than the ones that are included in the volume sets.

It is recommended to use 0.03mm diameter lashes for mega volume fans to ensure that natural lashes won’t get too pressured by their weight.

Enetworks to air ICC World Cup on E2

The 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is the seventh ICC Men’s T20 World Cup tournament which will be aired this weekend on the E2 Channel. The matches will be taking place in the United Arab Emirates and Oman from 17 October to 14 November 2021. The West Indies are the defending champions.

There was due to be a preceding 2020 T20 World Cup held in Australia from 18 October to 15 November 2020,

but in July 2020, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that this tournament had been postponed, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In August 2020, the ICC confirmed that India would host the 2021 tournament as planned, with Australia being named as the host for the succeeding 2022 tournament.

However, in June 2021, the ICC announced that the tournament had been moved

to the United Arab Emirates due to growing concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic situation in India, and a possible third wave of the pandemic in the country. The tournament is scheduled to begin on 17 October 2021,[5] with the tournament’s final scheduled to be played on 14 November 2021.The preliminary rounds of the tournament are set to be shared between the UAE and Oman.

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Kaieteur News

Learn To Identify OCD Before You Get Hurt We have all heard of OCD. We often use this term to make fun of someone who seems very keen on keeping things organized and in the right place. However, this is not actually what OCD is.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a real psychological disorder that can manifest in people of any age or social-economic background. Because most people do not know what Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is, there could be many individuals who are living with OCD without realizing it. Untreated OCD can worsen and reach a stage where it can take a significant time from a person’s routine that it may affect their work and personal life.

What exactly is OCD? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a cycle of obsessions and compulsions.

It traps an individual into performing a series of activities (compulsions) that they cannot control in response to recurring ideas, thoughts, or feelings (obsessions).

While it may not sound grave and dangerous, even mild levels of OCD can really interfere with and affect the quality of a person’s life and social interactions.

The thoughts or sensations (obsessions) that come unwanted to the person’s mind are persistent and the behaviour they provoke (compulsion) is rigid.

Not acting on those obsessions can cause t r e m e n d o u s discomfort, anxiety and distress to the person. They have no choice but to perform certain activities (like constant hand washing, other rituals or cleaning things).

Some people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder realize that their obsessions are not always realistic, while others don’t (in psychological jargon this is called ‘limited insight’).

Even for the people who are aware of the irrationality of the obsessions, it is not possible to dissociate themselves from the thoughts that trigger compulsions.

At some point in their lives, everyone may experience obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviour to a mild grade. But that does not mean that we all have short-lived Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

For a person to be clinically diagnosed with OCD, the obsessions need to be extreme and the compulsive behaviour that results must take up at least 1 hour of the day. Not giving in to the compulsive actions to

relieve the obsessions will cause immense distress.

Why does OCD lead to physical injuries?

Certain compulsive behaviour in response to obsessions can cause minor to major injuries. Constant hand washing, rubbing of the skin with a cloth, selfmedicating out of irrational fears of germs and bacteria, ritualistic compulsions and ticks while driving, etc. can cause damage to a person’s health.

OCD can also cause psychological injuries.

People with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder are misunderstood and mocked.

Hence they often feel alone and alienated. They are forced to become reclusive.

This may in turn lead to depression.

How to recognize if you have OCD? The best way to know if you or people you know have OCD is to consult a psychiatrist if your daily routine or activities look unusual to you or are pointed out as abnormal by your family members. Let’s learn more Obsessive Compulsive Disorder symptoms.

Here is a list of some common obsessions that may be experienced in different types of OCDContamination - Fear ofGerms, bacteria, viruses.

Environmental pollutants, Bodily fluids, Dirt and mud.

Household chemicals like paint Causing harm - Fear-ofHarming someone such as by carelessly dropping a banana peel to the floor, or leaving a water spill. Damaging a property by accidentally starting a fire. Facilitating a burglary by forgetting to lock the doors Unwanted thoughts Sexual thoughts and reactions that seem forbidden or perverse to the person, Fears about being sexually aggressive towards someone.

Obsessions of a religious/ spiritual nature Fears-of-

Offending God, Hurting others’ religious sentiments, Making wrong moral decisions Loss of control - Fears ofDoing something impulsive that may harm others, Hurting oneself, Aggressive or violent thoughts and images that come unbidden to one’s mind. Cursing or swearing in public Perfectionism - Obsessed with-Keeping things

organized, exact and even.

Remembering everything or needing to know everything, Fears-of-Forgetting vital information, Losing objects.

Not being able to decide what to discard and what to store Here is a list of compulsions Constant cleaning Washing or sanitizing hands constantly, Frequent showering, Brushing teeth every few hours. Cleaning household objects repetitively. Activities to counter any possible contact with contaminants Repeatedly checking and confirming - Constantly checking if-Doors are locked, Electrical switches are off when leaving the house. All essentials are with the person when he/she leaves the house. Did not do anything that might physically harm someone else, Did not make any errors or mistakes Repeated actions Regular activities like closing or opening doors, walking in or out of the room, Ticks like blinking, touching something or tapping.

Rearranging things until they feel satisfied, Constantly praying to God for forgiveness.

Doing something in multiples such as closing a door 3 times because three might be a good or lucky number Other compulsions Counting steps while walking, Counting while doing something, Establishing rigid nonbendable routines What is to be done? · The best way to bring Obsessive Compulsive Disorder under control is through a combination of medicines and therapy.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy is highly effective in curbing obsessivecompulsive behaviour. This form of therapy is done under the supervision of trained clinical psychologists or psychiatrists. Your doctor will also prescribe you some medicines if needed.

Remember to take your medicines on time. Show up for your therapy sessions

and don’t give up mid-way. If you have any inhibitions, misgivings or doubts about the methods, speak honestly with your therapist. ·Learn relaxation techniques to manage your stress · The treatment may take some time to show a positive outcome, stay patient and follow up regularly with your doctor.

Conclusion Seek help if you think that you or your loved ones have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It can be severely restrictive to a happy and healthy lifestyle and can also take a toll on the person’s financial, personal and professional life. Most people keep on struggling with this disorder without even knowing that it can be managed well by a psychiatrist. There is a way you can integrate into society by bringing the disorder under control and that is therapy and medication. (https://pharmeasy.in/blog/ learn-to-identify-ocd-beforeyou-get-hurt/0

9 Simple Home Remedies For Fungal Infections!

Many people suffer from fungal infections at least once in their lives. Poor hygiene, humidity, and warm climate are possible causes of fungal infections. Diaper rash, athlete’s foot, jock itch, and oral thrush are some common fungal infections.

Although it goes by the name ringworm, this is not a worm but a fungus, it is also one of the most common types of fungal infections in humans. A reason athletes foot and jock itch are common is due to the moist, damp environment with no fresh air, this allows the fungus that is usually present on almost everyone’s skin to multiply and grow uncontrollably.

A lot of fungi that cause these infections are already becoming resistant to more aggressive forms of medications. While overthe-counter medicines and antifungal creams are readily available in the market, most fungal infections respond very positively to home remedies. Let us take a look at some of them.

Most Common Risk Factors for developing Fungal Infections: 1. Living in hot and humid climates, sweating too much, or wearing damp clothes can result in the development of fungal infections.

2. A compromised immunity due to underlying

diseases like diabetes, HIV, cancer etc. can cause fungal infections.

3. Living in an unclean environment and not maintaining personal hygiene can cause fungal infections.

4. Wearing dirty clothes like unclean socks and innerwear can lead to fungal infections.

5. Wearing clothes that are too tight can cause sweating, providing the necessary moisture for the accelerated growth of fungi.

6. Obesity can lead to fungal infections. Moisture can be retained in skin folds, further giving a breeding ground to fungus.

7. Stress can compromise our immunity further leading to fungal infections.

8. Hormonal changes in pregnancy can lead to vaginal infections.

Also Read: Mucormycosis: The Deadly Fungal Infection In COVID-19 Patients Home Remedies For Fungal Infection are: 1. Eat Yoghurt and Probiotics Yoghurt and other probiotics have an ample amount of good bacteria that help stave off many fungal infections. These fight off microbes that cause these infections.

Fermented foods are another excellent source of probiotics. If these are not helping, you could use

probiotic supplements that have more concentrated dosages of good bacteria.

Read more on the health benefits of yoghurt.

2. Wash with Soap and Water Clean the affected area with soap and water twice daily before you apply any home remedies or any other medication. This will control the spread of infection. While soap and water may not always be able to eliminate a fungal infection entirely, it helps to keep the spread down and lower the intensity of the infection.

3. Use Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties. You could mix two tablespoons in warm water and drink it up or dip a cotton ball in it and dab over your skin. Doing this thrice a day should produce beneficial results. Know more about the health benefits of apple cider vinegar.

4. Use Tea Tree Oil Tea tree oil is naturally antifungal and antibacterial.

Mix it with any carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil and dab over the infected area about three to four times a day. This is one of the most effective home remedies to treat fungal infections.

5. Use Coconut Oil In its unheated form, even coconut oil works as a potent antifungal agent.

Applying it over the skin makes it a good, safe topical medicine.

Since it is easy on the skin, it is

also useful to treat scalp ringworm. Use over the skin three times a day.

6. Use Turmeric Turmeric is a potent antimicrobial and antiinflammatory spice. Mix with a little water and apply over the infected area. To get benefits in the internal body environment, mix with warm water, or have turmeric tea.

7. Use Aloe Vera One of the most timetested natural remedies to cure any skin infection is aloe vera. It not only treats the infection but also soothes and repairs skin damage.

Also, read aloe vera benefits for face and skin.

8. Garlic Garlic is one of the most potent antifungal and antimicrobial herbs. Those who eat garlic regularly are less susceptible to fungal infections. Crush a couple of garlic with some olive oil and make a paste. Apply to the infected area for about thirty minutes.

Also, read the benefits of garlic for health.

9. Oregano Oil Another active antifungal agent is oregano oil. Mix a few drops with any carrier oil and dab on the affected area. You could also take oregano oil capsules orally.

Follow these remedies regularly to achieve the desired results. Check for allergies to essential oils before using them.

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Sunday October 17, 2021

==GNBS IN FOCUS==

GNBS pulls off successful National Quality Week 2021 The past week was an exciting one for the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), as it successfully hosted a number of activities for National Quality Week 2021.

The activities primarily focused on celebrating companies implementing standards within their

operations to produce quality goods and services, and to recognise and encourage staff and stakeholders who continue to promote quality and standards.

The highlight of the week was the hosting of the third National Quality Awards (NQA) Ceremony, which

was attended by First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali, who unveiled the GNBS' first 'Made in Guyana' Certification Mark; Government Ministers and Members of the Diplomatic Corps, among other special invitees.

The NQA saw the participation of thirty-six (36) Guyanese companies,

and winners were awarded in five overall categories. The categories were Manufacturing, which was won by NAMILCO, Services, which was won by Massy Gas Products (Guyana) Ltd., Small Business Manufacturing, won by Steve's Jewellery and Small Business Services, won by St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Laboratory.

Meanwhile, Morning Glory Inc. copped the overall award for Agro-Processing.

Additionally, specific awards for customer-focus, continuous improvement, and health & safety and environmental initiatives were presented to successful companies.

On Wednesday, the GNBS hosted its Long S e r v i n g Aw a r d s f o r employees who have been with the Bureau for five, ten and twenty years, respectively. Notably, the Bureau's Executive Director (Ag.), Ms. Ramrattie Karan, along with the Senior Information Officer, Ms. Roxan Bourne, were

awarded for their 20 years of service at the GNBS. Other awardees included the Head of the Information & Te c h n o l o g y, D a v i d Cummings and driver, Jerome Troyer, who served for 10 years, and Inspectors Jose Skeete and Dillon Roopchand who served for five years.

To o b s e r v e Wo r l d Standards Day on Thursday October 14, our Business Development Department hosted a free Food Safety training for twenty-four (24) small business owners. The participants were given the opportunity to learn about some of the basic food safety requirements that ensure the products are safe for human consumption. Participants of the training were all pleased with the experience, which they said would help them to produce food items safely and at a higher standard.

In addition, the Marketing Department piloted a social media campaign, which saw more than 1,300 persons liking and sharing various posts as

well as subscribing to GNBS social media platforms. One lucky winner walked away with $50,000.

There were also several radio programmes, which aimed to create awareness about planned NQW activities and to educate the public about the Bureau's key roles in the promotion of standards and accurate measurements.

The week's activities were observed under the theme chosen for World Standards Day “Standards for SDGS – our vision for a better world.” The implementation of food safety, environmental and products standards among others, can help stakeholders contribute to achieving the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to combat hunger, climate change, poverty and other social ills.

For further information on this subject, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0064 or 2190065 or WhatsApp us on 692-4627.

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 17, 2021

PAGE 41

GUYANA ON WAY TO ACHIEVING FULL TOBACCO CONTROL T ==CONSUMER CONCERNS==

By Pat Dial obacco was adopted from Aztecs by the Spaniards when, in the 16th century, European and American Indian Civilisations clashed with each other in the territory now known as Mexico.

Tobacco was used by the Aztec priesthood in their religious ceremonies but was never used by ordinary folk.

When the Europeans adopted it, it quickly spread over the European continent and became fashionable with all classes.

There was however a small number of people who felt misgivings about it including King James I of England, who in the 17th century, wrote a pamphlet against Tobacco.

Despite this strong underground of opposition, tobacco use continued to expand, partly because of the universal ignorance of its dangers to health and partly because various influential interests were making fortunes out of it. In the 20th c e n t u r y, t h e r o l e o f champions of the tobacco industry was assumed by the rich and powerful multinational tobacco companies who tried to crush all opposition.

The anti-tobacco lobby had also grown stronger and had started winning victories in the Courts against the tobacco industry and these multinational tobacco

companies.

By the end of World War II, the toxic nature of cigarettes was widely publicised and a growing percentage of people in the Developed Countries knew of its dangers. Cigarettes had 70 most dangerous toxins which included Nicotine which causes addiction; Hydrogen cyanide; Formaldehyde; Lead; Arsenic; Ammonia; Polonium-210; Benzene; Carbon Monoxide together with hundreds of chemicals.

Many serious and terminal ailments could be traced to tobacco use including Lung cancer; Heart diseases; destroying teeth and mouth cancer; impotence; loss of appetite; lowering energy levels; loss of memory.

The lives of tobacco users are shortened by several years and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 7 million people die each year from cigarette smoking. Other negative social effects of tobacco use are that it costs the State millions of dollars to pay for the hospitalisation of ailments due to tobacco use and it lowers the productivity of the national workforce.

In Guyana, it is only within the last two decades that the movement towards anti-tobacco legislation saw success. When Dr. Leslie Ramsammy became Minister of Health, he brought a

creativity to that office which was unique. He brought modernity to the Health Services with innovations such as Free Prescriptions, Free AIDS treatment, a Cancer Clinic with radiation treatment and other modernities.

He was a committed crusader against tobacco since he was acutely aware of the sufferings it brought to individuals, their families and society as a whole.

He did an enormous amount of educational work which enlightened the public of the dangers of tobacco use and led the struggle for antitobacco legislation against the powerful multinational British American Tobacco (BAT) and their local allies.

The main arguments the protobacco lobby used were 'Upholding Freedom of Choice' and the severe loss of Government revenue which would occur if tobacco use were curtailed.

D r.

Ramsammy went out of office before his draft legislation could be made statute which only occurred in 2017 under the name 'Tobacco Control Act'.

The responsibility for enforcing and implementing the Act were placed with the National Tobacco Control Council which operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Health.

The Act controls a number of activities relating to the Tobacco Industry and we will touch on the three

most important of them which are: Packaging, Marketing, and Control of Secondary Smoke: Tobacco and cigarette packaging cannot carry any form of advertising and 60 percent of the surface of cigarette boxes or other wrapping must carry health warnings against the use of tobacco and pictorial illustrations of the effects of tobacco induced illnesses.

The tobacco companies mounted their strongest opposition against this requirement and were successful in delaying its a c c e p t a n c e a n d implementation for a few years.

With regard to marketing, the Act bans all forms of advertising, sponsorship and promotion of tobacco products.

Cigarettes could not be sold individually but must be sold by the box and no person 18 years of age or under should be sold tobacco.

E-cigarettes are also controlled.

Secondary smoking, which is being placed in a position where one is forced to inhale the exhalations of others, has been comprehensively addressed – 100 percent smoke free environments were prescribed for all indoor public spaces, indoor work spaces, public transportation

and specified indoor spaces.

When the Act came into being, it was enthusiastically implemented, but in the last year or two infringements has been growing, for example, the resurgence of hookah bars and the clandestine advertising and selling of tobacco products to minors.

With the National Tobacco Control Council and the Ministry of Health becoming once again proactive, satisfactory tobacco control could quickly come into being.

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

Kaieteur News

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Sunday October 17, 2021

A look at matters in which The Court Journal persons were charged for arson

By Renay Sambach

I

n this week's edition of 'The Court Journal' I will highlight some matters where persons were charged with arson. Arson is the criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property.

Recently, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) recorded one of its most horrific tragedies, the fiery destruction of the Brickdam Police Station.

On October 7, 2021, Clarence Greene, 24, the confessed Brickdam Police Station arsonist, was remanded to prison for the offence.

Greene, a labourer of Howes and Russell Streets, Charlestown, Georgetown, had appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts, before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan.

The defendant was slapped with two charges – robbery under arms and arson.

It is alleged that around 00:03hrs on Saturday, October 2, 2021, Greene in the company of an accomplice, and armed with a gun, robbed two vendors at Stabroek Market of two cellphones valued at a total of $160,000.

T h e s e c o n d c h a rg e alleges that around 11:06hrs that same day, Greene committed an act of arson by setting fire to the Brickdam Police Station. The charges were laid indictable and he was not required to plea.

Greene's lawyer had made an application to the court requesting that the matters be tried summarily rather than indictably. The prosecutor in the matter, however, requested the charges remain indictable considering the seriousness of the offences.

According to the facts of the matter, Greene was arrested around 04:00hrs on the day in question at Leopold Street, Georgetown, after he and another man had allegedly robbed two vendors – a male and female – at Stabroek Market. The female vendor, after being robbed, alerted a security guard and had gone in search of the suspects and caught up with one of them (Greene) on Leopold Street.

Ranks who were notified made the arrest.

According to an arresting rank, the stolen cell phones were found in Greene's possession, and he was taken

to the Brickdam Police Station and placed in cell #4 of the lock-ups.

Around 11:06hrs that Saturday, a fire erupted at the police station and eventually destroyed 80 percent of the buildings in the compound.

Kaieteur News' reports had visited the scene that day and were told by officers on the ground that it was suspected that the prisoners held in the lock-ups might have started the fire.

L a t e r t h a t d a y, investigators decided to question the prisoners. Two of them then related to police that it was Greene who had started the fire.

Those prisoners claimed that, after they were evacuated, they were placed

in which he confessed to setting the fire because he was frustrated over being detained regarding a matter in which he claimed he is innocent.

That confession tape was seen by the various media houses and it showed that he admitted willingly to setting the fire that left the Brickdam Police Station in ruins.

Greene is presently on remand and is expected to make his next court appearance on October 28, 2021.

On July 9, 2021, three men were remanded to prison for allegedly committing arson on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) building at Burnham Drive,

the Linden Magistrate's Court.

The trio was not required to plead to the joint charge which alleges that on July 14, 2020, they unlawfully and maliciously set fire to the GECOM building.

February was slapped with two firearm related charges, and a series of break-and-enter with simple larceny charges committed in the Linden District.

After they were arrested, the men confessed to being paid $75,000 each to set the building on fire.

It was reported that February told police that Kendall called him on July 13, 2020, in the evening and told him to burn the GECOM building. February said, he

Marlon Hunter.

Teon February. in a cell with Greene, and he had told him that he had set the fire.

Greene was later interviewed at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) located at Eve Leary.

Around 22:56hrs, according to police, Greene allegedly agreed to a video recording,

Wismar, Linden.

Teon February, called 'Nut', 23, of Canvas City, Wismar, Linden, and Marlon Hunter, called 'Bushy', 21, of Silver Town, Wismar, Linden, and Bryon Kendell, 48, of Kara-Kara Linden, appeared virtually before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at

subsequently contacted his cousin, Marlon Hunter, to carry out the instructions on a promise that they would be remunerated with $150,000 total once it was done.

They were then driven to the building at night in the company of Kendall who then handed them a five-

Clarence Greene. gallon bottle of gas from his car trunk. The suspect said that Kendall then left and he and his cousin hid the gas in a nearby clump of bushes, not too far away from the GECOM building.

It was just around midnight on July 14, 2020, according to February, when he left with his cousin on foot to the building and retrieved the gas they had stashed.

He said they entered the compound from the back and ventured to the upper flat where a storeroom was located. There they splattered the gasoline and set the building on fire.

However, the blaze caused an explosion and the two arsonists received burns to their feet. They then escaped on foot and went home.

At February's home, they met three other female cousins with whom they told what had happened, and as the female cousins were tending to their wounds, Kendall arrived with $75,000 cash and handed it over to February.

February said he gave his cousin, Hunter, the money and the following day Kendall paid him another $75,000, which he kept.

February told police that sometime after, Kendall told him that they burnt the building because David Granger's swearing in was delayed.

K e n d a l l w a s subsequently arrested.

Firefighters responded to a fire report at the Linden GECOM building in the early hours of July 4, 2020.

The security guard on duty then had told police that she saw two men running from the scene.

In another matter, a 22year-old man was remanded to prison for

allegedly setting fire to three George Street houses.

On July 7, 2021, Calvin Lawrence, of Lot 101 Leopold Street, Werk-enRust, Georgetown, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charges that were read to him. The first charge alleges that June 24, 2021, at Lot 1 George Street, Werk-enRust, Lawrence had, unlawfully and maliciously, set fire to a dwelling house valued $18 million containing articles valued at $6 million, property of Collin Bentley.

The second charge states that on the same date and at the same location he had, unlawfully and maliciously, set fire to a dwelling house valued $38 million owned by Nalini Baboolall containing articles valued $16 million belonging to Kevin Phillips.

The final charge alleges that on the same date, at the same location, Lawrence h a d , u n l a w f u l l y, a n d maliciously, set fire to a dwelling house valued $250 million containing articles amounting to $30 million, property of Hardat Maniram.

According to reports, Lawrence is accused of setting fire to three houses in an early morning arson attack. As a result of that fire, 27 persons were displaced.

Based on a report from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), the fire at D'Urban and George Streets started around 01:00hr.

The fire destroyed a vulcanising shop and houses nearby. Phillips, the owner of the vulcanising shop, had (Continued on page 43)

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 17, 2021

PAGE 43

A look at matters in which persons...

From page 42 stated that around 01:00hrs he was awakened by his barking dogs. He further stated that upon checking, he noticed two persons riding away on a motorcycle from his home.

Moments later, the man said he heard his neighbour shouting, “fire, fire” and that's when he noticed his building was ablaze.

According to the GFS report, the fire first gutted Phillips' two-storey wooden building and resulted in the entire building and contents being destroyed.

Kaieteur News understands that Phillips lived on the upper floor of his vulcanising shop with his family, which includes six others.

This publication had reported that firefighters managed to eventually control the flames but not before it destroyed neighbouring houses, which displaced a Venezuelan family of 20.

The final matter is that of an arson/murder.

Kenford Downer, the man who allegedly burnt his wife and children alive in December 2020, made his first court appearance on February 6, 2021.

The defendant, who was at the Bartica Magistrate's Court, appeared virtually before Magistrate Crystal Lambert in the Vreed-enHoop Magistrate's Court.

He was not required to plead to the indictable offence, which alleges that on December 12, 2020 at Four Miles Squatting Area, Potaro Road, Bartica, he murdered Carolina Kennedy, 48, a housewife, and their two daughters – five-yearold Mariana and three-yearold Gabriella Kennedy – during the course or furtherance of arson.

He is presently on remand for the offence.

A c c o r d i n g t o information, Downer was hospitalised at the Bartica Regional Hospital and was being treated for injuries he sustained during the fire.

After spending almost four weeks in hospital, he was discharged and taken into custody.

Following advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C., the GPF was able to lay charges against Downer.

According to a police report, at around 21:30hrs. on December 12, 2020, an unknown caller telephoned the Bartica Police Station and reported a fire.

The fire service was

Dead: Carolina Kennedy alerted and dispatched to the area.

However, a fire truck was unable to reach the location and a bucket brigade was formed.

When police and fire service ranks arrived, the wooden structure was completely engulfed in flames.

After the fire was extinguished, the ranks discovered the charred remains of Kennedy and her two daughters in the southeastern corner of the house.

The bodies of the victims were subsequently removed and transported to the Bartica Hospital Mortuary.

A search was launched for Downer and he was discovered in some bushes in close proximity to the house.

While he was being placed in the back of a police vehicle, the suspect admitted to the gruesome crime.

Based on information received, Kennedy and Downer had been living together for the past six months, and during that period, the woman had made several complaints to her mother about the suspect threatening her when he was intoxicated.One week before the incident, Downer had allegedly thre a t e n e d t o burn the house down with Kennedy and her daughters.

The woman was encouraged to report the matter to the police and she had planned to visit the s t a t i o n o n M o n d a y, December 14, 2020 to do so.

She never made it.

Downer was previously convicted in 2018 for assaulting Kennedy.

Dead: Gabriella Kennedy

Kenford Downer.

Dead: Marianna Kennedy

Bryon Kendell.

Sunday October 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Ghost Ship of Captain Sandovate A New Jersey Ghost Story retold by S. E. Schlosser When Captain Don Sandovate voyaged from Spain to the New World in search of treasure, he found gold in abundance. But among his crew there were many sailors who did not wish to share the new-found wealth with the monarchs of Spain. On their journey up the Atlantic Coast, the sailors mutinied and imprisoned their captain, tying him to the main mast and refusing to give him food or drink. Day after day, the captain lay exposed to the hot sun of summer, his body drying up as the treacherous sailors worked around him. Finally, his pride broken, Don Sandovate begged: "Water.

Please. Give me just one sip of water." The mutineers found this amusing, and started carrying water up to the main mast and holding it just out of reach of their former captain.

In the terrible heat of a dry summer, the captain did not survive long without water.

A few days after the m u t i n y, t h e c a p t a i n succumbed to heat and thirst.

The new captain, a greedy Spaniard with no compassion in his soul, left Don Sandovate tied to the mast, his body withering away, while the ship turned pirate and plundered its way up the coast. But Providence

Junior page Paper-Plate Spider (with Shoes!)

All you have to do is attach pipe cleaners together by twisting them. Then, tape four to each side of the plate, bending at the ends so they look like feet.Finish with googly eyes, candy corn fangs, and mini shoes (we took these from Barbie).

Vampire Bat Leaves was watching the ruthless men, and a terrible storm arose and drove the ship deep into the Atlantic, where it sank with all hands, the body of Don Sandovate still tied to the broken mast.

Shortly after the death of the mutineers-turned-pirate, an eerie ghost ship began appearing along the coast, usually in the calm just before a storm.

It had the appearance of a Spanish treasure ship, but its mast was broken, its sails torn, and the corpse of a noble-looking Spaniard was

tied to the mast. The ship was crewed by skeletons in ragged clothing.

As it passed other ships or houses near the shore, the skeletons would stretch out bony hands and cry: "Water.

Please.

Give us just one sip of water." But none can help them, for they are eternally doomed to roam the Atlantic, suffering from thirst in payment for their terrible deeds against their captain and the good people living along the Atlantic coast.

I love my school Of all the things I have to do, I love to go to school; I learn so many things each day That make me happy and cool.

I have so many good friends there, They always make me glad; We laugh and play at break time, I never can be sad.

My teachers are so nice to me, They make learning so much fun; I cannot wait for each new day, When off to school I run. by Uncle Roy

Take the kids on a walk and gather some leaves to be painted black with matte spray paint.

After they dry, they can use a white marker to make little vampire faces.

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 17, 2021

PAGE 45

TEEN TIME

Follow the steps to develop a Values determine Destiny

by Mahatma Gandhi your thoughts positive, Sense of Purpose in your life Keep Because your thoughts become your words; Keep your words positive, Because your words become your behaviours; Keep your behaviours positive, Because your behaviours become your habits; Keep your habits positive, Because your habits become your values; Keep your values positive, Because your values become your destiny.

The most important duty of each human being is to find and fulfil his unique purpose.

Fulfilling yours will give full meaning to your life.

benefit in some way.

You should always believe that you can achieve much more than you have done in the past. Just be brave and be confident that you can improve in every area of your life.

Examine yourself, your conscience and your way of thinking.

Then set some goals that will improve

your performance in each of these, and make up your mind to make them a reality.

If we are to develop our true purpose for living, and acquire satisfaction from this, we will need to make a conscious effort to find that unique purpose, and work assiduously towards its fulfilment.

Suguru The heavy lines indicate areas, called cages, from one to six squares in size. Fill each cage with unique digits, counting up from 1. So for example a 2-square cage contains the

TELL IT TO UNCLE ROY person whose main purpose

I am again appealing to all youths who have some personal problem to contact me so that we can work on a solution. Please know that I am an experienced educator, a qualified counsellor, and a

in life is to ensure that others live their lives safely and effectively.

Please get in touch through my email –uncleroy1992@yahoo.com

Solutions to last week’s

Inky

numbers 1 and 2; and a 6-square cage contains the numbers from 1 to 6. Adjacent (touching) squares, even ones that touch diagonally, may never contain the same number.

SuDOKU

In the coming weeks we shall be expanding on the 4 strategies that are geared to motivate us towards this sense of purpose:1. Have great desires or aims in life.

We should always be optimistic that good things will happen to us, but we need to plan to make them happen.

We should always tell ourselves that we can do better than we have done, and set an example by striving to surpass our own performance next time.

If we are to develop our true purpose for living, and acquire satisfaction from this, we will need to make a conscious effort to find that purpose, and work in a determined manner towards its fulfilment.

We will always find that we will get the most satisfaction from what we do when we work at some cause or causes which will be of benefit not only to ourselves, but to others in our family, among our associates, or in the wider community in which we live.

Helping others will always ensure that you are on the right path, that you are being a good person, and will make up for your weaknesses in other areas. Developing a habit of service to others will help you in your relationships with them, and will also help you to grow and prosper. When you strive to make the quality of your fellowmen better, even in the smallest manner, your own quality will improve, and you will be filled with a feeling of satisfaction. There is no greater blessing we can get than from making sacrifices so that others may

PAGE 46

Eat your way to fabulous skin 1.Eat a minimum of five portions of fruit and vegetables every day A selection of colourful fruit and vegetables Fruit and vegetables contain powerful antioxidants that help to protect skin from the cellular damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals, smoking, pollution and sunlight can cause wrinkling and age spots. Eat a rainbow of colourful fruit and vegetables and aim for at least five portions a day. Betacarotene, found in carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkin, and lutein, found in kale, papaya and spinach are potent antioxidants, important for normal skin cell development and healthy skin tone.

2. Eat enough vitamin C Slices of fresh orange on a blue background Vitamin C is also a super antioxidant. It is needed to support the immune system, promote radiant skin and help blemishes heal properly. The best sources are blackcurrants, blueberries, broccoli, guava, kiwi fruits, oranges, papaya, strawberries and sweet potatoes.

Vitamin C is needed to produce collagen that strengthens the capillaries that supply the skin.

3. Don't crash diet A woman looking in the fridge trying to decide what to eat Repeatedly losing and regaining weight can take its toll on your skin, causing sagging, wrinkles and stretch marks. Crash diets are often short in essential vitamins and minerals too. Over long periods of time this type of dieting will reflect on your skin. It is always best to eat a healthy, balanced diet. If you're considering trying a weight loss plan, make sure you have all the facts first – explore our expert guides to popular diets and read the six things you should consider before starting a diet.

4. Stock up on selenium Brazil nuts in a bowl Selenium is a powerful antioxidant. It works alongside other antioxidants such as vitamins E and C and is essential to support the immune system. Studies suggest that a selenium-rich diet can help to protect against skin cancer, sun damage and age spots. One way to boost your intake is to eat Brazil nuts. Just four nuts will provide the recommended daily amount (RDA). Mix Brazil nuts with other seeds rich in vitamin E as a snack or salad sprinkle. Other good sources are fish, shellfish, eggs, wheatgerm, tomatoes and broccoli.

5. Eat enough vitamin E A bowl of almonds on a table Vitamin E protects skin from oxidative (cell) damage and supports healthy skin growth. Foods high in vitamin E include almonds, avocado, hazelnuts, pine nuts and sunflower and corn oils.

6. Drink six to eight glasses of water a day A glass of water with a slice of lemon and ice Skin needs moisture to stay flexible. Even mild dehydration will cause your skin to look dry, tired and slightly grey. Drink six to eight glasses of water a day – all fluids count towards your daily allowance, but water is the best. If you work in an office, keep a large bottle of water on your desk to remind you to drink. Herbal, caffeinefree teas are good too.

7. Eat some healthy fat An avocado cut in half on a table Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats – the types found in avocados, oily fish, nuts and seeds – provide essential fatty acids which act as a natural moisturiser for your skin, keeping it supple and improving elasticity.

These fats also come packaged with a healthy dose of vitamin E (a vitamin many of us lack), which will help protect against free radical damage.

8. Opt for omega-3 A fillet of salmon on a chopping board with lemon, fresh rosemary and garlic Make sure you get enough omega-3 and omega-6 fats. These are essential fatty acids which mean they cannot be made in the body and must be obtained through the diet.

9. Eat more phyto-estrogens A bowl of cubed firm tofu Phyto-estrogens are natural chemicals found in plant foods (phyto from the Greek word for plant). They have a similar structure to the female sex hormone oestrogen and have been found to help keep our natural hormones in balance.

10. Go for low-GI carbs Two bowls of healthy porridge topped with blueberry compote The glycaemic index (GI) is a system that ranks carbohydrate-based foods on how slowly or quickly they are broken down in the body into glucose. Try to eat plenty of beans, pulses, porridge and other low-GI, slow-releasing carbohydrates. These release sugar into the blood stream gradually, providing you with a steady supply of energy and leaving you feeling satisfied for longer and therefore less likely to snack. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/eat-your-way-fabulous-skin

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 17, 2021

Our Frontline Worker of the Week is….

Nursing Assistant,

Claudette Tobin With her wonderful children, Neil and Natasha

From page 18 research about the vaccines.

Use credible sources such as WHO and PAHO, and speak to your doctor so they (individuals) can make an informed decision.”

As she does her part to help rein in the spread of the virus, Tobin ensures she safeguards herself daily by wearing a face mask, practices good hygiene and

social distance when she can, as according to her, “it is difficult to social distance when using public transportation.”

The mother of two children – Neil and Natasha – whom she described as wonderful, she also finds time to give thanks and praise to her Creator these days by means of virtual church activities.

PAGE 47

PAGE 48

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 17, 2021

Sunday October 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 49

Guyanese psychotherapist focuses on dealing...

From page 16 decades of clinical experience, the author guides readers step-by-step as he defines mental health and encourages people to look for ways to show support for those affected by mental health issues.

Tull iterates that “The book is a guide that gives us insights and resources to identify what mental health looks like in ourselves and those around us…..The aim is to discuss and explore the meaning of mental health in our community giving voice to our experiences as we navigate the mental health space; for us to see mental health not as an abstract concept rather as a collective process of healing…”

Further, the author emphasises that as it relates to mental health in the time of COVID-19, there needs to be renewed attention to the issue. He explained that in his estimation, this renewed focus needs to be placed on capacity building and the delivery of culture competency services as it relates to marginalised communities.

Tull said, “My desire is, at the end of this experience one leaves with a sense of empowerment and clarity of the importance mental health. The Mental Health Pandemic is a book of the moment, fill with warmth, hope, and a collective sense of healing.”

Over the past two decades, Tull has been committed to improving the psychosocial development of humanity on an individual and community level.

A short bio on the author and life coach reveals that he has diverse clinical and multicultural professional expertise in working with key populations. It was revealed that Tull's clinical expertise has been demonstrated at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Mental Health initiative providing positive clinical outcomes as the Mental Health Expert in the Positively United to Support Humanity (PUSH) programme in Guyana.

“Mr. Tull was a member of the USAID's JSI Advancing Partners & Communities (APC) team bringing his experience Guyana, providing capacity and clinical counseling competencies to support testing, linkage to treatment, and viral suppression for key populations [here],” the information stated.

The bio notes that psychotherapist has excessively demonstrated

his expertise in programme planning and team building.

He has the organisational skills to build a frontline staff particularly, for mental health work and the ability to attract the most suitable

candidates for your institutions.

He has worked on issues of mental health particularly as they relate to depression and suicide.

As such, Tull is available

to offer an overview of his experience in Guyana and other international settings.

He has done presentations on motivational interviewing, disclosure, health protective behaviours, suicide

prevention, and depression to name a few.

Also facilitating and supporting cooperative work with key populations in Guyana, he assists with supervision to doctoral and

master's level students, in the a r e a o f c a s e conceptualisation, diagnoses, documentation a n d p r o g r a m m e development for mental health issues.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday October 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 17, 2021

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25 matters disposed of during June Session of Demerara Criminal Assizes A total of 25 matters were disposed of during the June 2021 session of the Demerara Criminal Assizes. According to the goal delivery done by Justice Sandil Kissoon last Friday, the June sessions, were presided over by Justice Brassington Reynolds, Justice Sandil Kissoon and Madam Justice Jo-Ann Barlow.

The Assizes commenced on Tuesday June 1, last with a total of 331 cases listed to be heard. Of these 331 cases, 25 matters were disposed of. Of these 25 matters, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) presented 20 in the High Court of Demerara while five were nolle prosequi by the DPP. Based on the statistics disclosed by Justice Kissoon, of the 20 cases presented, eight were for the offence of murder and two for sexual offences. He noted that a total of 26 persons appeared in these 20 cases. There were eight convictions, seven not guilty verdicts, seven guilty pleas, one hung jury and two formal verdicts of not guilty.

According to the statistics, Senior State Counsel Lisa Cave with State Counsel, Tenisha Saygon, and State Counsel, Muntaz Ali, completed eight matters for the offence of murder before Justice Sandil Kissoon.

The information outlined that in one case in which two

Justice Sandil Kissoon.

Justice Jo Ann Barlow.

Justice Brassington Reynolds. accused were indicted together, they were both found unanimously guilty by jury verdicts and sentenced to death. In another four cases with a total of six accused, each of them pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and was sentence to life imprisonment. Four of the convicts must each serve 15 years before being eligible for parole. The other two will serve 20 years and 30 years respectively before parole.

In another case, the data stated that the accused person pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and was sentence to 18 years imprisonment.

The trial judge in another matter, upheld a no-case submission and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

In the other case with two accused persons, the jury was

hung on the number one accused while the number two accused was found not guilty.

Over in the Sexual Offences Court, the goal delivery data outlined that State Counsels, Nafeeza Baig, Sarah Martin and Cecilia Corbin prosecuted 12 matters.

According to the statistics, three of these cases were completed before Justice Brassington Reynolds while nine were heard before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow.

In two of the three matters before Justice Reynolds, both accused were found guilty by jury verdicts for the offence of rape of a child under 16 years. In one matter, the accused who was indicted on two counts of rape was sentence to 25 years on each count. In another matter, the

accused was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment.

The other accused was acquitted by a jury verdict.

Of the nine cases before Justice Barlow, the jury in five matters returned verdicts of not guilty. In yet another case, the accused pleaded guilty and was sentence to seven years imprisonment.

Also two accused in another, who were indicted together, were found guilty by jury verdicts and were each sentenced to 25 years imprisonment. Further, an accused who was indicted for rape and assault causing actual bodily harm was found guilty for the alternative offence of assault causing actual harm. He is awaiting sentence.

In the other case in which the virtual complainant testified that she did not wish to proceed with the evidence

and the trial judge directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty. In the five matters that were nolle prosequi by the DPP, one was for the offence of attempt to commit murder with an alternative count of discharging a loaded firearm with intent. The complainant in this matter has since died.

The other four matters were for Sexual Offences.

These four complainants have submitted written statements that they did not wish to proceed with their matters.

Meanwhile, the statistics stated that in the Berbice Criminal Assizes which commenced on Tuesday, June 15, 2O21, 102 cases are listed to be heard.

Of the matters listed State Counsel, Abigail Gibbs completed five matters for the offence of murder and

one for the offence of rape of a child under 16 years.

Two of the Berbice murder cases were before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow. In one the trial judge upheld a no case submission and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

The other accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. The other three murder cases and the one sexual offence were prosecuted before Justice Brassington Reynolds.

Of the three murder matters, one accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. Another one was acquitted after the trial judge up held a no case submission.

While the jury in one other case found the accused not guilty for the offence of murder then returned hung in proportion of nine with not guilty to three guilty on the lesser offence of manslaughter. This accused was granted bail in the sum of $500,000.

In the sexual offence matter, the complainant testified she did not wish to proceed with the evidence and the trial judge then directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

The Berbice Assizes continues up to Monday, October 18, 202I.

East Bank Essequibo communities receiving improved water supply

T

echnological innovation by G u y a n a Wa t e r Incorporated (GWI) has resulted in some 15,000 residents from Farm to Parika on the East Bank of Essequibo receiving a significantly improved water supply.

These residents, according to a GWI release, were receiving a low level of service with the collapse of the Farm well in June, 2021.

Therefore, the company has rehabilitated and reactivated a well located at Parika and this has yielded much success.

Chief Executive Officer of GWI, Shaik Baksh, and a technical team visited the area on Friday, October 15, 2021 where he explained that the well was brought back

into operation after 16 years.

The residents have now gone from receiving water as low as the ground level primarily at peak hours to now receiving a 24-hour water supply as high as 14 feet.

GWI's Region Three Manager, Aggrey Anderson, highlighted that the well has a good production of 0.85 cubic meters of water per minute.

T h i s f o l l o w s rehabilitation works which were done at a cost of approximately $6M by an inhouse team over a two-week period.

These works included the installation of a new pump and motor, new discharge pipe, along with a flow meter pressure gauge and discharge valve to control pressure and flow.

Anderson explained that shock chlorination was also done to ensure that the water quality was up to par since the well was out of operation for a long time.

Water quality testing was done and shown that the water produced by the well is f r e e f r o m a n y microbiological contamination.

The Company's CEO has stressed the importance of ensuring that the homes and businesses from Farm to Parika have the best possible water supply.

To this end, in the coming weeks, GWI will be drilling a new well in Parika backdam to even further improve the water supply.

GWI's CEO, Shaik Baksh checks the water pressure at the Parika well station.

Also in the photo are other GWI team members

Kaieteur News

PAGE 52

Sunday October 17, 2021

Bandit tells tale of how he stabbed 19-year-old to death The bandit, who confessed to killing a 19year-old after invading his family's store, in an interview that was recorded via a cell phone told cops how he committed the act.

He has been identified as Kapildeo Jangadin, 24, of Annandale, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Jangadin is currently in custody for invading the Deal on Electronics store located at S t r a t h s p e y, E C D a n d murdering Ganesh Persaud also known as “Chris” during the furtherance of a robbery.

Following his arrest on Friday evening, the man confessed to the crime and even told police while sitting on the bench at the Vigilance Police Station how he perpetrated the act.

In the video, a female officer was heard questioning him about the crime he committed.

Jangadin told the officer that he committed the act

alone and that everything happened fast.

He continued his tale by revealing that he had walked into the store and approached Persaud to find out the price for a “speaker box”. “…when me guh in me walk up to the boy and ask he wah is the price for the speaker box,” Jangadin told the officer.

The confessed killer said that when Persaud attempted to show him the speaker box, he scrambled his gold chain.

Jangadin claimed that he cannot recall how he came in possession of the murder weapon but remembered that Persaud resisted him and they ended up in a fight.

It was during the fight, confessed the bandit, that he used a small knife to stab Persaud.

He told the officer that he cannot remember exactly where he stabbed Persaud but noted that he was cognisant that he had stabbed the young

man “couple well places” about his body.

Jangadin added that he then ran out of the store with the chain in his possession and had stopped someone on a bicycle who he asked to give him a drop to a location where he changed his clothes. CCTV footage from the store showed the suspect running out of the store dressed in a white shirt and black pants.

When he was arrested by patrol ranks, Jangadin was dressed in a green t-shirt and a pair of grey jeans.

However, the stolen gold chain was still in his position as well as the clothes he reportedly used to commit the robbery. During his confession, he told police that he did not steal any cash and had only escaped with Persaud's gold chain.

It was reported on Saturday that Persaud was attacked and stabbed to his neck sometime after

The suspect, who confessed to killing Persaud, Kapildeo Jangadin 16:00hrs on Friday. His father told the press that his son was alone in the store at the time of the robbery while he (the father) was in another section of the building.

Murdered for a gold chain, Ganesh Persaud

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

He was rushed

immediately to a private hospital but succumbed to his injury on the way. Persaud's life was snuffed out days shy of his 20th birthday, October 25.

Approximately $500M distributed in Reg. 3 as part of Govt.'s flood-relief initiative Yesterday, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha spearheaded the government's ongoing floodrelief initiative at the West Demerara Secondary School, Leonora Secondary School and Meten-Meer-Zorg Primary School on the West Coast of Demerara, Region Three (Essequibo Islands – West Demerara).

Region Three is the fifth region to benefit from government's relief efforts following this year's extended May-June rainy period which resulted in flooding in most of the 10 administrative regions of Guyana.

Minister Mustapha, while delivering an address, informed farmers and residents who were present at the various distribution sites that Region Three will benefit from approximately $500 million by the end of the distribution.

“Today we are here to continue distributing floodrelief grants to those who would've suffered during the flood earlier this year.

Approximately half a billion dollars will be distributed in Region Three. We might exceed that because persons are still coming forward to

claim losses. Our officers will have to verify those claims, but I want to assure you, once you would've suffered losses during the flood, you will receive assistance from the government,” Minister Mustapha said.

He also told persons that the flood-relief grant is not a “per household” grant as was the case with the COVID-19 relief grant, but rather, it is intended to target those who experienced losses as a result of the recent flooding.

I know you are anxious about receiving your relief grant because you know we've already rolled out this programme in other regions.

Today, we are here in Region Three because we wanted to ensure the list we have was fairly accurate. On behalf of the government, I want to make it clear. This relief is not a “per household” relief; it is only intended to target those who were affected during the flood. When the President made the announcement regarding the rollout, that figure was based on the figure provided by the officers who were in charge of doing the assessment. To date, persons are still coming forward claiming losses, so

we have to do another round of verification. Rest assured, once you experienced losses, you will be given relief,” Minister Mustapha said.

He also said that because farmers are finally beginning to return to the land after receiving the grant, the government remains optimistic that food prices will soon decrease.

“With the onset of the floods a few months ago, and even to date, we are seeing the prices of fruits and vegetables skyrocketing.

People are now beginning to return to the land because of the assistance they are receiving from the government and we remain optimistic that the prices for fruits and vegetables will soon return to normal,” Minister Mustapha noted.

While highlighting President Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali's passion for developing Guyana's agriculture sector, Minister Mustapha said that the government remains keen on ensuring the sector is not neglected with Guyana now being considered an e m e rg i n g o i l a n d g a s producing nation.

“The agriculture sector remains one of the most

A photo taken during the flood relief distribution exercise in Region Three yesterday (DPI Photo). important pillars in our economy. Our President is driving the agriculture agenda in CARICOM, so we have to ensure that the necessary investments are made to develop the sector.

Even though we are an e m e rg i n g o i l a n d g a s producing country, we don't want to be like other oil producing countries that neglected their agriculture sector.”

Minister Mustapha also said that the government will continue to facilitate the sustainable advancement of the sector by promoting the use of shade houses given the impacts that climate change is having on the sector, and through constructing agroprocessing facilities to encourage value-added production.

Persons who were present at yesterday's distribution lauded the government's efforts to help farmers return to the land.

One farmer who benefited from the grant said that the money will enable farmers like himself to move on and continue with their passion, which is farming. “I am really thankful to the government for this initiative that they have done for us and to give us the strength to move on, more and more into farming. This will put me right back, in fact right away I will be going on Monday, to change this cheque and start buying back limestone, mole, fertiliser, seedlings and be back on it again,” the farmer said.

Another farmer suffered lost livestock during the

flood, noted that in addition to her animals, many of her household items were destroyed. She said that she plans to use the grant to replace some of her household items.

“The government is doing very well. I am thankful for the little mercy that I could make use of it. I plan to buy some food stuff, buy things for the home that flood out and things that were destroyed,” she noted.

The government commenced its flood-relief grant distribution exercise in Region Three last weekend.

During that exercise, residents residing in Wales, Patentia and Vive la Force on the West Bank of Demerara would have benefited from the ongoing exercise. (DPI feature)

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 17, 2021

PAGE 53

NGO to honour firewoman for bravery To be honoured for her bravery, firefighter, Shekel Rogers

By Shervin Belgrave The United Bridge Builders Mission (UBBM), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) will be honouring a “brave” firewoman who reportedly risked her life and own safety to assist her colleagues to extinguish a blaze on Charlotte Street in the capital city.

That firewoman is Shekel Rogers, a single parent, who had left her job as a slot machine attendant at a casino just to become a fire fighter.

She reportedly joined the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) in 2016 and has been on the frontline fighting fires since then.

At around 21:21hrs on Tuesday October 12 last, the alarm at the Central Fire Station went off alerting onduty fire fighters that there was a building on fire at Charlotte Street.

Rogers was off-duty at the time but driven by her passion for her profession, she decided to head to the scene with her colleagues.

When this media house arrived there, a slim woman, clad in nothing but a dress, was seen assisting the firefighters to connect hoses and pull them and even brave the heat without the necessary protective gears.

At first, it was thought that she was one of the fire victims assisting the fire fighters to quickly extinguish the fire that was fast destroying some makeshift apartments at 172 Charlotte Street.

She was full of energy, and while neglecting her own

CEO of UBBM, Bonita Montaque

safety she ensured that her colleagues stayed away from danger, and was even instrumental in helping to save a firefighter's life. The firefighter was on top of the roof of the burning building trying to put out the fire with a hose when he almost fell into the inferno. It was Rogers' quick eye and loud voice that alerted her colleagues that he was in danger.

“Oh gosh yall come quick, Liverpool falling in.

Liverpool…Liverpool,” she shouted.

The young woman even mounted a fence and held onto the high-pressure hose as her male colleagues assisted Liverpool and the others. She was also sharp with ideas on how to tackle the fire before it became “disastrous”.

“Aye come lift up this zinc and put the hose deh…

Aye yall leh we pull the hose and tek out the kink,” she was heard instructing her colleagues.

It was only after one of Rogers' superiors asked that she assist him in consoling

one of the distraught fire victims that it became clear that she too was a firefighter.

The victim, a woman, was crying and unwilling to speak with investigators, firefighters and the media but Rogers along with her colleague managed to console the woman and gather the relevant information. With a diary and pen she jotted down each detail while assuring the woman that she will receive help and that all is not lost.

The press had witnessed her bravery and dedication to her job and had even labelled a hero. However, the GFS in a statement had related that Rogers was reprimanded for breaching protocols by fighting the fire alongside her colleagues without her protective gears.

But the statement from the GFS was not well received by members of the public many of whom flocked to social media platforms to advocate for Rogers to be honoured for her bravery.

UBBM is one of the organisations that will

honour Rogers for risking her life to assist her colleagues.

UBBM's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bonita Montaque, told Kaieteur News that her organisation “plans to honour Superwoman Firefighter, Shekel Rogers, in the upcoming months for her bravery and heroic actions while fighting a fire.”

She said that based on

Shekel Rogers assisting her colleagues to extinguish the fire that destroyed some makeshift apartments located at 172 Charlotte Street on Tuesday, October 12, 2021.

information UBBM received, “Rogers has always executed her job with excellence, going above and beyond to save lives and contain fires.”

“While she may have been off schedule, she has proven yet again frontline workers are always able to save lives and properties whether on or off schedule,” said the UBBM CEO.

Montaque added that she is not pleased with the counterproductive policy and action against Rogers by the GFS (reprimanding her for breaching protocols).

Moreover, UBBM is calling for all related departmental matters against Rogers to be d r o p p e d i m m e d i a t e l y.

Instead, “she deserves recognition and promotion,” Montaque added.

Sunday October 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 54

IzWi Rich Entertainment - the new production group promising quality content to locals

I

z W i R i c h Entertainment, a new local entertainment group, is already making a name for itself.

Wi t h p r o f e s s i o n a l , creative, high quality content in the areas of music and video production, the

Henry partnered with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Producer of IzWi Rich Entertainment, Ruiz Young popularly known as “Richie Rich,” to open the doors of the new production outlet at the Clerical and Commercial Workers' Union

provide services in film production, videography, photography, advertisement development and production, content creation, lighting effects, cartoonisations, and beat making. Public relations and other communication

Zena Henry of IzWi Rich Entertainment and CEO/ producer, Ruiz Young, is captured in one of their music video.

entertainment group is showcasing a quality that it hopes to see perpetuated in the local industry.

According to Zena Henry, who handles the company's marketing and advertising, IzWi Rich Entertainment is ecstatic about joining the numerous outlets providing a space for musicians and other creators.

(CCWU) building on Quamina Street, Georgetown in April of 2021.

Henry explained that IzWi Rich Entertainment is involved in music production -- from writing, to recording, mastering, the production of music videos and content distribution.

She explained, “We also

services such as writing services, managing social media platforms and marketing are available.”

Henry said that she has always been passionate about music but never had the opportunity to sincerely pursue it. However, she said as part owner of IzWi Rich Entertainment, she is happy to not only please herself, but

to provide a space for other creators in an industry that is “expensive, uncertain and sometimes ruthless.”

By profession, Henry said she is a journalist but branched off as a freelancer, to pursue other aspirations such as music and acting.

At present, Henry said apart from the music, the company will expand further with its acting, script writing, and other content creation. She said short films, sitcoms and other types of shows are also on the company's to do list.

For now, IzWi Rich Entertainment is getting its attention from well put together music productions involving names such as Legions, Kiishon, Jay Supreme, Issibaby and Zena Lashley, among others.

As of recent, the group's partnership with prominent entertainment figures like Seon Barrington of Seonbfilmsensured and the high quality content of his work has been drawing the attention of fans.

“We have already released a number of jaw dropping productions that include music, video content, photography and acting; all involving new and existing local talents,” Henry added.

Meanwhile, the group's CEO, Ruiz Young, said he is also driven by his passion for music production.

The producer said that

The new company promises quality content to musicians, videographers and filmmakers the company's aim is to produce quality, creative, professional content that would encourage further support for Guyanese musicians and other creatives.

The 32-year old who has been producing music for almost eight years had been living in Venezuela with his family but returned during the economic fallout in that country. The producer saw it necessary to use his skills to

add his creativity to the local industry.

He said Guyana has much to offer and feels happy that more persons are pursuing their dreams in music and other creative areas.

Last April, young and Henry pooled their resources to equip the small establishment with a recording room, office, videography room and other essential items.

UN extends Haiti mission by nine months (France24) - The United Nations Security Council extended the UN mission in Haiti by nine months on Friday after an 11th-

hour compromise was struck between western powers and China.

The council passed a resolution

extending the mandate by less than the one-year that the United States had sought but more than the six months Beijing wanted.

The proposal was passed unanimously by 15 votes to zero.

The vote came shortly after 6:00 pm (2200 GMT), just hours before the political mission was due to expire, extending it to 15 July, 2022.

Haiti is currently in the grip of a deep political, economic, social and security crisis.

It has not had a sitting parliament for more than a year and a half amid disputes, with the country put under one-man rule by president Jovenel Moise, who was assassinated in July.

Beijing had signaled it would

veto a US draft extending the mandate by a year.

China had drafted its own text proposing a six-month extension before Friday's latest iteration was agreed.In the end, they agreed on nine months with a provision that the Secretary General would conduct an assessment after six months."BINUH" was established in October 2019 following the end of 15 years of UN peacekeeping operations and has been a frequent source of contention between Washington and Beijing.

Its mandate includes strengthening political stability and good governance.

China has frequently said that

there should be no external solutions to Haiti's problems but UN diplomats say it wants to punish Haiti for its recognition of Taiwan.Earlier this month, the UN Security Council accepted that Haiti's elections will be delayed until the second half of 2022.

The United States, the most influential foreign player in Haiti, had earlier pushed for elections to go ahead this year to restore democratic legitimacy amid a power vacuum.

Haiti's troubles, including a devastating earthquake, have led tens of thousands to flee, with images of horseback US border guards roughly rounding up Haitians generating outrage in the United States.

PAGE 55

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 17, 2021

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

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.

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

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.

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.

WANTED 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.

Experience Taxi driver at Princess Hotel Providence.

Call:265-7075/616-5419.

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.

EDUCATION Electrical wiring,Auto electrical wiring training courses.

Tel:225-9587. Technical Studies Institute.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

One general domestic.Must be able to prepare vegetarian meal. Apply at Alabama Trading,65 Robb Street Bourda.

Live in waitress 18-25 years.

Call:648-7866.

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

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

Farm workers in Timehri. Living accomodation provided.

Tel:661-1585/617-2032.

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

SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040

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

TO LET VACANCY Porters,TM log Truck drivers, Chainsaw & Mill operator. Call:609-7675/674-1705.

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

Crime is crime and should be condemned and dealt with the full force of the law DEAR EDITOR, No less than five persons have been murdered at the hands of the Guyana Police Force since August 2020.

Wanton extrajudicial killing has returned and this time more ominous than before.

The past weeks remind us of rogue elements in the Force who have taken siege of law enforcement, and they seem to be unstoppable.

Citizens are being shot by the police in their sleep, in their faces, buttocks and backs, violating all protocol of criminal apprehension or engagement. Recently the police shot two men dead and had the temerity to issue a statement that the men were ‘allegedly’ involved in a robbery. To make it clear, lest my concerns be distorted by those with a nefarious agenda, there is no support here for criminal activity.

There is no support, whether said activity is blue collar or white collar. Crime is crime and should be condemned and dealt with the full force of the law. The concerns here are that the police, acting like judge, jury and executioner, executing a vigilante style justice are themselves engaging in behaviours that may well be deemed discriminatory, unlawful and in violation of human rights.

Whenever the People’s Progressive Party/Civic is in office, going back to the Bharrat Jagdeo era, citizens live in fear. One of the fears is the police will violate the law with impunity and be granted political immunity; and the alleged victim, suspect, criminal and society, deny the right to due process that will ensure the protection of civil rights and the natural course of justice.

It is not sufficient for the police to assassinate citizens without getting to the root of the crimes, especially in a society such as ours where those involved in narco

crimes and many guilty of crimes are all interrelated across the social levels. The difference being some are well connected and can have their criminal connection and link disappear. They also have the benefit of seeking the best lawyers, and have high friends in all branches of government, offering them protection.

To those who support the barbarism we are seeing in society, would they support vigilante justice enacted against those in high office who steal from the coffers, filled by taxpayers’ money?

They wouldn’t support vigilante justice against their own for any crime, worst yet perceived or alleged.

They would prefer their loved ones be taken to court, rather than gunned down by manic members of the force, who swear to uphold the laws, to serve and protect.

These deaths are also not seeing the activation of the Coroner’s Act that requires investigations be conducted, findings made, and persons held to account. When the world over is crying out for criminal justice reform and moving to enact it, here in Guyana the police continue to act as brutes and goons under a regime that only respects the laws when such work in their favour. The right to life is sacred, constitutionally guaranteed to both the victim and villain.

This must be respected by the Police. Bring the perpetrators in and have the court, which is the bonafide institution, dispense justice. It is also alleged the officer (s) that murdered Boston and the man in Grove is of East Indian extraction. This could have dire implications for race relations in society.

Guyanese would recall when President David Granger came to office, he made it clear his government would not tolerate extrajudicial killing. For the

period the Coalition was in office citizens did not have to live in such fear. That fiveyear period also proved the Force can desist from such lawlessness.

The extrajudicial killing of any poses clear and present danger to all. Lest it be taken for granted, or supported, when the police are allowed to act outside of the law, they threaten the life and safety of all, including the law-abiding.

Orin Boston of Dartmouth is one such case. There was nothing against this young man but some bloodthirsty, misguided, and trigger-happy policemen who felt they had a target to kill.

And last Friday we saw another level of police lawlessness. When former Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Slowe, appeared at the Magistrate Court, responding to a summons to do so, four officers attempted to arrest him for the same offence he was appearing for.

He stood his ground and asserted his rights.

The mistreatment and disrespect meted out to Slowe is reminiscent of the immediate post-slavery environment, when the newly freed were threatened and intimidated - going about their lawful business - by the colonial authority and plant class in effort to marginalise or keep persons ‘in their place.’ It is an insidious form of profiling giving rise to concern Guyana, too, is having its George Floyd moments and experiences.

Fellow Guyanese, we are living in dangerous times. All right-thinking persons are being called on to condemn the atrocity being committed against the people using state apparatus. Today it is Slowe, Boston, et al.

Tomorrow it could be you. For clearly the police no longer have regard for Law and Order and basic human rights.

Lincoln Lewis

THE OUTCOME COULD HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT DEAR EDITOR Stealthily and ever cautiously the bandit moved to the chair where the gun lay as the guard was comatosed, never realising he was visited until sometime later.

Another familiar case of sleeping guard and stolen gun.

But the outcome could have been different, as the bandit, having the upper

hand, could have used his advantage to gain access to the building.

Needless to say the sleeping guard will be awake for a long time as he has much

to answer to his employer. A lesson for all security guards working the graveyard shift and especially entrusted with a weapon.

Shamshun Mohamed

PAGE 56

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 17, 2021

The One Mile Health Centre in Linden.

2 Linden nurses in custody for allegedly selling COVID-19 vaccine books Two Linden nurses, who are attached to the One Mile Health Centre, are currently in police custody assisting with an investigation in relation to the selling of COVID-19 vaccine books.

The nurses were picked upon Friday afternoon following a sting operation between the Regional Health Department and the Region 10 Police Division.

Regional officials confirmed that one of the nurses allegedly confessed to selling the books and revealed that other nurses have been involved that were posted to various vaccination sites across the region. Being implicated at this stage, are nurses posted

to the Linden Hospital Complex vaccination site by the Regional Health Department.

According to a reliable source within the Regional Democratic Council, officials were acting on information for weeks and efforts were made several times to warn the nurses about their actions, but they continued to sell the books.

Books were being sold for as much as $35,000. A credible source told Kaieteur News too that several persons who purchased the books, their details are not in the regional data base. It was revealed too that some of the books do not bear stamps while some do not have signatures of the

person who issued the vaccine. This newspaper also understands that persons who purchased the books will also be investigated.

Region 10's vaccination rate is currently at about 30 percent, which is one of the lowest vaccination percentages in the country.

The selling of vaccination books became popular following the government announcement that persons must be vaccinated before entering public buildings and that all government workers must be vaccinated.

Persons caught selling vaccination books can face up to three years imprisonment.

PAGE 57

Sunday October 17, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 58

Watooka Day Schools tops -Regma girls tie Region 10 at NGSA, for second place

By Vanessa Braithwaite Akiera Campbell of the Wa t o o k a D a y P r i m a r y School in Linden, grabbed the first position for Region 10, in the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). She secured a place at Queen's College (QC) with 518 marks.

The aspiring doctor said she kept focus throughout her NGSA journey, despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic. She said she did expect to secure a spot at QC but not to top the region. “ R i g h t n o w, I a m experiencing adrenalin rush, I always performed well at school but I had to stay focus and not get distracted,” the top performer said. As a result of school closure during the pandemic, Akiera had to transition from faceto-face learning to having classes on zoom and this she said was a challenge since she did not benefit from one-onone interaction with her teachers.

Her teacher, Melissa Blair, who played a pivotal role in her performance said Akiera was a child who always took up the challenge and she is happy that she made the school and her parents proud. “I am overwhelmed, I'm happy for her and everything she would have achieved.” The Grade Six teacher said teaching remotely was difficult, particularly dealing with internet connectivity issues, but she pulled through to the end to ensure her students derived success. Akiera's mother, Andrea Campbell,

said her daughter has made her extremely proud and she encouraged her throughout the preparation period to not be side tracked with all the negativity brought on by the pandemic. “I told her not to get sidetracked from her expected goal, throughout it all, I would encourage her to work, keep working all the time and I saw that she was working so I am excited, I am elated and I am proud,” she said.

Tying for second position in the region are students from Regma Primary, Aliyah Anthony and Angel Henry.

They both copped 516 marks and secured places at QC. The excited Aliyah said she feels accomplished because of her exceptional p e r f o r m a n c e .

“I didn't expect to be the second but to go to Queen's College,” she said. Speaking on the challenges faced in preparation for exams during the pandemic, the aspiring entrepreneur said, “It was difficult adjusting to it but I got the hang of it. The preparation was stressful because I had to study a lot, most of my time was on zoom classes,” she said.

Angel Henry expressed similar sentiments of being excited about her performance as she had difficulty answering some questions in the part-two papers. Speaking on preparing during a pandemic, she said. “It was kind of hard because you didn't have people around you to explain the work and a more one-onone interaction, and at school we also played games to

that Mollya and the other two students in the top 10 for the Region would have performed well, she is giving all praises to God. She revealed that teaching while face-to-face learning was out, was difficult but she ensured the students got the best input from her. “It was

Angel Henry

better understand the concepts, and I had really enjoyed those,” she said.

Angel thanked her teacher Cheryl Wills, her parents, grandmother and God for contributing to her excellent performance.

Copping the third position in the Region is Mollya Wilson of Amelia's Ward Primary with 514 marks. Her teacher, Shauna Cumberbatch, said she is overwhelmed because although she was confident

Akeira Campbell

very difficult, we went through a lot of challenges. I had zoom with them and then when I realised I wasn't getting a lot out of them from zoom, I turned my home into a school. When the group got bigger I got another place and then a bottom house to ensure they got face-to-face learning,” she said.

She added, “I also worked with an action plan and I am happy because it all worked out.” The other students who made it into the top

Aliyah Anthony

10 for Region 10 are Nykasi Hodge of Amelia's Ward Primary with 511 marks, Lakeshia Venture of Royal Hall of Learning with 511 marks, Shaniece Duncan of Watooka Day Primary with 510 marks, Angel Saul of Regma Primary with 510 marks. They all were

awarded places at QC. Tia Sampson of One Mile Primary secured 509 marks, Joshua Purnell of Amelia's Ward Primary secured 508 marks, Jalicia Douglas of Regma Primary secured 508 marks and Tierra Mc Intosh of Royal Halls of Learning secured 508 marks. They all were awarded places at the Bishop's High School.

Meanwhile Tabitha Fox of the Howell Wilson Primary School in Ituni secured 506 marks and was awarded a place at the Bishop's High.

She is the top student for the Sub Region District.

Covid: Russia's daily deaths pass 1,000 for first time (BBC) - Russia on Saturday recorded 1,000 Covid-related deaths in a single day for the first time since the pandemic began.

The figure had been rising all week, with the Kremlin blaming the Russian people for not taking up vaccination.Only about a third of the population has had a jab, amid wide distrust of the vaccines.

Russia's figure of 222,000 Covid deaths is the highest in Europe, with another 33,000 infections reported on Saturday.

The government has avoided bringing in strict restrictions because it says it needs to keep the economy working.

The Kremlin has instead focused on public apathy on vaccination.This week, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "In a situation where infections are growing, it is necessary to continue to explain to people that they must get

vaccinated.

"It is really irresponsible not to get vaccinated. It kills," he said.

The government insists the health system has not been overwhelmed and can cope with the rising number of patients.

However, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko urged doctors who had left practices because of Covid fears to get vaccinated and come back to work.

The number of active cases of infected people in Russia is around 750,000 - also the highest it has been since records started in February 2020.Overall infections since the outbreak began are now closing in on 8 million.

The figures for the percentage of Russians who have had single and full vaccination are surprisingly close together - both just short of a third of the population.This suggests a large

A patient is taken to a specialist hospital for Covid-19 treatment in Moscow.

number of people do not want to be vaccinated at all. Recent opinion polls suggested that figure could be more than 50%.Russia has not been

slow in developing vaccines. Its Sputnik V was rolled out quickly last year and it has approved three others.

But it appears to have failed to convince many at home they are either necessary or reliable.

It has had more success selling Sputnik V around the world. But although the vaccine was made available for other countries quickly, it also ran into delivery issues, with some nations unable to get their doses on time.About 70 nations have authorised the use of Sputnik V but, like Russia's other vaccines, it has yet to be approved by the World Health Organization.

This, along with the lack of international vaccines inside Russia, has led some Russians to take advantage of vaccination tour packages.

Serbia - which Russians can enter without a visa - is one nation where visitors can get a jab of a vaccine such as Pfizer, and open up the possibility of travelling around the world.

Sunday October 17, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Sunday October 17, 2021

...Vitality Inc. constructing CSK openers Gaikwad, du Plessis join elite list had assisted clubs and playFrom page 63 an environmentally ers with over fifteen million featuring Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers infriendly waste management dollars of items as part of its

Hindustan Times Chennai Super Kings opening pair of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis had a terrific campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. In the finale against Kolkata Knight Riders, which CSK won by 27 runs, the pair provided their side with a solid start, stitching 61 runs for the opening wicket.

While Gaikwad was dismissed on 32 off 27 balls, his efforts saw him finish as the leading run-scorer of the tournament. His partner Du Plessis, on the other hand, finished the contest on 86 off 59 deliveries after he was dismissed in the final delivery of the CSK innings.

The superb show by the CSK pair also saw them join an elite list featuring Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers. Both the batters went past the 600-run mark, making them the third pair to complete the milestone from the same team.

Two players scoring 600+ runs in a season for a team: Chris Gayle (708) & Virat Kohli (634) RCB, 2013; Virat Kohli (973) & AB de Villiers (687) RCB, 2016; Ruturaj Gaikwad (635) & Faf du Plessis (633) CSK, 2021.

Apart from this the pair combined to add 756 runs for their side in IPL 2021, which is the third highest by a pair in a single edition.

Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad. (IPL/Twitter) Most partnership runs in a season: 939 Virat Kohli - AB de Villiers (2016); 791 David

Sunday October 17, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Someone you love dearly could provide inspiration for creative activity of some kind. You might write a song or poem about your friend, draw or paint a portrait, or cook a special meal.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today you could meet with a female acquaintance that you know through a group.

By the end of the day, this person could turn from casual acquaintance to firm friend.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Someone you love dearly could provide inspiration for creative activity of some kind. You might write a song or poem about your friend, draw or paint a portrait, or cook a special meal.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Don't be surprised if you feel a powerful affection for someone you've met at work. This could be a friendly affection or it could be stronger than that.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) A very loving message could come to you from a woman, possibly your mother. If this is a letter, it may go on for several pages. If it's a phone call, the conversation could last for a long time.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) A small sum of money could come today, possibly through the efforts of a woman. You may have been waiting for this for a long time, so expect to feel relieved.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today's energies will bring good fortune and success.

New opportunities to increase status and income could come your way.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today your imagination should be flowing freely.

You could channel this into creative work, or you could come up with some ingenious ways to advance your business interests.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A powerful feeling of love for someone from far away could strike you today. This might be someone you're involved with professionally.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Love and passion may be on your mind. If you aren't currently involved, you might be attracted to someone you know through business, so a little caution is advised.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) If you're single, you might long for a romantic partner today. If you're attached, you might think of making your commitment more permanent. If you're married, children might be on your mind.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Have you been thinking about adopting a pet? Today is a great day to go to the shelter and rescue one.

You'll know which one to choose, as the animal will probably choose you! Don't let minor stuff get in the way.

Warner - Jonny Bairstow (2019); 756 Ruturaj Gaikwad Faf du Plessis (2021); 744 Shikhar Dhawan - Prithvi Shaw (2021); 731 Shikhar Dhawan - David Warner (2016).

Meanwhile, KKR bowler Lockie Ferguson dished out his worst bowling figures in an IPL game. The Kiwi quick was blown away for 56 runs in his four overs.

facility, accounting and medical testing. The 20f x 28f house would contain two bedrooms, a living room and kitchen along with wash room facilities.

Foster is confident that the home would be completed for the family to move in before the festive season and expressed thanks to the management of the company for their generous contribution including Sawh, Abbas Hamid, Simon Kandial and Matt Averkamp.

The BCB President and RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO who is also a Director of Cricket West Indies stated that he was delighted that Ms. Henry would have the keys soon to her new home and committed himself to making sure that the home is fully furnished after it is completed.

He stated that the BCB and RHTY&SC were both committed to making a positive difference in the lives of persons involved in the game who need assistance.

Foster disclosed that since 2018, his administration

outreach programme.

An emotional Henry stated that she was overjoyed at the start of the construction and expressed thanks to the BCB and RHTY&SC along with Vitality Inc. for making her dream become a reality.

She noted that Foster is a very compassionate leader who cares a lot for the people around him and that the BCB President leads by example but most importantly, is a man of his words.

She recommitted herself to the development of Berbice cricket and pledged to work even harder to make sure that the current high standards are upheld.

Vitality Inc. is an official sponsor of both of the BCB and RHTY&SC. The company earlier this year donated over $1.4M worth of cricket gears to clubs in Berbice while it has also sponsored a cricket tournament for teams in Upper Corentyne. The company is also the official sponsor of the RHTY&SC Vitality Under-23 team.

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 17, 2021

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Former Sports Photographer Winston Oudkerk … 80 years on

Winton Oudkerk

By Sean Devers Veteran former Guyana C h r o n i c l e ’s S p o r t s P h o t o g r a p h e r Wi n s t o n Oudkerk celebrated his 80 birthday last month with his family but for someone who had served Guyana for close to 50 years in his field…even being awarded the Medal of Service for his work…his life is someway short of what he had hoped for.

Oudkerk has been married for 55 years since tying the knot with his wife Carol on April 16, 1966 and has eight children; five with his wife and three before. He resides with his wife and grandson in the Village of Paradise on the East Coast of Demerara and because of a stroke he suffered while returning home in August from the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio, he can’t do the

things he once could.

Since then he has done two surgeries and later developed arthritis which forced him to retire as Chief Photographer of the Chronicle after serving all of G u y a n a ’s E x e c u t i v e Presidents from Forbes Burnham to Bharrat Jagdeo.

His ailments have resulted in him having to use a walker to move around and he is unable to function properly. “It’s hard for me.

When my wife and grandson leave for work I am alone and can’t do much for myself. All of my children are now adults and working.

So it’s tough but I thank the Almighty Jesus that I am still here,” lamented Oudkerk, who says he never received any pension from Chronicle.

His first overseas sports assignment was in 1969 in Boa Vista and Oudkerk said he took photos of so many sports that he could not remember all of them but says one of his most memorable sports photo was at a Grass Track Motor Cycle Event at Better Hope ground.

“A rider fell and Stanley Ming was behind him and he and his motor cycle jumped over the guy and I got a photo of him airborne,” explained Oudkerk, who travelled to Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad to cover Motor Racing Meets.

He was in Barbados when West Indies played Pakistan and journeyed to Trinidad, Suriname and French Guiana to the cover

Winton Oudkerk celerates his 80th birtday with family.

Football. “I have been to all the grounds in Guyana where Guyana played cricket. I always loved sport but cricket is my favourite,” Oudkerk said.

Oudkerk was born on September 22, 1941 and lived at 100 Regent Street before his parents moved to 113 Duke Street, Kingston when he was seven. He attended Kingston Methodist, now the Kingston Government School up to sixth standard and had no secondary education.

“I grew up in Kingston and it was a bit tough since our family was a poor family and it was eight children. I was the eldest. The National Library had its first nationwide essay competition and you had to write the best about reading, I got second place in the 14-16 age group and Governor Sir Patrick Rennison presented me with an encyclopedia from Fogarty’s.” remembered Oudkerk.

Oudkerk explained how he got into photography at a time when it was not in his wildest dreams to become a p h o t o g r a p h e r. “ A s a youngster I used to help a friend who was my neighbour (Steve Narine) to deliver Guiana Graphic newspapers to homes in the Leopold, Hadfield, Durban Street area. The paper delivery with his neighbour gave him his break in life.

“He (Narine) was working with the Guyana

Chronicle on Main Street and told me that the Chronicle wanted an Office Assistant. I took the job for six dollars and 30 cents per week.

At that time two brothers had a store and one held a competition to hide a Camera box with a paper inside and who found it would get a camera. I was lucky to find the box in front of Queen Victoria’s Statue,” Oudkerk disclosed.

Oudkerk bought a 120 roll of films for sixty cents and when the films were full, he asked Mr. McDonald, the Chief Photographer at the Chronicle to have them developed. Oudkerk remained the Office Assistant even though some of the established photographers had left the job.

There was a fire on Cummings and First Street, Albertown, at around 11pm and the photographer who took pictures had left.

“The child that was saved in the house was the one he did not print and they asked me to do it and I did.”

A week later the newspaper decided that the photographer needed an Assistant and Oudkerk was appointed as the Dark Room Assistant.

“I threw box hand and bought a professional Camera from Acme. It was forty-four dollars for it and I was now taking pictures for the Chronicle,” Oudkerk recalled. When the Senior

Oudkerk at work during a Test match.

Photographer left for Trinidad on an assignment, Oudkerk showed his photos to the then Editor in Chief, Mr. George Willock and Oudkerk’s task was to bring in the offbeat photographs for the Chronicle’s front page.

In the 1960s he covered the riots and burnings and excelled as a photographer during that period. He also covered several regional Heads of Government Meetings throughout the Caribbean. Later he began traveling with the then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham on overseas assignments which took him to places such as Yu g o s l a v i a a n d Czechoslovakia, among other countries.

He covered events at the United Nations Headquarters in New York where he rubbed shoulders with some of the world’s best photographers. In 1964 Oudkerk said his work began to affect him and remembered having to duck from bullets and at one time he had to hide in a toilet.

“I got my head cut in 1963 during the general strike but one of his most frightening experiences as a photographer was when Father Bernard Darke was killed. I took the pictures of the killer with the knife is his hand about to commit the act.

I never thought that the man would have stabbed Father Darke. I was the only photographer there and I took five pictures.” Said Oudkerk. Just after that incident Oudkerk was sent on a press tour to China where he spent 46 days and on his return began covering

cricket.

He said Stabroek News’ Chief Photographer, Ken Moore (his major competitor) was one of the best photographers he had ever met. Moore died in February 2012. According to Oudkerk, back in the days there was no telephoto lens that we have now. There were few who could buy a wide angle lens. So what we used to do is take the picture with the ordinary lens and as a dark room technician, I would blow up the picture or enlarge it.

“These days you don’t have to do that because you have the different lens and just print it. Back then you had to work hard and think unlike today when you could just pick up a camera and shoot pictures since everything is automatic on the camera and take it to a lab.

My days were rough…if you take out a picture at 11o-clock in the night…of a fire, murder or night sports, you had to go back to the dark room, develop the film, print the picture and give it to the editor.

“The photographers now have things much easier with the technology and the digital camera. When you try to advise them about the different angles and what to look for when taking Football and Cricket photos they don’t listen…they know everything.

When you look at the quality of photos in the newspapers it’s not good at all.” He said there is much to be done for training and suggested that media houses embark on a programme to train their photographers.

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Indian Wells: Paula Badosa and Victoria Azarenka reach final

B

BCsport - Paula Badosa will face V i c t o r i a Azarenka in the Indian Wells final after upsetting Ons Jabeur on Friday. Spain’s Badosa, playing the tournament for the first time, defeated 13th seed Jabeur, one of the most in-form players on the Tour this year, 6-3 6-3.

Azarenka came from a set and break down to beat Jelena Ostapenko 3-6 6-3 75. The 32-year-old Belarusian will aim to become the first woman to win the tournament three times after victories in 2012 and 2016.

Jabeur saved five match points before 21st seed Badosa sealed the win when the Tunisian hit a backhand wide. Jabeur, who will move into the world’s top 10 for the first time on Monday, struggled to take her chances against Badosa, converting

Neymar Jr. celebrates after scoring

Victoria Azarenka.

(Getty Images)

only one of 10 break points.

Badosa, 23, will now look to seal her second WTA Tour title after victory in Belgrade in May. Former world number one Azarenka will be aiming to win her first title of 2021 in today’s final after a valiant comeback against Latvia’s Ostapenko. “I thought the most important thing was my

fight, that I can be really proud of,” Azarenka said.

“Overall, she was playing incredible in the first set.

I was just trying to find o p p o r t u n i t y, c r e a t e opportunity, for me to get back into the match, to take a little bit more control in the match, really fight for every ball.”

Savannah Marshall stops Lolita Muzeya to set up unification fight with Claressa Shields

Savannah Marshall and Claressa Shields will fight on the same card in December. (PA MEDIA)

BBCsport - Savannah Marshall set up a unification fight with Claressa Shields with a powerful destruction of Lolita Muzeya in Newcastle to retain her WBO title. With Shields watching via zoom in America, Marshall walked through a Muzeya storm in the first round to stop the Zambian challenger in the second.

It was the first time Marshall has had the opportunity to defend her belt in front of a capacity crowd and the local hero grasped the chance to impress, collecting the ninth knockout of her career.

“Congrats! See you next

Sunday October 17, 2021

year, girlie. Show you what a real fighter and real champion fights like,” Shields said after the result, with Boxxer chief Ben Shalom confirming both women would fight on the same card on 11 December before a potential unification bout in 2022. “Claressa couldn’t last two minutes with me, never mind two rounds,” Marshall said in response.

Muzeya came out flying, peppering Marshall with left and right hands, setting a feverish pace. With her opponent’s foot firmly on the accelerator, Marshall was forced to respond in the pockets, slamming in some

eye-catching uppercuts.

Marshall was not fazed by her aggression, chipping away with painful uppercuts and body shots. Suddenly the fight was punched out of Muzeya as she began to move backwards mid-way through the second round and Marshall pounced. With Muzeya trapped against the ropes and Marshall unloading, the referee stepped in to stop the contest - much to the delight of the Newcastle crowd.

Shields holds every other belt in the middleweight division and the two big punchers are expected to go toe-to-toe in Spring of 2022 in the UK.

Brazil and Argentina stride towards Qatar tickets October’s international break reaffirmed the dominance of Brazil and Argentina in the South American qualifiers, where they both took seven of nine points on offer to get within touching distance of a place at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.

The other big winners were Chile and Bolivia, who each added six points to their tallies to move within reach of the play-off amid an increasingly crowded midtable. Ecuador will also be happy after holding on to third place, though not without considerable effort.

As can be seen from the r e s u l t s b e l o w, h o m e advantage was definitely made to count in this window, with just a solitary away win in the 15 matches (Brazil in Venezuela).

Results: 7 October Paraguay 0-0 Argentina, Uruguay 0-0 Colombia, Venezuela 1-3 Brazil, Ecuador 3-0 Bolivia, Peru 20 Chile. 10 October Bolivia 1-0 Peru, Venezuela 2-1 Ecuador, Colombia 0-0 B r a z i l , A rg e n t i n a 3 - 0 U r u g u a y, C h i l e 2 - 0 Paraguay. 14 October Bolivia 4-0 Paraguay, Colombia 0-0 Ecuador, Argentina 1-0 Peru, Chile 30 Venezuela, Brazil 4-1 Uruguay.

Superpowers drive on Any hint of vulnerability that Brazil might have shown in Venezuela, where there trailed for 70 minutes, or in Colombia, where they dropped their first points of the campaign, was swiftly erased by a brilliant performance against Uruguay to put one foot in Qatar.

Argentina also kept their foot firmly on the gas by

battling well in Paraguay, comprehensively beating Uruguay and running out narrow but deserved winners against Peru. Everything points to a team in full flight, both collectively and individually.

Congested - A mix of resilience and results elsewhere meant it was a fruitful window for Ecuador, who remain third. La Tri began by beating Bolivia comfortably, only to suffer an unexpected reverse in Venezuela.

That left them needing to get something from their trip to Colombia, which they duly did, but not without an outstanding performance from their goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez.

Fortune also smiled on Colombia, who despite having strikers of the calibre of Radamel Falcao, Duvan Zapata and Roger Martinez, drew all three of their matches 0-0. The points were still enough to move them up to fourth, the last direct qualifying place.

Uruguay, in contrast, had a window to forget. After only managing to draw at home to Colombia, they were then soundly beaten by their two traditional rivals, Brazil and Argentina.

Despite having just one point and one goal to show for their efforts, they nonetheless occupy the playoff spot in fifth.

Fortunately for La Celeste, they have both the talent and the time to change course in the upcoming windows.

One team who seem to be back on track are Chile, despite losing El Clasico del Pacifico to Peru in their opening game. With their

backs against the wall, they found a way to beat Paraguay and Venezuela, without conceding in either game, and are now within sight of fifth place. Fans of La Roja were thankful for Ben Brereton, who scored in both of those wins.

One place and one point further back are Bolivia, who looked down and out after an emphatic defeat by Ecuador in their first game. However, they too rallied to beat Peru and Paraguay in La Paz and are just four points off the play-off spot. Curiously, none of their five goals came from striker Marcelo Martins, who remains top scorer in these qualifiers.

Strugglers - Paraguay are clearly struggling at present after taking just one point from a possible nine and failing to even score. Yet despite dropping to eighth and being manager-less after parting company with the Argentinian Eduardo Berizzo, they are still only four points away from fifth.

Elsewhere, the erratic form of Peru shows no sign of abating. Triumphant over neighbours Chile in the d e r b y, t h e y t h e n l o s t narrowly to both Bolivia and Argentina to slip to secondlast in the table – five points from the play-off berth.

Despite having Brazil on the ropes for 70 minutes, Venezuela ended up losing to the five-time world champions.

A spirited win over Ecuador in their next game gave a flicker of hope but that good work was undone by a comprehensive defeat to Chile in their next outing.

They now find themselves nine points off the play-off spot with just six games remaining.

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 17, 2021

PAGE 63

Power-hitting?

Green Machine makes Sure, but it to the second round Pollard expects following mixed results ‘complete games of cricket’ from West Indies RAN Sevens

Kieron Pollard.

AFP/Getty Images

Guyana’s Senior Men’s National Rugby Team; the ‘Green Machine’, began their quest to reclaim the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens title yesterday in Turks & Caicos with mixed results in their opening two matches at Meridian Fields, but still made it to the knockout round.

In their opening match, the local ruggers were pitted against Belieze and after going 15 points up, the Belizeans notched their first international try but that jubilation was short-lived as the Guyanese made light work of them with a dominating 36-5 victory.

The Guyanese were brought down a peg against Bermuda in their second

group match of the day when they fell to Bermudans 15-7.

Less than one minute remained when Skipper Jamal Angus completed a move the length of the field to score the Green Machine’s first try of the match which was converted to give them seven points, a little too late in the clash.

Also on day one, threetime consecutive champions Jamaica got on top of hosts Turks and Caicos 24-5 while the consistent Mexico team made light work of Curacao 33-0. The top two teams from each of the three pools are advancing to the Cup competition while the bottom team will play for the Plate, both beginning today.

Guyana qualified as the second team in their pool

after Bermuda thrashed Belize 38-0 in their second game. For the Cup competition, the six nations that advance have been reseeded into two pools of three and will play each of their pool opponents with the top-seeded nation in each pool advancing to the final.

Guyana are in Pool 2 along with Mexico and the BVI with the Green Machine playing their first today from 12:30hrs while their second scrums off at 14:30hrs. The final if they should make it will begin at 17:00hrs. Pool 1 includes Jamaica, Bermuda and Barbados.

This RAN Sevens tournament also serves as the qualifier for next year’s Wo r l d R u g b y S e v e n s Challenger Series.

Flashback! Winners from last year’s event.

Golf Academy supports Cancer Awareness for 5th Year Five years ago, President of the Guyana Golf Academy/Nexgen Golf Academy Aleem Hussain engaged the Cancer Institute of Guyana and proposed that the sport be used as a vehicle for awareness and fundraising for cancer.

That year, with the help of Gord Ramkissoon and a few Canadian-Guyanese golfers, the goal was realised and it has become an annual activity increasingly more successful in recent years as the number of players has increased.

On October 29th, Nexgen Golf Academy will host a competition for golfers of all ages and skill levels at varying times starting from 16:00hrs and going until 20:00hrs (to maintain covid-19 compliance) that will deliver prizes and trophies.

Persons can opt to take part in the competition or simply cheer the players on while enjoying the outdoors, with food and beverages as the proceeds go towards cancer awareness. (Reservations are preferred to maintain control of the number of participants).

Hussain said it was important to ensure that golfers and corporate Guyana realise that giving back is necessary and thanked the companies and players who have always been

a part of the initiative.

“Dr. Joaan Deo, Captain Chen, players and caddies from Lusignan and dozens of new players, including many expat families have been a part of the drive to use Golf for cancer awareness.”

Hussain emphasised that it was because of their support that this has become an annual event and a success in part owing to the staunch support of these major companies: Assuria General Insurance; Copa Airlines; Service Guyana HVAC; TMK2020 Inc; SUPERGRAPHICS; Splashmin’s Fun Park; Tristone Investments; Trophy Stall; Toolsie Persaud Ltd; Sunshine Snacks; Ram & Mcrae; AR Printery; CS World Cargo & Logistics; Shafura Hussain Foundation; Maraiko Bay; and New Trend Auto.

Under the guidance of the Academy and with the support of the Ministry of Education Allied Arts Unit since, golf was introduced into the school system in January 2020. It is estimated that more than 6,000 students now have access to the sport.

Persons interested in learning to play golf or participate in the Cancer Awareness event may call 645 0944, visit Nexgen Golf Academy on Facebook or Instagram or stop by the Academy on Woolford Avenue.

ESPNcricinfo - Kieron Pollard feels that flexibility, game awareness, and the ability to tailor their game to situations while not giving up on their core strengths will define West Indies’ 2021 T20 World Cup campaign, as they look to take home their third trophy.

The defending champions, led by Pollard, boast of a mix of players, all of whom have had varied T20 experience over the past three months. While some, like Lendl Simmons, Ravi Rampaul, Fabian Allen, Andre Fletcher and Roston Chase have had prolific CPL seasons, others, like Pollard himself, Dwayne Bravo, Evin Lewis, Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer are coming off five intense weeks of the IPL in UAE. “It [IPL experience] was good, not just for us but all players involved in the World Cup, who got a feel of what is on offer,” Pollard said at a media event on Saturday (yesterday). “There will be some stats comparison and trends that may have come out of the IPL. We have to take all that into consideration, take the context of the surfaces, atmosphere, and put them into our game plan.

“For us, most of our guys got a chance to play recently here, so for us it’s about trying to hit the ground running, start off on a positive note, get those first two points and see what happens after that.”

Pollard touched upon why it was important to do the simple things well, and how it was possible to do so without deviating from their tried and tested success formula of hitting big from ball one.

“You’ve seen it all around the world, that is how we go about our cricket,” he said of the power-hitting.

“Lot of people, analysts at different times, harp on dot balls, singles, ones and twos.

Everything is important, but

we still have to play to our strengths. I’m not going to say what that is because then the heading will be ‘West Indies just want to hit sixes’.

“We need to keep our strengths as strengths and work on our weakness. We have a lot of powerful guys in the line-up, but if the situation warrants, we also have guys who can manoeuvre strike, run between the wickets. We look forward to playing complete games of cricket.”

One of those players who has impressed with the very qualities Pollard mentioned is Chase. Two years ago, his game wasn’t deemed good enough for the shortest format.

From there to having worked his way up to being CPL 2021’s MVP, the batting allrounder has come a long way. In a line-up full of big hitters, Chase lends calm and solidity with the bat, while also offering handy offspin.

His rise up the ranks after having played just five games across six years 2012 to 2018 - is staggering.

“For him it was a matter of evolving his game and trying to be the best he can,” Pollard said. “He got a chance with St Lucia Stars.

It’s a matter of putting guys in the right positions, and he has delivered for them for the last two years. It goes to show how every time you get a chance, you want to do well. He’s done well for himself.

“The type of cricket he plays fits right into our balance, right in the middle of our power-hitters. We need a guy who can manoeuvre the ball, hit the occasional boundaries, and keep the run rate going.

That’s an area we keep constantly working on, and we thought he was the right fit at this time.

I look forward to see what he has to offer. He hasn’t played much whiteball cricket, and teams may not have that much data. Or maybe they do, there’s an

archive full of runs and wickets. We look forward to reaping rewards of his form from the CPL.” On the sluggish pitches in the UAE, batting well, power-hitting or otherwise, would be important, but the other 20 overs are equally crucial - Pollard underlined the importance of using spin well and how the IPL experience would be beneficial in terms of knowing how to use them keeping in mind the different boundary dimensions of the three venues.

West Indies have two frontline fingerspinners in Allen and Chase, while Hayden Walsh Jr brings in the wristspin variety. At the 2016 World Cup in India, they relied heavily on Samuel Badree’s legspin. He ended as their leading wicket-taker with nine scalps.

P o l l a r d ’s r e s p o n s e followed Virat Kohli’s, when he was asked why the focus has suddenly shifted once again from wristspinners to fingerspinners, while discussing R Ashwin’s return to the fold after a fouryear gap. “At one point, wristspinners dominated, but in the recent past, for whatever reasons, don’t know if it is conditions or what, fingerspinners are back in favour,” Pollard observed.

“If you want a guy to consistently bowl to a bigger side of the ground, fingerspinners may have more control.

We have a couple of them in our armoury and we can hopefully maximise dimensions in whatever spin there is at any given time.

Our spinners aren’t the most experienced but sometimes it can work in our favour.”

And then there are Pollard’s two trump cards, two men who many thought had played their last World Cup when they stood on the winners’ podium on that emotionally-charged April night at Eden Gardens.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 64

Sunday October 17, 2021

NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour continue to sponsor RHTY&SC U-21 & 1st Div. Teams - Sukhai hails performances on and off the field

T

he National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) on Friday last renewed their sponsorship of the Under-21 and First Division Teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS during a simple presentation ceremony at the company’s Agricola Head Office, East Bank of Demerara.

The sponsorship which would last until October 2022 is worth $420,000.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster said that the club was delighted at the renewal of the sponsorship despite the effects of the covid-19 pandemic.

He stated that NAMILCO had come on board as the team’s official sponsor in September 2019, replacing Gizmos and Gadgets. The teams since then have participated in a total of seven tournaments and are unbeaten to date.

They are the defending champions at the T20, 100 balls, 40-Overs and 50Overs competitions while the Under-21 are also the defending Berbice champions. The teams have also successfully completed close to one hundred activities under this partnership.

Among the activities are the construction of three homes for less fortunate

families, awardss ceremonies for outstanding Guyanese, charity programmes, donations to organisations and playing a major role in educating Berbicians on covid-19.

Among the activities organised were tribute to law enforcement officers, tribute to medical workers, tribute to outstanding teachers, youth information booklet, covid-19 educational posters and stickers, distribution of cycles and the distribution of over $6M dollars worth of flood relief food hampers.

The teams also hosted the Basil Butcher Trust Fund , Annual Christmas Village and assisted their peers with the donation of millions dollars worth of cricket gears. Special emphasis was also placed on assisting the Rose Hall Town Council to celebrate the 51st anniversary of Guyana smallest town.

Foster, who is also the President of the Berbice Cricket Board and Vice President of the Guyana Cricket Board, stated that the teams were very proud to represent the NAMILCO brand and hailed the relationship that existed between the management of the two organisations.

He noted that Kevin Sinclair, Kelvon Anderson, Shemaine Campbelle, Shabaki Gajnabi and

Sheneta Grimmond all represented the West Indies under the sponsorship while several more exciting talents are emerging under the club’s aggressive developmental programme headed by Head Coach Delbert Hicks along with Cricket Managers Robby Kissonlall, Keith Hicks and Tyrone Pottaya.

Among the other players representing the teams are J a s o n S i n c l a i r, K e i t h Simpson, Clinton Pestano, E o n H o o p e r, S h a w n Perriera, Keon Sinclair, Junior Sinclair, Slyus Tyndall, Khemraj Mahadeo, Delbert Hicks, Jonathan Rampersaud, Jermey Sandia, Mahendra Gopilall, Chanderpaul Govindan, Christopher Deroop, Matthew Pottaya and Romesh Bharrat.

The captain of the Under21 team for 2022 would be Chanderpaul Govindan with Jonathan Rampersaud as his Deputy while Shawn Perriera and Clinton Pestano would serve as Captain and Vice Captain for the First Division Team.

Foster reassured the NAMILCO Management that the Teams would continue to represent their brand with pride, commitment and discipline.

He stated that cricket in the County would restart as soon as the National Task Force

Hilbert Foster hands over special gift to Bert Sukhai.

grants permission.

NAMILCO’s Managing Director Bert Sukhai hailed the two teams as outstanding flag bearers of the company’s brand and stated that they had exceeded expectations on and off the field. Sukhai expressed satisfaction at the numerous activities of the teams especially those which had a positive impact on the lives of those less fortunate than themselves.

He urged the two NAMILCO Thunderbolt teams to uphold their high standards in the future and

reassured them of his company’s support in the future. RHTY&SC Assistant Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu stated that the company apart from sponsoring the two teams also co-sponsors a number of activities on an annual basis including the RHTY&SC Review Magazine, Award C e r e m o n y, C r i c k e t A c a d e m y, C h a r i t y Programmes, Christmas Programme, Say Yes /Say No Campaign and Tribute to Law Enforcement Officers Programme.

Naidu also stated that the

company is expected to be on board shortly with a contribution to the RHTY&SC 2021 Christmas Charity Programme which would be held between December, 1- 24.

The teams at the conclusion of the presentation handed over a special gift to Mr. Sukhai in appreciation of his support of their activities over the years. NAMILCO is a subsidiary of Seaboard Corporation of the United States. It produces the most popular brands of flour in Guyana.

GCB donate Kits To BCB Coaching Programme With the Coaching Kits, GCB TDO/Admin Assistant Kavita Yadram (left), BCB President Hilbert Foster and GCB Administrator Savitri Persaud.

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) on October 15 last donated a number of Coaching Kits to the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) for use in Coaching programmes throughout the Ancient County. On hand to receive the Coaching Kits was BCB President, Hilbert Foster who is also a VicePresident of the GCB. Mr. Foster had earlier made a request to the GCB for a donation of Coaching Kits in order for the Berbice Coaches to be equipped to carry out their assignments. The covid-19 pandemic continues to severely affect the tournaments and programmes of the GCB

but, as stated in an earlier press release, the GCB will be compliant with the National Covid-19 Task Force’s instruction.

President of the GCB, Mr. Bissoondyal Singh, noted that coaching is a critical component of the development plans of the GCB. The donation of these kits to the BCB is the first in what will be a series of donations throughout the country as an ongoing exercise of the GCB. President Singh added that all cricket activities, including coaching, will restart immediately as the green light is given by the National Covid-19 Task Force.

Kaieteur News

Sunday October 17, 2021

PAGE 65

Pitch Square at National Stadium being resurfaced - Should be ready for ICC inspection Reps of the NSC, and the three associations take time out for a pic following yesterday’s meeting.

NSC hold meeting with ‘Core Sports’ for National Sports Academy In a move aimed to kickstart the country’s first-ever National Sports Academy, the National Sports Commission yesterday met with the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) and the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA).

The meeting, held in the Board Room of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, was attended by Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, Assistant Director Melissa Dow-Richardson, NSC Chairman Kashif M u h a m m e d a n d Commissioner Cristy Campbell.

At the inaugural Guyana Sports Conference, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the NSC, a presentation was made on the structure of a Sports Academy for each of twelve identified core sports

by Minster Charles Ramson Jr. There was a commitment made by all stakeholders to collaborate with the NSC in developing the three pillars of these Academy - l Nursery, Tournaments and Elite Training Academy.

Tomorrow, the NSC will meet with the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) and the Guyana Squash Association, while on We d n e s d a y ; t h e y w i l l

engage the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) and the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA).

On Thursday, meetings will be held with the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) and the Guyana Volleyball Federation.

Friday’s meeting with the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) will mark the last engagement with the identified core sports in the first phase of planning.

The National Sports Academy is the brainchild of Minister Ramson in keeping with the PPP/C Government’s manifesto for Sports.

GOA contribute US$8,000 for Wong’s Training Camp

Head Groundsman Wazim Habib points to re-laid pitch square.

The Pitch Square at the Guyana National Stadium is currently being resurfaced following a prolonged break in cricket locally. Works are ongoing on the entire square which should be completed in time for inspection by the International Cricket Council (ICC) leading up to the 2022 U19 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the West Indies.

It will be the 14th edition of the tournament, and the first to be held in the West Indies. The 50-over competition will see 16 teams taking part and Guyana is expected to be one of the host countries.

Head Groundsman at the National Stadium, Wazim Habib told Kaieteur Sport that the resurfacing of the pitch square will enable faster growth of grass and uncomplicated preparation.

Habib informed that due to constant rainfall, the pitch had sunk and this had caused water to lodge on its surface which hampered grass growth.

“This also caused a mass to build up on

the pitch surface, and it’s difficult to remove when doing initial preparation, which takes places three weeks prior to a match. But with the square mounting like one and a half inches, this problem will be resolved,” he added.

Grass was planted on Monday last and the ground staff is currently watering the area to enable faster grass growth. Prior to the planting of grass, the pitch was rotavated (To break up or till (soil) using a rotavator) where two inches of soil was added.

“We want to be up there in terms of pitch readiness in time for inspection for the U19 World Cup. This is something we have to do now so the pitch will be ready,” he said.

Habib who has a wealth of experience in pitch preparation spoke about the importance of maintaining the pitch which includes watering, fertilising, grass growth, patching, rolling and cutting.

West Indies won the U19 World Cup for the first time in 2016 with Guyanese Shimron Hetmyer at the helm. (Zaheer Mohamed)

The square being resurfaced.

RHTYSC/BCB Joint Home Project

Vitality Inc. constructing new home for BCB Office Assistant

From left, GTTA Head Godfrey Munroe, Miguel Wong and GOA Head K.A. JumanYassin pose for a photo.

Table Tennis player Miguel Wong, who will be representing Guyana at both the Panam Junior and Senior Championships next month, has benefited from a timely investment from the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) at the value of US$8,000 for him to attend a highperformance training Camp in Germany for which he departed last night.

The presentation was done yesterday at the GOA’s Lilliendaal Headquarters where President, K.A. Juman-Yassin revealed that the sum, which was accrued

based on a proposal from the G u y a n a Ta b l e Te n n i s Association (GTTA), will cover all of the lad’s expenses to the Topspin Tischtennis Centre in Bad Aibling, Germany.

This will be Wong’s second training stint in Germany after spending a year in 2019 and he noted that the training will be very useful since many of the top players in the upcoming Panam championships will be at the camp so he will be able to better prepared for the high level of competition.

During the conference, Wong also mentioned that his realistic goal will be to make the top eight of the first ever Panam Junior Championships. Head of the GTTA, Godfrey Munroe, who is also the vicepresident of the GOA, when quizzed on what is in the pipeline for 14-year-old Jonathan van Lange who has also qualified for the Junior Panam championships, he noted that the association has so far intensified his training and are currently working on a proposal to submit to the GOA.

The long serving Office Assistant of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) would soon be moving into a new home, compliments of a joint initiative between the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club MS, BCB and Vitality Inc. of Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Ruthel Henry’s dream for over two decades was to have her own home so that she and her youngest son Xavier can live in comfort.

Ms. Henry recalled that she had approached BCB President Hilbert Foster in 2018 when he was elected and he had promised to assist her to raise some funds to construct a one

Ruthel Henry bedroom home.

Foster had raised a substantial amount of money but a life threatening medical condition resulted in the funds being used to save Henry’s life. Despite the setback, Foster recommitted to seek ways to

construct the home by the end of 2021.

Mr. Sureain Sawh, an overseas based Guyanese and Principal of Vitality Inc. was approached for assistance and he along with the other Directors of the company readily agreed to Foster request. Vitality Inc. is a US 10M investment in Guyana by overseas Guyanese and offering services ranging from providing equipment needed to service the oil industry to consultancy and strategic planning.

It hopes to employ over 40 Guyanese and to establish other departments (Continued on page 58)