Kaieteur News

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Brazilian stabbed to Saturday Edition NEWS death over gold dispute p.

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AIETEUR

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

October 23, 2021 - Vol. 14 No. 40

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online p.

Price $80 readership 11 yesterday, 79,847

Gunmen invade DHL, cart off two safes

ExxonMobil’s 4th oil project will report says... increase country’s p.

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overall carbon emissions Oil companies replacing locals with foreigners for

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driving and cleaning jobs - GAWU “We are not 17p. encouraging re-vaccination”

Cops on bail for allegedly - Dr. Frank Anthony raping woman EPA announces two October public consultations on Yellowtail Project Burial ground from “over 200 years” exposed on Berbice seashore p.

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The protest to change all foreign contracts continues.

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PAC meetings stalled due to stressed out Clerks p.

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Last week Suriname received US$30.88M Signing Bonus, 40% business shares, no payments for exploration, collected full taxes on a 552,000 acres oil block. Guyana’s leaders did not collect a cent for the State’s Kaieteur and Canje Blocks, on Kaieteur which are more than 3 times the size of that Suriname Oil Block. We demand what is legally due to us! @11:00hrs Radio 99.1/99.5FM

Saturday October 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Guyana Ambassador Guyana has enough to Qatar Accredited vaccines to achieve herd immunity

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(From Left) His Excellency Safraaz Ahmad Shadood, presenting his Letter of Credence to His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.

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is Excellency Safraaz Ahmad S h a d o o d , Guyana's Ambassador to Qatar yesterday presented his Letter of Credence to His Excellency, Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

of Qatar.

Ambassador Shadood is a career diplomat, with over twelve years in the Foreign Service and most recently served as Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of Guyana in Kuwait.

The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign

Affairs of Qatar wished Ambassador Shadood success in performing his duties and assured the Government of Qatar's support towards the advancement of bilateral relations and cooperation with the Government of Guyana.

uyana has in s t o c k a n a d e q u a t e number of Covid-19 vaccines to achieve herd immunity, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony said. With the Delta variant of the Coronavirus circulating, Guyana aims to fully immunise at least 90 per cent of its population to achieve herd immunity.

During his daily Covid19 update on Friday, Dr. Anthony said there are adequate amounts of Astra Zeneca, Sinopharm, Sputnik V, Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson (J&J) vaccines to significantly lessen the spread of the deadly virus here.

“With AstraZeneca we have given most of the first doses and we have about 55, 000 or so persons who need to get their second dose, so we need to get those second

Six residents from Region Four are latest COVID-19 fatalities

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esterday, the Ministry of H e a l t h reported that six more individuals from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) who contracted the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease have died. As a result

of this, Guyana's COVID-19 death toll has moved to 893.

According to the Health Ministry, the latest f a t a l i t i e s i nclude five unvaccinated persons and another partially vaccinated.

They all died over a three-day period while

receiving treatment at a medical institution.

Those who passed away are: three males, a 69-year-old, a 71-year-old and a 50-year-old and that of three females, a 69-year-old, a 70-year-old and a 53-yearold.

Meanwhile, via its daily COVID-19 dashboard, the Ministry recorded 77 new cases, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 34,877.

Out of the amount of confirmed cases, 18,382 persons are women while 16,495 are men.

The dashboard also shows that 19 patients are admitted into the COVID19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 108 persons in institutional isolation, 3,290 in home isolation and six in institutional quarantine.

To date, a total of 30,567 recoveries have been recorded.

- Health Minister One of the vaccines being administered

doses. In terms of Sinopharm, we have adequate vaccines for both first and second doses, and Sputnik V, we have first and second doses currently available, J&J, as you know it's one dose so we have those available as well,” Dr. Anthony said.

He said the country also has enough doses of the Pfizer vaccine which is being administered to children between the ages of 12 and 18, along with pregnant and breast-feeding women.

Dr. Anthony said the country's vaccination rate also continues to grow.

Currently 376,436 persons or 73.4 per cent of the adult population have received their first dose of the vaccine while 236,238 persons or 46.1% of the adult population are fully immunised.

In Region Four, the most populated Region in Guyana, 82 per cent of the population received a first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Dr. Anthony said however, that this still needs to increase.

“As you would see the higher the immunisation rate goes up, you will see a falloff in terms of the hospitalisation and the deaths, and as we increase these numbers of persons being vaccinated in Region Four, you are going to see the cases come down.”

He said, still many regions continue to lag behind in their vaccination rate, a situation Dr. Anthony reiterated, must be quickly addressed.

In Region One, 79.5 per cent of the population has had a first dose of the vaccine, Region Two, 59.6 per cent, Region Three, 70.1 per cent, Region Five, 72.4 per cent, Region Six, 73.8 per cent, Region Seven, 72.4 per cent, Region Eight, 45.4 per cent, Region Nine, 73.6 per cent and Region 10, 33.1 per cent “As you can see in Region 10, we are really lagging behind because they have only completed about 33.1 percent of the region's population. If we hope to get to herd immunity in that region, then we have to increase this to at least 90 %.

Again, Region Eight is also lagging behind, they are at 45.4 per cent and again, if we want to be at herd immunity its about 90 percent, Region Two is also lagging behind and they are 59.6 per cent and again, if we are looking at getting herd immunity against Delta its about 90 per cent of the population, so, we have a far way to go in terms of vaccinating especially in these three regions,” Dr. Anthony noted.

The Ministry is also expecting more doses of Sputnik V, AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines in the coming weeks. (DPI)

Kaieteur News

Saturday October 23, 2021

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ExxonMobil’s report says...

4th oil project will increase country's overall carbon emissions T

h e Ye l l o w t a i l Project, the fourth to be pursued by ExxonMobil's subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) in the eastern portion of the Stabroek Block is poised to emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs) throughout its predicted 20year life cycle.

According to the project's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which is being reviewed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EIA), the project's average annual emissions during production operations is estimated to be between approximately 1.11 and 1.40 million tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalents (CO2e) per year. EEPGL was keen to note that there are no applicable regulatory criteria against which these GHG emissions can be compared.

It noted that in the absence of such standards, it will still endeavour to ensure emissions will be disclosed in accordance with “good international oilfield practice to aid in managing GHG emissions at a national

and international level.”

While it did not elaborate on the international practice or guidelines it intends to follow, EEPGL did note that it plans to re-inject recovered natural gas not used as fuel on the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, into the targeted Project reservoirs for reservoir pressure management. It pointed out that this is crucial since it contributes to a significant reduction in potential GHG emissions versus that which would result from continuous gas flaring.

“Accordingly, although the overall emissions at a country level would be increased measurably by Project GHG emissions, net removals would decrease only slightly (i.e., between approximately 2 and 3 percent),” expressed ExxonMobil's subsidiary in its EIA. According to the project documents, the Yellowtail Project will consist of drilling approximately 41 to 67 development wells (including production, water injection, and gas reinjection wells); installation

and operation of Subsea, Umbilicals, Risers, and Flowlines equipment; installation and operation of a Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel in the eastern half of the Stabroek Block; and— ultimately—project decommissioning. EEPGL said the FPSO will be designed to produce up to 250,000 barrels of oil per day.

Onshore logistical support facilities and marine/aviation services will be used to support each stage of the Project. EEPGL is expected to use proven and good international oilfield practices. The company said it has incorporated many embedded controls into the overall Project design to reduce environmental and socioeconomic impacts.

The initial production is expected to begin by the end of 2025–early 2026, with operations continuing for at least 20 years. The project is expected to employ up to 540 persons during development well drilling stage, approximately 600 persons at the peak of the installation stage, and 100 to 140 persons during actual production operations.

Guyana, UAE to strengthen cooperation on climate change, food security

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resident Irfaan Ali on Thursday s i g n e d a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance technical assistance and cooperation between Guyana and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The document was signed by the Minister, within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh and Minister Reem Al-Hashimy at the UAE Pavilion at the 2020 Dubai Expo.

The areas discussed for

cooperation include food security, climate change, technology and infrastructure, the environment and revising the visa policy for both countries.

“We came with a clear intention to extend the foundation of the relationship that we want to grow and expand for the betterment of both the UAE and Guyana,” President Ali said.

He explained that since arriving in Dubai, the delegation has engaged in discussions with many agencies, including the Abu

Dhabi Ports.

President Ali noted too, that the visit to Dubai has already proven successful, as several additional engagements have been planned in the coming months to advance technical cooperation.

During discussions, His Highness, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan assured President Ali of the UAE's support to strengthening bilateral relations as the two countries committed to setting a tangible result-based agenda moving forward.

Cops placed on bail for allegedly raping woman

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wo serving members of the Guyana Police Force were on Thursday, placed on $75,000 bail each after they were charged with rape.

The officers, Rellon D'Andrade, 30, of Lot 62 Phoenix Park, West Bank Demerara, and Terrence Hamilton, 22, of 'E' Field Sophia, were arraigned in the Lethem Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Allan

Wilson where the charges were read to them.

The duo pleaded not guilty to the charge, which states that between August 5 and August 6, last year, they raped a 21-year-old woman at the Industrial Site located at Tabatinga, Central Lethem.

Magistrate Wilson then placed the men on bail and adjourned the matter to December 6, 2021.

Brazilian stabbed to death over gold

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Brazilian national who is yet to be identified by the police was on Thursday night, stabbed to death by his drinking partner following a dispute over gold.

A c c o r d i n g t o information reaching Kaieteur News, the fatal stabbing occurred sometime around 20:30hrs that day, during a drinking spree at a location in Central Baramita, Region One. The police in a report stated that around that time, the men who are known to each other and are both Brazilian nationals were consuming alcohol in the vicinity of Johnny Phillips Hotel when the heated

argument ensued.

This publication was told that the a rg u m e n t w a s o v e r a quantity of gold that one of them had brought back from working on a mining operation at the Guyana/ Venezuela border.

The police said the argument caused the suspect to arm himself with a knife which he used to stab the deceased, who according to detectives, was stabbed several times to his chest and rib area.

Kaieteur News was informed that the argument that ensued on Thursday was not the first of its kind between the men.

According to the police report, while working at the border area, the deceased

and the suspect had a misunderstanding over a quantity of raw gold some months ago, which led them to frequently threatening each other.

Those incidents h o w e v e r, w e r e n e v e r reported to the police before.

After stabbing his drinking partner to death on Thursday, the 35-year-old suspect reportedly dropped the knife at the scene and escaped in an unknown direction. Up to press time, he was still not located.

The deceased's body is presently at the Baramita Health Centre waiting to be transported to the Port Kaituma mortuary for a post mortem examination to be conducted.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday October 23, 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

Racially insensitive - our position Former Ethnic Relations Commissioner (ERC), Pandit Deodat Persaud, had said that what we should do to penalise offending Guyanese and deter them from uttering racially insensitive remarks has its place and its merits. We take what Commissioner Persaud held out as his position, and now leverage it in other places and register where we stand on this very challenging issue of racial sensitivity.

He is of the mind that “Stricter penalties are needed for public officials making racially insensitive remarks -ERC Commissioner” (KN May 01). We agree, but that is only a start, and again, only goes so far. To be sure, it pinches where such is felt sharply, meaning, in the pocketbook. But we can only penalise and legislate so far. We can only expose and embarrass to an extent. Sooner than later, potential offenders are going to find ways to make themselves inaudible and undetectable, or invisible and unaccountable, or insignificant and impotent. In other words, relative to the latter, the potential and actual racial offenders would be savvy enough to claim that they are harmless, mean no ill-will, and are innocent of malice aforethought. And since Guyanese are so slick in the racially hostile and racially insensitive departments, they may actually get away with breaches, unless they get reckless and daring.

We think that “stiffer penalties” are a start, but they are only the final fallback part of a comprehensive programme aimed at addressing where we are, and minimising the blatant excesses. We must be realistic and come to an appreciation, as undesirable as it is, that unreconstructed bigots and rank racial partisans will find ways to have their way, and deliver the battering and the piercing. But without a doubt, any such programme, with the objective of better managing Guyana’s horrendous racial environment and climate, must incorporate certain compulsory pillars.

There must a sturdy pillar related to education and awareness. There must be one dedicated to conditioning and sensitising. There has to be another then another that together must be about contemporary conscience as fused to timeless standards, and the pressure and condemnations of contemporaries, who will have no part of any such conduct, or those responsible for them, be it as initiators or deliverers. We cover some more ground, where no one has gone before, and none wants to go today: leaders must hold their supporters to the test of honesty where racial sensitivities are concerned. Leaders must demand a non-negotiable commitment (one strike and out) from followers in toeing the racial line. This must be openly understood as the genuine leadership line and the settled party line. If these are not done, we are wasting time, and all of us are spinning our wheels futilely.

In essence, we are about the charade of a cascade of words and postures that mean nothing, other than ‘go ahead and push the racial envelope’ and ‘see what can be had with raising hackles and attracting attention without sanction’ and ‘don’t worry, if push comes to shove, and the roof fall in on head, then we will be there to protect and back.’ We take this stance: this is what we have had, and especially during heated elections times, when the incendiary is all too commonplace. Leaders and seniors have to hold the feet of their more risk-willing comrades to the fire. Call them out, by letting them know that they have no standing, no heroic regard; and that they will not have the protective embrace of safe harbours provided by the party.

In fact, the best proof of leadership and party authenticity, that they will not mess around with the racially hostile or racially insensitive, and that they will not condone in any manner the breaches of their own, would be to make a public spectacle of their own, then publicly expel them from party membership, party responsibility, and party warmth and welcome. There is no other proof, no more persuasive pudding, than when political parties and their leaders take such firm and unequivocal actions. There is no quibbling, no halfway measures, no winking, blinking, and nodding, as have all been the case for decade after decade.

It is our belief, and our position, that the message will be clear: engage in the racially hostile and insensitive at your own risk. The position of the political parties must be as

Exxon/EPA must hold online meetings and cover all regions for Yellowtail project Dear Editor, There is much consternation that Exxon has released a list of meetings that covers only six regions and there is only one meeting scheduled for Guyana’s largest, Region Four and there are no online meetings.

This is simply unacceptable and the Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN) is hereby calling on Exxon/EPA to schedule more meetings in all regions including adding some online meetings.

Use a hybrid face-to-face/ online model to ensure maximum participation of all people including those choosing not to do face-toface due to COVID precautions and to involve Guyanese living abroad.

Exxon has scheduled eight face-to-face meetings – two meetings in Region 1, one in Region 2, one in Region 3, one in Region 4, two in Region 5, one in Region 6, but no meetings announced for

Regions 7, 8, 9, and 10. No online meetings have been announced as were done in the past.

The Yellowtail Project would be the largest project and estimated to produce 250,000 barrels per day. The bigger the project, the bigger are the potential environmental and operational risks and problems. Exxon released about 5,000+ pages in their Environmental and Impact Assessment documents and appendices (and we trust the EPA will read all of it), and there are many questions to be answered.

The assertion that “a large oil spill is seen as being an unlikely outcome of the ExxonMobil-led Yellowtail Development Project,” is a comfort to fools. Exxon’s ongoing flaring in Guyana gives them an “F” grade for environmental stewardship, coupled with poor EPA monitoring and a Government only too willing to aid and

abet all of Exxon’s whims and fancies including keeping the current contract, as is, instead of renegotiating.

Article 23 of the Constitution states that every citizen has a duty to participate in activities designed to improve the environment and protect the health of the nation. The Environmental Protection Act, Chapter 20:05 provides the public with a legal right to present what questions and matters they wish to have answered or addressed in the environmental impact assessment.

The EITI (Extractive Industries Transparency International) Standard requires that the government, extractive companies and civil society be fully, actively and effectively engaged in EITI implementation.

The Guyana (GYEITI) encourages a “call for views” as widely as possible.

Guyana also has full disclosure responsibilities as

part of the “Escazu Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean.” Additionally, the Government says it is encouraging Diaspora engagement, so why would Exxon/EPA want to exclude this large group of Guyanese who have made valuable contributions and gave the most feedback in previous Zoom meetings? Surely, Exxon is not afraid of the large talent pool of highly qualified and experienced people in the Diaspora.

OGGN calls on Exxon, the EPA, and the Minister of Natural Resources to make sure “All Guyanese Matter.”

We say cover all regions adequately and hold online meetings!

Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall for the Oil and Gas Governance Network (www.oggn.org)

Dr. Richard Van-West-Charles as PNC leader, possibly before, definitely not now Dear Editor, Since I now make a living from sharing unsolicited assessments of candidates for leader of the PNC, I keep going. Dr. Richard Van-West Charles for PNC leader has certain strengths; I explore what credits, while note hurdles. I speak frankly, and hope that I don’t lose a friend.

He should have been the man to beat: Dr. Van-West Charles is part of Guyana’s Black aristocracy; he is PNC royalty. His political pedigree once made him a darling of the flock, there was the Burnham name? Add stints as Minister of Health and 19 years of broad international exposure with PAHO/WHO, and he is a contestant of note. Though his odds are long, he could be the dark horse in this PNC race, the spoiler. A few years ago, he would have been a powerful contender, but time and circumstances may have passed him by; circumstances representative of some sobering realities. His success depends on how he packages himself, how hard he works for the leadership position.

The first obstacle was expressed well by one RHO Corbin, with this jarring inelegant Creole ditty: ‘dis

time nah lang time.’ The disdainful reference was to the return of Dr. Van-West Charles, whose long shadow and broad bearing was not greeted with the warm embrace and fanfare; Dr. VanWest Charles found himself in a cool PNC. I disagree with that posture of Mr. Corbin. Dis time is lang time, for PNC (and PPP, too). In PNC quarters, the Burnham name is still held in awe. And Dr. Van-West Charles is part of the lore.

Though he has to be muted (strategic), if Dr. Van-West Charles plays his cards right, and cultivates the older heads still yearning for the good ole times, he could be the surprise choice - the compromise candidate-in this race for PNC leadership. But he has to be a cultivated stealth operator, quietly gathering support. I think he knows how, which brings us to other aspects of his candidature.

Leverage his long and wide domestic and foreign public service record: he must burnish it, let it glow.

Moreover, though his venture in October 2011 into AFC territory could stain him as unreliable by PNC purists, he could brandish that as

unambiguous as this: Anyone doing so will be on their own.

Perhaps a start could be made with some of the recommendations we make. But the bona fides must be present or we are going nowhere with the racially hostile and the racially insensitive. It starts with leadership by example and continues with the strongest and clearest leadership actions.

evidence of someone who looks beyond party towards the truly national. According to the SN article of October 12, 2011, publicising his switch, he hit the hottest hot button: he had no interest in race-based politics. That could bring returns. Because the PNC by itself (numbers) cannot succeed in a national election. Whereas there are fears about the other contenders, Dr. Van-West Charles can say, I made the break, will be good for it; possibly sway disgruntled fence-sitting voters.

Separately, and unfortunately, Dr. Van-West Charles has a history, which drains his candidacy. Frankly, he is burdened by some court handicaps in this tense political horserace for PNC leadership. Incidents that are most inopportune, and sure to haunt, could probably retard his momentum. They are showstoppers. The outcomes of such matters must bounce his way, since they would feature in any race, including that of PNC. A versatile political infighter, however, could convert scars to brutalities inflicted by dastardly political foes; worn as proof of the meanspiritedness of political adversaries. Then, he would be pilloried for not being enough of a ‘grassroots’ presence, since he has been mostly out; too much of a fluid figure. My radar relays that more oomph must be delivered.

In sum, he must refine his appeal, inspire a muscular following to be viable.

Another aspect of politics, not mentioned before, is that political candidates must glitter with a certain coruscating rhetorical eloquence.

Guyanese politicians are remarkable for their verbal dampness, when rhetorical resonance would lift. The man I write about is fluent, but on the dry side.

All this may pass in the party, but the journey does not terminate at Opposition Leader and Congress Place, but at State House. That is the final destination for any political leader or party with national ambition and vision.

My initial thinking was that Dr. Van-West Charles’ authentic credentials (neither fake nor honourary), public service record, political heritage and mileage are superb testimonials. But the vulnerabilities weaken his leadership run. The price could be harsh, with his own judging him the harshest, out of necessity and for sheer survival, since he would not be able to get them across the national line.

The PPP will not spare him in a national contest. A French surgeon gave compatriots a public chopping block device. PPP leaders, followers, and executioners are all delighted beneficiaries of Mark Zuckerberg’s Star Chamber machinery. Dr. Van-West (Continued on page 6)

Saturday October 23, 2021

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Kaieteur News

Agri. Ministry and its agencies continue to be critical in ensuring Food and Nutrition Security for the nation Dear Editor, Permit me the space to respond to the editorial published in the Friday, October 15, 2020 edition of the Stabroek Business titled “Agriculture: More Rhetoric.” The editorial provides an additional opportunity for conversation on the ever-important topic of agriculture in Guyana. The Ministry of Agriculture, of course, welcomes every opportunity to be part of this conversation.

Editor, since August of 2020, under the energetic leadership of H.E. President Ali in the capacity of Lead Head on Agriculture in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet, collective regional awareness of the importance of Food and Nutrition Security has been significantly heightened.

Preceding that period, Guyana’s lead responsibility for Agriculture, Agricultural Diversification and Food Security in the Caribbean Community had all but been relinquished.

In February of this year, in the capacity of Lead Head on Agriculture for the Region,

President Ali presented the paper titled “Advancing the CARICOM Agri-Food Systems Agenda: Prioritising Regional Food and Nutrition Security” to the CARICOM Heads of Government. This paper outlined a logical approach and pragmatic programme towards the transformation of the regional food systems and indeed in realistically meeting the goal of reducing the food import bill by 25% by 2025that the region has set itself.

Arising out of this process, a Special Ministerial Taskforce on Food Production and Food Security was established and is being ably led by Guyana’s Agriculture Minister, the Honourable Zulfikar Mustapha. The resuscitation of the Regional Transport Commission and the derisking of agriculture are two of the critical areas being

addressed currently by the Special Ministerial Taskforce.

Even in the face of the current pandemic, substantial collective efforts were invested in hosting the annual Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) 2021 during the week of October 4-8, under the theme ‘Transforming Our Food Systems.’ In his keynote address during the launch of this year’s CWA, President Ali reiterated the point that Guyana takes its role as Lead Head on Agriculture seriously and that Agriculture is of primary importance to Guyana and the Region.

During the very week, the Caribbean AgTech Investment Summit was also hosted by the Caribbean Export Development Agency and again our Head of State delivered a scintillating keynote address.

Guyana’s current efforts

for addressing the burgeoning regional food import bill are being undertaken in an integrated manner. Guyana being the largest of the Member States of CARICOM, sees the food import bill as an opportunity for its agricultural producers, to replace a significant proportion of the regional food imports. To this end, the Government of Guyana has been actively pursuing strategic investments to support this vision. To support its production intensification and investment programme in the sector, Guyana in 2021 allocated an initial G$500 million to commence infrastructural works in the

area earmarked for the cultivation of corn and soya bean by a consortium of private sector investors. This investment will serve as a major input source for the feed processing sector and will significantly benefit the livestock sector.

The PPP government has always recognised the strategic importance of having agriculture as a robust and competitive tradable sector, in counteracting the paradoxical effects of huge natural resource discoveries.

In this regard, the government has been working assiduously towards attracting sustainable Foreign Direct Investments into the sector, while at the same time, developing an enabling environment necessary for

the sector to thrive. For instance, in the poultry sector, which is being targeted as a key regional import-replacement sector, government support is being rolled out in the following ways: · Zero-rating of VAT on the Poultry Industry - VAT free concessions on items imported for the development of the poultry industry. · Freshwater supply and available lands accessible by a network of roads and waterways. · Concessions for developing lands (Intermediate Savannah). · Tax concessions on Investment in Agroprocessing Facilities, Cold Storage and Packaging.

(Continued on page 6)

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Kaieteur News

Saturday October 23, 2021

...Agri. Ministry and its agencies continue to be critical in ensuring Food and Nutrition From page 5 · Waivers of Import Duty and VAT on agro-processing equipment. · Enhanced Technical/ Extension support provided via Guyana Livestock

Development Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture. · The Food Safety Authority is being established and being made will be fully operational.

Only recently, the

National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) collaborated with the Guyana Food Safety Authority in the preparation of the “Fruits and Vegetables” Booklet

focusing on sanitary and food safety aspects. The booklet which was launched on the 20th of October, 2021, serves as a useful tool for extension officers and farmers alike towards

ensuring safe and wholesome food are grown locally and for the region. The preparation and launch of this booklet to coincide with observances taking place throughout 2021 which is being observed as the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables, was deliberate.

In all of this it should be noted that, prior to August of 2020, many persons who were involved in agriculture had either scaled down their operations or left the sector altogether. Today, because of the numerous investments the government has made, there is a notable renewed interest in the sector. Both local and international individuals and companies are lining up to invest in this very promising sector.

Finally, the Ministry of Agriculture through its various affiliated agencies continue to play a crucial role in supporting the agriculture sector, and in supporting Guyana’s regional role as Lead Head in agriculture.

Guyana continues to lead the region strongly in the production of rice, which is an important staple food throughout the Caribbean.

Currently, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) is undertaking trials towards the development of Biofortified Rice with Zinc for the Caribbean Community.

The GRDB is also playing a lead role in the InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) led Regional Project to address Dietary and NonCommunicable Diseases in CARICOM through the Introduction of Biofortified Crops. Trials are currently being undertaken by the GRDB and preliminary results appear very encouraging.

The Ministry of Agriculture through the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) has been very active in providing the necessary support to the livestock sector. Over G$1.1B was allocated to assist the livestock farmers affected by the recent floods in the main farming districts to resuscitate the livestock sector. Of the 9,216 farmers registered to date, 4,787 received or will receive cash grants valued at G$545M. Currently, preparatory works for the establishment of a certified swine abattoir are ongoing.

This development along with the recently GYS 170:2009

Standard certified Veterinary Services Laboratory, will serve to significantly enhance the sector’s ability to bring market-safe and higher quality livestock products.

Significant resources have been expended through NAREI to the tune of some $602.8 million at the end of June this year, to further diversify Guyana’s production base and ensure food security. NAREI also provided technical assistance to farmers for the construction of 97 shade houses in all regions across the country, five of which were constructed for demonstration purposes.

Additionally, with the continued push for fruit cultivation, the agency made available hundreds of lowcost seedlings at all NAREI nurseries with 54,915 plants sold for some $13.7 million.

During the review period, it was discovered that technical support was also provided to 16,284 farmers.

Also, as part of the diversification of the agriculture production base, an injection of $70 million was made to promote the expansion, inter-cropping, utilisation of coconut byproducts and to increase production and productivity of the Hope Coconut Industry Limited.

To support Guyana’s expansion of agriculture into the intermediate savannah, 18.5 kilometers of road was tendered for construction through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA). This initiative will strongly support the planned cultivation of large-scale corn and soya.

Additionally, the NDIA, in July 2021 commissioned seven new machines that will add capacity to the current fleet of 169 heavy-duty machines among other initiatives.

Editor, hopefully, this letter serves to indicate the managerial, administrative and coordinating efforts the Ministry of Agriculture is involved in, in supporting the advancement of the agriculture sector. The work of the Ministry of Agriculture and its agencies continue to be critical in ensuring Food and Nutrition Security for the nation, and importantly, in promoting a robust, competitive and sustainable agriculture sector.

Janell Cameron, Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Agriculture

...Dr. Richard Van West Charles From page 4 Charles would get a taste of a modern-day lynch mob: Facebook. I know.

I summarise: Dr. Richard Van West Charles should stand out with longing old guard PNC. Beyond that he

is in a junkyard dogfight, and sure to struggle with his burdens to overcome the odds. If he plays cards right, he could prevail. A true longshot is he.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

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BL TLUNT.. UNT...B BL Saturday October 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

Now, even the bandits are learning from some of our leaders. They learn how to 'fancy up' and smooth over their stories.

One killed a 19-year-old at an East Coast store and said he can't remember how he got the murder weapon.

Another bandit who was given a lift by a kindhearted teacher in the interior robbed the man of his motorcycle.

Then he had the brazenness to tell the police that the teacher pulled a knife on him.

Like politicians, like criminals.

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Saturday October 23, 2021

Agri. Ministry moves to expand bee removal services to residential spaces - Improving national honey production also on the cards T

he Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), an agency under the umbrella of the Ministry of Agriculture, will soon extend bee removal services to residential spaces.

This was disclosed by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Tuesday after requests were made to the ministry for this service to be extended to persons who have issues with wild swarms in their homes.

The Minister said, “GLDA has always been responsible for removing bees from public spaces and buildings such as churches, parks, schools, and so on. In terms of removing bees from residential areas, we've been collaborating with the Guyana Apiculture Society to assist with this service because the association

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha would have members in all 10 administrative regions who can handle these reports quickly and effectively.”

He added, “Many persons have been making requests for us to assist with extending

this service to residential spaces and we are now working to facilitate this.

As a government, we want to ensure all of our citizens are safe and have access to all of our services.

This is another incentive that the government is offering to the citizens of this country in a bid to ensure quality services are extended while making sure they are safe.”

He also disclosed that the GLDA has been tasked with developing a comprehensive Plan of Action to facilitate those requests and also to determine how the captured bees can be used to expand the agency's apiary, as Guyana plans to expand its honey production sector.

It is apposite to note that

this is the second honey flow season for the year. The geographical spread of these reports included, but was not limited to Regions Four and Six. Further, it was observed that many communities have what are considered 'beefriendly' environments which contribute to their presence near humans and livestock.

Closed and uninhibited buildings, abandoned vehicles, unused agriculture implements, discarded refrigerators, old paint pots, areas overrun with bush, etc. are all havens for the bees.

Thus, a multistakeholder approach to make the environment safe for residents and livestock will have to be consistently and aggressively

undertaken.

The GLDA also issued an advisory on what persons ought to do should they encounter a wild swarm of bees. Persons are advised not to disturb hives as that may result in the bees launching an attack. Persons are also advised to refrain from making loud noises or attempting to dislodge or destroy the bees if they notice a swarm nearby.

Persons are asked to contact the GLDA on 220-6556-7 for assistance with bee removal.

Additionally, over time, the GLDA will implement its strategic action plan, which involves ramping up its surveillance efforts as well as the commencement of a bee awareness campaign in the

short term.

GLDA will also work with regional authorities to allocate funds for bee capture and relocation activities in the medium term, and continue with the training of staff, building capacity amongst Beekeepers through workshops and seminars in all ten administrative regions and in the long term To map locations where wild swarms are located or were removed from.

SUPPORTING POTENTIAL BEEKEEPERS Minister Mustapha also said that the Ministry will continue to donate hives to (continued on page 17)

Saturday October 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

BIG MAN'S JOB IN LITTLE BOY'S HANDS

T

here is an old s a y i n g i n Guyana. “You cannot put a little boy to do a big man's job” What is being exposed each passing day in Guyana, is the total inability of certain Ministers of the government to cope with the demands of governance.

Many of them are being thrown into the deep end of politics and when it finally dawns on them that what is required is above their ability and experience, they are resorting to photo opportunities as a means of indicating that they are active.

What Guyana needs is not active Ministers but effective Ministers. Persons who understand their responsibilities, who appreciate their limitations and thus are prepared to utilise the talents of experts and those with knowledge in the various sectors and ministers who are honed in the principles of ministerial responsibility and are prepared to be accountable for their portfolios.

There was once an incident within the Burnham Cabinet in which a Minister, who is now still active in politics, was asked about an incident by the then Prime Minister.

The Minister replied that he did not know about the report. To which the Prime Minister informed him that it was his duty to know.

It is also the duty of Ministers to understand the

Dem

boys seh...

D

e fuss time West Indies lose to Afghanistan was like de upset of de century. De Caribbean bin shock dat dem could fall so easily to minnows.

Well de odder day, it happened again. One of de weakest sides in world cricket beat de defending T20 champions. One day before dem bin lose to Pakistan in another warm-up match.

De place weh dem playing hot so perhaps dem nah bin need warm up

political process in which they operate. They are first and foremost servants of the people, placed there not to enrich themselves or to boost their egos through the respect people have for their office; not there as some would say, “to pamp a scene” but to serve. And, to serve means to have a plan and to be able to execute that plan.

But building a plan does not mean simply cobbling projects together; it does not mean that the job is simply about spending money.

It is about the use of limited resources to maximise the gains. It is about proper stewardship of the nation's finances. It is about primarily working with others, not trying to do all the work yourself.

There used to be a time in this country when senior public officials were given tremendous respect. Today, because of the mediocrity that passes for governance in Guyana, everything revolves around the Ministers. You have to see a Minister for this and a Minister for that.

The Ministers are simply involved in too much and this means that too much depends on the consent and approval of Ministers, thus stifling creativity and imagination and crippling effective management.

When it comes to accountability, the measure of this seems rooted in the belief that so long as accounts are presented to the Auditor General's Office for examination, that

accountability is being served.

However, there remain major concerns in Guyana as to the manner in which projects are conceived, the value that taxpayers are gaining for money, the high incidence of deviations from original contract prices and the quality and effectiveness of supervision and oversight of these public works.

While a great difference can be made with simple adjustments, there is a need for an urgent revisiting by the ruling elite of this philosophy of elevating inexperience and immaturity to high offices.

The art of governance relies less (than most people think) on technical ability in the specific areas and more on political acumen, and more importantly on character.

Particularly in a country like Guyana, which has a divided polity, what is most demanded are persons of moral fibre and who are experienced and matured to be able to deal with some of the problems that will face them in office.

There are more challenges relating to the perceptions by the polity of the effects of government policies than there are about finding the managerial resources to execute government contracts.

In the case of the latter, what is required are persons of character; persons versed with an internal belief system and who are

West Indies like dem frighten de Taliban because de licks wah dem get look more like a shut-out.

Dem boys wan know if West Indies decide fuh play it safe because de Taliban tek over Afghanistan. Dem fold up too easy in de match.

Now one of de players wah much bin expected from, get injured and gat to sit out de rest of de tournament.

De man is a batting all rounder with deadly hitting power at de end of de innings.

Dem replace dis batting all rounder with a bowler who bat lil. But is suh

because de selectors had limited options. If dem bin had Odeen Smith in de reserves dem could ah use he as a bowling all rounder who could hit de ball when he get ready.

Dem boys seh de West Indies nah looking like champions. It look like dem gan flatter to deceive.

De West Indies team did so bad so far dat when dem bin on de train to return to dem hotel, de conductor pass through and shouted, “ Wickets please!”

Talk half and nah bet pun de West Indies.

committed to that belief system.

What invariably passes as qualification for high office in Guyana is party affiliation, despite many of those so fortunate to be selected not being committed ideologically to any cause.

This ultimately leads to sterility of thought and

action, thus an increasing reliance on personal ability.

When, as in so many instances in Guyana, ministers lack this ability, when the system of government becomes overcrowded with persons without real talent to run the country, what we have is a disaster in the making. An unsalvageable situation

exaggerated by the lack of alternatives occasioned by the brain drain and with the ultimate consequence of having to ask little boys to do the work of big men.

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

Saturday October 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

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Saturday October 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

Oil companies replacing locals with foreigners for driving, cleaning jobs - GAWU

T

he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) recently stated on its website that oil companies and their subcontractors have been replacing locals with foreigners to do driving, cleaning and other simple jobs.

GAWU highlighted that it made this discovery following dialogue with local workers in the oil sector. The union stated that in trying to justify this act, the oil companies have reasoned that Guyanese lack the qualifications, skill and experience to undertake certain basic tasks.

However, according to GAWU, the tasks some of the companies have hired foreigners to do are not complicated and can be done

by Guyanese.

“For instance, we learnt that a well-known foreign company has recruited foreign nationals as drivers, mechanics, and other trades and another firm has employed foreigners to undertake labouring tasks,” stated GAWU. GAWU pointed out too

that foreigners are not only taking away the jobs from Guyanese, but they are receiving better payment and incentives than the locals.

“This is patently discriminatory, and we consider it disrespectful to Guyanese…foreign workers are reportedly benefitting from housing, subsistence and other allowances, while our Guyanese brothers and sisters receive nothing of the sort,” the union stated.

GAWU further revealed that apart from this, it has been told that some of these foreigners being brought to replace locals in the sector, have not even received work permits and are working without paying income taxes to Guyana.

The union is now calling for the government to urgently investigate this matter, even as it is actively addressing the enactment of a local content legislation.

This is not the first time that it has been brought to the attention of the public that the oil companies have been favouring the foreigners more than the locals.

PAC meetings stalled due to stressed out Clerks

Death Announcement

T

With deepest sorrow we announce the death of our beloved

Latchmiama Jagmohan aka Chano

of Queens, New York and formerly of Hampton Court, Essequibo Coast.

Sunrise: March 26, 1955Sunset: October 19, 2021 She was the cherished daughter of Vaidwattie Kanaya aka Data of Cullen, Essequibo Coast Adored wife of Jagmohan of Hampton Court, Essequibo Coast Cherished mother of Tamesh, Suresh (Bobo), Jagdesh (Buck), Parmeshwar (Joe), Neelwattie (Geeta) and Deonarine (Danesh) Much loved mother-in-law of Savita, Nalini, Ashmini and the late Bickram aka John Devoted sister of Sattie, Baby, Gangadai, Ranjan, Ram, Hanuman and the late Naina and Buju Respected sister-in-law of Gangadai, Jean, Monica,

Recently, Kaieteur News had reported that some local workers were sent home by the Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI), a local company which boasts that 90% of its work force is Guyanese, allegedly because they had complained to the media that foreigners were being paid more than they to do the same job.

In 2019, this newspaper had reported too that an oil service company operating aboard the Liza Destiny Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, appears to be using the job descriptions for some of its employees to pay foreign workers more than local workers for the same job.

Revealing this was attorney-at-law and current Member of Parliament, Sanjeev Datadin. He had made the disclosure while appearing on Kaieteur's Radio programme, Guyana's Oil & You and stated, “You can't discriminate on how much you pay locals versus how much you pay overseas people for the same job”.

Sandra, Sisto, Oudal, Heralall, Mangri, Badal, Budso and the late Dilip, Ramnarine, Bagman, Linnie and Dolly.

Dearest grandmother of Taymara, Marie, Pavasky, Ann, Davina, Chaitanya, Sevena, Daivya, Gavisht, Nemisha and Naveena Precious great grandmother of Anjana, Ayush and AnushLoving Aunt of Rovin, Talesh, Shalini, Devi, Ravi, Leon, Ryan, Alvin, Sybil, Ann, Sandie, Bayo, Devika, Kowshal, Sham and many more.

Cousin of Oudit, Drigo, Tajo, Seroj, Kishore, Dutt, and many more.

Friend of Beulah, Blackboy, Jeanette, Oma, Lena and many more.

Relative of the Sammys, Kanaya's and Jagmohans of Essequibo and USA.

For those who wish to join us as we celebrate her life, wake will be held at her son Tamesh Jagmohan compound (Former Kayman Sankar residence) Hampton Court Essequibo Coast.

Viewing of the body will take place on Sunday October 24th 2021 from 7:00 am to 8:30 am at 32 first Street Campbellville (opposite Campbellville Secondary School).

Thence to her residence 390 Hampton Court Essequibo Coast (Estate Dam) for funeral service at 11:00 am, thence to the La Union foreshore for cremation at 2:00 pm May her soul Rest in Peace.

he National Assembly's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was unable to hold its scheduled meeting yesterday, and will also be unable to meet next Monday since Clerks for the constitutional body are “stressed out”.

This is according to a letter that was written to the Chairman of the committee, Opposition Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira on Thursday, by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs.

Isaacs related to Figueira, that due to frequent challenges being encountered at the PAC meetings, the current Clerk of the committee has developed health issues because of “high-stress levels” and cannot continue to work with the committee.

He noted too, that all clerks from other committees within the Assembly are unwilling to fill the slot because of the “unprofessional conduct” of some PAC members which is not “conducive to a healthy working environment”.

As a result, Isaacs could not find a Clerk for yesterday's meet and he is unable to find one for Monday.

Figueira has since stated that the letter to him has left him in shock, and he hopes that the issue can be resolved as soon as possible, because there is a backlog of work before the PAC. The PAC' s responsibilities include examining the nation's audited accounts as presented in the Auditor General's (AG) report, and exercise general supervision over the functioning of the AG in accordance with the rules, policies and procedures manual and any other law.

Saturday October 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

$2.5 B in flood relief grants distributed nationwide G

overnment, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has thus far distributed $2.5 billion in flood relief cash grants to farmers nationwide, to help cushion the severe impacts of the May/June floods.

President Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali announced in August that 52,000 households affected by the unprecedented rainfall across 300 communities were:.

“The combined assistance to homestead farmers, kitchen gardens and households for these categories will be in excess of $3.5 billion,” the President stated.

Over $600 million has been disbursed to farmers across the PomeroonSupenaam in Region Two with over 3000 farmers benefitting.

Rice, cash crops and livestock farmers of Leguan and Wakenaam in Region Three, received a total of $67.1 million.

In the same region, another $22.6 million was distributed to farmers in the riverine communities of Bonasika, Aliki and Lanaballi.

In Demerara- Mahaica (Region Four) cash grants were given to farmers at St. Cuthbert's Mission, Laluni, Swan village and several areas in the Demerara River.

Farmers from MahaicaBerbice (Region Five) and East Berbice- Corentyne (Region Six) were among the first to benefit from the government's assistance.

More than 5000 floodaffected farmers in Region Five received $1 billion in flood relief grants, while close to $1 billion was also disbursed to farmers at Auchlyne, Lesbeholden, Yakusari, Johanna and Mibicuri in Region Six. Additionally, some 600 farmers in Region Ten, who were also affected by the flooding benefitted from the government's flood relief grant.

It is estimated that over $75 million will be distributed under the agriculture grant there.

The government has set aside $7.6 billion to support farmers who suffered losses from the recent flooding.

M i n i s t e r, Z u l f i k a r Mustapha said the government will continue to address the needs of its [farming] citizens, noting that everyone who suffered losses will receive assistance

from the PPP/C Administration.

In cases where affected persons' names are not on the

list of beneficiaries, the minister said those issues will be addressed. Officials from the various agencies

will return to ensure the process is smoothly managed.

Farmers who cultivate

cash crop and other largescale agriculturists will receive $100,000. Those who lost household

appliances and whose kitchen gardens were affected will get $50,000.

(DPI)

Saturday October 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

GTT launches Fibre Education Campaign - Company aims to enhance consumer knowledge on service T

he Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) yesterday launched a major fibre education campaign aimed at giving its GTT Fibre internet subscribers, a better understanding of the function and benefits of the technology and how it can work to improve their quality of life.

The educational thrust follows the recent launch and ongoing expansion of GTT Fibre Internet to new residential areas across Guyana.

GTT's Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Home Solutions and Fixed Network Services, Eshwar Thakurdin, said the educational campaign is part of the company's continuing emphasis on a customercentric approach to doing business.

Speaking to the rationale behind the initiative, Thakurdin explained that the Home and Fixed Network Services Unit, since its establishment, has been much more laser-focused on the home internet experience and working to ensure an improved customer journey.

“To this end, we have

Eshwar Thakurdin, GTT's COO for Home Solutions and Fixed Networks introduced GTT Fibre to reliably connect our customers.

Fibre broadband connections can reach speeds up to 940 megabits per second and we all know the need for internet and broadband power and speed is undeniably vital to the way we live, work and play today,” he said.

“GTT Fibre is world leading technology, and consequent to its launch, our Fibre education campaign is part of our commitment to

ensuring that customers derive the greatest benefit possible,” the COO added.

To further enhance customers' experience, GTT said it has also increased DSL speeds at no extra cost and introduced WhatsApp billing to give customers the ease and flexibility of viewing bills at their convenience.

“Customers have been using multiple channels available to them to communicate their concerns, and we recognize that in many cases there is a knowledge gap that needs to be serviced around the basics of GTT Fibre including access and availability, WiFi reception, broadband speeds, and many other aspects of the fibre-optic n e t w o r k t e c h n o l o g y, ” Thakurdin said.

In addition to its fibre education campaign, GTT's Home Solutions and Fixed Networks Business Unit have also taken steps to ensure that customers should have no difficulties when communicating their concerns.

A Voice of the Customer ( Vo C ) t e a m h a s b e e n established to listen and quickly respond to customers' concerns arising via the mass media.

The team is ably assisted

by GTT's social media team which manages all its social media and website pages.

About GTT

The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company is a fixed Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) based in Guyana, South America. It is the largest p r o v i d e r o f telecommunication services in Guyana with a subscriber base exceeding three hundred thousand in a country with an average population of

seven hundred thousand.

The company recently launched its GTT customer promises under the new vision - to improve life experiences to every home and business by 2025. These promises are strengthen our community, reliably connect our customers and innovate for all in our country.

Burial ground from “over 200 years” exposed on Berbice seashore

P

olice descended to the No.71 beach yesterday afternoon after they were informed that several coffins with apparent human skeletal remains were visible.

R e g i o n a l C o m m a n d e r, J a i r a m Ramlakhan, told Kaieteur News that ranks visited the location but nothing of the sort was found.

They said too that the tide had changed and water had already covered the shore where the discovery was made by persons traversing the area.

However, a resident of No.70 Village who spoke with this publication via phone, said that what was found was nothing strange, and that whenever the tide is low the coffins with the remains would be visible on the beach.

Narendra Ramsammy called Nitesh said he was told by his grandparents that where the remains were found "used to be a burial ground put deh since 1800 and something."

He said overtime, the burial ground was unearthed due to erosion but that the bodies buried there, were those of indentured labourers who were brought to Guyana to work on the sugar plantations over 200 years ago.

One of the exposed coffins with skeletal remains at the Berbice seashore Ramsammy said, “When I was a little boy we use to go and play there and does find a skull and play with it, we were not scared."

Police are still investigating the matter.

Saturday October 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

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Saturday October 23, 2021

Kaieteur News VACANCY

WANTED LEGAL NOTICE

Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 1st day of Maid to cook and clean for October, 2021, the Petitioner/ East Bank area.Call:615-9132. Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition Driver must be able to assist on you by publication of this in workshop at Eccles,age Notice in two (2) consecutive 25-50, Car/ Van licence. Call Saturday issues of the Kaieteur NewsNewspapers, a 642-9823. daily Newspaper printed, Exist for cashiers & super- published and circulated in market helpers at Nirva Su- and around Guyana and on per Store. 49 Sheriff & Craig the Worldwide Web (Online).

Street. Must be vaccinated. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire Exist for Security Officers, you may appear or attend in Male & Female. 18yrs & person or by your duly agent or above. Contact: 223-4172/ authorized Attorney-at-Law at the 632-0099.

Registry of the Family 1 Graphic Designer (IC) & 1 Division of the High Court at IT Network Engineer.To ap- Georgetown, Demerara where ply, visit facebook.com/ you will be issued with a bbwisp.internet.guyana or certified copy of the Petition together with call: 647-7875. related documents.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High LAND FOR SALE Court at Georgetown, Middle Road La Penitence, Demerara within 35 (thirty Eccles, La-Grange, Cornelia five) days from the date of the Ida, Soesdyke Linden High- second and final publication way. Contact Ray's Realty: of this Notice.

627-9685.

TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 29"” day of November, 2021 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtzious in the Directions Hearing Room via Zoom Meeting ID: 648 772 9256 and TO LET Password: 5hRiHf of the Enmore mall commercial High Court at Georgetown. IN space for medical facility. DEFAULT of your filing an Call centre and any other Acknowledgement of type of business 609-7675/ Service/Notice of Intention to 674-1705.

Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the LEGAL NOTICE Family Division of the High Court 2021-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-1075 is located at the Law Courts IN THE HIGH COURT OF [Georgetown, Demerara].

THE SUPREME COURT OF The office is open to the JUDICATURE FAMILY, public between 8:00am and Mondays to DIVORCE AND 3:30pm M A T R I M O N I A L Thursdays and 8:00am to JURISDICTION FAMILY 2:30pm on Fridays except on DIVISION PETITION NO.: public holidays and on such FD- 1075 BETWEEN:- (ALI) other days as the Registry is OMAPATTIE nee RATTAN closed. Dated the 4th day of Petitioner/ Applicant -and- October, 2021 (ALI) RAFEEK Respondent TO: RAFEEK ALI (Last Known Address) Lot 995 Kaneville, Grove, East Bank Demerara. TAKE NOTICE that on the 12" day of August, 2021 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you

by OMAPATTIE ALI

WANTED LEGAL NOTICE

this 7th day of October, 2021.

Experienced & Qualified Manager/Supervisor for Food Retailer. Send CV to Alabama Trading, 65-67 Robb St. Bourda

FOR FORRENT RENT Three bedrooms, two toilets & baths. Water included, $75,000 monthly. Available Nov 1st 2021.Tel: 667-4570.

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

Tel#650-7501.

SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040

Furnished house to rent, Republic Park Phase-1. Contact: 610-0910.

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

Contact: 602-9469, 657-5800, 666-2887.

Live in waitress 18-25 years.

Call:648-7866.

Upholster to work on chairs, car and bus seats Contact: 680-1967

FOR SALE

One male able bodied clerk Used household furniture & and one female sales reprewares. Good condition. Tel: sentative. Call:225-2313 / 2261497 669-6623.

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

One cook and one kitchen assistant for interior locations. Call: 698-6200 1 full time Industrial mechanic to manage workshop at JFWW Network Outlet.

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Night watchman, age 50-60.

Work 5pm-5am. Liliendaal Area. Contact:623-4242, between 9am-4pm.

Charlotte street, Louisa Row, Better Hope, Enterprise, Diamond. Contact: Ray's Realty 627-9685

Experienced cashier needed.

Apply with application at American Variety Store, 140 Regent & Light Street.

One or two bedroom Apt or flat, around Albertown, Queenstown or Bourda.

Tel: 669-6623.

FOR RENT 2 & 3 bedroom house in Vreed-en-Hoop. Apartment furnished in Providence & Diamond. Call: 604-6664/ 216-2299 3 bedroom, recently reconditioned. Excellent condition. Enmore/Haslington Access Road. Call: 667-3799 Vreed-En-Hoop junction, place to rent for Office, Bond, Hair Salon other.

Call: 603-6400.

Shop for rent opposite StewartvilleSecondary School.Contact: 649-2179.

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

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

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF GUYANA. COMMERCIAL JURISDICTION. 2021-HC-DEM-CIVFDA-113 BETWEEN GUYANA WATER INCORPORATED a company incorporated in Guyana under the companies Act 1991 of the Laws of Guyana and having its principal place of business at Vissengen Road Church Street,Bel Air Georgetown Demerara. Applicant-andBIBI SHANAZZ EMBLETON Respondent. NOTICE: TO: Bibi Shanazz Embleton Lot 112 Mon Repos,EastCoast Demrara, Guyana. TAKE NOTICE that a fixed date application was filed against you on the 17th day of August,2021 in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature at Georgetown, Demerara by the GUYANA WATER INCORPORATED in which the applicant’s claim for: (i)The sum of $600.000.00 (six hundred thousand dollars) being the sum due, owing and payable by the respondent to the applicant. (ii) lnterest in the said sum at a rate of 6%, per annum and 4% thereafter until the full sum is paid: (iii) Costs: (iv) Such further or other Order as this honorable Court deem just. AND TAKE NOTICE if you desire to defend this action you must forthwith within 28 days after the final publication of this Notice. prepare an affidavit in Defence in Form I 0C prescribed in the Civil Procedure Rules 2016. serve it on the Applicant’s Attorney-at-Law. Mr. NIGEL NILES. Attorney-at-law whose address for service and place of business is at “Guyana Water incorporated. Corporate Complex.Vlissingen Road and Church Street. Bel- Air. Georgetown. Guyana and file it with proof of service at the Registry at Georgetown. Demerara, not later than 4 (four) days before the date fixed for hearing of the application. and you or your Attorneyat-Law must appear at the hearing. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you fail to File such Affidavit and/or if you fail to appear at the hearing final judgement may be given against you notwithstanding your absence. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that this matter stands adjourned on the 29th November, 2021 at 9:00am before the Honourable Mr.Justice Navindra A.Singh. Dated

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF GUYANA REGULAR JURISDICTION 2021-HC-DEM-CTV-FDA-l 140 In the matter of Section 35 of the Deeds Registry Act, Chapter 5:02 of the Laws of Guyana. -and- ln the matter of an Application by RAMDARTE NANHOO, HAF1ZA BACCHUS and NA VENDRA ASARAM also known as NA VENDRA ASGARALLY. Applicants NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TAKE NOTICE that a Fixed Date Application has been filed on the 20 August, 2021 in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana by RAMDARTE NANHOO, HAFIZA BACCHUS and NA VENDRA ASARAM also known as NA VENDRA ASGARALLY for the foll.owing: (a) An Order that the Registrar of Deeds be authorized to pass Transport for the following property. (i) Sub-lot lettered “C” being pa.rt of the South portion of the east half of lot numbered 63 (sixty-three), east of Queen Street, Kitty, in the city of Georgetown, in the county of Demerara, in the Republic of Guyana, the said lot being shown on a diagram of that portion of Kitty formerly known as Prince Edward’s Town by H. Rainsford, Sworn Land Surveyor dated 30" April, 1842 and deposited in the Deeds Registry, Georgetown on the 26" July, 1847, the aid sub-lot lettered “D” containing an area 0f 1,622 (one thousand six hundred and twenty-two) square feet, together with a right of way varying from 6.50 feet to 6.15 feet in width running along and within the western boundary of the said lot numbered 63 (sixtythree) and leading to Queen Street, the said sub-lot lettered “D being shown on a plan by Hugh A. Howard, Sworn Land Surveyor dated 28” August, 1999 and deposited in the Deeds Registry at Georgetown on the 15" day of November, 2006, no building and erections thereon, as more fully described on Transport No. 950 of 1977. (ii) A Lease for a term of 999 (nine hundred and ninety-nine) years commencing from the date of

Saturday October 23, 2021 LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

execution hereof in respect of sub-lot lettered “D” being part of the South portion of the. east half of lot numbered 63 (sixty-three) East of Queen Street, Kitty, in the City of Georgetown, in the Republic of Guyana, the said lot being shown on a diagram of that portion of Kitty formerly known as Prince Edward’s Town by H. Rainsford, Swor Land Surveyor dated 30" April, 1842 and deposited in the Deeds Registry, Georgetown on the 26" July, 1847, the aid sub-lot lettered “D containing an area of 1,622 (one thousand six hundred and twenty-two) square feet, together with a right of way varying from 6.50 feet to 6.15 feet in width running along and within the western boundary of the said lot numbered 63 (sixty-three) and leading to Queen Street, the said sub-lot lettered “D” being shown on a plan

by Hugh A. Howard, Swor Land Surveyor dated 28" August, 1999 and deposited in the Deeds Registry at Georgetown on the 15th day of November, 2006, no building and erections thereon. (b) An Order that the Applicants be at liberty to apply for and obtain Tax Compliance on behalf of Shiva Neranjana Lall to facilitate the passing of conveyance of the aforesaid property by the Registrar of Deeds to the Applicants.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that on the 4" day of October, 2021, an Order was granted by the Honourable Madam Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln (in Chambers) whereby it was ordered that the Registrar of Deeds do pass Transport and Lease, respectively of the immovable property described in the schedule hereunder in the names of RAMDARIE NANHOO, HAFIZA BACCHUS and NA VEND RA ASARAM also known as NA VENDRAASGARALL Y AND IT IS FURTHERORDERED that all persons having or claiming to have any rights, title or interest in and to the said property shall appear and establish his claims or otherwise show good cause before a Judge in Chambers on the 6" December, 2021 in the forenoon or be forever barred therefrom.

Rainsford, Sworn Land Surveyor dated 30 April, 1842 and deposited in the Deeds Registry, Georgetown on the 26" July, 1847, the aid sub-lot lettered “D” containing an area of 1,622 ( one thousand six hundred and twenty-two) square feet, together with a right of way varying from 6.50 feet to 6.15 feet in width running along and within the western boundary of the said lot numbered 63 (sixty-three) and leading to Queen Street, the said sublot lettered “D” being shown on a plan by Hugh A. Howard, Sworn Land Surveyor dated 28" August, 1999 and deposited in the Deeds Registry at Georgetown on the 15 day of November, 2006, no building and erections thereon, as more fully described on Transport No. 950 of 1977.

Secondly: A Lease for a term of 999 (nine hundred and ninety-nine) years commencing from the date of execution hereof in respect of sublot lettered “D” being part of the South portion of the east half of lot numbered 63 (sixty-three) East of Queen Street, Kitty, in the City of Georgetown, in the Republic of Guyana, the said lot being shown on a diagram of that portion of Kitty formerly known as Prince Edward’s Town by H. Rainsford, Sworn Land Surveyor dated 30 April, 1842 and deposited in the Deeds Registry, Georgetown on the 26 July, 1847, the aid sub-lot lettered “D” containing an area of 1,622 ( one thousand six hundred and twenty-two) square feet, together with a right of way varying from 6.50 feet to 6.15 feet in width running along and within the western boundary of the said lot numbered 63 (sixty-three) shown on a plan by Hugh A. Howard, Sworn Land Surveyor dated 28" August, 1999 and deposited in the Deeds Registry at Georgetown on the 15" day of November, 2006, no building and erections thereon.

UPON APPLICATION in person or by letter to Ms. Rishi R. Kissoon, Attorneyat-Law, whose address for service and place of business is at the Chambers of Kissoon & Kissoon, Attorneys-at-Law of Lot 99, Hadfield Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, Demerara, Guyana, a copy of the Fixed Date Application would be delivered or sent to you. If you desire to defend this action, you must enter an appearance to the Fixed Date Application either personally or by Attorneyat-Law at the Registry of the Supreme Court of Judicature at Georgetown, within fourteen (14) days after the date of the second and final publication of this Notice. If within the said. fourteen (14)

SCHEDULE Firstly: Sub-lot lettered “C” being part of the South portion of the east half of lot numbered 63 (sixty-three), east of Queen Street, Kitty, in the city of Georgetown, in the county of Demerara, in the Republic of Guyana, the said lot being shown on a-diagram of that portion of Kitty formerly known as Prince Edward’s Town by H.

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Kaieteur News

Coconut vendor on bail for stealing clothes Clifton Dowden called ‘Grupa,’ a coconut vendor of Lot 41 North-West Sophia, yesterday passed through court for allegedly stealing $2M in clothes.

The 50-year-old defendant appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Principal Magistrate, Sherdel IsaacsMarcus.

The defendant denied the charge which alleges that between September 19 and 20, 2021, at Bar and Alexander Streets, Kitty, Georgetown, he broke into a stall and stole a quantity of clothes valued at $2M. Objection to bail being granted to the defendant was made by Police Prosecutor, Christopher Morris. The court heard that an off-duty city police officer saw the

defendant at the stall with a bag containing clothes. The cop reportedly told the defendant to return the clothes, but he ran away.

In his address to the court, the defendant stated that he was assaulted by members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) during the two weeks he was incarcerated.

This led to Principal Magistrate, Issacs-Marcus requesting that the defendant be searched for marks of violence but none was found.

He was then placed on $100,000 bail and the matter was adjourned to December, 27th, 2021.

The defendant was instructed to report to the police station the first Friday of every month at 6pm until the hearing and determination of the matter.

Charged, Clifton Dowden called ‘Grupa’

“We are not encouraging revaccination”- Health Minister Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony said yesterday that the government is not in support of calls by some countries for persons to be revaccinated if they had been vaccinated with the Russian SputnikV vaccine, a nonapproved WHO (World Health Organization) vaccine.

The Minister made this announcement while addressing concerns in his latest COVID-19 update.

It was in September, last, that the United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that “people who received all or some of the recommended doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not listed for emergency use by WHO and FDA, may be offered a complete FDA authorized COVID-19 LEGAL NOTICE days no application has been made or no appearance has been entered, the Court shall proceed to hear the said action and pronounced judgement in your absence.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that this matter do stand adjourned to the 6" December, 2021 in the forenoon before the Honourable Madam Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln.

BY THE COURT FOR REGISTRAR Dated he .}Q... day of October, 2021

Honourable Madam Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln.

vaccine series.”

In its recommendation too, the CDC stated that persons should wait at least 28 days after being administered the last dose of the non-authorised vaccine before being administered the FDA-authorised vaccine.

Addressing the revaccination issue yesterday, the Minister said the government does not have a re-vaccination policy and as such, “we are not encouraging it at this point in time.”

“We don’t have right now, a policy of revaccination, because at this point in time if we are going to revaccinate people, it means that some people may get more vaccine than is necessary, while we still have an unvaccinated population that would be at risk of getting COVID-19. So we first have to reduce that pool of unvaccinated persons before we start thinking about giving additional doses of vaccine,” Dr. Anthony explained.

He shared that the

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony.

SputnikV vaccine which is of concern for many persons, is scheduled to be approved by the WHO sometime in November or early December.

Once approved, he assured persons that they would not have any trouble with travelling.

When this very issue was raised and first brought to his attention last month, the Health Minister had stated that from a medical perspective, “it doesn’t make much sense” for persons to be vaccinated with additional doses.

...Agri. Ministry moves to expand bee From page 8 Amerindian communities and persons interested in getting involved in apiculture. He said that GLDA will be working with the Guyana Apiculture Society on a number of apiary management and production initiatives.

The Minister said, “When the GLDA captures bees, it usually donates some of those hives to Amerindian communities or persons who want to get involved in beekeeping.

We have an Apiary and we are working to expand that facility. Authentic and quality honey production is also

something that the government is working aggressively to promote across the country. We've been working with the Guyana Apiculture Society to sensitize persons on how to tell the difference between pure honey and honey that is adulterated.”

He added, “Sometimes persons go to the supermarkets and buy local honey and it is not pure honey. Mixing honey is not something that we want to encourage because it can affect Guyana's ability to export honey across the region. Now that we are working to tap into more markets and reduce our food im-

port bill, we have to look at all of these things. During the month of October, GLDA will be working with the Apiculture Society to promote this,” Minister Mustapha said.

The term “adulterated honey” means any honey (made from the nectar of floral exudations of plants gathered and stored in the comb by honey bees), to which has been added honeydew, glucose, dextrose, molasses, sugar, sugar syrup, invert sugar, or any other similar product or products.

Annually, Guyana produces approximately 2000 tonnes of honey.

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Kaieteur News

EPA announces two October public onsultations on Yellowtail Project The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that there would be at least two public consultations on ExxonMobil’s fourth project in the Stabroek Block called Yellowtail. The regulator informs that one session will be held on Monday, October 25, 2021, at Umana Yana from 5pm while the next round is scheduled for Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at the Anna Regina Town Hall from 09:00hrs.

The EPA was keen to note that all COVID 19 protocols will be in effect. For those who would not be able to attend, written submissions should be addressed: c/o Executive Director, EPA, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown.

Concerns can be sent via e-

mail address: epa@epaguyana.org.

According to the project documents the Yellowtail Project will consist of drilling approximately 41 to 67 development wells (including production, water injection, and gas re-injection wells); installation and operation of Subsea, Umbilicals, Risers, and Flowlines equipment; installation and operation of a Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel in the eastern half of the Stabroek Block; and— ultimately—project decommissioning.

EEPGL has said the FPSO will be designed to produce up to 250,000 barrels of oil per day.

Onshore logistical

support facilities and marine/ aviation services will be used to support each stage of the Project. EEPGL is expected to use proven and good international oilfield practices.

The company said it has incorporated many embedded controls into the overall Project design to reduce environmental and socioeconomic impacts.

The initial production is expected to begin by the end of 2025–early 2026, with operations continuing for at least 20 years.

The project is expected to employ up to 540 persons during development well drilling, approximately 600 persons at the peak of the installation stage, and 100 to 140 persons during production operations.

Superbet employee on bail for simple larceny Tw e n t y - s i x - y e a r- o l d Nikeda Castello, a Superbet Cashier of Lot 307 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was yesterday charged for allegedly stealing over $300,000 from the company.

She appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Principal Magistrate, Sherdel IssacsMarcus. She denied the charge which stated that on October 5, 2021, at Lot 143, Lane Avenue, Georgetown, she stole $300,726.

Police Prosecutor, Christopher Morris, made no

objection to bail being granted to the mother of one.

He then told the court that on the day in question, Castello’s employer went to the Superbet location to make daily checks and that is when he discovered the sum of cash missing.

The matter was reported and when the offence was put to Castello she denied the allegation.

Principal Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus placed Castello on $70,000 bail and adjourned to matter to December, 3rd, 2021.

Charged, Nikeda Castello.

MovieTowne Guyana to transform into spooky, haunted maze for Halloween MovieTowne Guyana will be transforming its entire Fiesta Plaza into a Haunted Maze surrounding the kids releases Addams Family 2 and Hotel Transylvania 4 for Halloween set for October 31, 2021.

One compartment of the Haunted Maze is designed based on the New Trending Series Squid Games, where a life-sized cutout of the Doll will be present with gunfire sounds for an ultimate scare.

An advantage of this haunted house is the mist, which not only adds to the

ambiance of the spookiness, but its cleanliness as it is a sanitizing mist. Adding to the décor, this mist will sanitize not just the area but everyone wishing to walkthrough this space.

On the day of Halloween, the management of the company will continue to have its traditional trick or treating at all of its stores and customers visiting the Mall and Cinemas dressed in costumes will get chances to win great prizes and movie tickets.

Saturday October 23, 2021

China’s latest missile test raises the stakes for Biden’s nuclear weapons review (CNN) - China’s test of a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile has given new fuel to critics of President Joe Biden’s ambitious agenda to scale back America’s nuclear arsenal, with intelligence and defense officials warning that the Chinese launch marked a significant technological leap that could threaten the US in new ways.

News of the launch is coming to light publicly as the administration nears the end of its nuclear posture review.

Biden’s national security team has been working toward a policy of increased restraint and more limited spending on nuclear modernization and production. The President has also been weighing a “no first use” policy for U.S. nuclear weapons, according to people familiar with the discussions.

Others within the administration are waving red flags, however. Intelligence officials told the Senate Intelligence Committee in private briefings that the Chinese test — which they tracked closely as it was happening — marked a substantial advancement in China’s ability to launch a strategic first strike against the United States, according to people familiar with the briefings.

While it does not necessarily give China an upper hand over the US, the briefers said, there were certain elements of the missile’s capabilities and how it operated that took the officials by surprise. China also built and successfully tested the technology faster than the US predicted they might be able to, according to a former arms control official who served until January. A hypersonic test carried out by the Pentagon on Thursday, meanwhile, failed — the second failed test since April. The Chinese test also demonstrated the potential ability to launch an attack from over the South Pole, a trajectory that has long worried the US because of the lack of systems designed to provide early warning of such an attack, defense officials said.

“It is a first-strike capability and emphasizes the need for us to continue our modernization program apace,” said one senior Republican congressional staffer, referring to ongoing efforts at the Pentagon and National Nuclear Security Administration to overhaul the American nuclear arsenal.

“So, it cuts against the narrative that we can reduce

the role of nuclear weapons when Russia and China are racing full steam ahead.”

Other officials and experts are not as concerned by the missile test and say that — while it was intended to be provocative — the technology does not give Beijing an upper hand and is therefore not destabilizing.

“My advice today is to not overreact to the system,” said Jeffrey Lewis, a professor and nuclear weapons expert at the Middlebury Institute for International Studies. “China already has 100 nuclear weapons that can target the United States and I can live with that fact. That’s nuclear deterrence.”

He added that “I am not alarmed by this particular step so much as I am by the fact that it is one of a series of footfalls in what is becoming an arms race.”

Asked about the launch during a CNN town hall on Thursday, Biden said that Americans should not be worried about whether China and Russia will ever have a more powerful military than the United States. The real concern, he suggested, is an unintentional escalation that spirals out of control.

“What you do have to worry about is whether or not they are going to engage in activities that put them in a position where they may make a serious mistake,” he said.

At the same time, however, Biden went further than previous presidents in suggesting the US would be ready to confront China militarily in the event of an attack on Taiwan.

“We have a commitment to do that,” he said. The White House later attempted to walk back that comment.

A senior administration official told CNN that Biden’s “position on proliferation has not changed,” but said the nuclear posture review will consider the current security environment. “The BidenHarris Administration is committed to renewing American leadership in nonproliferation and addressing the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons,” the official said.

“The United States initiated its Nuclear Posture Review earlier this year to look at these issues. The review will take account of the current security environment and will assess U.S. strategy, posture, and policy. We will continue to maintain a safe, secure, and effective strategic deterrent while looking to address the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons.”

Still, the successful Chinese launch has also factored into the administration’s ongoing missile defense review, and Congress is now demanding that the administration explain how it is working to detect and defend against hypersonic missiles.

Last month, the House Armed Services Committee added an amendment to the markup of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) outlining its concern “about the inability of current radar systems to detect, track, engage and defeat emerging threats from hypersonic weapons,” Defense News reported at the time. “As identified by the National Defense Strategy, the Department of Defense has an immediate need to reinforce efforts to counter these weapons.”

The committee had reviewed the intelligence about China’s missile test when it added that amendment, congressional staffers told CNN. “We just don’t know how we can defend against that type of technology,” the US’ disarmament ambassador, Robert Wood, told reporters this week in Geneva.

Pressure on Biden to stick to status quo The nuclear posture review was the subject of much internal debate and politicking even before China tested the new missile, sources said.

Biden has long been in favor of reining in the American nuclear arsenal and he and his national security team have been weighing whether a “no first use” policy would help reduce nuclear tensions with adversaries. “We are trying to say, ‘We are not going to attack you with a nuclear weapon unless you attack us with a nuclear weapon,’” Bonnie Jenkins, Biden’s under secretary for arms control and international security, said in January.

Jenkins, who served in the State Department under former President Barack Obama, said the US “took some steps back on that” under former President Donald Trump. “We have added all these conditions where we can actually use a nuclear weapon. We have gone backwards,” she said.

There has been some internal opposition to the more progressive-minded members of Biden’s team, however. Biden’s top nuclear policy official at the Pentagon, Leonor Tomero, was ousted last month in what the Defense Department insisted was just a reorganization.

Saturday October 23, 2021

Kaieteur News

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UG's introduces new programme - Masters in Supply Chain Management

I

n response to recognition of a skills gap within both the public and private sectors, the University of Guyana's School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI) has introduced a Master's of Science (MSc) in Supply Chain Management (SCM).

This adds to the list of several new programmes being introduced by the University at both the Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels for the 2021/2022 Academic Year.

The carefully crafted MSc in Supply Chain Management programme is intended to address some critical needs within Guyana. SEBI considers this programme of critical importance in fulfilling its mandate to offer programmes relevant to national development.

Furthermore, the programme will be offered online and both local and foreign faculties will be utilized to deliver the curriculum. The programme comprises of 42 credits which are to be completed over two (2) years (five semesters). To ensure that students gain more than theoretical exposure to the issues in this programme, they are required to prepare a final project. This final project is intended to provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of issues critical to Supply Chain Management and how these can be addressed. This

includes for example, how does a mining operation locate and move critical supplies to multiple interior locations, given the current network of roads and rivers?

In a brief comment, the Dean of SEBI, Prof. Leyland Lucas said, “Launching the MSc in Supply Chain Management is timely in Guyana.

The programme is robust and satisfies the demands of both industry and academia, and has been built around international and regional standards. The programme makes extensive use of simulations to ensure that students receive both theoretical and practical exposure to relevant issues.

More importantly, it requires students to examine critical and relevant issues that may impact on SCM decisions, rather than simply focusing on the theoretical issues of the field.”

Prof. Lucas added, “ G l o b a l l y, t h e r e a r e significant concerns about the pandemic's impact on the Supply Chain for industries.

With the pandemic came increased focus on online shopping, and these products must be sourced from somewhere.

A recent publication stated that businesses might not be able to carry adequate stocks of products for the holiday season. Clearly, SCM is more than just a mundane issue.”

The MSc Supply Chain Management programme was drafted by a team of experts from the School of

Bandits Invade DHL, cart off two safes

A

t least five gunmen have reportedly invaded DHL, a local franchise of an International shipping company, and carted off two safes from the building.

The DHL office is located on Cummings Street, Albertown and according to police, they are hunting the men that had broken into the building around 03:23Hrs. According to police, the two security guards that were guarding the place were unarmed at the time and one of them alleged that he was in the front compound of the establishment when a masked man attacked him.

He claimed that the individual said to him, “Don't say anything before placing him to lie faced down on the ground.

The bandit then duct taped him and accompanied by four others who had reportedly jumped a back fence to enter the premises, proceeded to break into the office.

His colleague told the cops that he did not hear or see anything because he was indoors at the time and it was raining.

Investigators stated that the bandits had carted off with two safes and three canisters containing an undisclosed amount of cash.

Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI) under the leadership of Prof.

Leyland M. Lucas, Dean of SEBI. The core drafters included Ms. Teneisha Johnny, Ms. Mandie Mickle, and Ms. Carol Webster.

SEBI also launched a new Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Sustainable Tourism Management. The new BSc programme in S u s t a i n a b l e To u r i s m Management has replaced the Bachelor of Arts in Tourism and the Associate of Arts in Tourism Studies. It is geared towards addressing

the growing needs of Guyana and the region by creating a new group of graduates who will possess the competence, knowledge, and practical skills to aid in viewing sustainable tourism as a vital mechanism to the economic development of Guyana, appreciating the imperativeness of balancing tourism, the protection of the physical and social environment and economic development, and respecting the historical importance and knowledge of indigenous communities and valuing their contributions to

development.

The programme is scheduled to commence online in late October 2021.

It is comprised of 126 credits which are to be completed over four (4) years (eight semesters) and will be offered both online and faceto-face modes.

The programme capitalizes on Guyana's competitive advantage of being the world's number one ecotourism destination and the uniqueness of Guyana's tourism resources while satisfying the demands o f t h e i n d u s t r y. I t

incorporates a strong combination of SEBI's foundational courses and specialist tourism courses.

Some of these exciting specialist tourism courses i n c l u d e : E c o - To u r i s m Development; History and Culture Tourism; Indigenous P e o p l e s a n d To u r i s m ; Community Based Tourism; Facilities & Attraction M a n a g e m e n t ; To u r i s m Planning & Policy; Tourism Entrepreneurship & Events Management; Eco-Tourism Operations Management; and Marketing Sustainable Tourism.

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Lahiru Kumara and spinners combine as ruthless Sri Lanka thump clueless Netherlands ESPNcricinfo - This was the first dead rubber of the World Cup, and aptly enough, Sri Lanka were ruthless with their execution. Seven years after they had skittled Netherlands out for 39, the lowest T20 World Cup total, Sri Lanka condemned the same opposition to the second-lowest total too, running through them for 44 in ten overs.

The chase was more batting practice than anything else, and the top order, which had misfired until now in the tournament, for the first time faced no pressure whatsoever. Even so, Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka fell cheaply, as Sri Lanka still finished the game off in just over seven overs, giving their own confidence

a nice fillip ahead of the Super 12s round, they could barely have wished for a smoother evening’s work.

Netherlands collapse There was little of substance to play for as far as Netherlands were concerned, and the moment Dasun Shanaka put them in to bat, Sri Lanka looked like they meant business. Off the fourth ball, when Max O’Dowd set off for a risky single, the captain effected a direct hit at the non-striker’s end to send the top-scoring Netherlands batter at the competition back cheaply.

From thereon, it was a procession led by carrombowling revelation Maheesh Theekshana and legspinner Wanindu Hasaranga.

Theekshana sent Ben Cooper

and Stephan Myburgh back to the pavilion after rattling their middle stumps with carrom balls neither could read, while Hasaranga honed in on the pads with wrong’uns that appeared impossible for the opposition to pick.

Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede and Pieter Seelaar all failed to get their pads out of the way of the googly, and by the time a remarkable powerplay concluded, Netherlands were reduced to 37 for 6.

As if that wasn’t destructive enough, Sri Lanka brought back Dushmantha Chameera and Lahiru Kumara for the lower order to face deliveries regularly north of 145kph.

One struck Scott Edwards on

Saturday October 23, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) No matter how many maps you look at and how many times you stop and ask for directions, you'll still be unsure which road to take.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your mind may be playing tricks on you, so it isn't necessarily in your best interests to trust your perceptions completely.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Your well-considered actions will be effective today. There's strength in your mental power. You shouldn't hesitate to direct others toward avenues that would be good for them.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today may be one of your last chances to say what you want about a certain situation. Take advantage of the opportunity to get your words out.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Indulge in a day of laughter.

Things get much more serious tomorrow, so use today to have some fun before it comes time to get down to business.

CANCER(June21–July22) Share your thoughts with those who can help execute them today. If you have something that needs to be moved, don't try to do it by yourself.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Try not to get too caught up in trying to penetrate to the core of everything today. Enjoy the simple pleasures that are free. Be entertained by a bug walking on your windowsill. See trees as art.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) There's a fast-paced energy in the air that suggests a dramatic change of some sort in your life.

Things may not go so well for you if you fail to notice the opportunities open to you.

You may not need to work so hard simply because so many things are going your way.

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Kaieteur News

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You're apt to be drawn to lively and exciting things today. Dramatic and dynamic activities are the ones that you'll be most comfortable with.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You may have to take major action today in order to defend your position. Your current mindset has brought you to a certain point and now you're faced with having to defend that point.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) The more action you take today, the bigger the hole you're apt to dig for yourself. You could be engaged in one of those situations in which you say one thing and then are forced to stretch the truth.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your thinking is right in line with the group dynamic today, and you'll find working with a team to be extremely rewarding.

the head that brought the physio out for a concussion test, before Kumara put him out of his misery by pitching one up into his pads.

It began an over that saw him remove the final three Netherlands batters inside six balls to put paid to the innings inside ten overs, and set his batters up with a canter of a chase.

Sri Lanka stroll - Ideally, Sri Lanka would have wished to see the top order run this down without the loss of a wicket to assuage concerns about an underperforming top order. However, Nissanka holed out at mid-off for a duck, while Asalanka couldn’t take advantage of his opportunity at No. 3. But Sri Lanka were in little hurry to force the issue, running the target down at a canter.

Kusal Perera had time enough for a cameo that should help his confidence deeper into the tournament, an unbeaten 33 off 24 balls offering a glimpse of his belligerence in the top order.

Avishka Fernando knocked off the winning runs, but for Sri Lanka today, it was all about the bowling.

...GASA comes under From page 20 to supply you with minutes of these meetings, the audit report and encourage you to verify the above with the current executive of GASA. My recommendations to GASA are: they should follow the constitutions of GASA and FINA; and they should abide by the decisions of the highest decision-making body of GASA even if it means some of its own members must answer for their wrong-doings.

This is vital since I believe that it is not enough for persons who have allegedly defrauded the sport to simply resign, or worse, continue as if nothing happened.

Yours sincerely, Nicholas Fraser, BSc (PE & Sport), MBA (Sport Administration) Former National record holder, former Coach, parent of a swimmer and reader of Kaieteur News.

...Wiese, Erasmus the heroes From page 28 couple of overs to get used to the pace and bounce of the pitch but once they did that, boundaries came frequently. Stirling was the more aggressive of the two but he gained better rewards when he focused on timing and placement than power.

In the third over of the innings, he punched JJ Smit over long-on for a six before hitting three fours off leftarm spinner Bernard Scholtz in the next over.

O’Brien, who was 9 off 12 balls at one stage, took a leaf out of Stirling’s book and struck two fours off Jan Frylinck in the sixth over to bring up the fifty stand.

Stirling and O’Brien now have 13 stands of 50 or more in T20Is, the most by any pair.

Scholtz eventually ended the opening stand when Stirling holed out to long-on for a 24-ball 38. In the next over, O’Brien (25 off 24) picked out deep square leg off Frylinck to leave the side 67 for 2.

The Sharjah slowdown As was the case during IPL

2021, scoring runs became difficult once the ball softened and the field spread out. The first six overs of Ireland’s innings featured seven fours and a six; the next six had just one four.

Andy Balbirnie struggled for timing on a slowing track. He was on 5 when Aleem Dar denied an lbw appeal off Pikky Ya France. Namibia chose not to review it but replays showed Balbirnie was lucky to survive.

The reprieve, however, didn’t hurt Namibia much.

Their seamers kept peppering the good length in the line of the stumps and kept the Ireland batters quiet.

Wiese put Gareth Delany out of his misery by castling him with a slower ball in the 15th over. Two overs later, Frylinck dismissed Balbirnie and Curtis Campher to jolt Ireland further as the innings petered out.

Namibia 126 for 2 (Erasmus 53*, Wiese 28*, Campher 2-14) beat Ireland 125 for 8 (Stirling 38, O’Brien 25, Frylinck 3-21) by eight wickets.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Letter to the Sports Editor To the Sports Editor, I write you today in relation to an article

Saturday October 23, 2021

GASA comes under the microscope published in your paper on October 10, 2021 titled “GASA Boss praise Sports

Minister’s Sports Academy Initiative”. While I am in support of the comments

made regarding the proposed Sports Academy, I was shocked to read the response

of GASA’s President to the question about how the financial improprieties of 2019 were dealt with and what was being done to ensure it doesn’t reoccur.

To remind your readers, the President responded, “The audit which was conducted did not find that the monies were used for personal benefits”. He further stated that the “then Council accepted the resignations and the entire executive body was changed”. Please permit me to address these two statements since The Dorado Speed Swim Club (an affiliate of GASA of which I am President) has asked GASA’s President to explain these statements about the audit, the resignations / changing of the entire executive since these are demonstrably false. He has not responded to this request for an explanation to date.

Since this is now in the public domain it is the intention of this letter, in the absence of an explanation from GASA’s President, to clarify the facts behind this 2019 financial debacle, the audit and to show that there the entire body did not resign as was stated.

Regarding the first statement from the President: The first page of the Independent Auditor’s Report for the Financial year ended September 30, 2019 states “We do not express an o p i n i o n o n t h e accompanying financial statements of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association as at September 30, 2019 … we have not been able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion on these financial statements.

Accordingly, we do not express an opinion on the financial statements”. As part of the basis for disclaimer of opinion, the Audit Report states “The balance representing receivables presented in the financial statements could not be tested since the Association was unable to provide the supporting documents. As such, we are unable to obtain sufficient appropriate evidence and cannot conclude on the accuracy, valuation and existence of this balance”.

H o w c a n G A S A’ s President, with a straight face, make a statement like that after reading this Audit Report?

Regarding the second statement; GASA receives funds from the FINA Development Programme through OASP for the development of swimming in Guyana. The process is simple: GASA indicates what activities it would like to do with the funds, PASO supplies the funds, and GASA executes then reports on the expenditure.

Sometime prior to August 2019, many financial improprieties were uncovered under the then Ivan Persaud-led GASA Executive. At a Special General Meeting (the General Meeting is the highest decision-making body) held on August 20, 2019, a prominent Coach, who still coaches to this day, admitted to forging 1 of 3 receipts sent to FINA. This Special General Meeting ended with a decision to dissolve the executive and start anew.

On September 5, 2019, an Extraordinary General Meeting was convened to hold fresh GASA elections.

The former Vice-President was elected President and two other persons were also re-elected. On October 31, 2 0 2 0 G A S A’s c u r r e n t President was elected. His executive includes 2 of the 3 persons who were re-elected from the two previous GASA Executives. Again, how can GASA’s President, with a straight face, make a statement like that knowing it to be false?

Mr. Editor, GASA’s executive should have addressed this financial situation since the General Meeting (the highest decision-making body) of September 5, 2019, where it was decided that GASA’s executive must: 1. Inform FINA of the financial situation uncovered by Monday, September 9, 2019.

2. Set-up a Disciplinary Committee to investigate and make recommendations on the financial improprieties uncovered.

3. Based on the advice from the auditor, inform the police.

None of the above decisions of the General Meeting has been executed to date even though the Dorado Speed Swim Club has been making numerous requests, motions and pleas for GASA to address this issue.

Mr. Editor, I stand ready (Continued on page 19)

Kaieteur News

Saturday October 23, 2021

PAGE 25

T20 World Cup: England face West Indies in rematch of 2016 finals

B

BCsport – West Indies begin their Men’s T20 Wo r l d C u p campaign against England in Dubai today in a rematch of the 2016 final. West Indies beat England in a last-over thriller five years ago, when Carlos Brathwaite hit Ben Stokes for four sixes in a row to seal victory.

England are now the topranked Twenty20 team and 50-over world champions.

Australia face South Africa in Abu Dhabi which would be followed by England v West Indies clash. Those matches represent the start of

the Super 12 phase, after a week of qualifying matches in which Scotland, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Namibia progressed to the main draw. England - T20 champions in 2010 - are bidding to become the first team to hold the 50-over and T20 World Cups at the same time, and captain Eoin Morgan says his players are still motivated by their final defeat in 2016.

England have won their past three T20 matches against West Indies but have never beaten them at a T20 World Cup. Morgan’s side lost to India and beat New

Zealand in their two warmup matches this week.

“We’ve played some of our best ever cricket in T20 World Cups, so guys are excited,” he said. “Given the experience we had in 2016 and the ride that we went on, it was unbelievable, thoroughly enjoyable.”

At 42, West Indies legend Chris Gayle is the oldest player in the tournament but forms part of a powerful batting line-up that also includes captain Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran and Andre Russell.

What about Australia and South Africa? Neither

Saint Kitts and Nevis top Suriname to reach CWU17

M

iami, Florida – Saints Kitts and Nevis punched their ticket to the 2022 Concacaf Women’s Under17 Championship after defeating Suriname 2-0 in CWU17 Qualifying on Friday at the IMG Academy in Bradenton.

After downing U.S. Virgin Islands 4-1 on Wednesday and adding another three points against Suriname, Saint Kitts and Nevis have claimed the top spot in Group A with six points. Jahzara Claxton’s goal in the 19’ and a score from Kionna Mills in the 67’ provided the margin of victory.

Suriname will close out their group stage campaign tomorrow when they face U.S. Virgin Islands, with each nation still alive of

reaching the CWU17 as the best ranked second-place finisher among the three groups.

The margins in Group B are razor-thin after Belize edged Barbados 2-1, also yesterday. Kayghun Rouse’s goal in the 42’ gave Barbados a lead that they held going into the final minutes.

But it was at that moment that Belize’s Khalydia Velasquez took over, scoring goals in the 86’ and the 90+5’ to give Belize the dramatic victory.

Barbados will look to rebound tomorrow in the Group B finale versus Curacao, with Curacao only requiring a draw to qualify for the CWU17.

Australia nor South Africa have won the T20 World Cup, although Australia reached the 2010 final. “We are really excited to kick it off,” Australia captain Aaron Finch said.

“Everyone’s in a pretty good space. The way the

group’s come together, the feeling around the place has been brilliant.” Australia beat New Zealand before being thrashed by India in their warm-up matches, while South Africa saw off Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“I am confident,” South

A f r i c a c a p t a i n Te m b a Bavuma said. “The squad that we have here is a squad that has been playing together for quite a while.

“With the positive results we’ve been able to get, that has given us confidence in the guys who are here.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 26

Saturday October 23, 2021

Guyanese ready for AIBA World Boxing C/Ships in Serbia

By Sean Devers Guyanese pugilists,

Olympian Keevin Allicock and Desmond Amsterdam

along with Coach Terrence Poole are in Belgrade, Serbia

to compete at the 2021 AIBA W o r l d B o x i n g

Coach Poole flanked by Allicock (left) and Amsterdam.

Championships which is being held in from October 24th to November 6th at Stark Arena.

Guyana is among the 105 countries expected to compete at the event, which was moved from Delhi to Belgrade after the Indian capital failed to pay a host fee stipulated in the Host City Agreement.

There will be a total of 13 weight categories for the first time, following a category revision in August.

A prize purse of US$2.6 million has been announced for the upcoming International Boxing Association (AIBA) Men’s W o r l d B o x i n g Championships in Belgrade.

Money will be awarded to boxers at the flagship event for the first time in AIBA’s largely amateur 75year history, with gold medalists set to receive $100,000 (£72,000/€85,000) each.

Silver medalists will s c o o p $ 5 0 , 0 0 0 (£36,000/€42,000) while the two bronze medalists in each weight division will bank $25,000 (£18,000/€21,000).

World champions such as Andy Cruz Gomez, Roniel Iglesias, Arlen Lopez and Julio La Cruz from Cuba are all on the entry list to compete, as is 2019 gold medalist Mirazizbek Mirzahalilov of Uzbekistan.

Three-time world gold medalist Tsotne Rogava of Ukraine is set to compete.

Coach Poole, the Technical Director of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) informed that team Guyana arrived in Serbia yesterday and it was mandatory that everybody had to do an Antigen and

PCR test.

“We got back our results, which were all negative while tomorrow (today) the Guyanese boxers will do their Sport entry check…this consist of uniforms check, Medical Certificate, the code of conduct being signed by them, the Anti-doping and Covid-19 documents also signed by them” informed Poole from Belgrade last evening.

Belgrade is 10 hours ahead of Guyana and tomorrow the Technical meeting and the official draw and the opening Ceremony will be held. “After the Official draw we will know who they would be coming up against. As it is, we know Allicock is in the 57kg category and Amsterdam 75kg category. What we don’t know is the amount of persons in each category as yet.

The guys are in bed (11:05pm there) catching their rest before we start our training in the morning (today)” Poole said. Poole said he was confident the boxer could do well and added the prize money is a great motivator for everyone so he expects a high level of competition.

The Event starts with a Grand Opening Ceremony at Stark arena in Belgrade.

“This will be a huge celebration of boxing,’AIBA President Umar Kremlev claimed. ‘We want to show the whole world how united and strong the boxing family is. This event will be a highlight of the year for men’s competitions. We are looking forward to seeing our top athletes competing for the title of world champion.

Kaieteur News

Saturday October 23, 2021

GASA’s Short Course trials on today for World Swimming Championships

Hanibal Gaskin

A

bu Dhabi (UAE) will host the best swimmers in the world for a sixday showpiece between December 16-22, next, the 15th edition of the FINA Wo r l d S w i m m i n g Championships.

The United Arab Emirates will play host to the prestigious short-course showcase for the second time, after a successful edition in 2010 in Dubai, while Hangzhou, China and Windsor Canada hosted the two previous editions in 2018 and 2016 respectively.

Guyana has been invited to submit two males and two females to participate in the 25 Meters short course event. According Guyana Swimming Association

Aleka Persaud (GASA) President Dwayne Scott, GASA thought it wise to open the field to all swimmers; current and past; giving everybody a chance to qualify for this event in the UAE. “We have scheduled a trial for Saturday (today) at the Aquatic Centre in Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara from 09:00hrs to 13:00hrs.

This is an open event and swimmers can compete regardless of their age once they are able to make the times” informed Scott.

“GASA has done a prequalification based on FINA points system and now the situation is for everybody to show up, swim and do the best they can” Scott added.

Today’s Event is restricted to

Wiese, Erasmus the heroes as Namibia qualify for the Super 12s ESPNcricinfo - Gerhard Erasmus’ anchoring halfcentury and David Wiese’s whirlwind 28* off 14 balls steered Namibia into the Super 12s of the 2021 T20 World Cup. This eightwicket win over Ireland also meant Namibia have booked their spot in next year’s edition as well, which will be played in Australia.

Batting first in a virtual knockout, Paul Stirling and Kevin O’Brien laid the foundation by adding 62 in 7.2 overs but the incoming batters failed to capitalise on that. Ireland were 55 for 0 at the end of the powerplay but could score only 70 in the next 14 overs. Apart from their top three, no one else reached the double figures.

Given the sluggish nature of the Sharjah pitch, a

target of 126 wasn’t an easy one, especially with Namibia playing a batter short. They could manage only 27 for 1 in the powerplay, and needed 49 off 36 balls at one point.

Wiese then smashed backto-back sixes off Craig Young in the 15th over to bring the asking rate down.

With 19 required off 17 balls, Erasmus, who had hit only two fours in his first 44 balls, skipped down the track to Simi Singh to launch him for a straight six. That all but sealed the game for Namibia. When Wiese hit the winning boundary, there were still nine balls left in the game.

Stirling, O’Brien give Ireland brisk start - It took Stirling and O’Brien a (Continued on page 19)

PAGE 27

Jamie McDonald hands over cheque to GAPLF President, Gordon Spencer.

Leon Seaton Jnr the public who want to witness the races must be fully vaccinated and show proof of this and must also adhere to all Covid-19 protocols.

Being an Open Event, all of the swimmers have shown an interest in competing today including the likes of 2016 Olympian Hanibal Gaskin, 2020 Olympian Andrew Fowler, young Leon Seaton, who will try to match strokes with the senior competitors and the other young guns who are a part of G A S A’s d e v e l o p m e n t programme.

Despite the absence of quality swimmers like Amy Grant and Jamella Sanmoogan, the female category includes Guyana’s youngest ever Olympian and National 50 Meters freestyle record holder, 15-year-old Aleka Persaud long with Patrice Mahaica.

Scott informed that based on the outcome of the event, GASA’s Technical Committee will sit and deliberate based on achievement of time and FINA points to come up with the four swimmers who will travel to Dubai.

Fitness Express on board with GAPLF for tomorrow’s Raw Nationals

J

amie Mac Donald and Fitness Express has maintained its support of powerlifting as it is the main sponsor for tomorrow’s Raw National Powerlifting Championships which is set to take place at the Life Gym, Railway Embankment, Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.

In handing over the cheque to Guyana Amateur Power Lifting Federation (GAPLF) President, Gordon Spencer, McDonald said that his company is pleased to be continuing their partnership

with the sport and is happy that the athletes are being afforded another opportunity to showcase their skills.

McDonald also pointed out that it is heartening to see the level of commitment being shown by the athletes despite the challenges being brought on by the ongoing covid-19 pandemic.

He wished the Federation and athletes the best for tomorrow whilst also stating that the respective Overall Male and Female winners will be rewarded with supplement hampers

compliments of Fitness Express.

Spencer expressed thanks to McDonald and Fitness Express for their continued commitment to the sport and its development.

Meanwhile, the first lift will leave the platform at 09:00hrs while the weigh in and equipment check will be done during 07:00 – 08:30hrs.

The Federation is reminding that all National Covid-19 protocols would be enforced.