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AIETEUR NEWS
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“The fleecing of Guyana” Series
Canje owners can bring Govt. to renegotiate gas terms, but Guyana can’t bring them to get a better deal The Oil Fiasco Giveaway calls for an International Investigation Former President, Donald Ramotar, is reported to have said that he did not read what he signed when the Petroleum Agreement for the Canje and Kaieteur Blocks was presented to him for signature. In times gone by, selling out one’s country would be considered like treason and the guilty person having to pay the ultimate price. Former Natural Resources Minister, Robert
Persaud engaged in his clever petro-distancing from President Ramotar and the Agreement and constructs his own spin to weave himself out of the Canje and Kaieteur webs. Even though the Agreement would have been drafted out of his Ministry and under his direction as the political head of the Ministry, as understood, Mr. Persaud’s position is that he did not know the people to
whom the Canje and Kaieteur Blocks were sold. Kaieteur News’ position is that he had a duty to inform himself. Wo r d s c a n h a r d l y describe the conduct of these two men. “Sold” would be too civilised a word, but we cannot escape the appearance of powerful and undeniable absence of national leadership, suspicion of was in other jurisdictions is tantamount
to criminal negligence if not conduct and massive hijacking of the oil wealth of the people. Whether Mr. Robert Persaud knew or did not know, for all practical purposes, he was the man assigned to and paid to protect the interest of Guyana and Guyanese. What is unaccounted for, who have cheated Guyanese out of ten of billions in American dollars, and what
has been hidden concerning the Canje and Kaieteur Oil Blocks amounts to the worst crimes committed on the country, warranting the ultimate penalty allowed by our country’s laws. We do not like others to interfere in our national affairs. But the cost of this betrayal of the people’s patrimony, the silence of these key participants, and the unwillingness of the country’s former and present
political leaders to investigate this matter leaves us with no option but to call for an international investigation of this fiasco. The Global Witness showed how Trotman gave away some US$55 billion due to incompetence and whatever else in the case of the Stabroek Blocks. The Canje and Kaieteur Blocks are at least in the same league. Please read pages 20 and 61
Politicians stole more than US$400B
in oil money from Nigeria while 95 million live in extreme poverty P. 18
Is this local content?
Here are cement casings being imported by oil companies, for which Guyana has to pay. Will it cost us 20M+ EACH, when locals can make it for 100 times less? ARE YOU GUYS PAYING ATTENTION Pres. Ali and Harmon?
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 25, 2020
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Canje owners can bring Govt. to renegotiate gas terms, but Guyana can’t bring them to get a better deal - Contract signed by Ramotar
Former President and Minister of Petroleum, Donald Ramotar The Canje agreement signed by former President Donald Ramotar obligates Guyana to go back to the negotiating table with the Contractor if it believes that the terms must favour oil companies more so as to “economically commercialise” the production of the gas. Yet, if Guyana ever determines that it is unfair that it must repay the one percent royalty or that any other provision of the agreeent is so unfair that it should be rectified, the Contractor is held to no such obligation to come to the
negotiating table. The one-sided provision exists in Article 12.2 of the Agreement, which speaks to handling of NonAssociated Gas. This refers to gas which is produced from natural gas wells, as opposed to Associated Gas which is produced from oil wells. It states “When the Contractor … has informed the Minister of any Non-Associated Gas discovery within the Contract Area that is of potential commercial interest, the Contractor shall inform the Minister whether the Contractor believes such discovery is potentially commercial under the current Agreement terms. If the Contractor believes that the fiscal terms will have to be revised in order to economically commercialise the Non-Associated Gas discovery, the Contractor shall propose revisions to the fiscal terms as the basis for entering into good
faith negotiations to reach mutually acceptable terms for developing the Non-Associated Natural Gas discovery.” In this regard, the government will be held to an obligation to negotiate with the Contractor to decide on project economics that gives a rate of return no less than eighteen percent (18%). In the event that the parties cannot agree to a revision of the terms, they must engage a “sole expert” to render a decision on the terms. If the Contractor does not want to move forward with the sole expert’s decision, it can decide to abandon the gas discovery, and relinquish it to the government. This provision stands in contrast to the rigid stabilization clause of the contract, which prevents Guyana from imposing any new tax or other charge on MidAtlantic and its partners, Exxon, Total and JHI Associates. If Guyana determines that the deal is unfair, the Contractor has no obligation to come to the table. Even if Guyana alters its own legislation, customs code or tax code in a manner that changes the project economics of
the Contract, Guyana is obligated by the Contract to exempt the Contractor from the amendment. Ramotar signed off on the stabilization clause, which states “the Government shall not increase the economic burdens of the Contractor under this Agreement by applying to this Agreement or the operations conducted thereunder any increase of or any new taxes whatsoever, any new royalty, duties, fees, charges, valuea d d e d t a x ( VAT ) o r o t h e r imposts…”
The agreement is riddled with terms labeled by industry experts as unusual, some of which have been exposed in the past week’s series on the contract. The license for the Canje Block was first given to MidAtlantic Oil & Gas Inc. ExxonMobil has since farmed-in as the Operator, as well as JHI Associates and Total SA. The circumstances under which the award and subsequent farm-ins occurred are littered with red flags which anti-corruption experts say warrant investigation.
Removal of VAT, free water for pensioners from month-end Pensioners to get VAT and free water from month-end.
Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal has announced that systems are in place for citizens to have more affordable water. Effective from November 5, 2020, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) customers are eligible to benefit from two significant measures. “Every consumer that is paying for their water can expect the removal of VAT,” Minister Croal said during an interview with the
Department of Public information earlier in the week. He also addressed the issue of pensioners receiving free water. “With respect to our pensioners, there are some pensioners who are unmetered and then of course, there are some who are metered. For those who are unmetered […] there is 100 percent subsidy […] they are not required to make payments on their water
– Minister
consumed,” the Minister said. In a previous interview, GWI‘s CEO, Shaik Baksh had said for pensioners, the government will reinstate subsidies which were removed over the past five years under the previous administration. He added that, “for the metered pensioners, the first ten cubic metres of water consumed is zero rated and above ten cubic metres then they will be required to pay
the difference consumed at the rate that is being charged for [other] consumers.” Ten cubic metres of water equates to approximately five 400-gallon black tanks, which is expected to adequately supply water for each pensioner and a partner, once managed properly, for a
month. President Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced a number of sweeping budgetary measures including the removal of VAT on water and free water for pensioners as part of provisions in the 2020 emergency Budget.
The implementation of this initiative, President Ali said, means that more than 50,000 pensioners in Guyana could enjoy improved livelihood and hundreds of thousands of citizens would have more money in their pockets with the removal of VAT.
Kaieteur News
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Sunday October 25, 2020
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
#EndSARS Almost 20 years ago, the acronym SARS conjured up a terrifying global pandemic, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, an airborne virus that originated in China, one that could be transferred through cough droplets and which had the potential to spread via the international air transport system. Some of us can be forgiven as looking back at that era, 2003, as a quieter, cleaner, much saner, healthier time. We, after all, only had that and the ongoing War on Terror to deal with globally. The new king pandemic is the novel coronavirus (COVID19), far more terrifying, exponentially more viral than its predecessor, and now, as of the past week, SARS has stood for something else in global media, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigerian Police Force. Created in 1992 in response to a serious rise in crime in the oil-producing country, in ten years the unit was itself fingered to be involved in criminal activity. When in 2002, its operations spread from the financial centre of the county, Lagos, the squad’s criminal activities naturally metastasized. This is not a story that would be unfamiliar to Guyanese. The infamous Tactical Services Squad, known then as the Black Clothes Police, invoked fear, if not outright terror, in this society up until the execution of its head, Superintendent Leon Fraser in 2003, a crime that today has not been solved. Launched as a special crime-fighting force, the TSS quickly, like SARS, became the very thing it was created to combat. Its ‘replacement’, the Tactical Services Unit, was no better. Consider the following excerpt from one of our articles from 2011: “According to a usually reliable source, [Assistant Commissioner Steve] Merai during his verbal exchanges with the Commissioner, revealed that certain elements of the Tactical Services Unit (TSU), namely the ‘Black Clothes’ anticrime squads are linked to certain drug blocks in the city and its environs. The Assistant Commissioner, who is currently the Commander of the Force’s Berbice (B) Division, explained to the Commissioner that he was in receipt of information that some of the squads are engaged in busting certain drug dealers and using the proceeds to enrich drug blocks that they are in association with… Merai explained at the meeting that the TSU patrol units operate in designated sections of the city where they provide protection for certain drug blocks that operate with impunity. This newspaper was told that the Assistant Commissioner pointed out that many persons who are affected by these operatives are afraid to come forward out of fear for their lives.” Today, Nigeria is in uproar, tired of the impunity with which SARS has carried out its frankly criminal conduct across multiple political administrations, all of which have promised to disband the unit. In the uprising, several citizens have been shot dead by the police and dozens otherwise injured. While the mainstream news sites have been vague about the shootings so far, citizen reporting and underground news organizations show the brutality with which protestors, coming together under the banner of a movement called #EndSARS, have been treated. We no longer have a rogue unit at present in the Guyana but our own history and Nigeria’s present provide a critical cautionary tale for our own future. SARS is one of the symptoms of what ails Nigeria today, not the disease. After 50 years of oil, and 50 years of corruption, equating to over US $400 billion stolen by successive governments, over 95 million Nigerians, roughly half of the population, remain in extreme poverty. This is the sort of poverty that breeds the sort of crime that politicians use to justify the creating of special anti-crime units which become predators on poor people (and not on corruption-enriched politicians) leaving the country in a perpetual cycle of criminalized under-development while an elite political oligarchy continue to siphon off its wealth. In brief, Guyanese need to pay keen attention to both the #EndSARS movement in Nigeria as well as the surrounding socio-economic and political context – if we do not take it for a warning of what might come, we should at least accept it as a mirror of our possible future.
It appears that GuySuCo is on the mend DEAR EDITOR, The re-opening of three of the four sugar factories shuttered by the Granger-led so-called coalition government is a clear indication that President I r f a a n A l i ’s P P P / C administration has fulfilled one of its key campaign promises to the people. It was a decision the PPP/C government has made because it believes in the hard work and sacrifice the sugar workers have made and in the financial contribution, the sugar industry has made over the years in the building and development of the country. In Guyana, it is unusual for governments to act swiftly on campaign promises they have made to the people, but kudos to President Ali’s government for keeping its promise to the sugar workers. It was a good decision. Whereas, the Granger coalition government has
acted only on a few of the campaign promises it made to the people in 2015. Not only have they squandered the trust and goodwill accorded to them by the citizens of Guyana in 2015, but while in office for five years, they have ignored the wishes of the people. Many, including the disgruntled APNU+AFC have opined that it was reckless for the PPP/C government to spend billions of the taxpayers’ money to re-open the sugar factories at a time when the cost of producing sugar in Guyana has skyrocketed while the price for sugar on the world market has declined significantly. However, in his sharpest defense of the government’s decision to re-open the three closed sugar factories, GUYSUCO’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sasenarine Singh has condemned the decision by the last government to close the sugar estates and placed
more than 7,000 sugar workers on the breadline. The new CEO has acknowledged that GuySuCo is indeed insolvent but he is confident that the sugar corporation could be on the mend and could break even and become profitable again in the not too distant future. It has been said in many circles that if there is anyone who is qualified and competent to revamp “King Sugar” and restore the nation’s confidence in GuySuCo, it is its new CEO, Singh. Since his appointment as the CEO of GuySuCo less than two months ago, Singh has not only made numerous visits to the closed sugar factories to obtain first-hand information, but he has also made the tough decision to re-employ almost 1000 laidoff sugar workers to help refurbish the physical structure of the sugar estates and overhaul its machinery and equipment, and in the
process, rebuild the various communities that have been atrophied by the illconceived shut-down. According to the CEO, the damage done to the factories, its turbine engines, boilers and vehicles etc., is extensive and inconceivable and the cost to the taxpayers is in excess of more than $5 billion. The CEO is fully aware of the herculean task he faces in resurrecting three sugar factories and to make them operational, yet he is convinced that under his leadership, it will be done. An accountant by profession and with years of management experience, Singh who is very astute, creative and brilliant has developed a number of strategies/plans to lift GUYSUCO out of the morass in has been in for decades. Included in his strategies/plans are the production of several byproducts of sugar cane such (Continued on page 70)
Sunday October 25, 2020
Unity, if only for our sanity DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the editorial titled, “Unifying the people” (SN October 23). I place my thoughts and positions before fellow citizens, brethren all. Whenever any citizen endeavours to take the bull by the horns on matters of Guyana’s unity, I give hearing, actually listen. For me, there is no bigger issue, this possibly terminal one of ours. So, when I learn from SN that President Irfaan Ali spoke of unity publicly last Tuesday, I paused and read. In sharing, I utter no word that questions the president’s sincerity, his choice of time and moment, or the exertions supporting his perception for unity. I give President Ali every benefit; I must trust him to mean what he said stirringly, according to SN. It is vital that President Ali go beyond, what may be considered by some to be syrup and soup where unity is concerned. He must be clear with what is intended, tangible of what will be attempted, given what such could do for this country. I give His Excellency this: the words flow well. But they dry up too quickly, because of negligibility of energy, lack of maximum effort, the mere surface thinness manifested, time and again. I humbly invite the president to challenge himself to live his words, and to build what bridges the yawning chasms that condemn us to piteous existence. President Ali must, after challenging himself to lead by example, then set about inspiring supporters and doubters to seek higher ground, to abandon the racial cesspits that slosh against our knees and monopolize the national mind. To emphasize,
I discard whether I am doubter or not; such is not relevant. Instead, I extend a hand of support. Let’s get it done. Make a start. I commit to contributing in private, quiet ways. They are neither new nor unhelpful. I do. The president should, too. There are misgivings from many. But I remind that those are all that we have had and from which we flourish in things tainting. On unity, we must be that we can do and will. A start could be made by ending the hunting season, the personnel purging gone. The president knows what I mean; I do not patronize him. I respectfully recommend that President Ali call off the programmes in full swing, but now at lower ebbs. I urge doing duty, like never experienced before. Just do it like true champions – deliver! I exhort discontinuing the intimidation games aimed at silencing dissent, ceasing the weaponizing of courts to muzzle opponents. A singular hallmark of a vibrant democracy is probing, ongoing debate. The president and his people must reverse course on these areas pinpointed. Those are his first landmarks and milestones, the first tests of what he is all about, for what he really stands. I tender the alien and the unprecedented: the court cases against GECOM officials must run course; and, if found guilty, then pardon. Like I say - the first steps to higher ground. Because if he does not, then last Tuesday’s words are nothing but the usual Guyanese leadership deceptions on race, unity, and inclusion; there is neither vision nor imagination, only patter. I say to the nation’s highest officeholder that he (Continued on page 70)
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Are government’s financial statements meeting int’l reporting standards? DEAR EDITOR, Operating Entities (Agencies) are required to produce periodic Financial Statements, invariably on a yearly basis, in accordance with a country’s existing laws, regulations, etc. With regards to the Government of Guyana, the Constitution and the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA) of 2003 stipulate the Financial Statements to be produced by the relevant authorities such as the Accountant General, Heads of Budget Agencies, etc. These Financial Statements are required to comply with, among others, International Public Sector Accounting Standards, International Financial Reporting Standards, International Accounting Standards, etc. They are one of the primary means by which economic information about an Entity is communicated to interested users, such as the Government of Guyana (GOG), the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, Cabinet, International Aid Donors, only to mention a few. A review of these Financial Statements has indicated that they are yet to attain the required Standards, and the shortcomings should be addressed at the earliest opportunity. Embodied in Auditor General’s Report for 2018 are the Statements which are required by the Constitution and the FMAA of 2003. The Annual Financial Statements (AFS) of an Entity (both Public and Private) are required to present its Financial performance and its position over a period of time, invariably over one year.
These Statements are required to meet, among others, General Accepted Accounting Principles and International Accounting Standards as promulgated by the respective global bodies. They are prepared by the Accounting Officers of the Budget Agencies and by the Accountant General of the Ministry of Finance, thereafter they are audited by the Auditor General. In reviewing these AFS’s, I have observed apparent shortcomings (issues), of which I might be subjected to be corrected. I have chosen two AFSs and they are · The Statement of Current Assets And Liabilities (SCAL) of the Government of Guyana at 31-12-18. · Financial Report of the Deposits Fund for the Year Ending 31-12-18. This SCAL would normally comprise the total Financial Position (Balance Sheet) Statements of the Consolidated, Deposits, Contingencies and possibly, Other Funds of the GOG. Some apparent shortcomings (not a complete list) of the SCAL are: 1) The Old Consolidated Fund Bank Account No.400, and on the Liabilities, the Sugar Industry Fund Accounts are not current. The balance of $990m at 31-12-18 for the Sugar Industry Fund Deposits, originated in the mid 1990’s and are not closed each year but are carried forward. They are held in trust, of whom the Finance Secretary is the Trustee. How could those accounts be current? 2) The Advances as shown in the Report of the Deposits Fund for the Year Ended 31 December 2018 are not included in the Asset
Portfolio of this Statement as an Accounts Receivable. 3) This Statement should not be ‘For the Year Ending’ but ‘As At 31-12-18’ since assets, liabilities and fund balances have been brought forward from year 2017. 4) The respective Funds’ balances are not shown on this Statement, to complete the accounting equation Assets = Liabilities + Funds. It should be mentioned that Government accounting is based on the principle of Fund Accounting. 5) Appropriate action should now be taken to dispense with the Old Consolidated Account which has been showing on this Statement for least 15 years. 6) More attention should be paid to providing adequate and fully edited Explanatory Notes to this Statement. Also, amounts of the respective accounts should be in agreement with those in the Notes to the Accounts. 7) This Statement will comprise the Financial Positions (Balance Sheets) of the respective Funds, hence, the use of the word ‘Consolidated’ should be included in its caption to read: Government of Guyana Cash Basis Consolidated Statement of Assets & Liabilities As At 31 December 2018 On the Financial Report of the Deposits Fund which is a Fund established for nonbudgetary transactions: 8) The balances are carried forward from year to year; hence, the caption Statement should not be ‘For The Fiscal Year Ending 31 December 2018’, but ‘As At 31 December 2018’.
9) The types of Advances and Deposits Accounts are not classified as Assets and Liabilities, respectively. 10) There is/are no cash/bank balance(s) for this Fund. 11) There is no Fund Balance such as a surplus or a deficit at 31-12-18. That being said, there is the urgent need for qualified and experienced staff to review all of the GoGs Annual Financial Statements with the intention of improving and updating them, in so doing, to meet the International Standards requirements. This may possibly entail amendments to the respective Sections of the FMAA of 2003. The time is long overdue for the GoG to move from the Cash Basis to the Accrual Basis of accounting in meeting the International Public Sector Accounting Standards. It is imperative that the AFSs include revenue and expenditure which are accrued at 31 December. In this respect, the true and fair financial position and its operations will be shown. Also, the value of stores as an inventory account needs to be disclosed in the accrued system. In the absence of not having an accrual system, Revenue Receivable and Expenditure Payable at 31 December for those Budget Agencies should be disclosed, since it will/should be brought to account in the (Continued on page 70)
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Sunday October 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
Success village and the silent enablers DEAR EDITOR, Firstly, let me note with some appreciation that my resignation from NICIL Board improved GHK Lall’s grading of me, by several notches; as he agreed with my condemnation of the inhumane treatment of the untitled residents of Success as stated in Stabroek News dated October 10, 2020. We all want to get on the gravy trains, some for different reasons. However, there is a breaking point to such intentions; this ought to happen when principle and conscience must supersede personal benefits in the pursuance of building a nation and with social justice. We must not foist acts of cruelty and callousness upon our people for commercial purposes. Be it for supposedly planting cane varieties for research, which is quite an unrealistic stretch or for real estate development. At a personal level, I expressed interest in the positions of: Chairman and CEO of NICIL, Finance Secretary, Commissioner of Guyana Revenue Authority or
Senior Advisor to the President. I also lobbied on behalf of others to be considered for their appointments by the new administration; so far without success. It has become obvious to me over time that it is vitally important for persons who are viewed as traditional PNC supporters, to be placed in positions of leadership to allow real and not illusionary inclusivity towards nation building. This gives the appointee the respect due, the respect of the PNC traditional supporters and the ability to hire staff, allocate funds and influence materially the social and economic development of all Guyanese. It is not okay to speak out against Joseph Harmon, David Granger, Henry Jeffrey, Eusi Kwayana, David Hinds, Lincoln Lewis, Karen Abrams, Melissa Ifill, Tacuma Ogunseye, Claudette Singh and Vincent Alexander, among others during the rigging season from March 3 - August 1, 2020, then go quiet, when Guyanese in
Success are being shot, tear gassed, have their structures demolished and homes flooded where they reside with their children; all this in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Every election have anomalies, some significant, some insignificant. It is my belief that the irregularities claimed by APNUAFC Coalition were insignificant, thus my active support for an unconditional democratic transition to a new PPP led administration. There were others like me: Freddie Kissoon, who I thought did the most damage to the vacuous claims of the APNU-AFC Coalition in pursuing their claims to victory, along with Christopher Ram; the latter now sits unconscionably adrift and publicly quiet on the Board of NICIL, these two gentlemen were generally perceived as unbiased, their non-action now belies such a perception. There are others in Guyana and the diaspora who rightfully lambasted the attempted rigging; but now have been accommodating
and silent as residents of Success are flooded out of their homes. Their astounding and shocking silence on what happened and continues to occur to the folks on the Success lands is froth with double standards, to put it mildly. Interestingly, this area of ancestral land is the same land that over 250 enslaved “residents” were lynched following the Quamina rebellion in 1823. Most of them were lynched at Parade Ground, with their decapitated heads left hanging for many days, as shared with me by the Marcus Garvey scholar and Historian, Dr. Tony Martin. I can still picture sitting with Dr. Martin as he shared the most brutal known atrocities against the underprivileged that our ancestors suffered in Guyana. “Quamina’s dead body was hung up in chains by the side of a public road in front of “Success.” Now we have GuySuCo in 2020, without any legal agreement with NICIL, flooding the lands in Success, (Continued on page 70)
How can I be assisted? DEAR EDITOR, In January 2019, I initiated a life insurance policy with Demerara Mutual Fire and Life Insurance as part of a mortgage requirement. Why Demerara Mutual? My husband was impressed with the policies presented by the sales representative. However, my experience has been very disencouraging. Following my first payment, it was pointed out to the cashier that the payment receipt, bearing my policy number GY00210018, did not reflect my name in any form. In fact, the policy
reflected my husband’s name. I pointed this out to the cashier who informed me that “that is how it is in the system” and it cannot be changed, “it will be fixed for the next payment”. I promptly asked to speak with the manager who pointed out that there was a mistake somewhere and the most that could be done at that point was for the cashier to initial the name change on the receipt. This was done and I left the office with all reassurance that the issue would be fixed for the next payment. Fast forward to October
2020 when a third payment is made and behold, the mistake remains. Unsurprisingly, the cashier’s word is the same “it will be fixed for the next payment”. Editor, it has been two years, and it is beyond my comprehension why this issue remains. Following my second payment, I had asked for a refund until the issue is fixed, especially since the payment was made early. However, the cashier’s response was that she had already collected the money, it was in the system, and so she could not refund same. It
therefore appeared to me that all this representative was interested in was logging money into the company’s bank account. Too bad, I was an unsatisfied customer. I wish to advise the management of Demerara Mutual via this medium that I will not be accepting this sloppy, poor customer service this time around. Either they reprint the receipt with the correct name or refund me those three payments so that I may take my money elsewhere. Many thanks in helping me solve this issue. Ayanna George
Supportive, encouraging and heart-warming words DEAR EDITOR, As I reflect on the article, I wrote last week on ‘Getting up and fight’ aiming to encourage our people to stay strong, fight weak systems and educate themselves in this season. I thought – “How can a people get up and fight when emotions of low esteem and self-confidence are running high? Also, how does a nation stay resilient in the face of cruel firings, poverty and shutting out the Opposition from the table? I pondered on a few whys. Why would most leaders from the time of independence to the present issue harsh, harsh words in the nation? Why would most employers ill-treat employees and disrespect people’s contracts? Why would most parents in the nation consistently make their children feel inferior or continuously demonize their children with harsh (and even) curse words? We have a serious problem with our words (thank God for the masks at this time) which leads to low self-esteem and confidence. Solutions and a plan. We need to hear leaders who are not filled with rage, but empathy, decency and compassion. Parents and guardians should find on a daily basis something to commend their child or children on. My neighbour belittled her son daily that it was until I threatened to take her to the welfare agency – she stopped. I know many are uneducated about parenting – we need to start there. Adults must learn two words that I
noticed haven’t been cemented into our psyche. Those words are ‘I’m sorry’. If you can tell that to a 10year child, you will be able to say it to any age. Employers can do more small recognitions of their employees and issue commendations. Let me not forget the other areas where I see some attorneys or doctors speaking down and disrespecting patients, media personnel and other groups in the society. The spirit of rejection in the home, the c o m m u n i t y, a n d i n t h e nation is glaring and getting worse. We can begin by reflecting on who I am as a Guyanese and what I have learned over the last 10 years to improve myself – assess your strengths as well as your weaknesses. Then I as a Guyanese work to issue non-harsh words to others – this is what building a common value system is all about. Also, when speaking in the home, community, and workplace, we can use our very own Guyanese proverbs to communicate the good and the bad in the society. I’m amused at the words that are now in the American environment (that weren’t there 5-10yrs ago) and which my own young adults tell me all the time – ‘I got you’, ‘Perfect’, ‘thank you so much’, or ‘ok mom sounds good’. These are supportive, encouraging and heartwarming words. So, what do I do…I answer my young adults back the same way. Thank you, Denise Murray
Sunday October 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Sunday October 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
DPP withdraws private criminal charges against Mingo, Lawrence
T
he Director of Pub lic Prosecution (DPP), Shalimar AliHack, S.C, has withdrawn the joint private criminal charge against Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo and the Chairperson for the People’s National Congress (PNC) and Former Minister of Health, Volda Lawrence. The charge had alleged that Mingo, having been procured by Lawrence on or about March 5, 2020, at the Command Centre for the Guyana Elections Commis-
sion (GECOM) on High and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown, uttered to the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, the electoral results for Region Four, knowing it to be forged, with intent to defraud the people of Guyana. The charge was filed by People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) attorney, Charles Ramson, now Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport on March 13, 2020. According to a letter seen by this publication which is
Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo. addressed to the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, the DPP stated, “In exercise of the
PNC’s Volda Lawrence.
powers conferred on me by Article 187 (1) (c) of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, I hereby discontinue the charge in the above matter.” According to Article 187:1, “The Director of Public Prosecutions (referred to in this article as ‘the Direc-
tor’) shall have power in any case in which he or she considers it desirable to do so – (a) to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any court, other than a court martial, in respect of any offence against the law of Guyana. (b) to take over and continue any such criminal proceedings that may have been instituted by any other person or authority; and (c)
Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C.
to discontinue at any stage before judgment is delivered any such criminal proceedings instituted or undertaken by him or her or any other person or authority.” However, Lawrence still faces an electoral fraud charge that was instituted against her by the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The charge alleges forgery in relation to the Region Four results. Lawrence was released on $50,000, bail and is expected to make her next appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on October 28, 2020. The DPP on Friday dropped the three private criminal charges against the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield. He too still faces
electoral fraud charges that were instituted against him by the Guyana Police Force. Lowenfield was released on a total of $300,000, bail for those charges and next month the matter will continue. Police had announced last August that they will be conducting a comprehensive investigation into the criminal
conduct of Lowenfield; the Returning Officer of Region Fo ur, Clairmont Mingo; and others in relation to the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections and the events
that followed. During th e ongoing
probe, several GECOM officials were arrested and put before the court for electoral fraud charges.
Sunday October 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
Dem boys seh...
Sad stories always make me cry! Deh gat some people who like fuh read sad story. Water does come to dem eyes when dem read how despite how some people punish, dem still trying fuh mek the most of de limited opportunities dem gat. But is a strange thing because despite how much d em sorry fuh dem people who going through hard times, when it comes to putting dem hand in dem pocket fuh help
dem people, yuh does believe dat dem gat stroke. Dem hand reaching dem eyes fuh wipe away tears but it nah reach inside dem pocket fuh help dem same people wah need help. Dat is why dem boys
does tell people, nah post sad story pun FACEBOOK unless yuh willing fuh opush your hand in yuh pocket and help these people. De same people wah suffering, dem can’t tek you sympathies and go to the corner shop. Some people does tek sad story fuh fleece other people. Dem gat professional beggars in de country. De ringleader does find an old lady from de countryside and dem does put she fuh stand up near dem traffic lights. Is hard fuh see an old lady like duh stretch out she hand and you nah want to give she some money.But de
money nah going to de old lady. She deh pon commission. It ending up in de ringleader hand. De ringleader just using she fuh get money. Is de same thing with dah mother wah does have dah young child with she and begging. De child should not be in de hot sun. But the child is there to evoke sympathy. Yuh does want give de mother some money but when you see how she using dah child, yuh does change yuh mind. Talk half and remember some sad stories gat happy ending.
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Sunday October 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
Central Housing reverts housing application age policy to 21 The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has reverted to their former policy for persons applying for house lots which says that an applicant must be 21 years old and above to apply. The announcement was given by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal during an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) at his ministry. The age policy requirement was changed from 18 years old to 21 years old in January 2017, under the former APNU+AFC government. In giving the reason for switching back to the old policy, Minister Croal told DPI, “The last Government did reduce the policy to 18 years, but in all practicality, if you are approaching the bank for a loan, there are certain requirements that
they seek.” He further explained that the requirements included having an employment history up to three years and many 18-year-old applicants could not produce this and other necessary requirements to banks and other institutions, leaving the CH&PA system with void lots. Under the previous administration, consultations were held on the matter by former Minister of Housing, Valerie Patterson and following that it was decided that an 18-yearold can apply for a house lot once they are eligible; however, the allocation would only be done when they reach 21. Despite this, Minister Croal still claimed that 18-year-olds would have been awarded house lots but could not afford it due to the afore-
mentioned circumstances. Minister Croal further went on to say that they are trying to reduce the number of void applications in the system. “What we want is that when you have an allocation, you are eligible for a loan and that you can build immediately,” the Minister said. It was stated that the housing system obtained over 1,700 applications from persons between the ages of 18-21 but from their time of application to now, many of them have reached the required age and will not be affected by the policy change. Many young Guyanese were outraged with the new policy and took to social media to raise their concerns. Most of them contended that applying for a house lot at 18 years old is a wise decision since
there is a lengthy processing time and adding to that, an allocation is only done once the applicant reaches 21. It was stated that if they apply at 18, they would have the time to raise the necessary finances so that they would be able to pay for the house lot once it is allocated. Former Minister of Housing, Valerie Patterson shared the same sentiments when she said, “As soon as you attain the age of eighteen, you should be able to apply. Then between 18 and 21, you should qualify. Even if you don’t have the wherewithal to pay, you should still apply because by the time it (application) is processed, you should be able to afford it.” Her statement was made at a youth consultation in (Continued on page 12)
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal
Sunday October 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Sunday October 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
Technocrat Minister Walrond- Allicock has renounced dual citizenship Despite not legally obligated to renounce her United States citizenship, technocrat Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond- Allicock still opted to do so. Concern regarding the renunciation of the Minister’s dual citizenship status came to the fore after the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Issacs, related that he had not been provided with evidence to support such. The issue of Member of Parliaments (MP) possessing dual citizenships arose after a case was brought up and upheld against former Alliance For Change (AFC)
member, Charrandass Persaud. Since then, political parties have been adamant that dual citizens cannot hold a seat in Parliament. In a letter, Minister Walrond recalled yesterday that on August 5, she was invited by now President Irfaan Ali to serve in his Cabinet. “I accepted because I consider the opportunity to serve my people and my country at this capacity as both an honour and privilege,” she said. The Minister went on to write that as an attorney-atlaw and being “mindful” of her status as a US Citizen, she sought the counsel of other attorneys on whether the
sections of the Constitution prohibiting elected members from being dual citizens applied to her as a Technocrat Minister. “Despite advice that this provision did not extend to technocrats” the Minister said, “Out of an abundance of caution, I decided to renounce my citizenship to put the matter beyond all doubt and avoid any distraction to the good work of the government.” Notably, Article 155 of the Constitution states: “(1) No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who – (a) is, by virtue of his or her own act, under any
acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state.” But Minister WalrondAllicock was not elected, seeing as she was not on the People’s Progressive Party/ Civics’ list of candidates. Walrond-Allicock currently serves has a Technocrat Minister, thereby making it legal for her to possess dual citizenship. She went on to articulate that she wrote to the US Consular Office on August 18, renouncing her citizenship to the US with immediate effect, and was informed with to obtain a Certificate of Loss of Nationality of the United
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge WalrondAllicock
States. “I complied with that process by August 27,” the Minister said, while adding that she has since received the Certificate of Loss of Nationality. She further reminded that she took the oath to the National Assembly on September 1, shortly after she had renounced her citizenship. Major opposition, the A Partnership for National Unity
+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) was quick to respond to word of the Minister’s dual citizenship status. In fact, the Coalition, in a statement to the press, called for the Minister Waldron’s resignation and removal as a Member of Parliament (MP). The time for any effective legal challenge, however, has (Continued on page 13)
Pedal cyclist struck down, killed on Golden Fleece Public Road The accident victim, Otam, on the road last night.
A pedal cyclist was struck down and killed on the Golden Fleece Public Road, Essequibo Coast, last Saturday evening. The now dead man has been identified as Otam, resident of Golden Fleece, Essequibo Coast. The accident occurred sometime around 18:25 hrs last Saturday evening. Reports are that the man was heading home on his pedal cycle at the time of the accident. Otam was reportedly heading in the northern direction along the road. At the said time, a motorcar, which is believed to have
been driven by a resident of the same community, was also proceeding in the same direction, allegedly at a fast rate. Kaieteur News understands that the driver collided with the rear end of the cycle. As a result of the impact, the cyclist fell on to the roadway where he sustained injuries to his head and neck. The man was picked up and rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The driver on the other hand was taken into police custody and is presently assisting with investigations.
Central Housing reverts...
From page 10 Linden regarding the same issue. The youths also raised the point that at 18, young people can get their driver’s licence and be eligible to determine who leads them by voting so there is no reason why they should not be able to access a plot of land. Under the former government, it was also recommended that they engage with local banks to make the process of obtaining loans for housing easier for young people, and also for them to get lower rates of interest.
Sunday October 25, 2020
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Kaieteur News
FRONT PAGE COMMENTS RECAP As we continue our mission to enlighten the nation about issues of importance to this nation, we at Kaieteur News have published a series of front page comments in hopes of having our leaders take the necessary actions in order to realize the desired outcomes. Today we recap the front page comments of the past week to bring you up to speed.
The PPP/C Has Damaged Generations SUNDAY What the PPP/C has done with the Canje and Kaieteur Oil Blocks represents the country’s greatest crime. It is far bigger and more notorious in scope than Jim Jones’ mass murder in which more than 900 primarily American persons, including Jones, met their deaths on lo-
cal soil. Jim Jones’ crime destroyed the lives of almost 1,000 victims. The PPP’s oil crime has shattered the hopes and will affect the livelihoods of most of the 750,000 Guyanese, along with future generations. The PPP’s oil crime with Canje and Kaieteur kills the people’s dreams, snatches food out of their mouths,
steals their hard-earned pensions, and deprives their children and grandchildren of a better life. Jim Jones destroyed the lives of his fellow Americans. How much damage are Guyanese going to allow the PPPC to inflict upon this country before they rise up and shout: “Stop it! Enough! Damn it! No more!”
Guyana Must Not Cower In Silence Monday Former President, Donald Ramotar, ably advised perhaps by former Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud, signed away, for free, the fabulously-rich Canje Oil Block. With the
stroke of a pen, part of the inheritance of the Guyanese people was signed away. When our leaders busy themselves signing away secretly, and for free, parts of our rich oil patrimony, they destroy the future of our people. Guyana’s oil belongs to
all Guyanese, and not only the PPP, AFC and PNC, who have short-changed the nation. Guyanese must not cower in silence. They must stand up and denounce this grand betrayal! All Guyanese must condemn the give-away of the country’s oil wealth.
A Worrying State of Affairs Tuesday The post of Foreign Secretary was a political contrivance. It was created following the affirmation by the Court that persons who held dual citizenship were ineligible to sit in the National Assembly, and consequently and in accordance with the Constitution, to hold ministerial office. It is believed that in order to re-employ former Foreign Minister, Carl Greenidge, within the Foreign Ministry, the post of Foreign Secretary was created. No less a person than incumbent
Vice President labelled the appointment as incestuous. It therefore came as a surprise when the new PPP/C government announced that former Minister of Natural Resources, and, Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, had been appointed Foreign Secretary within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The appointment was greeted with a thunderstorm of criticisms, including from within the Diaspora. Many questioned Persaud’s suitability for the post. Robert Persaud was at the helm of the Ministry of Natu-
ral Resources when the Canje and Kaieteur oil blocks were handed out. Global Witness, a reputable non-governmental body, had less than flattering things to say about Persaud’s recollection of the identities of those handed these oil blocks. Just prior to the 2011 elections, Persaud announced that he was taking a political sabbatical. He has now reappeared as the government’s point person on international cooperation. His new posting will require of him a role in agreements signed between Guyana and other countries. It is not a comforting thought.
Different Governments, Same Poor Leadership
Thursday Two successive governments, one type of political leadership all the time. Nothing changes. When the previous government was in power, it shouted about how many it was going to imprison. Its intended targets are still free and laughing their heads off in scorn and disdain. This new government assumes office and screams the same stupidities about locking up crooked opposition
operators, and now it is the turn of those political foes to smirk and mock the government. As we look at both of them, we observe the same ugly vulgarities. They are so naked that a blind man could see them. The previous government people “tek money at the side fuh gun license, dis one follow suit.” The former government people charge something under the table for house lots, this one does the same thing. The prior government operators apply a spe-
cial personal fee for land and permits and doing business in this country and, guess what, the new government likes this way so much that it keeps doing the same things over and over. Governments change, practices stay the same, perpetrators celebrate, citizens lament, and the ugly governance vulgarities continue. Guess who is trapped in the middle? YOU! Guess who vote for these people for them to Lord it over us and feast on us? YOU!
Taking our oranges and giving us peanuts Friday Imagine your stepfather sold out a large farm which your real father left for you. He sold it to his friend Robert who lives in Canada. Once a year, Robert sends over a few oranges. Your family is so happy to receive these few oranges every year that you want to hug and kiss Robert and tell him what a good man he is to send the family some oranges. You do not realize that it is your own oranges which he is sending to you. It is your farm from which he is picking
thousands of other oranges and selling to make himself rich. If you had control over your stepfather’s farm, you would be able to sell the oranges and use that money to buy whatever fruits and food you need. This is similar to what is happening with our oil blocks. The persons and companies that have been given these blocks are now handing out a few peanuts each year. One example is the peanuts paid for sponsorship of cricket. The people get excited
with these peanuts because they are able to see cricket, all the while forgetting that those same oil companies are carting off billions of your oil wealth while spending a few thousand US dollars on the cricket.Former Minister, Robert Persaud, and former President, Donald Ramotar, oversaw the give-away of the Canje Oil Block. The owners are now telling us that they will sponsor cricket for us to see. They must believe that we are stupid! Give us back our oil blocks and we will pay for our own cricket!
Technocrat Minister Walrond- Allicock... From page 12 expired, had one applied to WalrondAllicock. In 2019, the former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran had, in a comment to Kaieteur News, alluded to the ruling of the Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire, in which she had said in her decision, in the case challenging the legitimacy of the Persaud NCM vote, that, “If you have dual citizenship,
you are in breach of Article 155 (1) (b). Ramkarran reminded that one has the discretion to vacate the office, but the CJ has also added that if anyone is going to challenge the validity of the member to remain in the House, they could only do so by way of an Election Petition. Ramkarran had noted that the time for a petition is 35 days after the election, and that time has already passed.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 25, 2020
P&P Insurance and Lion’s Club gives donation to orphanage On Sunday last, the Shaheed’s Girls Orphanage was presented with supplies from the Diamond Grove Lions Club and P&P Insurance Brokers, to assist with the day to day operations of the facility. Donated were dry goods, laundry detergents, sanitization supplies, breakfast and snacks items, along with personal care items. The orphanage is home to 30 girls ages 15 to 18. Receiving the donation was Ms. Bacchus, the home’s caretaker, who extended her gratitude to this timely donation and noted that due to the present COVID-19 pandemic, the children are not per-
mitted to be out of the building whenever visitors are on the premises. Ms. Anupa Lall, who presented the donation on behalf of Mr. Vikash Panday, Director of P&P Insurance Brokers, expressed that she was delighted and honoured in being able to contribute to the cause. Ms. Lall also indica ted that Mr. Bishwa
Panday, Managing Director of P&P Insurance has pledged his continuous support of and partnership with the Lions Club in the future. Lastly, the Diamond-Grove Lions Club thanked both Bishwa Panday and Vikash Panday for their continued support to the club.
(left) Caretaker of the orphanage along with Ms. Anupa Lall (center) and a member of the Lions Club with the donated items.
Sunday October 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCY! In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our page seven to be blunt on ongoing indecency in our land that should matter,not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation. SUNDAY After giving away US billions in our oil wealth, our political leadership is now turning to Qatar to beg for US millions to help with housing Guyanese citizens. MONDAY BLUNTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!! President Ali seeks to tap Qatar money! President Ali please tap the money from the Canje Oil Block! President Ali stop borrowing like a beggar! President Ali start exposing the sellout of Canje! President Ali… that would be REAL TRANSPARENCY! TUESDAY Guyana’s oil blessing is slowly becoming a big blight. Guyanese: look for yourself and decide. Our leaders cannot speak about oil anymore. Our leaders cannot tell the truth about oil anymore. Our leaders cannot look at citizens in the eye anymore.
What are they good for? What is the government up to with our oil? WEDNESDAY Joseph Harmon has rightfully praised Kaieteur News for its coverage of Oil and Gas in the past few weeks. We however don’t believe the Opposition Leader when he said that the Opposition depends on this paper for information on the sector. Our reporting is done on information in the public domain, which is far less information than Harmon had access to while in government a few months ago. When is the Opposition going to stop the BS and come clean on the Canje and Kaieteur Blocks? THURSDAY The owners of the Canje and Kaieteur blocks paid nothing for these oil rich resources. Guyana got nothing from this transaction. The owners got concessions which exempt them from all taxes. Guyana got nothing.
Committee established to address budgetary shortfall for agriculture sub-agencies –Minister
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committee has been established to address the issues of budgetary shortfalls within the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA). Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha explained to Kaieteur News last evening that the shortfall of tens of millions of dollars in budgetary allocations has been discussed and rectified following a discussion between a committee from the MOA and officials from the Ministry of Finance. According to the Minister, the team which consisted of the Permanent Secretary of the MOA, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), and the MOA’s planner within the Ministry of Finance met with the Ministry of Finance budget team. Mustapha noted that “the MOA team put forward a plan on the amount of projects we have and how the money will be expended to add accountability of the funds we were requesting.” Additionally, the Minister noted that owing their commitment to ensure accountability of expenditure, funds which were held up by the Finance Ministry were released. “We used some of the
funds which were released to address some pressing issues at the Mahaica-MahaiconyAbary Agricultural Development Authority (MMAADA),” Mustapha added. Following his assumption of office in August, Minister Mustapha highlighted a number of shortfalls had been discovered in the budgetary allocation for agencies under the MOA. These deficits have been found in the MOA’s subagencies, such as the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Agriculture Sector Development Unit, Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and Guyana Sugar Corporation Incorporated, (GuySuCo). At that time, the Minister had disclosed that a shortfall of $89 million was discovered in the budget of the NDIA, which contributed to several issues with projects under the NDIA. “The issue led to farmers losing crops and livestock, 20 pumps and 21 excavators were found to be inoperable, with $23,842,320 owed to operators of equipment. With pumps and excavators inoperable, several farms and residents across the country experienced severe flooding,” the Minister (Continued on page 62)
The owners then sold 70% of the shares in these oil blocks. They paid no capital gains or other taxes on this transaction. Guyana got nothing. What kind of morons would make such a deal which fleeces this country of its wealth? We are asking Donald Ramotar, Bharrat Jagdeo, David Granger and Joseph Harmon what really is going on and how can they sit by and simply allow this unsavoury state of affairs to continue? Why were charges of malfeasance in public office not filed against the persons involved in handing out these oil blocks, not only below market value, but for free? Why was this not done over the past five years? Why is it not being done now? FRIDAY Guyanese leaders know what the secret oil deals mean for THEM, but do the ordinary Guyanese know what it means for the economy and THEIR future? SATURDAY Why did former President, Donald Ramotar, help Canje owners so much? Why did Mr. Ramotar not show the SAME LOVE for his own people? Why did then leader, Ramotar, give so much to Canje owners? Why do PPP leaders today dodge and duck, runaway and hide, on Canje?
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Two more COVID-19 deaths; 34 new cases- MOH Two more persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have died. According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), the latest fatalities are a 78-year-old male from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and an 86-year-old man from Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), both of whom died while receiving care at a medical facility. The two fatalities take the death toll from the pandemic to 119. Additionally, 34 new cases of COVID-19 cases were reported yesterday which pushed the cases to a total of 3,994. Of the new cases,
two were discovered in Region Two, three in Region Three, 21 in Region Four, one in Region Six, two in Region Seven, and five in Region Ten. Further, the MOH noted that there are 13 persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 104 persons in institutional isolation and 790 persons on home isolation. However, the total of 119 deaths was not recorded on the dashboard which includes numbers from Friday.So far, 2,970 persons have recovered from the disease while 37 persons are in quarantine.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 25, 2020
Education commits to assisting school-aged squatters at Graham’s Hall Shelter
CDC officials setting up the shelter for the displaced squatters.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) will be assisting school-aged squatters who will be housed at the Graham’s Hall Primary School, currently being used as a shelter for squatters in the Success area on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) since many of them were displaced by flooding of the area by Guyana Sugar Company/ National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (GuySuCo/NICIL). This was announced by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in a statement released yesterday. The assistance will come in the form of educational materials like the worksheets currently being rolled out by the Ministry. This was confirmed by an official of the MOE who also said that the worksheets will be age-appropriate, meaning the content will suit the grade level of each student. According to the official, the children will
be doing the worksheets with teachers’ assistance. The CDC also disclosed that more persons are now seeking shelter at the Graham’s Hall Primary School. There are currently 12 persons at the shelter and of that number, seven are males and five are females. It was also stated that three school-aged children are currently at the shelter, two girls and one boy. The CDC opened the doors of the Graham’s Hall Primary School to the squatters last week, following the government’s promise to shelter them. Prime Minister, Mark Phillips had visited the area when the squatters started protesting about water being dispersed on the land to “flood them out” and told them that shelter would soon be provided. It is a temporary place to house the squatters as the government continues their efforts to clear those illegally
occupying the Success lands owned by GuySuCo/NICIL. The government, for months, has been trying to get the squatters off of the lands, maintaining that it is being used to cultivate new cane species with the Enmore and La Bonne Intention Estates set for reopening. In light of the flooding, many squatters have refused to go to the shelter, maintaining that they will only move if they are given lands. Despite this, the Director-General of the CDC, Kester Craig was pleased to see the increase in persons coming into the shelter and is encouraging the squatters being affected the flooding to urgently contact the National Emergency Management System (NEMS) of the CDC on 226-1114, 6231700 and 600-7500 and make their way to the Graham’s Hall Primary School, Cummings Lodge, ECD, where they will be housed.
Sunday October 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Sunday October 25, 2020
Politicians stole more than US$400B in oil money from Nigeria while over 95 million live in extreme poverty By Kiana Wilburg
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igeria is home to the world’s 10th largest reserve of oil and gas deposits. With such a massive scale of resources, oil and gas have become the lifeblood of the African nation’s economy. But since the discovery of oil in 1956 in the Niger Delta, the people are no better off. In fact, more people are wallowing in poverty today when compared to the 1950s. In fact, the latest Poverty and Inequality report released by the nation’s National Bureau of Statistics states that the number of Nigerians that are in extreme poverty have increased exponentially to over 95 million. So where exactly did this nation’s oil money go? According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC), unscrupulous leaders have pilfered the national coffers and stashed away billions of dollars in foreign bank accounts. The Office that was established in 1997 noted that by some estimates, close to US$400 billion was stolen between 1960 and 1999 alone. This is equivalent to 284 of the emergency budget passed by the PPP/C Government for 2020. The UNDOC also noted that Sani Abacha alone, the Nigerian military leader who served as head of state (1993–98), is estimated to
Goodluck Jonathan, former President of Nigeria have stolen the equivalent of 2 -3 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product for every year that he was President. UNDOC said that concretely, the billion dollars that was stolen from the national coffers since oil was discovered could have translated into millions of vaccinations for children; thousands of kilometres of roads; hundreds of schools, hundreds of hospitals; and thousands of water treatment facilities. Because of greed and corruption, that never came to be. Despite seeing millions of its people continue to live in extreme poverty, many politicians that would follow and promise to effect “change” would only end up trying to implement their own schemes to funnel the nation’s wealth into their pockets and that of their families and friends. The corruption therefore
continued unabated irrespective of laws, which these very politicians passed to ensure good governance. Research conducted by this newspaper shows for example, that during the reign of former President Goodluck Jonathan (2010–2015), corruption was pervasive. In late 2013, Nigeria’s then Central Bank governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi had informed President Goodluck that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the company through which the government of Nigeria regulates and participates in the country’s petroleum industry, failed to transfer US$20 billion in oil revenues to the national coffers. The money went missing following appointments Jonathan would have made to the executive arm of NNPC. When the matter was brought to his attention, the
More than 90 million men, women and children are living in extreme poverty in Nigeria.
former President dismissed the claim and replaced Sanusi, claiming that it was his mismanagement of the bank’s budget that led to the state of affairs. But a subsequent forensic audit would prove that Sanusi was telling the truth all along. In spite of the new findings, no one was charged and the money was never found.
S i n c e J o n a t h a n ’s departure on May 29, 2015, more corruption cases followed. These include US$2.2 billion being illegally withdrawn from Nigeria’s Excess Crude Oil Accounts, of which US$1 billion was supposedly approved by Jonathan to fund his reelection campaign without the knowledge of the
National Economic Council, an oversight body made up of state governors and the President and Vice President. Also, transparency bodies in Nigeria later found that US$11.6 billion was missing from the accounts of Nigeria’s Liquefied Natural Gas Company. They also discovered that 60 million Continued on page 62
Sunday October 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Sunday October 25, 2020
TALENTED AND INNOVATIVE FASHION DESIGNER,
Olympia Small-Sonoram is a ‘Special Person’ By Rehanna Ramsay
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One of her costumes featured on Bajan tube, during a crop-over. (Carnival parade in Barbados)
Flashback to yesteryear: A photo of the young designer during her days of pageantry
Another of her colourful extravagant costume pieces that was featured in a road march.
ccording to Wikipedia, fashion design is the art of applying design aesthetics and natural beauty to clothing and accessories— a familiar territory for well known Guyanese fashion designer, Olympia Small-Sonoram. Starting out as a teenager in her mother’s sewing shop, Small-Sonoram’s love for experimenting with fabric and ideas led her down a glamorous career path which spans more than 25 years in entrepreneurship and fashion design. Over the past two decades, Small-Sonoram has built a name for herself amongst sought-after local designers, who have been selected to showcase their work at fashion extravaganzas, around the Caribbean and the United States. In Guyana, she is best known for her eye-popping, edgy costume designs — something which earned her the coveted Designer-OfThe-Year title, seven years in a row. The awards, she copped for those seven consecutive years, were for costume designs she churned out for big corporate names in the business. The designer is also known for copping prizes for several pageant dresses and swimsuits. The award-winning fashion designer selected as this week’s ‘Special Person,’ is also a happily married wife and mother of four beautiful children – these roles she esteem above the rest. In fact, Small-Sonoram told Kaieteur News that of all her achievements, her family is the most treasured. “Everything I do is for them. Of course, I love designing but at the end of the day, I want to leave a legacy for my children to be proud of and even follow,” the designer said while noting that her two teenage daughters have already expressed a desire to follow in her shoes – something she is most proud of. “I am happy because it says to me that I would have been a good role model for them and I believe it’s important for your children to look up to you as their role model as a mother or a
parent as a matter of fact,” Small-Sonoram said of her daughters’ desire to pursue studies in design at a NewYork based fashion institute. TRIAL AND ERROR Unlike her daughter, attending fashion school was not an option for the young Small-Sonoram. She told Kaieteur News that her talent was developed by trial and error. According to SmallSonoram, the desire for fashion design became evident as she watched her mother, Celina Alleyne who was a seamstress. The young designer would witness the satisfaction her mother’s work brought to her customers and decided that she wanted to bring similar happiness to the people with her life’s work. “At just about the age of seven years old, I did not have a name for what I wanted to do,” SmallSonoram said. But according to her, “I would sit and watch my mother dismantle outfits and put them back together again. It gave a sense of belonging and I loved it.” She reflected that as a result, she would use almost all of her free time after school to help her mother in her shop. “I learnt so much; and she would show me the different methods of hemming, sewing and so on. It was a very exciting time for me,” she said. SmallSonoram continued to develop her skills until she
Guyanese Fashion Designer, Olympia Small-Sonoram
started experimenting by designing her own outfits. She recalled the first time her work caught the attention of other people. “My mother had entered me in a teen pageant and I decided to design my own bikini and gown for the catwalk. Everyone loved it and started enquiring about my pieces. They wanted to know who made them or how much I paid. It came as a surprise when I told them, it was all mine. I felt so good with the compliments I got for my work. It was definitely a moment for me,” the designer said. Small-Sonoram noted that as a result of the raving reviews, which she got from pageant pros and insiders, the demand for designs and ideas started to pour in. It increased until she was able
to make a career from it. She noted that, “The world of pageantry gave me the niche, which I needed to start my career as a designer and I started taking in orders and that’s how it all started.” During the early 2000s, Small-Sonoram’s name had become synonymous with top designers in the local pageantry circles. “I was young in the business but my work spoke for itself. I was making gowns and dresses for delegates in the Miss Guyana Teen, Miss Guyana World and the Miss Guyana Universe pageants,” she related. Several of those gowns copped the top prizes in the pageants and her name as a fashion designer started to reach beyond the borders. As the designer became Continued on page 64
Cheerleaders at the CPL cricket clad in pieces created by our ‘Special Person’.
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 25, 2020
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Election rigging is a high crime During the contest for the election of the Leader of the People’s National Congress/Reform which took place in 2011, a shot rang out. In the ensuing melee, there is suspicion that uncast ballots were stuffed into the ballot box, in favour of one candidate. Quite a few persons felt that the eventual results of that election were fraudulent because of this incident. The race turned out to be close but there was no legal challenge to the outcome because this was essentially an internal election of a private group and, under the laws of the country, did not constitute a crime against society. Election rigging by election officials, during a national election, however, is a different kettle of fish. Such fraud constitutes a crime against society and should therefore be classified as a high crime
equivalent to treason, sedition, mutiny and terrorism. Election rigging does not target any specific individual; it targets the entirety of society. Since it involves a violation of the public trust by individuals who assume responsibilities not held by common citizens, it represents not just an ordinary crime but a high crime. Generally, crimes can be classified into three types – crimes against the person, crimes against property and crimes against society. Crimes against the person include assault, murder, manslaughter, kidnapping and rape. Crime against property includes arson, burglary, vandalism, bribery and embezzlement. Among the offences considered as crime against society are drug trafficking, illegal possession of weapons,
prostitution and perjury. There are also crimes committed against the state which are sometimes lumped as crimes against the whole of society. Crime against the state can be considered crimes of political nature such as sedition, treason, unlawful attempts to seize political power, mutiny, insurrections and rebellions. Electoral fraud may, depending on whether it is grand conspiracy and depending on its scale and intent, be considered as a crime against society – the whole of society. It is for this reason that election rigging should be made into an indictable offence punishable by execution. But since the death penalty is now frowned upon and is opposed by human rights organizations, elections rigging at the minimum should carry the penalty of life imprisonment without
possibility of parole. Election fraud can also amount to a crime against the state. If election fraud is intended to foist an illegitimate regime upon the state, then it constitutes a high crime. If it intended to distort the popular will, it also constitutes a high crime. In this regard, one has to consider the scale, degree of the fraud and whether it was an isolated or part of a grander conspiracy to undermine the popular will and to produce and outcome which is at odds to that will. Election fraud committed, in the course of general and regional elections, is different from election fraud committed in relation, for example, during a contest for the election of a leader of a political party. Election fraud in a general election attempts to corrupt the popular will; it is a crime against the state and the
entirety of society. The popular will is the basis of state sovereignty. Election rigging therefore is not a crime against society but against the state itself. This is what equates it with the offences of treason, sedition and mutiny. Election rigging also violates the civil rights of subjects. Citizens have a right to freely elect a government of their choice. Election fraud corrupts this right and may even thwart this right. It should therefore be considered as civil offense, rather than a purely criminal act. There is a lot of gaffe around about constitutional and electoral reform. No practical model is being proposed because those who are dabbling in the subject can offer none. Those calling for constitutional reform without any workable model of proposals are simply farting in the wind.
In such circumstances, it is advisable to reduce one’s ambitions and to seek lower common denominators. A good place to begin is with electoral reforms, not by tampering with the existing system but by strengthening the laws against electoral fraud. Electoral fraud aimed at t h e d e l i b e r a t e misrepresentation or perversion of the popular will should be made a high crime against the society. It should be made an indictable offense punishable by public execution or life imprisonment. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Sunday October 25, 2020
OAS General Assembly failed the people of the Americas By Sir Ronald Sanders Anyone who followed the 50th regular session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), would be forgiven for believing it was held to discuss Venezuela and Nicaragua. The assembly was held virtually on October 20 and 21, ostensibly to deal with “Facing the challenges of COVID-19” and seeking a collaborative approach “to address vulnerabilities and build resilience”. That theme got scant attention. Reference to it by some ideologically bent countries w a s c u r s o r y. The representative of one powerful state did not even mention it. The meeting concluded with no collaborative approach to deal with vulnerabilities and resilience. The key issue now confronting the developing member states of t h e O rg a n i z a t i o n w a s shunted aside. For the richer countries, their principal concern was Venezuela. Their overriding purpose was to secure positions that bolster their efforts to get rid of the Maduro government and force acceptance of Juan Guaidó. They used all their coercive power to achieve that objective, at the expense of dealing with the most injurious crisis that is devastating nations
everywhere. No wonder Ambassador Anton Edmunds of St Lucia declared that this “almost singular focus on one country within our region, a country with issues we are well aware of, is starving many of us of the support that we need at this critical time - be it security based or otherwise”. That poignant observation fell on deaf ears. So, too, did a cry from the Ambassador of St Vincent and the Grenadines, LouAnne Gilchrist, that the organization “re-focus and become more inclusive in its approach toward development”. Those who control the OAS appear to have little interest in the issues of survival that confront developing states. Increasingly, the Organization is becoming a weapon to advance their political interests solely. In that regard, its relevance to developing countries, which has always been questionable, is now becoming increasingly more pertinent. CARICOM countries did manage to get through a resolution on Climate Change. But it is significant that the excellent draft, proposed by Barbados, was diluted at the insistence of a few richer countries. One of them rejected it to the end, even though it cannot be better known that Climate Change poses a grave threat
to all OAS members regardless of their size or economic power. In my own presentation, I urged that “the OAS should be a unified voice in advocating for strong and decisive action on climate financing, not as a concession, or an act of generosity, but as a moral, political, and environmental responsibility. OAS member states should also be a unified voice for the renegotiating and rescheduling of foreign debt; and for the affordable procurement of vaccines for all when one is found to counter COVID-19”. For the record, rather than because I expected any positive response, I said: “Integration and collective action in the OAS should not be an option, or a choice; it should be an imperative for all – rich and poor, large, and small”. But the governance of the OAS is fatally flawed. Only power prevails, not reason. And, the SecretaryGeneral, Luis Almagro, who, in my view is capable of much better, has allowed himself to become part of that flawed governance. Repeatedly, he has caused the OAS to appear to be enflaming conflicts even ones, such as between Azerbaijan and Armenia, that are far removed from the Americas. C o n s e q u e n t l y, t h e Assembly had to experience
the indignity of allowing representatives of Azerbaijan and Turkey to speak, demanding that Mr. Almagro keep out of their regional affairs. He had issued a statement, without the knowledge of any official body of the Organization, accusing Azerbaijan of “aggression and escalation” of a complex conflict with Armenia. In the event, the Mexican Government, through the voice of Maximiliano Reyes Zúñiga, Undersecretary for Latin America and the Caribbean, minced no words when he called out this “worrying pattern”. He said: “We note the configuration of a worrying pattern of action of the General Secretariat, consisting of using its administrative powers to make political decisions that impact the direction of the O rg a n i z a t i o n , w i t h o u t previously submitting them to the consideration of the membership. Such decisions lack legal support and the necessary information that allows knowing their motivation and objectives. Such is the case with the appointment of a special advisor on the responsibility to protect. This matter should have been consulted and discussed exhaustively within the Organization”. (Note: I raised this issue in my last commentary and at the Assembly).
Many double standards exist in the governance and decision-making of the OAS. These double standards, which serve the political interests of a few, were especially obvious in resolutions on Venezuela and Nicaragua. Let it be clear. Both Venezuela and Nicaragua pose concerns on all sides, regarding free and fair elections, independence of the judiciary and detention of persons. But effectively addressing these concerns is undermined in the OAS by those who employ tactics of bullying and exclusion. The resolutions were both drafted and settled by an exclusive group. Yet, the resolution called on the government of Nicaragua to support “inclusive and timely negotiations”. The contradiction of applying a standard to Nicaragua that they ignore for themselves is either lost on them, or, selfrighteously, they don’t care. T h e Ve n e z u e l a resolution was drafted by an exclusive group which included the representative of Juan Guaidó. Not surprisingly, it required all OAS governments to accept Guaidó’s agent as the representative of Venezuela, thereby pushing them into implicit recognition of Guaidó, as the so-called interim president of Venezuela, regardless of their own respective national
Sir Ronald Sanders interests and policy. A d d i t i o n a l l y, i t employed language of belligerence likely to widen divides, worsening the situation in Venezuela. This was less about democracy in Venezuela and more about the imposition of one political class and ruler over another, when the choice of a leader of any country is a matter for that country’s people alone. The 50th General Assembly of the OAS failed to tackle the important theme set by its 33 legitimate member states. Sadly, it also failed the people of the Americas who continue to be plagued by COVID-19 and are looking to governments to find a solution collectively. (The writer is the Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the U.S. and the Organization of American States. He is also a senior fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London and at Massey College in the University of Toronto.) Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.co m
Sunday October 25, 2020
Dear Reader, in light of the economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our publisher, with you in mind, has taken the decision to add a few more pages to our newspaper to recap, in their entirety, some of the major stories carried during the past week. SUNDAY OMAI GOLD MINE RETURNS TO GUYANA Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, revealed last week that Omai Gold Mines Limited (OGML) has signaled their intentions to return to Guyana. In adding to this, Minister Bharrat shared that OGML intends on recoiling to their old worksite in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). Many have glorified the return of OGML, and that glorification was further fueled by the gold company touting to invest US$12M in phase one of their operations, as well as the employment of Guyanese offered on the table. Even with these touted investments, the reader should not forget that for over two decades, Omai Gold Mines exploited Guyana, its resources and has caused severe environment damage. Cyanide spill On August 19, 1995, a man-made environmental disaster had occurred in the Omai River in Guyana; the walls of an earthen tailings pond, constructed to contain cyanide utilized in the goldmining industry became breached. More than 400 million gallons of cyanidelaced material spilled into the Omai River and subsequently, into the Essequibo, the country’s largest river. The spill resulted in severe environmental, ecological, social, economic and political consequences for the Guyanese community. The local and international media, government, politicians and environmental groups were actively involved in the matter. Due to local outcry and international outrage, gold-mining operations in the region were suspended for several months. During the crisis, former President Cheddi Jagan had declared a stretch of 50 contaminated miles of the Essequibo River as an environmental disaster zone. While concentrations of cyanide of two parts per million (ppm) are fatal, the slag along the Omai River values reached 28 ppm during that disaster. A government-mandated Commission of Enquiry
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investigated the matter and made recommendations. Nevertheless, gold-mining operations resumed fully at the spill site by March of the following year. The mining company eventually shut down its operations in 2005 and its holdings passed from Cambior Resources to IAMGOLD before they made it into the hands of Mahdia Gold Corporation (MGC). TEN DAYSAFTER LOSING MONOPOLY, GTT INCREASES SPEED FOR CUSTOMERS FOR FREE – INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS – PROVES ONCE AGAIN IT HAS BEEN SHORT CHANGINGGUYANESE For 30 years, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph, which is 80 percent owned by US-based Atlantic TeleNetworks Inc., pushed against the liberalization of the telecoms industry while it practiced predatory pricing that stymied the development of call centres and emerging industries. For decades as well, it failed to honour its licence obligations to provide quality, international services across the nation. During that time, it only appeared consumed by one objective—collect billions of dollars in profits for ATNI shareholders, even if that came at the expense of stifling the development of the nation’s telecommunications sector. On June 1990, ATNI had signed an agreement with the Government of Guyana which allowed the company to have the exclusive right over the provision of international voice and data, as then defined in 1990. This agreement also had the option for renewal of the said deal for 20 years. That option was exercised in 2010 by the PPP regime, extending the monopoly until 2030. The former administration, the APNU+AFC faction, had promised that it would bring an end to the monopoly but it claimed that this was just not possible given the 1990 agreement that the PPP renewed and other incentives GTT was asking for in exchange. In response to the interest of the local authorities in liberalizing the sector, ATNI had expressed worry over the years to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission that it would possibly lose millions in revenue if Guyana secures its freedom. In its latest 10-Q Form (https://seekingalpha.com/ filing/5117402) , ATNI stated,
“Within our International Telecom segment, we expect that Carrier Services revenue may decline in the near term as a result of reduced roaming revenues in connection with travel bans implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We also anticipate that Carrier Service revenue from our international longdistance business in Guyana will continue to decrease as consumers seek to use alternative technology services to place calls, as well as a result of the loss of market share should we cease to be the exclusive provider of domestic fixed and international long-distance service in Guyana, whether by reason of the Government of Guyana implementing recently-passed legislation or new regulations or the lack of enforcement of our exclusive rights.” MONDAY DESPITE MASSIVE OIL FINDS… GUYANA’S 2020 GROWTH RATE TOPPLED FROM 86% TO 26% – SAYS IMF The unprecedented economic blows that have been unleashed by the COVID-19 pandemic, has forced the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to further downgrade its growth forecasts for 2020. According to the financial institution, Guyana’s 2020 Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to see a 26.2 percent
growth, instead of the previously announced 53 percent. This amounts to the second downward growth revision for 2020 of Guyana’s economy by the IMF. It had projected in September last year that Guyana’s economy would grow 86 percent. In spite of its revision for 2020, the IMF said that Guyana’s growth is expected to rapidly increase. In its October World Economic Outlook, the IMF is projecting the Guyana will experience 8.1 percent Real GDP growth in 2021; 30 percent by 2022; and 22.3 in 2023. This progressive growth forecast is bolstered by the nation’s oil and gas sector. To date, Guyana has over eight billion barrels of oil equivalent resources in the Stabroek Block. The operator for the offshore concession is ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL). It already has on stream oil production from the Liza Phase One project which is expected to last for 20 years. The Liza Phase Two development project remains on track for its 2022 commissioning while contracts are already being awarded for the Payara project. Payara, the third phase, is expected to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day at peak by 2024. It will be utilizing a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) called the Prosperity. The collective rate of production for those three projects could meet a peak of 560,000 barrels per day after Payara comes on
stream. CXC OFFERS STUDENTS HALF PRICE TO REVIEW GRADES – BODY TO MODERATE ALL SBAS Starting next year, the Barbados-based Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) says the body will be conducting 100 percent moderation of all School Based Assessments (SBAs) based on an independent review of the administration of the July/August 2020 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency examinations. This was revealed on Sunday during a news conference by CXC Registrar Dr. Wayne Wesley. “Certainly, the lessons and information that would have been gleaned from this year ’s exercise will be pointing towards us doing and continuing to administer a 100 percent requirement for SBA submission for moderation to ensure that we protect the integrity and keep the level and standard of our SBA high,” he said, according to a report of Barbados Today. The final report is expected to be made public tomorrow, following a meeting between CXC and Caribbean ministers of education today. According to the chairman of CXC’s Board, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, the reviews will be conducted at US$15 each — half the cost — and if students are found
to deserve higher grades, they would get a full refund. The CXC Registrar said that up to Sunday, there have been 2,353 requests for reviews of CAPE results and 2,550 requests for CSEC results. Already, he said the number of reviews for “ungraded” in all territories amounted to less than one percent of the number of people affected. Professor Beckles said CXC is expected to put in place a system for students to deal directly with the regional examining body, not necessarily with local registrars and the ministry of education. Professor Beckles said top priority would be given to students enrolled to enter universities in and out of the Caribbean. Usually, CXC marks a sample of the SBAs, but this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, almost 100 percent was moderated from across the Caribbean, a move that uncovered leniency by teachers as opposed to a first mark and there would be a review mark. TUESDAY GUYANA’S LOCAL CONTENT POLICY MUST CREATE LONGTERM VALUE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME – EXPERT When looking at the sheer scale of its oil and gas discoveries, it is clear that Guyana has in its hands an (Continued on page 26)
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From page 25 enviable amount of wealth. But to ensure that resource benefits its citizenry – the true owners of this patrimony – the politicians in office have to get a few things right. According to Chatham House Associate Fellow, Dr. Valerie Marcel, one of those things is an effective Local Content Policy that is backed by robust laws. Such a policy serves to guide oil companies on how they must go about giving first preference to local businesses and how they are expected to train and hire citizens to be part of their operations. Dr. Marcel cautioned that in creating such a document however, Guyana needs to think long term and keep its eyes fixed on outlining provisions that create value that would last for years to come and under economic different circumstances. Expounding on this front, the expert said, “When you have a string of small or big discoveries, there is often a rush among university students to go into petroleum engineering or geophysics. But there are very few jobs required in that very specialized field. Also, companies will be willing to train some of them but it will be limited.” Instead of training scores of Guyanese in those specialized areas, Dr. Marcel said the new oil producing state would be better served in conducting training for vocational skills which can be applied to other sectors of the economy. Dr. Marcel said, “Welders and electricians, those kinds of vocational skills are very much in demand during the construction phase, if you will, of the oil projects. The advantage with this is that if the oil sector is in decline, if there are too many jobs for the welders available,
Sunday October 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
they can also be used in other parts of the economy. So you have that dual-use or that ability to deploy them to serve other sectors of the economy. That helps to guard against the dependence on the oil sector.” The expert added, “If you are only training very specialized skills, or producing manufacturers for the petroleum sector, it then sort of gives you narrow options in terms of market. So I think that that’s something to consider.” Further to this, the Chatham House Fellow said that Guyana can also consider creating a local content policy that takes into account, the global movement to cleaner sources of energy such as solar, hydro and wind. In this regard, Dr. Marcel said, “The reality is that local content is seen through a different lens than two years ago. Now we’re seeing this really quickening pace in the energy transition and the future is uncertain for the oil sector. So you don’t wanna put too many eggs in one basket and you wanna think about that diversification of skills, supporting different sectors in the economy.” Chatham House, a global champion for transparency and accountability which Dr. Marcel has been with for more than a decade, has on numerous occasions, advocated for emerging producers to ensure their local content policies provide the platform for creating long term value as opposed to simply hiring/training and using local services. In fact, the non-governmental organization based in London, has said that nations should also seek investments in state of the art institutions that would train generations to come not just for oil but for other sectors of the economy such as agriculture.
CDC MONITORING SINKING OIL VESSEL OFF VENEZUELA Guyana’s Civil Defence Commission (CDC) with support from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Authority (CDEMA) is closely monitoring the sinking of an oil tanker off of the Venezuelan coast. The 15-year-old tanker named Nabarima, is a Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel that is permanently moored offshore of Venezuela at the Corocoro oil field in the Gulf of Paria, located between Venezuela and the island of Trinidad. After production at Corocoro ceased in 2019 following United States sanctions on the Venezuelan state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), Nabarima fell into a state of disrepair. But the unfavourable fate does not stop there, as it was recently reported that FSO Nabarima, which currently holds 1.3 million barrels of oil, is currently sinking in the Gulf of Paria. The potential spill threatens not only the Gulf, but the entire Caribbean Sea as it can impact the ecological systems of Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago almost immediately, with the impact affecting other countries within the hemisphere over the medium to long term. An oil spill from Nabarima would be five times larger than that of the Exxon Valdez that occurred in Alaska’s Prince William Sound on March 24, 1989. It was the worst oil spill in the hemisphere, until the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. The Exxon Valdez spilled 260,000 barrels (11M gallons) of oil into the Sound, with an oil slick that covered 1,300 miles of coastline and killed hundreds of thousands of seabirds, otters, seals and whales. Nearly 30 years later, pockets of crude oil remain in some locations. WEDNESDAY GUYANA’S LOCAL CONTENT POLICY MUST CREATE LONG-TERM VALUE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME – EXPERT When looking at the sheer scale of its oil and gas discoveries, it is clear that Guyana has in its hands an enviable amount of wealth. But to ensure that resource benefits its citizenry – the true owners of this patrimony – the politicians in office have to get a few things right. According to Chatham
House Associate Fellow, Dr. Valerie Marcel, one of those things is an effective Local Content Policy that is backed by robust laws. Such a policy serves to guide oil companies on how they must go about giving first preference to local businesses and how they are expected to train and hire citizens to be part of their operations. Dr. Marcel cautioned that in creating such a document however, Guyana needs to think long term and keep its eyes fixed on outlining provisions that create value that would last for years to come and under economic different circumstances. Expounding on this front, the expert said, “When you have a string of small or big discoveries, there is often a rush among university students to go into petroleum engineering or geophysics. But there are very few jobs required in that very specialized field. Also, companies will be willing to train some of them but it will be limited.” Instead of training scores of Guyanese in those specialized areas, Dr. Marcel said the new oil producing state would be better served in conducting training for vocational skills which can be applied to other sectors of the economy. Dr. Marcel said, “Welders and electricians, those kinds of vocational skills are very much in demand during the construction phase, if you will, of the oil projects. The advantage with this is that if the oil sector is in decline, if there are too many jobs for the welders available, they can also be used in other parts of the economy. So you have that dual-use or that ability to deploy them to serve other sectors of the economy. That helps to guard against the dependence on the oil sector.” The expert added, “If you are only training very specialized skills, or producing manufacturers for the petroleum sector, it then
sort of gives you narrow options in terms of market. So I think that that’s something to consider.” Further to this, the Chatham House Fellow said that Guyana can also consider creating a local content policy that takes into account, the global movement to cleaner sources of energy such as solar, hydro and wind. In this regard, Dr. Marcel said, “The reality is that local content is seen through a different lens than two years ago. Now we’re seeing this really quickening pace in the energy transition and the future is uncertain for the oil sector. So you don’t wanna put too many eggs in one basket and you wanna think about that diversification of skills, supporting different sectors in the economy.” Chatham House, a global champion for transparency and accountability which Dr. Marcel has been with for more than a decade, has on numerous occasions, advocated for emerging producers to ensure their local content policies provide the platform for creating long term value as opposed to simply hiring/training and using local services. In fact, the non-governmental organization based in London, has said that nations should also seek investments in state of the art institutions that would train generations to come not just for oil but for other sectors of the economy such as agriculture. CDC MONITORING SINKING OIL VESSEL OFF VENEZUELA Guyana’s Civil Defence Commission (CDC) with support from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Authority (CDEMA) is closely monitoring the sinking of an oil tanker off of the Venezuelan coast. The 15-year-old tanker named Nabarima, is a Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel that is permanently moored offshore of Venezuela
at the Corocoro oil field in the Gulf of Paria, located between Venezuela and the island of Trinidad. After production at Corocoro ceased in 2019 following United States sanctions on the Venezuelan state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), Nabarima fell into a state of disrepair. But the unfavourable fate does not stop there, as it was recently reported that FSO Nabarima, which currently holds 1.3 million barrels of oil, is currently sinking in the Gulf of Paria. The potential spill threatens not only the Gulf, but the entire Caribbean Sea as it can impact the ecological systems of Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago almost immediately, with the impact affecting other countries within the hemisphere over the medium to long term. An oil spill from Nabarima would be five times larger than that of the Exxon Valdez that occurred in Alaska’s Prince William Sound on March 24, 1989. It was the worst oil spill in the hemisphere, until the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. The Exxon Valdez spilled 260,000 barrels (11M gallons) of oil into the Sound, with an oil slick that covered 1,300 miles of coastline and killed hundreds of thousands of seabirds, otters, seals and whales. Nearly 30 years later, pockets of crude oil remain in some locations. Both the CDC and CDEMA have emphasized that they are closely monitoring the situation and intend to keep the public updated. In addition, the CDC Tuesday made several analyses and modelling of the potential threat of an oil spill from the FSO. It highlighted that the prognosis does not show any direct impact on Guyana’s shores or marine ecosystem from any releases happening. However, it may indirectly affect fisher folk who are licensed to operate (Continued on page 27)
Sunday October 25, 2020
From page 26 in surrounding waters off the coast of Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago. The Commission says that it will continue to liaise with its local, regional and international counterparts to ensure the situation is adequately monitored and that no threats are posed to Guyana, while noting that should the need arise, the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP) will be activated. The responsible committee will then be tasked with conducting analysis, assessments and necessary response measures to mitigate any adverse effect on Guyana. All fishing and sea-going vessels are urged to be on the lookout for any sighting of oil spills and to report them immediately to Maritime Administration Department (MARAD). On the positive side, international news agency, Reuters, reported Tuesday that the Venezuelan state oil company plans to offload crude from the Nabarima floating oil facility via shipto-ship (STS) transfer amid environmental concerns. THURSDAY US$150M AND COUNTING CJIA RENOVATION… CHINESE CONTRACTOR YET TO SUBMIT REVISED WORK PLAN - WAS GIVEN FIVE-DAYDEADLINE SINCE AUGUST Chinese contractor, China Harbour Engineering
Company (CHEC), continues to display blatant disrespect to the governing administration as it has not yet submitted the revised work plan for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) US$150 million and counting renovation project after being given a five-day deadline back in August. That deadline was granted by the Ministry of Public Works, since August 28 after a visit by President Irfaan Ali. However, when asked Wednesday if the contractor met the deadline, Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill answered in the negative. He said, “I have not seen as of now a work plan that will give us what His Excellency, President Ali, requested when he visited the airport.” That revised work plan is expected to capture the agreed upon terms in the initial contract signed by the contractor and the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/ C), which was also in government back in 2011. It is also expected to outline how the long list of defects at the country’s main port of entry will be fixed and a revised deadline. The multi-billion dollar contract has been in the hands of CHEC during the PPP/C tenure from 2011-2015. The project should have been completed in December 31, 2018 but substandard works turned what should have been a state-of-the-art airport into merely a renovated facility. When asked about government’s next move, Minister Edghill said, “There is a continual engagement
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between the government and CHEC to deliver an airport that is in keeping with what we envisaged and that engagement is continuing and the contractor has been advised that, that engagement will take place at the highest level from the office of the President.” CHEC has been under fire for the shoddy works done at the airport, on multiple occasions. In fact, government was forced to cease the heft duty-free concession handed to the company after it failed to adhere to its contractual obligations. While the initial cost for the renovation stood at US$150 million, the governing PPP/C will still have to pump an additional US$6.5 million to ensure that the almost 10year-old project is completed to international standards. Notably, contention continues to grow over the cost of the airport, after in January of this year, recent invitations for bids advertised in the daily newspapers had indicated that the airport needed a new fence for its public car park and an access control security hut. These intended projects, which stand outside of the US$150 million and counting contract, are not alone. There are also plans for a new parking lot valued at $122 million, a cargo facility, a commercial centre, an office area and a parking lot, all advertised last year. It has been argued, however, that the projects should never have been left out in the first place, as contractors have told
Kaieteur News that the amount and quality of work being done to renovate the terminal building since it began could have been done for US$5 million – 30 times less than the more than US$150 million that taxpayers are expected to foot. MAN WITH ‘TOY GUN’ STORMS CHIEF JUSTICE’S PREMISES Guyana’s law enforcement agencies were placed on high alert Wednesday after a man, brandishing what appeared to be a ‘toy gun’, stormed the residence of Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wilshire and confronted two police ranks stationed there. The Acting Chief Justice is slated to start the case management procedures into the March 2020 election petition filed by the main parliamentary opposition, A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), today at the High Court. Police in a release detailed that around 2pm, the two officers were on duty when one left to use the washroom facilities and the other was pounced on by the suspect. He was said to be five feet, four inches tall; slim built, dark in complexion and clothed in a black short pants with a white t-shirt tied around his face. In his hand, he held what appeared at the time to be a black handgun. Police said that the suspect approached the lone rank and pointed the gun in her direction and fired a punch at her but missed. The officer then called
out for her colleague who was in the garage of the building and armed with a .38 revolver. The rank immediately responded and having seen the male with the suspected handgun now pointed in his direction, ducked to take cover. According to police, the suspect then dropped the gun, ran in a northerly direction, and jumped over a fence to make good his escape. The weapon was picked up and discovered to be a mere toy. No shots were fired and no one was injured during the incident. It was reported that the Chief Justice’s neighbour is host to an abundance of CCTV cameras, however it is unclear whether footage detailing the incident was obtained. This publication was able to ascertain whether the Chief Justice was at home at the time. Meanwhile, the APNU+AFC in a statement, shortly after, deemed the incident a “clear attempt to intimidate the Chief Justice” and implored her to not “bow to such intimidation”. “We call on the Guyana Police Force and the state to provide heightened 24-hour security for the Chief Justice to ensure her safety and protection and that she is able to proceed with the case management and hearing of the Elections Petitions without hindrance,” the Coalition said in its statement. The governing People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/ C) later issued a statement condemning the attack “in the
strongest possible terms” and viewed it as the latest assault on “democracy in our country of which the Judiciary forms one of its cornerstones”. “The Government has already advised the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to ensure that the Chief Justice is provided with all the necessary security for the protection of her person, family and property,” the PPP/ C added. ADDITIONAL FRAUD CHARGE FOR VOLDA LAWRENCE – CAROL SMITH-JOSEPH MAKES FIRST COURT APPEARANCE As the intense probe continues into the allegations of electoral fraud committed during the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections, the Chairperson for the People’s National Congress (PNC) and Former Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, was Wednesday slapped with an additional electoral fraud charge. Also, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) activist, Carol Smith-Joseph, made her first court appearance. In the company of their attorney, Nigel Hughes, both defendants Wednesday appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. They were not required to plead to the indictable charges that were read to them. Lawrence was slapped with a forgery charge while (Continued on page 28)
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From page 27 three charges were read to Joseph; one count of forgery and two counts of conspiring with the Returning Officer for Region Four, Clairmont Mingo to defraud. The prosecutor made no objection to bail being granted to the defendants and the Magistrate granted bail in the sum of $50,000, on each charge. The matter was then adjourned to Wednesday October 28, 2020, before the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. While speaking to reporters outside of the court compound, Hughes stated that, once again charges are being filed by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and when the matter reaches to court the prosecution is not ready to proceed. During an interview with reporters Wednesday, Lawrence stated that the repeated charges by the GPF have amounted to a level of harassment and that it appears that the Police have to please someone because, “Every other week they have to march us to CID, every other week they have to bring us to court.” She added that, she was invited to report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, today at 01:00hrs, for questioning. Just last week, Lawrence appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for two counts of conspiracy to defraud charges. She was released on $100,000, bail and the matter was adjourned to December 9, 2020, for full disclosure of statements. She was arrested in relation to her involvement in the activities that took place at the Ashmin Building, Georgetown which was, at the time, set up as the command centre for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for the March 2, 2020 elections. She was not required to plead to the charges which allege that she conspired with others to defraud the people
Sunday October 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
of Guyana for the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections. FRIDAY ESTABLISH STRONG CRITERIA FOR OIL BLOCKS TO KEEP ‘BAD’ COMPANIES AT BAY – CHATHAM HOUSE For new and emerging oil producing states, it is advisable that policy leaders put in place strong criteria which would be used for assessing companies interested in oil and gas blocks, says Chatham House, a non-governmental organization based in London since 1920. According to the international advocate for transparency and good governance, it is critical for governments to establish strong prequalification criteria since such a mechanism would help to weed out companies that do not have the capacity to carry out the work programmes for exploring such assets. In fact, Chatham House stressed that having a prequalification criteria is actually more likely to result in the most qualified company being selected to explore and develop the oil or gas block. In its documented advice to new and emerging oil producers, Chatham House stressed, “Governments have to concern themselves with keeping out the ‘bad’ companies.” To cement its argument, it referenced the words of Charlie Scheiner, from the NGO La’o Hamutuk in Timor-Leste. He had said, “It’s not just well-established companies which should be attracted, but those with records of opacity, negligence, theft or other damaging activities which should be actively kept out. Unfortunately, small countries with weaker regulatory systems and less experience could be easy prey for more rapacious, less responsible corporate actors.” Speaking to another benefit of having the prequalification
criteria in place, Chatham House said it would help new and emerging producers identify companies that are not publicly listed for trading. Companies which are publicly traded would have their conduct and financial statements and assets scrutinized on a regular basis by key international bodies. In opting for companies which are not publicly traded, Chatham House warned that it would present significant risks and require greater due diligence efforts to ascertain that those businesses are honest and capable. It was further noted that a country’s pre-qualification process should be in the open so that citizens can understand how governments will go about selecting suitable and financially capable candidates. It went on to state that general terms for prequalification should be laid out in the petroleum law, with more detailed rules to be included in regulations while adding that prequalification terms should include criteria related to financial, technical
and organizational capabilities. In the case of Guyana, there are no strong prequalification criteria in the petroleum laws for companies which are interested in acquiring oil blocks. Guyana’s laws state, “(1) No licence shall be granted— (a) to an individual, unless he is a citizen of Guyana; or (b) to a body of persons, unless it is— (i) a company; or (ii) a corporation.” In light of such ambiguous provisions, the leaders of the day thought it wise to grant in 2015, two of the nation’s prime oil blocks, Kaieteur and Canje, to Cateleya Energy Corporation (formerly Ratio Energy Limited) and Mid Atlantic respectively. Both are industry unknowns. From then to now, both do not have the financial capacity, experience, or technological assets to explore much less develop any discoveries in the two blocks. In acknowledgement of this fact, both companies quickly sold out more than 50 percent of their interests in the blocks to experienced companies like ExxonMobil, Total S.A and
Hess Corporation so that they could explore and develop any resources found. The true owners of those companies got millions of US dollars richer while Guyanese got nothing. HEALTH MINISTRY ORDERS 20,000 ANTIGEN TESTS FOR HINTERLANDS – TO PRODUCE COVID-19 RESULTS WITHIN MINUTES The Ministry of Health has placed an order for 20,000 antigen tests which will be sent to selected hinterland regions to improve their testing capacity. The announcement was made by Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony during his delivery of the COVID-19 update on Wednesday. The Minister disclosed that the antigen tests will produce faster results for persons being tested for COVID-19 within the specified hinterland regions. Minister Anthony said that despite the testing capacity being increased at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), testing in remote areas still takes time since they have to be transported from the hinterlands, to the lab in Georgetown. The lab’s testing capacity was increased when the government acquired a $7.2 million automated extractor, which can process up to 96 tests samples within twothree hours. The Minister said that the antigen tests are expected to arrive in November and once
they arrive, they will be immediately be deployed to the areas in need. It was stated that the antigen test is faster than other tests being used, making it practical for use in remote hinterland areas. “This is not the RTPCR tests that we take samples of and bring them to the lab. This antigen test is one where right at the site where you’re seeing the patient if you suspect them to have COVID, you can run the test there and within 45 minutes get back the results,” Dr. Anthony explained. Dr. Anthony previously disclosed to Kaieteur News that hinterland regions like Region Nine (Upper TakatuUpper Essequibo) were having difficulties taking test samples to the Reference Lab and returning them in a timely fashion. It was also explained that the difficulty in transporting the test samples contributed to the previous backlog of cases. To tackle the issue the Health Minister sought to engage with authorities from Roraima in Brazil since it is very close to Region Nine and it was found that they have a lab that can do Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests which would see test results returning to the region swiftly. CHIEF JUSTICE TO HEAR FULL TRIAL FOR ELECTIONS PETITION – TO HEAR PRELIMINARY ISSUES ON NOVEMBER 24 Chief Justice (Ag) Roxane (Continued on page 29)
Sunday October 25, 2020
From page 28 George-Wiltshire is expected to full trial of the two election petitions filed by the main opposition, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC). However, this is expected after she hears arguments on preliminary issues raised in the matter on November 24, 2020. During the Case Management Conference (CMC) held in relation to the matters at the Georgetown High Court Thursday, the Chief Justice (CJ) told attorneys involved in the case via Zoom that the Court will hear “a full blown trial of the petitions,” filed to challenge the March 2, 2020 elections. The judge however, did not give a date for the hearing of the substantive matter. She instead noted that the Court will hear preliminary matters relating to the case after Douglas Mendes, SC of Trinidad who is leading the legal team for the People’s Progressive Party Civic(PPP/ C) raised an issue of his clients—President Irfaan Ali and Bharrat Jagdeo not being served on time in accordance with the prescribed Court rules. As a result of this purported breach, the Lawyer held that the Court should proclaim the petitions as null and void. As such, the CJ directed that the lawyers have the submissions for that application filed and served by November 20, 2020 while applications for elections documents must be filed on or before December 4, 2020. She noted that the Court will also meet again on November, 24, 26, and 30 to hear brief oral submissions in relation to an application to by Mendes on the issue of late service. On that point, the CJ noted that the former President David Granger was also served late. He was served on September 25 when he should have received the document five business days after the petition was filed on September 15. In addition to not scheduling a date for hearing the substantive case of the election petitions, the CJ determined the two petitions will be heard together. This determination was made in response to a request by attorney in the second petition filed to challenge the outcome of the March 02, 2020 elections, Mayo Robertson. SATURDAY EXXONMOBIL, GOVT. MOVE TOWARDS REALTIME MONITORING OF OIL PRODUCTION Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat,
has disclosed that the PPP/C Administration is acutely aware of the importance of real-time monitoring of oil production in the Stabroek Block, hence discussions have already started towards this end with American oil giant, ExxonMobil. The Minister made this revelation during a telephone interview with Kaieteur News Friday. During the call, the official was asked to provide an update on the government’s progress on this matter. Minister Bharrat said, “We are moving ahead with this. It entails a fire optic cable coming to shore from the operations so that we can set up a data room for the remote monitoring of the production. I would love to see that coming on board as soon as possible.” Further to this, Minister Bharrat was asked to say if the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) would still be responsible for bringing the cable for the project as this is what was planned by the previous regime. Minister Bharrat said he would not be able to speak on that front but what he is aware of, is that ExxonMobil is responsible for bringing the cable. When the project gets underway, the official said that Guyanese, especially those connected to the Department of Energy, would be partaking in the process to ensure the transfer of skills as it relates to monitoring the data room. Quizzed to say who are the parties involved in the current talks and whether there is an international contractor already in play, Minister Bharrat said, “No, for now it is just discussions between the government and ExxonMobil.” For more than five years, Kaieteur News would have
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highlighted the importance of real-time monitoring of oil production while referencing examples of countries around the world that ensure such systems are in place to protect the people’s patrimony. One country which this newspaper has showcased in this regard is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The custodian of the Kingdom’s petroleum is the National Oil Company (NOC) of Saudi Arabia, Saudi Aramco. In a 2008 CBS: 60 Minutes documentary, Journalist Lesley Stahl was given a tour of Saudi Aramco’s command centre by its former Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Abdullah Juma’ah. He described it as the nerve centre of the company’s operations; a room with a 220ft digital screen, where engineers scrutinize and analyze every aspect of the company’s operations. “Every facility in the Kingdom, every drop of oil that comes from the ground is monitored in real-time in this room, and we have control of each and every facility, each and every pipeline, each and every valve in the pipeline. And therefore, we know exactly what is happening in the system from A to Z,” Juma’ah explains. In Guyana’s case, the need for real-time monitoring with the use of the latest technology has been expressed ad nauseam since the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil for the Stabroek block contains zero provisions regarding the nation’s rights to monitor readings of its petroleum and gas. In fact, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said on several occasions that
Guyana should invest in the latest technology that would record accurate measurements of the quantity being extracted and exported by ExxonMobil and its partners. It emphasized that this technology is necessary to ensure proper reconciliation of readings submitted by the oil companies versus what the State has recorded. Kaieteur News understands that it paves the way for early detection of production loss that could cost the State billions of dollars in revenue. Furthermore, the IMF had said that if Guyana makes use of the latest technology, accurate meter reading of the oil can be conveyed to the Guyana Revenue Authority’s customs department, therefore eliminating the need for a permanent or regular presence of customs officers during the oil lifting operations. While the use of the latest technology will bring immense benefits, the IMF stressed that GRA’s Customs Department should not relinquish its right to make visits to the Liza Destiny, Guyana’s first Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. In fact, the international agency said that Customs officers should visit the FPSO from time to time to ensure that agreed procedures are being adhered to by ExxonMobil as well as to assert Guyana’s sovereignty over FPSO operations. The IMF reminded that the FPSO is a significant component of the Liza Phase One development which involves four undersea drill centers with 17 production wells. It has a production capacity up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day and an overall
storage volume of 1.6 million barrels. COLLUSION BETWEEN MINISTRY ENGINEERS AND CONTRACTORS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED – MINISTER EDGHILL Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, read the riot act to road contractors and project engineers, making it clear that there will be a zero tolerance policy for collusion between the two parties. “Collusion between contractors and project engineers and project managers will not be tolerated,” Edghill warned. The Minister issued this warning on Wednesday during a public engagement with contractors at the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC). That meeting also saw the attendance of Junior Public Works Minister, Deodat Indar; Chief Works Officer, Geoffrey Vaughn,
along with other technical officers. Explaining government’s stance, Minister Edghill said that contractors are known to stall works in one area in an effort to complete other projects for other government ministers. But such a practice will be halted, he explained, adding that the Public Works Ministry has adapted a new policy of ensuring that contractors have no outstanding work before being handed another contract. He said, “A contract is not a loan for you to finance other business; a contract and the monies paid in a contract are to get the job done.” He emphasized too the need for the timely implementation of projects. Not only will the contractors face heat for subpar works, but the project engineers too, as the Ministry will be on high alert for quality control.
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Sunday October 25, 2020
Beating breast cancer
- a survivor’s perspective B y Rehanna Ramsay
Beating cancer is no easy feat; for most persons, it requires more than just right treatment and care. Prayers, support and keeping a positive attitude are among the essentials to overcoming the deadly disease. Just ask 88-year-old Claudia Linguist, who has been a breast survivor for over 36 years. Ms. Linguist opened up to Kaieteur News about the faith, determination and care it took to triumph over the disease. Despite losing both her breasts during the course of her treatment, the mother of two is more than grateful that she has lived to enjoy a ripe old age. “I have always been a person who likes to look at the brighter side of things so when I was diagnosed with cancer in 1984, I held on to my faith and continued to believe and work towards beating the disease,” Linguist said of her battle with the terminal illness. She recalled that she was just about 50 years old when she received her first diagnosis. “I was grieving because I had lost two grandchildren and the s econd granddaughter had just died. I had lost a lot of weight but I didn’t feel sick or anything so I didn’t visit the doctor,” Linguist explained. She said that a surprise visit from her sister, who was a nurse in Barbados, made all the difference. “My sister flew in to surprise me and she noticed that I was pining away. I told her that I was grieving but she didn’t take my word for it. She arranged for me to see a medex and after my first visit to the medex, I was referred to see Dr. Lee.”
Cancer survivor, Claudia Linguist. The 88-year-old said she would never forget those dreaded words of Dr. Lee, “you have breast cancer.” The woman said that as much as her gut wrenched, she looked to the doctor for the best options to rid herself of the disease. She noted that, “A breast cancer diagnosis was not what I expected to hear but as soon as he told me, I asked about my options. How soon would I be able to do the surgery?” She noted that the decision to remove her breast was not an easy but necessary one. Within months, she had undergone treatment to have her right breast removed and was on the road to recovery. Ms. Linguist said that as a result of the diagnosis, her diet was significantly altered and she became more conscious of her body. Cancer requires a quick change of your diet; no red meat, lots of fish, vegetables and fresh fruits. “My diet is like that for
years now. I only indulge in beef and so on like once a year; at Christmas time,” the cancer survivor explained. Despite those changes, Linguist recalled that only six years after the first diagnosis, she noticed that a lump the size of a chick pea had developed in her left breast. “I saw the doctor at the cancer clinic and learnt that the cancer had spread to my left side breast,” the woman said adding that she wasted no time but did the surgery to remove my left side breast. In addition to losing her breasts, the survivor endured months of chemotherapy and radiology treatment to help destroy the cancer cells. The cancer warrior believes this is the worst part of the treatment in her story of survival, yet she said that she was focused more on beating the disease. “To survive anything particularly breast cancer, you have to maintain a positive mind set. You have stay believing that you will.
The right treatment is important but I also prayed a lot that God would be merciful to me and I tried to stay positive. So, I would encourage anybody with cancer to maintain a positive outlook that definitely helped me, even on my worst days,” she said. Though she had not been diagnosed with cancer herself, Nurse Sharon Mansell is every bit of a cancer warrior. She has walked beside scores of women and men as they went from diagnosis to full recovery or in some circumstances to death. Nurse Mansell noted as a healthcare professional empathy and having a positive attitude is very essential to helping her patients cope with and beat the disease. She stressed that it is important that cancer patients know that “their diagnosis is not a death sentence.” “It is important to just show support for a person who is diagnosed or going through treatment. Offering a positive encouraging word or telling them that many people have survived and went on to thrive in life is as vital as providing them with the treatment,” said Nurse Mansell as she recalled her years of providing chemotherapy for cancer patients in collaboration with the radiation oncologists. Nurse Mansell had worked at the Cancer Institute of Guyana from May 2007—March 2012. In addition, Nurse Mansell had her own personal experience with cancer. She lost her mother at a young age to the disease but that dreadful loss gave her the insight, which she
Nurse Sharon Mansell. needed to understand what her patients go through. “I know for sure that walking with my patients and showing them that I understand, offering a positive word goes a far way in their fight against the disease,” the nurse added. “It’s never an easy thing most women have to deal with…the effects of losing their self image; the loss of their hair due to chemotherapy or the removal of a breast or both breasts. Some of them find it hard to look at themselves in the mirror so, as a nurse, I had to find ways to encourage and support them.” And like most health professionals, Nurse Mansell is a stern advocate for early detection. “I know from experience that it is better to do regular checks to ensure that you are free than to assume that everything is alright with you then to find out that you have cancer when the
cancer is at a late stage,” the Nurse said. The nurse noted that a checkup is important because cancer is a painless disease particularly in its early stage. “You only start to experience pain and certain symptoms towards the end of it,” she said. So it is important to keep checking with your doctor or do self examinations; a key thing to look for is if you have family members who had cancer, then you are at a higher risk of the disease, she said. The nurse noted that while having a support mechanism is always key, eating right and maintaining a diet that is primarily free of red meat is quite important. “Red meats like beef and duck is a not an option for cancer patients or those at risk for the disease. Lots of vegetables, fish and fresh fruits will help to build the system to fight cancer,” she advised.
Sunday October 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
Saudi Crown Prince Faces U.S. Lawsuit for Khashoggi Killing (Bloomberg) - The fiancée of murdered Saudi critic Jamal Khashoggi and a Washington-based organization accused Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of ordering the killing in a lawsuit filed in a U.S. court on Tuesday. Prince Mohammed and more than 20 other Saudis are named in the complaint, filed in District of Columbia federal court, lawyer Keith Harper, a partner at Jenner & Block, said in a virtual press conference Tuesday. The suit was brought on behalf of Khashoggi’s Turkish fiancée, Hatice Cengiz, and Democracy for the Arab World Now, an advocacy organization founded by Khashoggi before his death. Damages should be determined at trial, Harper said. The Saudi government’s Center for International Communication didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. Khashoggi, a columnist for the Washington Post, was killed and dismembered by Saudi agents at the kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul in 2018, sparking an international outcry and straining Saudi Arabia’s close relationship with the U.S. At the time of his death, Khashoggi was a U.S. resident, living in self-imposed exile during a period of increasing constraints on freedom of expression in his home country. Prince Mohammed has denied any involvement in the killing, while accepting “full responsibility” for it as the country’s de facto leader. Cengiz and DAWN are suing under the Torture Victim Protection Act and the Alien Tort Statute, which give the U.S. court system jurisdiction over lawsuits alleging certain types of offenses in
The killing of Jamal Khashoggi sparked global outrage (Reuters)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been named in the civil lawsuit, filed in District of Columbia federal court. Photographer: Nicolas Asfouri/Getty Images other countries.The plaintiffs the discovery process to obclaim that Prince Mohammed tain documents and informaand the other defendants tion from both Saudi Arabia were troubled when they and the U.S. government that learned of Khashoggi’s plans could shed more light on the to establish DAWN and murder.Cengiz called the lawhatched a plan to lure him to suit a “vital step to achieve Turkey to silence him. Legal justice for Jamal.”“We want co-counsel Keith Gill said one the whole truth, and we want of their main goals is to use accountability,” she said.
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Sunday October 25, 2020
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==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==
The mysteries of the PNC’s 2015 power that need to be known I don’t know if it is correct to say that the dust has been settled on the fivemonth old election drama. But time is going and as we look back at the five years of power of the PNC separately from the AFC, curious questions take on a mysterious air and must be researched by intellectuals who supported the rigging and who are not mentally comfortable with the PNC being out of power. There are no inexplicabilities about the five years of the AFC. It got power in 2015, shredded its multi-racial and democratic glow and simply swam in a sea of power intoxication. The five years are over, the AFC is over. The inexplicabilities are to be found in the PNC. Why did it not journey on to fertile pastures that were so obvious? Simply for the purpose of academic knowledge, this country should be given the theories and viewpoints of PNC intellectuals who have it within them to explain why these pathways were not chosen. A clarification is in order. This analysis here is not about the election defeat of the PNC in 2020. It is a onedimensional argument. It wants to know why the PNC did not go into certain directions that as a matter of exigency it should have gone. I will delineate those lines below. But first, David Hinds. The biggest surprise for me in the support of the rigged election came from Dr. Hinds. From the time APNU+AFC won the poll in May 2015, Dr. David and I spent five years dissecting the performance of the APNU+AFC. Days after the March 4 fiasco with Mingo, Dr. Hinds spent hours
with me on my verandah drinking Banks DIH shandy as we looked back on the five years of power by the PNC. Why was I bamboozled at how Dr. Hinds turned out? Because in those five years of discussions with me, we both could have seen that roads not taken would cost APNU+AFC. Dr. Hinds was into Rodneyite politics when he assessed the performance of APNU+AFC as the months and years went by. It was not long into the rule of the APNU+AFC that Dr. Hinds ran into trouble with the AFC over his Rodneyite criticism of the government’s errors. The AFC was abusive to him. He responded by accusing them of being power drunk. Of all the people in the world, Dr. Hinds knew that APNU+AFC by not meeting the expectations of the people that caused them to win in 2015. But sadly and tragically, when it dawned on him that APNU+AFC lost, he defected from the politics of Walter Rodney and succumbed to Kafkaesque instincts of race. Let us leave out any discussion of the post 2015 performance. I honestly believe that Guyanese wherever they are would like scholarly answers in relation to certain mysteries of the PNC from 2015 to 2020. Here are some. What was the essential reason for backing down on a policy that African Guyanese was eagerly looking forward to – the amendment of the severe penalties in the antimarijuana legislation? Wasn’t it a win-win situation for the PNC had it become law? When it came to power in 2015, the PNC, after being in
governmental exile since 1992, found some beneficial policies for African Guyanese that were born after 1968 were removed by successive PPP presidents, one of which was the abolition of duty free cars to UG lecturers and certain categories of public servants. The PNC had five years to reinstitute the policy. Why it did not? The PNC had five years to directly confront a travesty that specifically relates to African Guyanese – wages and salaries in the civil service and public sector. In its five years, the PNC got into con-
flict with teachers that almost came close to industrial relation. It demitted office in 2020 and there was never any substantial increase for these categories of employees. President Jagan, early in his presidency, awarded a fifty percent increase to all UG employees. The government birthed a public service commission of inquiry headed by one of Guyana’s prominent professors, Harold Lutchman. The elevation of retirement age was one of the recommendations. It never happened. The government birthed a lands commission to look into an-
cestral lands that belong to African Guyanese. Its recommendations were left unattended. Both unions at UG are predominantly African in leadership. Yet industrial relations broke down and the government chose the side of the Vice-Chancellor. The scrapping of the importation of used tyres and the cruel increase in licence for animaldrawn vehicles hit African Guyanese harder than Indians. Why a government whose raison d’être rested on African Guyanese support went into self-destructive
Frederick Kissoon mode? (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Sunday October 25, 2020
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Coronavirus: Treatment options that could prevent you from dying or becoming hospitalized By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt Medical Center Like many countries, we are faced with the challenge of preventing too many hospitalizations and deaths from Covid-19. While the obvious way to do this is practicing preventative measures, there will be failures and persons will end up with the disease. Our next goal should therefore be focused on preventing patients from getting the severe form of the disease and therefore, avoid hospitalizations and deaths. Today, I will focus on treatments that have been proven in studies to work in preventing hospitalizations and deaths from Covid-19 once used EARLY in the disease. Early means as soon as symptoms develop; most doctors recommend before day five of the disease. I would therefore recommend that you consult with your doctor as soon as you have suspicious symptoms and ask if you can be started on the treatments below even before you get tested. Ivermectin
Ivermectin has become the super drug against the coronavirus. More studies are emerging showing the drastic benefits of Ivermectin in reducing death rates in Covid-19 patients when used early. Some studies have shown 100% survival rate when used properly and early in the disease. Lab studies have confirmed that it kills the virus within 48 hours of coming in contact with it and it is therefore the most effective when used early. Ivermectin has a strong safety profile and has been used previously for mass drug distribution in Guyana therefore worry about side effects is minimal. Azithromycin Azithromycin is an antibiotic widely used for respiratory tract infections and has a good safety profile. While it is an antibiotic, recent evidence is showing benefits in outcomes of Covid-19 patients when used with Hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin early in the Covid19 infection. Issues with side effects are minimal as most patients tolerate it well with little to no side effects. Preparing the immune
system with Vitamins C, D and Zinc Essential nutrients including vitamins are vital in helping our immune system fight off infections. Like other viral infections, we depend on our immune system to do the majority of the fighting against the Covid-19 infection. Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Vitamins C and D and zinc against other coronaviruses and viral infections. Common sense will dictate that the more prepared our immune system, the better we will be able to fight off the coronavirus. Evidence is now emerging that patients using Vitamins C, D and zinc are having better outcomes with Covid-19. What is even more surprising, is the fact that these essential nutrients seem to have a more beneficial effect when used with the medications described in today’s article. Hydroxychloroquine The debate is still hot on whether hydroxychloroquine is beneficial in Covid-19. While my opinion on it has weakened a bit, I have still included it as there is still reliable data showing that it prevents the virus from
entering our cells and prevent the severe form of Covid-19. It is therefore useless to use it in hospitalized patients when enough of the virus has already entered the body. Most studies that have debunked its benefits were done in hospitalized patients when it is already too late to use hydroxychloroquine. The goal here is to use it early once you do not have any heart condition. I am of the firm opinion that these treatments once used early, can prevent deaths and hospitalizations. I have personally treated
approximately 15 patients early with the combination and have not had any hospitalization or death. This virus is sneaky and pounces on us in ways that we do not even realize. There will be lapses, and as a result, there will continue to be new cases of Covid-19. If we avoid hospitalizations and deaths, we will prevent the system from becoming overwhelmed and we can continue to survive as a society. If you or someone you know have suspicious symptoms of Covid-19, do not
Dr. Zulfikar Bux hesitate to ask your doctor for these treatment options as it may be the difference between life and death.
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Sunday October 25, 2020
>>> Champion Health Care Provider <<<
Strong support system needed as war is waged against COVID-19 - says Dr. Vasana Henry G By Sharmain Grainger
od and family are the two most important things needed to keep an individual buoyed through the various phases of life. This ingrain need for such support has become especially conspicuous in wake of the novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19. Grateful that independence isn’t warranted during this period of her existence is Dr. Vasana H e n r y, t h e M e d i c a l Superintendent of the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital in Region Six. In fact, in wake of COVID-19, she has become more aware that “we are all safe by the grace of God and that family is everything. The support of family members during this pandemic is very important for any individual. Whether you are an essential worker, patient, relative of a patient or someone in the community; we need the support of our loved ones during this pandemic. God and family are the valuable support system one can ask for.” Although direct connect with the Supreme Being is always possible, Dr. Henry
noted that as a medical practitioner, in a supervisory position during this pandemic, does not augur well for family time, at least not the way she would prefer. “ To b e h o n e s t , sometimes its nerve breaking to balance family and work time together… however, with God’s grace, frequent communications with family and my close friends, I can find that balance. A lot of times work takes precedent to my family life because I want the residents of East Corentyne, Berbice to have the best care possible from our health sector,” said Dr. Henry as she confidently intimated “my family is very understanding and supportive during these times.”
“ A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL IS BORN But exactly why did Dr. Henry opt to delve into a profession that demands so
Champion Health Care Providers, Dr. Vasana Henry.
When you have saved a life or hold a neonate in your hands thatyou would have aided into thisworld, there is no better feeling. These are the indicators that the decision to become a physician was the right one.” much of her time and effort? Well, it will become clear as we rewind the clock a few years to gain some insight into Dr. Henry’s life. On July 17, 1984, a baby
Family helps to keep her grounded.
girl was ushered into the world. Her parents, Gavin B r i t t o n , a n accountant/educator and Pamela Henry, a nurse/health administrator, named her Vasana Kandacy Henry. The elder of two children born to the couple, Dr. Henry recalled growing up in the Boeraserie Housing Scheme on the West Coast of Demerara. She attended the Zeelugt Primary School, the Stewartville Secondary School, the Government Technical Institute and later the University of Guyana in preparation for her medical career. Ever since she was a child, Dr. Henry shared, she had a desire to become a doctor. The reason for this, as she explained, was because “I was born with a disability. I was born with a diagnosis of Right Femoral Agenesis and my gait is aided by the use of prosthesis. My disability is the driving force behind me becoming a doctor because I w an ted to h elp o th er neonates with congenital malformation.” IMPACT ON HEALTHCARE Now residing in New
Amsterdam, Berbice, Dr. Henry has been practising medicine for the past eight years. Prior to becoming the Medical Superintendent, she was tasked with managing the Tuschen Health Centre in a supervisory position and as a medical practitioner. She also had a stint at the West Demerara Regional Hospital as a Permanent Government Medical Officer in the Paediatric Department, where she had the responsibility of supervising the Department. While there, she was even privileged to s e r v e a s t h e Chairperson/Medical Practitioner of the Infection, Prevention and Control Committee. Dr. Henry recalled being responsible for the assessment of the i n s t i t u t i o n ’s d i s e a s e prevention protocols and waste management. Today, even in the face of a pandemic, Dr. Henry has no regrets that she chose to become a doctor. According to this health professional, “The fact that I can make positive changes in someone’s life; being able to make someone dreams of becoming a mother come through after years of miscarriages by applying what I would have learnt during my formative years and paying extra attention to my patients” are but some of the reasons that have kept her grounded. But she candidly admitted
that “COVID-19 has affected the delivery of health care in a lot of ways. It has caused us to move away from what was known as the normal to the new normal. We have learnt to implement what we would have learnt during our formative years at Medical School and Internship.” The emergence of COVID-19, she noted, has essentially reiterated the need for “all of us to follow safe hygiene practices. As part of the management team in Region Six, I had to make some tough decisions to keep staff, patients and their relative safe when accessing services at our institutions.” EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS But while some may be convinced that the COVID19 fight is reserved for health care providers, Dr. Henry was pellucid when she insisted that “it is everybody’s business and issue.” “The medical fraternity cannot fight this alone without the help of all the people in this great country of ours. All of us have someone that we associate who has a co-morbidity. Example, Patient ‘X’ might not have any symptoms of the disease but is positive. When ‘X’ goes home or passes by a relative or friend, then ‘X’ can pass the virus to that individual whose immune system cannot fight the disease. So, if we all play (Continued on page 56)
A medical practitioner who has adapted to the new normal.
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Sunday October 25, 2020
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>>> ENCOURAGING EVENTS, DISTURBING DEVELOPMENTS <<<
Nigel Hinds, COVID-19 cash, China and the Opposition Leader
By GHK Lall
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his week I break from examining both the encouraging and disturbing and focus solely on events and developments that encouraged and delighted. I start with Nigel Hinds’ resignation. Though I have already gone public over the stirring action of Guyanese, I find some space here to say some more. I am glad that this man, who was found a place as recognition for his electoral energies was able to manifest the courage to display publicly and powerfully his convictions.
I wish that more Guyanese would do similarly, and not just on Success and squatting, but on those matters that mean something to them, which could enhance how we go about life - especially in official circles - in this society. We desperately need more of the idealistic and self-sacrificing; rather than so much of what is self-serving and feathering of ambitions. We remain hopelessly stuck where we are trapped. I hope that I can see more of the citizens now serving calling out errant politicians in candid terms, inclusive of those who put them where they are. What is self-protective must go; anything that helps to lift the poor governance standards of this country can only be beneficial, something to be welcomed. It could be as simple as a strong stance indicative of stronger heartfelt positions that make
Guyana better. I had written and spoken about the need for some details out the basics of COVID-19 cash distribution wending its way across the country. Thus, it was good to read in the mainstream media the “Public Advisory” on what to expect and how things would work for residents, families and tenants. This is a good start that I am sure is being repeated via other communication channels, and provides citizens with what they need to know, how they must prepare. Staying with the COVID-19 pandemic, I move to China and where it is today with the virus. Its cases are controlled and relatively lesser; its medical professionals seem to have their arms round this existential threat; and the country’s economy is on the rebound. The situation in China compares favourably with the pressures and traumas and the feared second wave currently
poised to pummel the West. Of course, some of the measures taken for granted in an authoritarian state, like China, cannot dare be enforced in Western societies. According to the October 18 edition of Business Insider, “China’s fast and comprehensive testing approach, lockdowns that ran their full course, and simple clear messaging helped it solve the problem.” In all three of those areas, “the US and Europe struggled to control their outbreaks” due to close to the opposite regimes prevailing. Citizens could not risk protesting in China or appealing to the Courts over believed ‘unconstitutional’ actions, since there is really no such thing. It was either comply or be compelled into submission. So, China is almost back to normal (good), while the US and Europe are still trying to get a grasp on its circumstances (poor). Then, from the Leader of the Opposition, there finally came
something solid and meaningful. It was when, while addressing the impasse with squatters at Success, he spoke out strongly against those squatters, not to be made “refugees in their own country.” I think that statement was timely and could only have been encouraging to those affected at Success. At least, it tells them that somebody with standing is in their corner and looking out for them. I think it would be helpful if the Opposition Leader would step forward and offer to serve as an intermediary between the government and the squatters. I think that material progress could be made. And I say this because what is present, points to meager reception for what the government has placed on the table. More can be done, and the Opposition Leader can assist. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Sunday October 25, 2020
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Book: Through Two Black Eyes Author: Vinette Hoffman-Jackson Critic: Glenville Ashby, PhD Vi n e t t e H o f f m a n Jackson’s ‘Through Two Black Eyes’ is a confessional call for justice. HoffmanJackson is irate, her angst bleeding through every page. But her rage does not only target an unforgiving society. Surely, we can all rage against inhumanity. But are we willing to bare our foibles? Will we concede that our silence, our misdirected need for acceptance have made us enablers, more so, quislings in a system that thrives on racial injustice? It’s the author’s self-disclosure, her veridical response to self, her authenticity, that defines her work. She cries out in ‘I am Sorry,’ “I am sorry remaining silent when you treated me unkind Then patronised me by saying never mind I am sorry,
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 25, 2020
A Stirring Oratory Sorry I gave you the impression That I was okay and not breaking under the oppression Accepting everything that came my way Never daring to oppose or have my say I am sorry, Sorry that I was not as brave as I should be And protest about the treatment meted out to me...” In like vein, she writes in ‘Token Blacks,’ “The slavery mentality Embedded through history Have turned some insides white So, they believe this is not their fight They are paraded like puppets to prove the masses wrong A bomb note in our freedom songs Standing on the wrong side of our fight and casually denying their birthright.” But in the cauldron of protestations, the fight for social justice can miss its mark oftentimes bedeviled by special interests and the incorrigibility of the lumpenproletariat.
‘Through Two Black Eyes’ attempts to channel incendiary emotions into a singular, cohesive statement. Unswerving and resolute, Hoffman-Jackson pounds her literary gavel loud enough for the politically deaf to take note. The George Floyd murder, in plain view, triggered a deafening response, a global zeitgeist, no less. It was the tipping point that galvanized a people from their complacency and slumber. Black Lives Matter (BLM) emerged, a movement and a brand of immeasurable reach. In lock-step with the ideals of BLM, ‘Through Two Black Eyes,‘ is an uncompromising and stirring response to injustice. It speaks to an atavistic, primal anguish that is masked and left to fester. H o f f m a n - J a c k s o n ’s words are raw; hers is a soul tormented. ‘ M y P o e t r y ’ encapsulates the anthemic thrust of her work. She unravels, “My poetry is not meant to tell only of love and happiness It is meant to stir your mind and awaken your
consciousness If I don’t speak now, then when? Yo u w o u l d empathise if you were a friend. I will not be muted or be more subtle Just because my words make you uncomfortable If I can evoke a reaction Stir your emotion Then job well done Life is not just sunshine and fun.” Indeed, the George Floyd tragedy unveiled society’s damning lie. No doubt, the odds are stacked against a people, a people brutalized and disenfranchised. Hoffman-Jackson challenges the postracial world concept leaning toward a psychoanalytic resolution. Unable to integrate the dynamics of a racist society, she relieves her burdens. She sheds her persona, the falseself that strives to succeed in inimical environments. But for a moment she steps outside the boundary, her rhetoric taking on a sharper tone that arguably tramples sensibilities. With a leap of fate, she sides with rioters, inconsequential their deeds she opines in the face of historic crimes against peoples and nations. Nothing compares to such egregious acts. She writes in ‘How Dare You?’ “...Then cry out for peace and ask us for pity when we retaliate and burn down your city? Now the bullies’ backs are against the rope As we fight for a future filled with hope! The time for speaking calmly is truly done Because our black brothers have met with your guns The beast of anger and pain has been released
And will not be silenced until we get some peace!” In the same jarring cadence, she echoes in the pithy, ‘Harvest time,’ “It is harvest time for all that was sown. And the seeds, buried in the dark, are finally shown. Raped our lands, and watered it with our blood... Thinking olive trees would sprout but thorns rose instead. The bitter fruits of inequalities, injustice and intolerance are now ripened on the t’ree And now they trample the crops instead of blaming the allottee.” ‘Blackened Eyes, is deft play of imagery, an interplay of physical and mental realities. “Then you touched your blackened eyes to my surprise! And I had to remind you, I too see the world through blackened eyes,” she shares. In ‘School of Life,’ she
raises the specter of white supremacy, intoning, “They will break you slowly destroy your legacy. If you ever dare forget, To r e c o g n i s e t h e i r supremacy.” ‘My Brother,’ ‘Identity,’ ‘Be Honest,’ and other equally provocative offerings demand reflection. In this timely oratory, Hoffman-Jackson walks a fine line between justice and vengeance. Understandably so. Aren’t we human? But, h a v e n ’t s a g e s w a r n e d against compulsion of any kind? Black protests have raged before, countless, for that matter. But inequality and racial justice persist. Admittedly, some are fast becoming weary of BLM sensing lack of accountability and its political dance with ideologies antithetical to black progress. But a far bigger question looms: can racism and inequality ever be erased from our midst? Human nature has long spoken. Despite all, we still persevere. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) Through Two Black Eyes by Vinette Hoffman-Jackson Copyright © Vinette Hoffman-Jackson 2020 Publisher: YouCaxton Publications 2020 ISBN 978-1-913425-46-3 Available at Amazon Ratings:****Highly recommended
Sunday October 25, 2020
g ts in s... e re er tu t In rea C
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Bothrops insularis
o t h r o p s insularis, commonly known as the golden lancehead, is a highly venomous pit viper species endemic to Ilha da Queimada Grande, off the coast of São Paulo state, in Brazil. The species is named for the light yellowish-brown colour of its underside and for its head shape that is characteristic of the genus Bothrops. No subspecies of Bothrops insularis are currently recognized. It is one of the most venomous snakes in Latin America. On average, B. insularis grows to a length of 70 cm (28 in) and 90 cm (35 in) and is known to reach 118 cm (46 in). The colour pattern consists of a pale yellowishb r o w n g r o u n d c o l o u r, overlaid with a series of dorsal blotches that may be triangular or quadrangular,
broad or narrow, and alternating or opposite along the dorsal median. I n c a p t i v i t y, t h i s yellowish colour often becomes darker, which may be the result of poor circulation caused by i n e f f e c t i v e thermoregulation. A banded pattern results when the pattern is opposite. The head lacks a welldefined post-orbital stripe. The belly is a uniform pale yellow or cream. The name “lancehead” refers to the distinctive head shape of all snakes in the genus Bothrops, which is somewhat elongated and comes to a point at the nose. B. insularis also has a longer tail than its closest relative, B. jararaca, which is most likely an adaptation to help the snake maneuver through the trees. Because B. insularis is only found in an area
uninhabited by humans, there has never been an official report of a human being bitten by one, but other lanceheads are responsible for more human mortality than any other group of snakes in either North or South America. Ludwig Trutnau reports four human envenomations, three of which were fatal. The mortality rate for l a n c e h e a d envenomations is 0.5–3% if the patient receives treatment and 7% if the patient does not receive treatment. The effects of envenomations by golden lanceheads include swelling, local pain, nausea and vomiting, blood blisters, bruising, blood in the vomit and urine, intestinal bleeding, kidney failure, hemorrhage in the brain and severe necrosis of muscular
tissue. Chemical analysis of the venom of B. insularis suggests that it is five times as potent as that of B. jararaca and is the fastest acting venom in the genus Bothrops. They have hemotoxic venom that eats away at flesh and tissue to digest the prey item before they swallow it. Bothrops insularis also have some neurotoxic venom that kills its prey. Sexually mature
Bothrops insularis mate during August and September, and have been known to mate both in the trees and on the ground. Like most vipers, B. insularis gives live birth to its young. The average size for a litter of golden lanceheads is 6.5 newborns. There are no published data regarding the size of the golden lancehead at birth, but they would probably be of a similar size to those of
Bothrops jararaca, which have a snout to vent length (SVL) of 24.5 to 25.3 cm (about 9¾ in) and a weight of 9.38 to 10.61 grams (about S! ounce). Bothrops insularis can usually be found either in the trees hunting for its prey, or seeking shelter among leaf litter or in rock crevices, especially during unfavourable weather or after having just ingested its prey. (Source: Wikipedia)
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Sunday October 25, 2020
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The Guyanese society will remain a tinder box unless the causative factors of violence are addressed (A review of David Granger’s The Troubles: the secondary impact of criminal violence.) he first decade of the 21st century, perhaps, was Guyana’s bloodiest. The exact number of persons murdered during this period remains contested but there is no disputing the level of fear, insecurity and violence which the country experienced during that decade which David Granger refers to as ‘The Troubles.’ The Troubles: the secondary impact of criminal violence is the title of a book written by Granger a few years before he assumed the Presidency. It examines the antecedents, causes and consequential impact of the violence which threatened a total breakdown of law and order between 2000 and 2009. Granger identified five factors which he believes were responsible for the ‘Troubles’: first, the atmosphere of polarization created by the election of Janet Jagan as President; second, government’s ambivalence towards extrajudicial killings by the police; third, the incapacity of the law-enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system; fourth, political interference in the Guyana Police Force and, fifth, the reluctance to implement reasonable, remedial measures in a timely manner. The performance of the Guyana Police Force attracted a great deal of adverse criticism during the decade 20002009. The US Department of State’s Human Rights Country Report for Guyana (2002) pointed out that not only were there allegations of unlawful killings involving the police but, also, that police investigations into such acts were rarely conducted and that, in general, police abuses occurred with impunity. The police, however, also became victims of the criminal violence which engulfed, primarily, Demerara-Mahaica, the country’s most populous Region. The US Human
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Rights Country Report noted that, following the escape of five prisoners from the Georgetown Prison, criminals began targeting police officers with the unprecedented murder of 12 of them between February and October 2002. Granger, interestingly, did not link the criminal violence with any political motive. The five high-profile prison escapees whose jailbreak triggered a criminal surge claimed they were freedom fighters. Eusi Kwayana in his book, The Morning After, imputed political motives and accused unnamed political operatives of going into the Buxton-Friendship community – one of the epicenters of the criminal conflagration – and of instigating problems. It may have been his way of deflecting concerns over the villagers’ complicity in harbouring criminal gangs but it also implies political motivations may have been involved in the criminal attacks launched from the villages. Granger also avoids labelling the ‘Troubles’ as an ethnic conflict. He described it as criminal but not communal. This assessment does not accord with the views of some Indian-rights organizations which saw the ‘Troubles’ as involving ethnic and political attacks, primarily on Indians. The Guyana Indian Heritage Association (GIHA) published a crime report entitled, ‘Indians Betrayed: Black on Indian Violence. Government Denial and Inaction’. The ‘Report’ covered the period 23rd February 2002 (the day of the jailbreak) to 28th February 2003. It found that there were clear ethnic/ political motives in the criminality of that period. The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) administration had attempted to implicate the then People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) political Opposition in the ‘Troubles’. Granger, in his book, uses the PPP/C
administration’s own admissions to demolish this line of argument.
associated with the escapees.” Granger skillfully marshals
He quoted statements made by the then Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, to the effect that much of the criminal violence was related to the narcotics trade. Dr. Luncheon declared, as early as November 2002, that there was “…plausible evidence to suggest that there is a body out there that is involved in criminal activities and that it is not the escapees and those who have been
his facts and his sources. He provides names, places, numbers and references, including independent sources, in arguing his case about the causes of the ‘Troubles’ . He makes out a credible case that the violence of that period cannot be reduced, simply, to one of ethnic or political conflict but involved a more complex interplay of criminal factors. The Troubles: the secondary impact of criminal violence
is divided into three sections. The first discusses the background and causative factors of the violence. The second section of the book examines the crisis of governance which characterized that period, particularly the decisions and actions, or inaction, of the PPP/C administration which was responsible for public security at that time and which was obliged to respond to the ‘Troubles’. Granger indicts the former President – who served uninterrupted for the entire decade–for what he says was a failure to retrain the police, to re-energize civil society and to restore satisfactory standards of public security and public trust. The third section essays a most interesting and intriguing socio-psychological theory about the long-term effects of criminal violence on society. Granger advances the thesis that there is a ‘secondary impact’ of the violence associated with the ‘Troubles’. He suggests that the generation of children who might have been unwilling witnesses to the criminal violence 18 years ago has now grown up. For him, this generation still carries the scars – physical and psychological – of that period. Memories of those bloody events have not been erased. Many persons living in the worst-affected
communities today, he writes, are still suffering from the aftershock of the ‘secondary impact’ of the violence which they saw on the streets or read of in the news media. The idea of a ‘secondary impact’ of traumatic experiences is not unknown to clinical psychology. Psychologists have long understood that traumatic experiences can have long-term residual effects on victims and witnesses. Granger points out that the ‘Troubles’ have had a cumulative and corrosive ‘secondary impact’ on society. The ‘Troubles’ might seem to have receded into local history. The recent civil unrest which started simmering in West Berbice and East Corentyne, however, is an indication of the fragile state of the country’s ethnic and political security. David Granger ’s The Troubles: the secondary impact of criminal violence, in this regard, is of particular relevance. The book sounds a warning that, unless the causative factors of violence are addressed, Guyanese society will remain a tinder box, ready at any time to be ignited into a conflagration of criminal violence, as it did during the first decade of the 21st century. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Albums We’re Still Waiting for in 2020 (and Beyond)
Rihanna No one likes to keep us waiting like Rihanna. After a four-year period in which she released an album a year, the Barbadian beauty made us wait almost four full years before she dropped Anti in 2016. And while it seemed as though the wait for her ninth studio album wouldn’t be as long, with the singer revealing she’d begun work on it just months after releasing Anti, here we are, more than four years later. In December of 2018, she confirmed the album, rumored to be a dancehall-inspired project, would be released in 2019. She lied. Janet Jackson When Jackson released her 11th studio album Unbreakable in 2015, it had been seven years since her last LP, so long breaks from the legendary pop star are nothing new. But, she hasn’t exactly been resting on her laurels since that release. She welcomed her son, Eissa Al Mana, in January 2017, resumed a world tour, released a collaboration with Daddy Yankee (“Made for Now”), was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,
Sunday October 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
and kicked off a four-month Las Vegas residency. In early 2020, we received an update on new music, with the legend herself announcing on Instagram that Black Diamond was on the way. “I love u guys so much and I’m #SoExcited to share this new era with you,” she wrote in February. “See u soon!” Then came coronavirus, which forced her to cancel a corresponding world tour and likely delayed the album even further. Adele It’s been nearly five years since the British singer said “Hello” with her third LP, 25. And despite reports dating back to 2018 that she’s been working on a follow-up, we haven’t heard a peep. Could a hosting gig on Saturday Night Live on Oct. 24—aka the fifth anniversary of the album’s smash hit lead single—mean new material is imminent? Stay tuned. Frank Ocean Boy, does Ocean like to make us wait. It was an interminable four years between the release of his debut album Channel Orange and his second and third, Endless and Blonde, both released within days of each
other. It’s been just as long now since those drops, and despite a few songs here and there, as well as a mysterious (and since-deleted) tweet in 2017 that insinuated his next album was already finished, he’s stayed predictably mum on future plans. It’s best not to hold one’s breath for new Frank music. When he’s ready, he’ll be ready. Until then, we wait. Cardi B It’s been just over two years since Cardi B dropped her Grammy-winning debut studio album, Invasion of Privacy, so it may seem a little demanding of us to want a new collection from her already. After all, she’s been busy becoming a mom, making her movie debut in Hustlers and judging the Netflix reality series Rhythm + Flow, but she was the one who promised us a second album would be out in 2019, “hopefully...around the same time that Invasion of Privacy came out,” as she said during an Instagram live stream on New Year’s Day. That deadline has come and gone, with only “Press” and “WAP” to show for it. Here’s hoping we get her sophomore effort soon.
Drink of the Week…
Tequila Rose: A timeless and alluring classic Tequila Rose which is distributed by Ansa McAL is the original strawberry cream liqueur. In fact, the combination of tequila with strawberry cream is one of the boldest innovations and is even the first drink of its kind to pair cream with anything other than Irish whiskey. It is not only exotic, but unexpected in its composition while still being irresistibly delicious. Over twenty years since its creation, Tequila Rose remains the world’s bestselling strawberry cream liqueur and was the inspiration that paved the way for the unique cream liqueurs that have followed. With its elegant design and playful details, Tequila Rose remains the “little black dress” of cream liqueurs. It’s a timeless and alluring classic. For the entertainment lovers who are eager to taste this luxury in a bottle, it is best served as a chilled shot, but there are countless ways to get your Rose on. Mix it in everything from delicious cocktails to adult milkshakes,
or use it to add a slight strawberry kick to cakes, coffee, or cocoa. Tequila Rose is as versatile as it is delicious. The
only question is. . . are you feeling Naughty? Or Nice? Whatever your choice, do remember to enjoy this classic drink responsibly.
Enetworks to air premier of The Undoing today
Portuguese Grand Prix set for 8:55am on E1 The 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix, a Formula One motor race that is scheduled to take place today, will be broadcast this morning at 8:55am on the Enetworks E1 Channel. The event will take place at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão, Portugal. It will be the first Portuguese Grand Prix held since 1996 and the first time held at the Algarve International Circuit. The race is scheduled to be the twelfth round of the 2020 Formula One World Championship.
On October 25 at 9PM, the Enetworks team will be airing the premier of the Undoing, an upcoming American drama miniseries based on the 2014 novel You Should Have Known by Jean Hanff Korelitz. The miniseries is set to premiere on HBO. The series stars Nicole Kidman, is written and produced by David E. Kelley, and is
directed by Susanne Bier. The Undoing follows Grace Fraser, who is living the only life she ever wanted for herself. She’s a successful therapist on the brink of publishing her first book, has a devoted husband and [a] young son who attends an elite private school in New York City. Weeks before her book is published, a chasm
opens in her life; a violent death, a missing husband and in the place of a man Grace thought she knew, only a chain of terrible revelations. Left behind in the wake of a spreading and very public disaster, and horrified by the ways in which she has failed to heed her own advice, Grace must dismantle one life and create another for her child and herself.
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Kaieteur News
Your Mental Health and You Mental or emotional health refers to your overall psychological well-being. It is the way you feel about yourself, the quality of your relationships, your ability to manage feelings and deal with difficulties, and how much meaning and joy you get from your life. Good mental health isn’t just the absence of mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. It is the presence of positive characteristics, such as being able to cope with life’s challenges, handle stress, build strong relationships, and recover from setbacks. People who are emotionally healthy are in control of their emotions and their behavior. They are able to handle life’s challenges, build strong relationships, and recover from setbacks. But just as it requires effort to build or maintain physical health, so it is with mental and emotional health. Improving your emotional health can be a rewarding experience, benefiting all aspects of your life, including boosting your mood, building resilience, and adding to your overall enjoyment of life. However, many things that happen in your life can disrupt your emotional health and lead to strong feelings of sadness, stress, or anxiety. These things include: · Being laid off from your job · Having a child leave or return home · Dealing with the death of a loved one · Getting divorced or married · Suffering an illness or an injury · Getting a job promotion · Experiencing money problems · Moving to a new home · Having a baby The connection between the Mind & Body Good changes can be just as stressful as bad changes and when you are stressed, anxious, or upset, your body reacts in a way that might tell you that something isn’t right. Your body can react in the following ways: · Back pain · Change in appetite · Chest pain · Constipation or diarrhea · Dry mouth · Extreme tiredness · General aches and pains · Headaches · High blood pressure · Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
· Lightheadedness · Palpitations (the feeling that your heart is racing) · Sexual problems · Shortness of breath · Stiff neck · Sweating · Upset stomach · Weight gain or loss Poor emotional health can weaken your body’s immune system, making you more likely to get colds and other infections during emotionally difficult times. Also, when you are feeling stressed, anxious, or upset, you may not take care of your health as well as you should. You may not feel like exercising, eating nutritious foods or taking medicine that your doctor prescribes. Abuse of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs may also be a sign of poor emotional health. Improving your Mental Health First, try to recognize your emotions and understand why you are having them. Sorting out the causes of sadness, stress, and anxiety in your life can help you manage your emotional health. Express your feelings in appropriate ways. If feelings of stress, sadness, or anxiety are causing physical problems, keeping these feelings inside and bottling them up can make you feel worse. It’s OK to let your loved ones know when something is bothering you. However, keep in mind that your family and friends may not be able to help you deal with your feelings appropriately. At these times, ask someone outside the situation, such as your family doctor, a counselor, or a religious advisor, for advice and support to help you improve your emotional health. Live a balanced life. Try not to obsess about the problems at work, school, or home that lead to negative feelings. This doesn’t mean you have to pretend to be happy when you feel stressed, anxious, or upset. It’s important to deal with these negative feelings, but try to focus on the positive things in your life too. You may want to use a journal to keep track of things that make you feel happy or peaceful. Some research has shown that having a positive outlook can improve your quality of life and give your health a boost. You may also need to find ways to let go of some things in your life that make you feel stressed and overwhelmed. Make time for things you enjoy. Develop resilience.
People with resilience are mentally tough and are able to cope with stress in a healthy way. Resilience can be learned and strengthened with different strategies. These include having social support, keeping a positive view of yourself, accepting change, and keeping things in perspective. Calm your mind and body. Relaxation methods, such as meditation, listening to music, listening to guided imagery and yoga are useful ways to bring your emotions into balance. Meditation is a form of guided thought. It can take many forms. For example, you may do it by exercising, stretching, or breathing deeply. Ask your family doctor for advice about relaxation methods. Take care of yourself. To have good emotional health, it’s important to take care of your body by having a regular routine for eating healthy meals, getting enough sleep, and exercising to relieve pent-up tension. Avoid overeating and don’t abuse drugs or alcohol. Using drugs or alcohol just causes other problems, such as family and health problems. Paying attention to the signs of Mental Illness Mental illnesses are serious disorders which can affect your thinking, mood, and behavior. There are many causes of mental disorders. Your genes and family history may play a role. Your life experiences, such as stress or a history of abuse, may also matter. Biological factors can also be part of the cause. Mental disorders are common, but treatments are available. Mental and emotional health problems often arise when your nervous system has been compromised by overwhelming amounts of stress. The body’s natural and most efficient method of coping with stress and rebalancing the nervous systemis via face-to-face social contact with a trusted person. This is why mental and emotional health is so closely linked with social health: helping yourself involves reaching out to others. What are the symptoms of a mental illness? If a friend or loved one doesn’t seem themselves, how do you spot the difference between a bad mood and something more serious? Drinking too much, crying all the time or any other ongoing, significant change in a person’s behavior, thoughts or feelings could be telltale signs of a mental illness. Often it’s not a single change, but a combination.
The following signs are not to help you diagnose a mental health issue, but instead to reassure you that there might be good reason to seek more information about your concerns. · Feeling worried or anxious · Feeling depressed or unhappy · Emotional outbursts · Problems sleeping · Weight or appetite changes · Quiet or withdrawn behavior · Substance abuse · Guilty or worthless feelings all the time · Changes in behavior, thinking and feelings In life we all face challenges from time to time and it is our reaction to these challenges that define how we are left feeling. Sometimes our reactions are based on where we are as a person at the time and we sometimes react without thinking thoroughly about the issue at hand. However, if we try to attain a calm, balanced and measured attitude we may find ourselves making less rash decisions and being in a better place mentally. Many people who suffer from a feeling of a loss of empowerment often begin to feel irrational, down and depressed. Empowerment is a process that sets a goal that is personally meaningful and begins to work toward that
goal. To improve your sense of empowerment you can: Learn something new Learning is powerful and effective. When you gain new knowledge, it can help you feel prepared or inspire you to tackle something new. It can also make you feel as though you have a fresh perspective or different skill set to retry something that may have been challenging before. If nothing else, the act of learning can leave you feeling mentally stronger and more capable. Give back It is easy to get stuck in your own world. We each get wrapped up on our own dayto-day problems and it can leave us feeling overwhelmed and sometimes powerless. When we help others, it allows us to see that we have something important to offer to the world around us. In the process of giving back, we can also empower others while helping ourselves. Take charge We often have a tendency to rely on our routines, the competency of others or even chance to get us where we are going. Although there are certainly aspects of our lives that we are not able to control that are as simple as flight delays or as complicated as illness, there are many things we can control. Those things under our control include our behavior, thoughts, and feelings. If we take the
opportunity to show up in our lives with the right attitude and focus on what we bring the situation, we often find that we have more power than we thought. Set goals Knowing what you want and going after it can go along way in making you feel powerful in your own life. The first step in goal setting is to begin by thinking about what is meaningful in your life. From there, think about what you may want to achieve or do that can bring a greater sense of meaning into your life. Start with goals that you know you can attain first. This can help build confidence and a sense of mastery. From there add goals that may be more challenging and keep going. Make your own rules We all spend a lot of time worrying about what we “should” be doing. This tendency to live our lives according to the unattainable guidelines made up of absolute statements often leaves us feeling as though we are not good enough or that we have limited choices. So begin to think about how many times a day you say to yourself, “I should…” or “I have to…” and simply stop to think about whether that statement is accurate. You will likely find that there are plenty of times where you are making a choice, which gives you the chance to do something else if you want to.
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Sunday October 25, 2020
Cow's Head
A Ukrainian Ghost Story retold by S. E. Schlosser Oksana lived in a small house on the edge of town w i t h h e r f a t h e r, h e r stepmother and her s t e p s i s t e r. O k s a n a ’s stepmother disliked Oksana, favoring her true daughter, Olena.Soon after her father’s remarriage, Oksana found that all the housework fell to her while Olena idled her days away. Oksana’s father was a timid man, and could not bring himself to defy his wife. So Oksana wore Olena’s cast off clothes, and her hands grew red and chapped from scrubbing in the cold, while Olena attended parties, growing lazy and spoiled.One year, when the winter snows were particularly fierce, Oksana’s family ran out of money. Oksana’s stepmother began nagging her father to send Oksana away, because they could not afford to keep two girls. Reluctantly, Oksana’s father agreed. He took Oksana to a cottage deep in the woods and left her there. Oksana was very frightened. The woods were said to be filled with demons and monsters. But Oksana was also practical. She entered the cottage with her small bundle and found a fireplace, a lopsided table and a rusty old pot. Oksana put away the loaf of bread, the knife and the slab of cheese her father had given her. She folded the blanket and laid it near the fireplace. Then she collected wood and built a fire.Oksana knew the bread and cheese would not last her all winter. So she made a snare using the thin, flexible branches of the trees and caught a snow rabbit to eat. She also dug under the deep snow, and found some roots and berries for food.
By dark, Oksana had melted water for drinking, and used the rest to make a stew. So Oksana ate well. Then she lay down near the fire for the night, listening to the wind howl and pretending to herself that she was not frightened of the woods.It was midnight when the knock came. Knock, knock, knock. It echoed hollowly through the dark cottage. Oksana woke with a start, her heart pounding in fear. It came again. Knock, knock, knock. Oksana thought of the monsters. She hid under her blanket, praying the thing would go away. Knock, knock, knock. Oksana rose, grabbing a branch. She crept towards the door. The wind howled eerily down the chimney. Oksana swallowed and swung the door open. There was nothing there. Her heart pounded fiercely as she stared out at the snow whipping about in the light of her small fire. Then she looked down. Oksana let out a shriek of terror and leapt back, dropping her stick. It was a demon. An evil spirit. It had no body! “Who are you?” Oksana stuttered, clutching the door with shaking hands. “I am Cow’s Head,” it replied.Indeed, Oksana saw at once that it was. The head was brown, with curved horns and strange, haunted eyes. “I am cold and hungry. May I sleep by your fire?” the Cow’s Head asked. Its voice was cold and lifeless. Oksana gulped down her horror.“Of course,” she said. “Lift me over the threshold,” demanded the Cow’s Head hollowly. Oksana did as she was bidden.
Junior page Spider Wreath Wreath Spider
“Place me near the fire.” Anger warred with compassion inside her, but compassion won. Oksana put it next to the fire. “I am hungry,” said the Cow’s Head. “Feed me.” Oksana thought of her meager food supply. The stew left in the pot was for her breakfast. She fed it to Cow’s Head.“I will sleep now,” it said. There was no softening in its attitude toward her. Nonetheless, Oksana made it comfortable for the night, giving it her blanket and sleeping in a cold corner with only her cloak to keep her warm.When she woke in the morning, Cow’s Head was gone. Where it had slept was a large trunk, filled with the most beautiful gowns she had ever seen. Under the gowns lay heaps of gold and jewels. Oksana stared blankly at the riches in front of her. Her father’s voice roused her. “Daughter, I am come.” Oksana forgot the trunk in her joy. She ran into his arms. He had defied her stepmother to come and bring her back to their home. “Papa, come see!” Oksana exclaimed as she pulled him into the cottage. Her words tumbled over each other as she explained. Her father took her home. She was honored in her town for her compassion and her bravery, and won scores of suitors. She married soon after her return from the cottage.Hearing Oksana’s story, and seeing the riches she had received, Olena went to the cottage in the forest and spent the night there. But when Cow’s Head appeared, she was too lazy to serve it. In the morning, all her gowns had turned to rags and her possessions to dust. But Oksana lived to a ripe old age in happiness and prosperity.
W
e get the c r e e p y crawlies just looking at this spider web wreath. Isn’t that the feeling you want all of your Halloween decorations to drum up? Make the Wreath: Tie six pieces of white string across a 14-inch foam wreath form, making sure to loop each one at the midway point of the first piece attached to create a central point. (This is the base of the web and should have 12 “spokes.”) Tie a long piece of string to the center point; weave and loop from the center out to create the web. If you run out of string, tie another piece to the end and continue weaving. When you reach the wreath form, tie off at your ending point. Move the twine up and down to create uneven gaps in the web. Wrap the wreath form with white burlap ribbon and attach faux spiders with hot-glue. Loop a piece of white burlap ribbon around the form to hang. Ghouls’ Night Out To c a l l f o r t h t h i s
gathering, use glue dots to stick construction-paper eyes and mouths onto white
tissue-paper bells, then drape them with cheesecloth.
Do what is right by Uncle Roy Many times I find that I want to know, When I have to deal with something That I feel is important to me, How to do what is the right thing. Then I know I have to remember The things that I was told, By my parents and teachers, To act in the way that I should. But there are some times that I find That I have to act on my own; Then I try to forget what is best for only me, And do what is right for everyone. www.kidspuzzlesandgames.co.uk
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 25, 2020
TEEN TIME
Be Proactive in all you do so as to always be in the right
To be proactive is to act based on our own principles and values rather than our feelings as well as the circumstances that exist in any situation. This means that we need to stand back and choose our response to anything that happens based on what we believe is right, rather than in reacting to what others may do to us, or what is happening around us at any time. In this decision to be truly objective in our relations with others, we have to use our ability to look at ourselves, i.e. our self-awareness, and recognise our own feelings, moods and thoughts, so that we can see ourselves in how we relate to others. There are also other factors that can influence our behaviour if we do not make the effort to deal with them. Three of these factors define our very nature as persons, and tend to lead us into acting in predetermined ways when we are faced with any set of circumstances. Our genetic makeup is inherited from our parents and impacts on our very nature; our psychological structure is formed through our upbringing and our childhood experiences and are largely responsible for our traits of character;
and our environment determines the set of circumstances in which we live. It is true that people generally respond to any situation based on their conditioning by these factors, and these are even used as their excuse for the type of behaviour that keeps them acting like the lower animals. But, as discussed before, we humans are endowed with special gifts that enable us to rise above this level, and the
extent to which we exercise and develop these endowments empowers us to fulfil our human potential. This means that in reacting to any stimulus we receive we have the freedom to choose our response. Being proactive also means to change your habit from worrying
about problems to taking positive action to solve them. This includes the use of positive terms in your language, and in trust and confidence in others. Further, it means that you take upon yourself the responsibility for your own behaviour, and do not blame circumstances, conditioning or your feelings for your responses to any situation. This is the test of maturity
which we must all face as we grow up to adulthood. Instead of responding in a manner which you feel is best for your own benefit, you should make sure you pass this test by doing the right thing and taking your place among the responsible people of your community and nation.
Kakuro Kakuro puzzles are like a cross between a crossword and a Sudoku puzzle. Instead of letters, each block contains the digits 1 through 9. The same digit will never repeat within a word. If you add the digits in a word, the sum will be the number shown in the clue. Clues are shown on the left and right sides of “across” words, and on the top and bottom sides of “down” words.
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If
by Rudyard Kipling If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you; If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too: If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or, being lied about, don’t deal in lies, Or being hated don’t give way to hating, And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise; If you can dream - and not make dreams your master; If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim, If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same:. If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stoop and build’em up with worn-out tools; If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings, And never breathe a word about your loss: If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on!” If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much: If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And - which is more - you’ll be a Man, my son ************************************************
Trying to do the right thing even though it does not feel beneficial to you will always lead to your becoming a better person in the long run. Solutions to last week’s
SUBADDO PYRAMID 3D
Connect the dots
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Tips to look after your teeth Good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist will help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. Here are some tips to help you look after your teeth. 1. Brush at least twice a day. The best time to brush teeth is after meals. Choose a toothbrush with a small head for better access to back teeth. Soft bristles are kinder on your gums. 2. Use fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoride helps to harden tooth enamel and reduces your risk of decay. 3. Brush thoroughly. Tooth brushing should take between two and three minutes. 4. Floss your teeth daily. Use a slow and gentle sawing motion. 5. Limit acidic drinks like soft drinks, cordials and fruit juices. Food acids soften tooth material and dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel, causing holes (cavities or caries). In severe cases, teeth may be ‘eaten’ right down to the gum. 6. Limit sugary foods. Bacteria in dental plaque change sugars into acids. 7. Protect your teeth from injury. Wear a mouthguard or full-face helmet when playing sports. 8. Try to save a knocked out tooth. If possible, hold the tooth back in place while you seek immediate dental advice. If this is not possible, wrap the tooth in plastic or place it in milk and seek dental advice immediately. 9. Avoid using your teeth for anything other than chewing food. If you use them to crack nuts, remove bottle tops or rip open packaging, you risk chipping or even breaking your teeth. 10 .See your dentist for regular check-ups. You should also visit your dentist if you have a dental problem such as a toothache or bleeding gums. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ten-tips/10-tips-tolook-after-your-teeth
Kaieteur News
COME DANCING
Sunday October 25, 2020
Sunday October 25, 2020
1. How does a rabbi make coffee? Hebrews it! 2. Rest in peace boiling water. You will be mist! 3. How do you throw a space party? You planet! 4. Want to hear a construction joke? Oh never mind, I’m still working on that one. 5. Why don’t scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything! 6.I hate Russian dolls… they’re so full of themselves! 7. Talk is cheap? Have you ever talked to a lawyer? 8.Why did the gym close down? It just didn’t work out! 9.Two artists had an art contest. It ended in a draw! 10.A plateau is the highest form of flattery. 11.I have a fear of speed bumps. But I am slowly getting over it. 12.You can only get spoiled milk from a pampered cow. 13.What do you call a boomerang that doesn’t come back? A stick! 14.You know what I saw today? Everything I looked at. 15.What are shark’s two most favorite words? Man overboard! 16.If we shouldn’t eat at night, why do they put a light in the fridge? 17.Have you ever tried eating a clock? It’s really timeconsuming, especially if you go for seconds. 18.Why are ghosts such bad liars? Because they are easy to see through. 19.It’s cleaning day so naturally, I’ve already polished off a whole chocolate bar. 20.What did the buffalo say when his son left for college? Bison! 21.Here, I bought you a calendar. Your days are numbered now. 22.Where do fish sleep? In the riverbed. 23.What did one plate say to his friend? Tonight, dinner’s on me! 24.Where are average things manufactured? The satisfactory. 25.I tried to sure the airport for misplacing my luggage. I lost my case. 26.What kind of exercise do lazy people do? Diddly-squats. 27.What do you call a pony with a cough? A little horse! 28.What is Forest Gump’s password? 1Forest1. 29.Why did the M&M go to school? He wanted to be a Smartie. 30.What did one traffic light say to the other? Stop looking! I am changing! 31.What do you call bears with no ears? B. 32.What’s a foot long and slippery? A slipper! 33.Why do French people eat snails? They don’t like fast food! 34. What’s red and moves up and down? A tomato in an elevator! 35. I invented a new word today. Plagiarism. 36. What is sticky and brown? A stick! 37. Why doesn’t the sun go to college? Because it has a million degrees! 38. I was wondering why the frisbee was getting bigger, then it hit me. 39. I have many jokes about unemployed people, sadly none of them work. 40. What do you call a singing laptop? A Dell! 41. Why was six afraid of seven? Because seven ate nine. 42. Why are skeletons so calm? Because nothing gets under their skin. 43. How do trees get online? They just log on! 44. Some people think prison is one word…but to robbers it’s the whole sentence. 45. My girlfriend treats me like God. She ignores my existence and only talks to me when she needs something. 46. Where does the sheep get his hair cut? The baa baa shop! 47. Why did the orange stop? It ran out of juice! 48. I never make mistakes. …I thought I did once; but I was wrong. 49. What dd the man in the moon do when his hair got too long? Eclipse it! 50. What did 0 say to 8? Nice belt!
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Sunday October 25, 2020
>>> Champion Health Care Provider <<<
Strong support system needed as war... From page 38 our part in fighting this disease then our country would be able to bend the curve and return to the new normal,” said Dr. Henry. Her disclosure in this regard comes even as the country nears the 4,000 mark in terms of positive COVID19 cases, with a total of 119 deaths, at the time of writing this article. Despite the Ministry’s efforts to keep the nation aware of this daunting state of affairs by way of daily updates, Dr. Henry noted that there are far too many among us who are convinced that “COVID-19 is not real.” This she has observed in the very Region she is tasked with providing quality health care. “I want to assure the residents of East Corentyne, Berbice that COVID-19 is real and is here.” Although the numbers remain small, the stench of death has emanated from positive cases in the Region and Dr. Henry anticipates that with increased testing, “we are expecting cases to increase.” For this reason, her appeal is for “residents of Region Six to be responsible in their interaction with each other; mask up, practice social distancing, sanitize or wash your hands frequently.” SACRIFICE AND HARD WORK Reflecting on her professional journey, Dr. Henry assured that becoming a physician is a very rewarding and prestigious career. But she admitted, “it comes with sacrifice and hard work.” But according to her, “When you have saved a life or hold a neonate in your hands that you would have aided into this world, there is no better feeling. These are the indicators
that the decision to become a physician was the right one.” Although pleased with her accomplishments thus far, she intoned, “there is more that I would like to contribute to the health sector. As a health care professional, there is always more to learn and implement for the continuous wellbeing of the population; hence my job is not
innovative health programming and policies for the overall health of the population. Going beyond the walls of the hospital, she has collaborated with various Faith-Based and E m p o w e r m e n t Organizations to introduce yearly outreaches that address the medical needs of persons across the length and breadth of Guyana. “I am
Dr. Vasana Henry.
done.” Dr. Henry has yet to check off on her bucket list, the building of a home for the elderly designed to provide them with maximum care and support during what she calls “this critical time of their life.” This ambitious medical practitioner also has a passion for human resource and policy development within the health care system to provide universal coverage for the Guyanese population. As such, within the next 10 years, she anticipates moving into a medical director role where she will be able to implement
also a volunteer attached to the Guyana Community Based Rehabilitation Programme, an NGO which mainly focuses on the integration of persons with disabilities into society,” said Dr. Henry who also gains immense satisfaction from reading novels, cooking and travelling. For being able to defy the odds to fulfil the agenda of advancing the delivery of health care of our nation, today, with the blessings of the Ministry of Health, we bestow the title of ‘Champion Health Care Provider’ to Dr. Henry.
Sunday October 25, 2020
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Kaieteur News
THE
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STORY WITHIN THE
By Leonard Gildarie It is a given fact that challenges for government
are different from country to country across the globe. For example, the hurdles of governing in the Middle
Sunday October 25, 2020
Reversed: The banks and those demands East where water is an issue would be different from Guyana and Suriname where rivers and freshwater
courses are plentiful. Water is life in especially Saudi Arabia because cities are built around it. It is almost like oil. Yes, that valuable. In Guyana, the vast terrain of forests and waterways have locked in communities, some accessible by boats, others by planes. A number of them can only be reached via ATVs. That accessibility has been proving a major problem when it comes to delivering services like telephone, medical and even policing capacity. We h a v e a m a j o r problem with our borders with Venezuela and Brazil. There are thousands of miles of unmanned borders. Some parts of it are crossable on foot because of low water levels. It is virtually impossible to man the borders there 24/7. As I write yesterday, the community of Kwebanna, Region One, has gone on a shut-down. In one month, that little border area community has seen more than 50 COVID19 cases being recorded. The shut-down for two weeks would see no one being allowed to come or go, at least… without permission. I am worried about food and medical supplies for this community. It is a situation that is being told repeatedly of other communities. The point is that Guyana has a unique situation that has challenged consecutive administrations. The country is 83,000 square miles with a mere 700,000 persons. Though filled with gold and diamonds in the hinterlands, it is difficult with corrupt mines officers and too few boots on the ground to monitor. We h a v e p e r s o n s slipping in and out, maybe with the blessings of the authorities on the borders, with the number of COVID19 cases just rising and rising. The question that begs to be asked is how many in the hinterlands who are infected are slipping to the coastlands. That answer can tell us a story about where a major weakness to our COVID-19 measures may lie. It may not be just because our people were careless. This government, under Irfaan Ali, has some
unenviable tasks. It has to shepherd this divided country, fresh from one of the most troubled elections in the globe for this year, through the pandemic. It has started making changes, included cash to citizens, reduction of taxes and incentives to businesses. Just last week, one of the most frustrating of roadblocks was removed. Yes, we are talking about the troubles at the commercial banks. A few years ago, under pressure from the international community, Guyana passed new laws to tackle money laundering and other financial crimes that could be used to fund illegal activities including terrorism. Part of those laws mandate host countries to ensure that its financial institutions should know their customers and measures should be in place to reduce the risks. Customers, by the thousands, were written to by the commercial banks to update their accounts by producing fresh copies of the identification cards or passports. The banks started paying attention to transactions which looked suspicion. Large, unusual deposits and withdrawals triggered reports to the financial authorities. The collateral damage from the stringent checks were pensioners and lowsalaried workers. Pensioners were being asked about source of income. How many pensioners have a source of income that comes from a business? The fact is, Guyana had no choice regards those laws. We lost a major corresponding bank…Bank of America. Guyana had to scramble to find new corresponding banks or face a halt to our trading and imports because we could not send or receive money. The fact is, the host countries have to ensure that the financial transactions all come from legit sources. Small amounts that come from pensions are predictable and the bankers should have categorized these transactions. For Guyana, it was a tough pill to swallow. Guyanese were bitterly complaining about difficulties in maintaining and opening accounts.
Leonard Gildarie I don’t transact much business for home. I simply don’t have the time. I don’t have lots of bills coming in my name. All I have is the internet bill and even that comes in my email. It is a pain when I am asked for a proof of my address. For many low-incomers, the pain saw many of them unable to open or maintain bank accounts. It of course hampered efforts by government to move to a cashless era, and reduce crowds at the post offices. The Bank of Guyana appears to have found the timings right, especially with an aggressive government in place, to reduce some of the red tapes. I like the fact that persons can now submit their driver’s licence as a form of identification and proof of address. In a circular to financial institutions, the Bank of Guyana, as regulator, made it clear where customers are low-risk and known to the banks, they are not required to submit documents every year…rather this was revised to seven years. I raise these issues to point out the very obvious. Countries around the world will have their own challenges…from geographical to political ones. Measures and solutions have to be adopted and tailored to suit the situation, while still meeting international requirements. As a country, we have to take the initiative, keep our thinking caps on and adjust. Sitting still is not an option. Rather, every situation…be it the schools’ reopening dilemma, to financial bailouts, the answers have to be adjusted to cater for our local terrain, if you will. It calls for smart thinking. We need to dig deep. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Sunday October 25, 2020
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Despite rhetoric, GOP has supported packing state courts Associated Press - Republican claims that Democrats would expand the U.S. Supreme Court to undercut the conservative majority if they win the presidency and control of Congress has a familiar ring. It’s a tactic the GOP already has employed in recent years with state supreme courts when they have controlled all levers of state political power. Republican governors in Arizona and Georgia have signed bills passed by GOPdominated legislatures to expand the number of seats on their states’ respective high courts. In Iowa, the Republican governor gained greater leverage over the commission that names judicial nominees. “The arguments being advanced now by Republican leaders — that this is an affront to separation of powers, that this is a way of delegitimizing courts — those don’t seem to be holding at the state level,” said Marin Levy, a law professor at Duke University who has written about efforts to expand state high courts. President Donald Trump and the GOP have seized on the issue in the final weeks of the presidential race, arguing that Democratic nominee Joe Biden would push a Democratic Congress to increase the number of seats on the Supreme Court and fill those with liberal justices. Some on the left have floated the idea in the wake of Republicans’ rush to confirm Amy Coney Barrett to fill the seat of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a liberal icon who died last month. Biden, for his part, has said he’s not a fan of so-called “court packing,” and it’s far from certain that Democrats can win back the
Governor Doug Ducey majority in the U.S. Senate. Arizona’s governor, Republican Doug Ducey, said he opposes adding seats to the U.S. Supreme Court. “We shouldn’t be changing our institutions,” he told reporters recently. Yet Ducey signed a bill that did just that at the state level in 2016, expanding the Arizona Supreme Court from five seats to seven. As a result, Ducey has appointed more judges than any other governor in the state’s history. Ducey said the situations are not the same because Arizona’s system for selecting judges allows him to appoint them only from a list sent to him by a commission that interviews and vets candidates.
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Sunday October 25, 2020
F-1 M-1 Students Taking Full Online Courses in Fall 2020 Cannot Remain in U.S. By Attorney Gail Seeram
O
n July 6, 2020, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announced modifications to a temporary exemptions for nonimmigrant students taking online classes due to the pandemic for the fall 2020 semester. In summary, F-1 M-1 students taking full online courses cannot remain in U.S. - they must attend in-person classes fulltime for the fall 2020 semester. Temporary exemptions for the fall 2020 semester include: 1. Nonimmigrant F-1 and M-1 students attending
schools operating entirely online may not take a full online course load and remain in the United States. The U.S. Department of State will not issue visas to students enrolled in schools and/or programs that are fully online for the fall semester nor will U.S. Customs and Border Protection permit these students to enter the United States. Active students currently in the United States enrolled in such programs must depart the country or take other measures, such as transferring to a school with in-person instruction to remain in lawful status. If not, they may face immigration consequences
including, but not limited to, the initiation of removal proceedings. 2. Nonimmigrant F-1 students attending schools operating under normal inperson classes are bound by existing federal regulations. Eligible F students may take a maximum of one class or three credit hours online. 3. Nonimmigrant F-1 students attending schools adopting a hybrid model—that is, a mixture of online and in person classes—will be allowed to take more than one class or three credit hours online. These schools must certify to SEVP, through the Form I20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student
Status,” certifying that the program is not entirely online, that the student is not taking an entirely online course load this semester, and that the student is taking the minimum number of online classes required to make normal progress in their degree program. The above exemptions do not apply to F-1 students in English language training programs or M-1 students pursing vocational degrees, who are not permitted to enroll in any online courses. Schools should update their information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) within 10 days of the change if they begin the
Sueria Manufacturing Inc. launches New Generation of Cleaning Sponges Young and vibrant company, Sueria Manufacturing Inc., is taking cleaning to higher heights. The company in a release said that “We are excited to introduce our Magic Scrub Scouring Sponge line into Guyana’s market.” Currently, the company has designed two different types of scouring sponges – heavy-duty and non-scratch. The heavy-duty sponge is designed to clean excessively greasy pans, pots
and other areas that require tough cleaning. And for delicate utensils and surfaces such as non-stick cookware, cutlery, crockery and countertops, the company has designed the non-scratch sponge. “When it comes to cleaning, I noticed that there are lots of inferior products on the market and I am working to fill this void by designing and engineering cleaning sponges that will be affordable, durable and longer lasting,” said its Chief Executive
Office, Frank Sanichara. As far as quality is concerned, Sueria Manufacturing Inc. stands by its products. “We believe in a fast growing environment such as Guyana, where locals should be able to access premium products at affordable prices,” the company added in its release. Magic Scrub Scouring Sponges are available at local shops and supermarkets nationwide. However, persons can call 233-2473 for further details.
fall semester with in-person classes but are later required to switch to only online classes, or a nonimmigrant student changes their course selections, and as a result, ends up taking an entirely online course load. Nonimmigrant students within the United States are not permitted to take a full course of study through online classes. If students find themselves in this situation, they must leave the country or take alternative steps to maintain their nonimmigrant status such as a reduced course load or appropriate medical leave. Due to COVID-19, SEVP instituted a temporary exemption regarding online courses for the spring and summer semesters. This policy permitted nonimmigrant students to take more online courses than normally permitted by federal regulation to maintain their nonimmigrant status during the COVID-19 emergency. Orlando Immigration Lawyer Gail Seeram advises F-1 and M-1 students to seek guidance from their school counselor. If the F-1 M-1 students taking full online courses at current school then maybe the student may want to transfer to another
Gail S. Seeram school that has in-person classes so not to violate their F-1 M-1 status. NOTE: Immigration Law Offices of Gail S. S e e r a m o ff e r s a f r e e consultation to discuss related fees for a process and explain options. Our office will NOT tell you how to complete the legal process on your own. If you seek legal representation, then legal fees will be due to our office. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) Copyright ©Law Offices of Gail S. Seeram, 2020. All Rights Reserved. Attorney Gail Seeram, LL.M., J.D., BBA Call | text 407-292-7730 WhatsApp 407-353-1363 Email: Gail@GailLaw.com Live chat: www.GailLaw.com Download FREE App: Gail Law
Kaieteur News
Cintiana Harry
Sunday October 25, 2020
This week's beauty is the stunning Ms. Cintiana Harry. She was recently signed as Miss Earth Guyana 2020. In 2018, Harry was crowned Miss Berbice “I am Big a Deal� 1st runner-up and in 2019, she was crowned as the first Miss Eco-Guyana. Miss Eco Guyana is significant to the Miss Earth Guyana brand as it comprises the responsibilities for the three elements: air, water and fire.
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Sunday October 25, 2020
Protest erupts again at WCB over Henry boys’ murder investigations
Murdered: Isaiah Henry Police on the ground ensuring the smooth flow of traffic. (Facebook) Quick action by law enforcement officers averted what could have erupted into a full-scale riot on the West Coast of Berbice yesterday as enraged residents blocked the roads in protest over the slothful pace of investigations into the murders of Isaiah and Joel Henry. This marks the third time villagers from the area have engaged in protest over the violent crime. According to a release
from the police, at 1:45 pm reports were received of the public road running through No. 5 village being blocked. Ranks immediately responded, confirming the blockage. From images seen, tyres and other debris were placed across the main passage way and set alight, temporarily halting the flow of traffic. “At this time, the ranks have managed to partially extinguish the fire and clear
the roadway, allowing traffic to flow again,” the police said. Up to press time, officers were still on the ground to clear the remainder of the roadway. No arrests have been made so far. Concerns continue to be raised at the silence of the Guyana Police Force on the status of investigations. Only recently, the Commissioner of Police, Nigel Hoppie informed the media that “new leads” were being
pursued when asked about progress being made. No further update was released. The Force is still awaiting the detailed report from the five-member Regional Security System (RSS) team who provided assistance to investigators with their probe. Additionally, investigators are expected to receive another boost in their investigations with the impending arrival of the
Politicians stole more than US$400B in oil... From page 18 barrels of oil valued at US$13.7 billion was stolen under the watch of the national oil company, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation over a four-year period. So what has oil done to Nigeria in the end? It is safe to conclude that this resource has led to a great sea of corruption, waste and dysfunction. Will this be Guyana’s story too? Only the actions of the nation’s politicians will tell. To be continued….
SOURCES 1) https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/nigerias -corruptionbusters.html) 2) https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/nigeria-to-nameleaders-who-stole-163212bn-oil-money-411756.html 3) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corruption_in_Nigeria) 4) https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-33689115 5) https://qz.com/africa/880155/nigerias-ex-oil-minister-will-have-to-give up-153-million-in-stolen-cash/
Argentine Team of Forensic Anthropology (Equipo Argentino de Antropologia Forensica-EAAF). According to published reports, the teams’ arrival, originally due earlier this week, was delayed due to the COVID-19. That team should consist of a forensic pathologist, a forensic anthropologist and a forensic radiologist and will also bring along with them the equipment they need. The mutilated bodies of Joel and Isaiah Henry were found back on September 6, in clumps of bushes near to a coconut estate located at Cotton Tree Backdam, We s t C o a s t B e r b i c e , Region Five. Protests marred by violence had erupted over the news of their gruesome murder and days later, the body of another teen, Haresh Singh was found, lying in a patch of grass and bleeding from the nose at the Number Three Village backdam. Singh was later pronounced dead at a hospital and was identified as the grandson of one of the suspects, a rice farmer, who was in police custody at the time for the murder of the Henry boys.
Murdered: Isaiah Henry
Murdered: Haresh Singh A brief round of protest had erupted a few weeks ago at the pace of investigations then.
Committee established to address budgetary... From page 15 said. He noted that requests, which were lodged with the Ministry of Finance under the previous administration, went unheeded. Additionally, the Minister noted as a result of the shortfall, farmers of Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) became affected by high rate hikes. “These farmers were burdened by the steep hike in rates and rentals implemented by the APNU+AFC government. There are sixteen legal matters, before the High Court, for which the Authority is a named party,” the Minister had explained while expressing his commitment to address the issues.
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 25, 2020
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Dr. Yesu Persaud Clinical Education Centre handed over to Govt. The newly constructed Dr. Yesu Persaud Educational Centre.
The Dr. Yesu Persaud Clinical Education Centre which will serve the University of Guyana (UG) and medical programmes at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) was yesterday officially handed over to the Government of Guyana. The Centre located on the south side of the GPHC compound facing Thomas Street, was declared open by President Irfaan Ali in a simple COVID-19 restricted ceremony. In a press release sent out by the Department of Public Information (DPI), the
building is described as a three-level, 20,000 square feet structure with a usable roof terrace. It was detailed that it took three years to construct and has been made a reality by the kind gesture of Dr. Yesu Persaud who committed G$215M towards its construction and was backed up with another $30M from the government. The facility is said to have enough space for administrative and faculty offices, classrooms, conference rooms, dry labs and skills training labs.
President Irfaan Ali unveiling the plaque yesterday as the centre was handed over.
Traffic cop killed after slamming into parked trailer
Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony and Dr. Yesu Persaud posing for a photograph.
Remar launches mix-tape today G
The wrecked car.
Fellowship Public Road, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Dead: Police Constable, Dead is police Raul Archer constable Raul Archer who was attached to Fort Wellington Police Station. According to the information received by this media house, the A traffic rank died last evening after he lost control officer was off duty at the of his motorcar and slammed time and was heading into a parked trailer along the towards Berbice.
Archer, Kaieteur News was told, overtook a vehicle and when he got back in lane allegedly did not see the park trailer and collided with it head on. The sight was horrendous, the car crushed beyond recognition. Archer died instantly and his body was pulled from the wreckage by public-spirited citizens.
uyanese rapper, Remar, launches his new mix-tape today. The artiste, Dominic Weekes, will present the sixtrack album, 90s Flexx today at 3 pm on radio with DJ Rawle on Boom FM. According to Remar, the theme of the new music was inspired by the decade: “From the fashion to the iconic movies and TV shows we got back then to the analog photos we now look back on from that era, and of course, the rich offerings of music, which we received from every imaginable genre. I was only fortunate to fully experience and remember the years of the tailend of the 90’s, but those memories were vivid and have always inspired my craft. A quick listen to my music, and it would be very obvious that 90’s R&B and hip-hop have influenced my sound tremendously.”
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Sunday October 25, 2020
...Olympia Small-Sonoram demand to fill orders for evening gowns for the delegates in the Miss World Guyana, Miss Guyana Universe and Miss Guyana Earth pageants. One of her most memorable costume designs for which she was awarded the designer-of-year title was the Digicel float titled, “Arabian Nights”. It was a Full Costume Band creation showcased at Guyana’s 44th Republic Anniversary celebrations. That year, an elated SmallSonoram had won Digicel Guyana Inc. prizes for semi, medium and male individual- costumes. For these, she got praises from the corporate body and admirers alike. BUILDING A BRAND Though she has made her name as designer in this part of the world, Small-Sonoram wants to build a brand that people living in different regions of the globe can cherish for lifetimes to come. As such, the businesswoman has been quietly working to relaunch her brand
With a model who represented Guyana at an international fashion show. From page 22 known to those in the Diaspora, she began receiving requests to represent Guyana, at several venues overseas for Caribbean Fashion Expositions. As such, the Guyanese designer travelled to Jamaica, Trinidad and Washington D.C. to headline several shows. She also headlined several shows for the locally acclaimed, Guyana Fashion Week. A WINNING STREAK From 2009 – 2016, the Guyanese designer developed a winning streak for her riveting costume designs. She was awarded the Designer-of-theYear title, seven years in a row by the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry at its annual award ceremony at the annual Mashramani Costume Band Competition. As it is with any other venture, Small-Sonaram noted that creativity, hard work and determination led to her success as a costume designer. She noted that working with top local corporate companies like Digicel, Guyana Inc., GTT and Bank’s DIH caused her to put out some of her best work. She noted that, “To win, I had to be creative and original. I had to make sure that my designs were not just eyecatching but that it was interesting and in keeping with the theme of the year ’s competition.” As such, she noted that her
team of 12 people started early and had their priority in order. “ We h a d m a n y sleepless nights; we would work tirelessly to get things on track for the big day,” Small-Sonoram recalled. The designer said too that the she had to put in extra time and effort to be able to complete the costumes and float for the Mash parade, since she was also on
Her greatest treasure is her family.
“I was young in the business but my work spoke for itself. I was making gowns and dresses for delegates in the Miss Guyana Teen, Miss Guyana World and the Miss Guyana Universe pageants.” under the names Olympia’s fashions and O’Da Brand. According to her, the labels will continue to feature pieces inspired by her vibrant Guyanese/Caribbean roots and culture. “I am currently working to relaunch my brand. It’s not going to stray away from all the things
people know and love about my work. It will have the same colourful, innovative feel but I am looking to do things on a wider scale and stage,” she said. “That‘s where my focus is at this moment. It’s a work in progress so it will take some time,” asserted the designer.
I n t h e meantime, due to the COVID -19 pandemic, SmallSonoram shared that her work in her fashion designing has slowed. “People aren’t going out much so, I have a lot of time to work on my other talents. I also do floral arrangements and interior design and so on. I have also been focusing a lot on spending time with my children,” she related. The designer is hoping that the health crisis will be over sooner rather than later, so that she can get back to doing what she does best.
The awarding winning 2014 Digicel Guyana Band titled “Arabian Nights”.
Sunday October 25, 2020
STANDARDS IN FOCUS CRUCIAL STANDARD HELPS TO SUPPORT THOSE AFFECTED BY BREAST CANCER The most common cancer in women worldwide, both in the developed and the developing world is breast cancer. As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2020, we are reminded of the impact of the disease on our women folk locally and across the globe. In support of testing and treatment for the disease, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has developed a crucial International
Standard. The ISO 12052:2017, Health informatics – Digital imaging and communication in medicine (DICOM) including workflow and data management help in digital imaging for the detection of the disease.Early detection of breast cancer is one of the best methods to improve survival rate. Detection can be done by physical examination and by screening through ultrasound or mammography. A mammogram is an X-ray exam of the breasts to look for abnormalities. The results can go directly into a computer and become a digital image ready to be read and analysed by a radiologist.According to the International Agency on Research on Cancer (IARC), in high-income countries where screening coverage is over 70%, early detection through mammography can lead to earlier treatment, which in turn leads to reduction of breast cancer mortality by 20 to 30% in women over 50 years old.The ISO 12052:2017 standard allows digital images and related information to be exchanged and managed by the many different medical imaging devices and IT systems, from
many different vendors, which are in use today. Without this standard, the operation of a modern radiology department would not be possible. As Kevin O’Donnell, one of the experts in the ISO Technical Committee that develops and maintains ISO 12052, e x-
plained: “Thanks to the standard, images can be read on any equipment. The DICOM format allows these images to be uploaded and reviewed wherever they are taken. Being able to compare current images to prior images to get a sense of changes and progression, or lack thereof, is vital f or radiologists and oncologists.”“Mammography screening is increasingly used to catch breast cancer early and the number of images that a radiologist is expected to read today would be impossible using the old film-based workflows. Digital image acquisition and review, which is enabled by ISO 12052,
makes modern mammography possible”, he explained.Similarly, the use of the standard has facilitated data handling in the many clinical trials conducted in the area of breast cancer research.In addition, the successful exchange of information helps make patients’ lives easier. DICOM images recorded on media such as CDs, DVDs, and USB have been used for years to give patients full fidelity copies of their images. Kevin O’Donnell underlined the important contribution of the standard to breast cancer diagnosis: “DICOM is used in most healthcare institutions worldwide where patient imaging is performed. Every mammography system shipped today supports the ISO 12052 standard. Every image taken is either transmitted to the radiologist using a DICOM Standard protocol, or, in older clinics, sent to a printer using a DICOM Standard protocol.”ISO 12052:2017, with in the field of health
informatics, addresses the exchange of digital images and information related to the production and management of those images, between both medical imaging equipment and systems concerned with the management and communication of that information. The standard facilitates interoperability of medical imaging equipment through many means including network communications, a set of protocols to be followed by devices claiming conformance to this document; and testing/validation procedure to assess an implementation’s conformance to this document. ISO 12052:2017 was developed with an emphasis on diagnostic medical imaging as practiced in radiology, cardiology, pathology, dentistry, ophthal-
mology and related disciplines, and image-based therapies such as interventional radiology, radiotherapy and surgery. However, it is also applicable to a wide range of image and nonimage related information exchanged in clinical, research, veterinary, and other medical environments.The ISO 21052:2017 can be purchased from the ISO Store, which can be accessed through the GNBS Website: www.gnbsgy.org. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) For further information, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0065 or 219-0064 or WhatsApp 692GNBS (4627).
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Sunday October 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
Government seeking to raise Private Sector minimum wage to $60,000 The Government is seeking to increase the minimum wage for Private Sector workers from $42,000 to $60,000. This was announced by the Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton in an interview with another section of the media this week. Upon taking office in early August, the Labour Minister said that minimum wage in the Private Sector is a critical area of focus for his administration. The Minister had stated in a press conference that the former government had a tripartite committee responsible for reviewing the
matter and the issue of increasing minimum wage in the Private Sector was discussed; however, the group has held no meetings for discussions in a very long time. He had also disclosed that he instructed the Chief Labour Officer (CLO), Charles Ogle to hold an urgent meeting so that the issue can be properly addressed. Upon reviewing the matter, the committee had recommended an increase to $60,000 from the current $44,200 a month. Hamilton expressed how pleased he was with the committee’s
recommendation and said that the committee will be reconfigured and re-established with the assistance of the CLO.In his interview this week, Hamilton told the media that despite pushing to raise the minimum wage, strong consideration is being given for the COVID-19 pandemic. After the onset of the virus, many businesses were forced to dismiss employees and even shut down completely due to economic difficulties they started to face. The Minister noted that the Private Sector raised the issue of the impact of the
COVID-19 pandemic on Guyana’s business sector and highlighted the “downturn” businesses have faced thus far. Minister Joseph said that the minimum wage definitely will be raised, but they will be considering the impact of COVID-19. The government is actively engaging with stakeholders so that it can be decided how soon the recommendation will take effect. “The question is should or can we do it now and how will it impact more workers who are working in the private sector?”
the Labour Minister said. Following the announcement of the salary increase, concerns were raised by many persons on social media regarding the possible impact a salary increase can have on private business owners in this time. Many of the persons contended that it might be untimely to raise the minimum wage since many businesses are already struggling to pay employees, while others opposed saying that a boost in salary is just what is needed for persons already struggling due to the pandemic.
Sunday October 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
Guyana has no laws to protect women against stalkers - Senior Police source (The main subject of this article has requested that her last name not be published.) Christine, 24, is being forced to live in fear since there are no laws in Guyana to protect her against a possible attack from an alleged stalker. The woman’s troubles with the stalker, whom she described as a tall Portuguese man in his early 40s, began one month after she moved to a location on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), along with her five-year-old son. After days of constant “harassment” and “suspicious actions” by the individual, Christine, lodged a report with police. However, ranks told her that there is nothing they can do to help. Surprised, Christine asked why and was told by the lawmen that the man has not made any attempts to threaten or attack her as yet. One of them, she said, even advised her to arm herself with a knife if the man continues his stalking and tries to attack her. Venting her frustration on Facebook, she posted “Come on, you’re gonna wait for him to attack me and then do something? What if next time I don’t even make it to get a report to you? How does that work?” Christine told Kaieteur News that it all began with a “Good morning”. One day, she said, while taking her son to a babysitter, the man approached and started a conversation. “He started talking to me, and told me that I remind him of a relative and how pretty I am, calling me a princess, and how much he wants to do for me. I would always say I’m not interested and that I’m married and that my husband wouldn’t appreciate you,” she recalled. Despite rejecting him, the man persisted. “He started following me, all the time and I would continuously ask him not to but he continued. He would follow me to the babysitter’s house, wait for me and then follow me again,” the young woman detailed. This routine, she said, was repeated for three days by the man. Growing tired of him Christine said that she complained to her boyfriend who accompanied her the following day and warned the man to “back off”. Nevertheless, the stern warning did not deter the man. The next day she said while on her way to the babysitter, the man continued his “creepy ways”. Christine claimed that she was dropped off by a bus at a bus-stop and there was the man waiting for her. “I panicked, got out of the bus and made my way through the Mon Repos Market to escape him but he started to pace behind me. I
Murdered: Nadine Kalamadeen. was almost running pulling my son along trying to get to the babysitter,” she recounted. Christine said after she arrived, she spent a while waiting for the man to go away but instead he stood a short distance away waiting for her to leave. Scared, she pleaded with one of the men living at the babysitter’s to follow her back to the busstop which he did but the alleged stalker kept on walking behind them until they arrived. Christine said that she hurried to enter a minibus but the man entered too and sat behind her. She added that she immediately jumped out the bus because of fear but he jumped out too. Christine panicked and re-entered the minibus and he followed her into the bus again. “It was then that lost my cool and confronted him, telling him to leave me alone”, said Christine. The passengers and the driver became involved, she said, and asked him why he was “harassing her”. The man responded, Christine told this newspaper, that he was doing nothing of the sort. “I beg the driver,” she said, “not to let him enter the bus and the passengers including the driver became riled and locked him out. I became so scared that I was left with no choice but to make a report to the police”. Christine said that after the she made the report the man stopped but she later found out that he was now stalking and frequently visiting her son at the babysitter: “He even taking snacks there for my son, the babysitter has since refused the offers but the man has continued.” The woman said that now she is even more fearful that the man might try to kidnap her son. She has considered moving out of the East Coast area where she currently lives and moving to another location but cannot afford to do so now. Speaking with Kaieteur News, yesterday, a senior rank of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) said that Guyana has no law to protect females or anyone from stalkers. He explained that according to the law, a police officer can
The stalker who allegedly murdered Kalamadeen. make an arrest if a person exhibits threatening behaviour towards their victim or uses threatening language. He further highlighted threatening behaviour is interpreted as someone making attempts to assault, kill or abduct their victim. The highranking officer continued that with regards to threatening language, a police officer will act if the individual has threatened his victim verbally. A prominent lawyer also told this media house it is because of the absence of such laws, there is a major gap in the justice system and advised that if not implemented it gives “a breeding space” for violent attacks on women. The headline which was published by an online media house reads ‘35-Y-O woman stabbed to death by alleged stalker’ and told a dark tale of a mother who ended up being murdered by a man who (Continued on page 71)
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Kaieteur News
Sunday October 25, 2020
Snake killing in risk areas to be balanced by ecological restraint elsewhere
CONSUMER CONCERNS
By Pat Dial A few weeks ago, the news media carried the report of a small child in the North West District who had died from a scorpion bite. Several people die each year from bites by venomous snakes but such deaths are rarely reported in the media. Some statistics have however been kept by the health authorities of patients who were treated for snake bites, and deaths from such bites. For instance, in the five-year period (2010 2014), 1,190 cases of snake bite patients were recorded of which 95 had died. The number of persons who had suffered snake bites countrywide is believed to be much greater and the number of deaths is also believed to be higher than 18 per year, since a good proportion of snake bite victims are unable to access hospital facilities. Guyana’s economy still largely depends on agriculture, forestry and mining and snakes are common in the
sugar and rice fields and food farms. The loggers in the forests are always open to the risk of being attacked by venomous snakes and so are those engaged in mining for gold and diamonds. In other words, a good proportion of the country’s workforce is each day open to the risk of being bitten by snakes. In Georgetown, people are less aware of the danger of snake bites since the city is snake-free. This was not always so. Two or three generations ago, in the 1940’s and 1950’s, snakes, centipedes and scorpions were common in the city and it was a usual custom to ascertain that no centipedes or scorpions had secreted themselves in one’s shoes before putting them on. Guyana is known to be home to a wide variety of snakes but the five most known and deadly are the Bushmaster, the Labaria and Carpet Labaria which are
found in most parts of the country, especially in the moist coastal plains, the rain forests and the arid grasslands. The other two types are the Rupununi Rattler mostly found in the savannahs and the Coral Snake which is found everywhere since it moves around to find its food supply.The snake risk has been addressed in various ways. In the first place, there was medication. A generation or two ago, the most common treatments were folk remedies such as trying to suck the venom from the bite or widening the wound so that blood and venom could be squeezed out. Indian indentured immigrants had brought a number of treatments used in India such as the snake stone and various herbs but by the beginning of the 20th century, all these self-help treatments were forgotten or fell into desuetude. For many years, the medical profession has been using various anti-venom se-
rums or other drugs imported from abroad. Of recent years, the Georgetown Public Hospital has acquired an antivenom treatment from Costa Rica which is reported to be an effective treatment for snake bites. The Hospital has also built up skills to deal with complications such as allergic/anaphylactic reactions as side effects from the treatment. The relevant staffers from the Regional and District Hospitals are accorded training by the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital so as to render immediate help to patients in the Regions. Farms, forested areas, woodlands, grasslands and the newly developed housing schemes are high-risk areas for snakes. People who live or work in such areas are recommended to do a number of things to protect themselves: They should eliminate dumping and heaping up of vegetation waste such as
branches, cuttings, weeds, coconut shells since such dumps and heaps provide breeding grounds for snakes. In their yards and around their habitations, they should remove all excess and overgrown vegetation since such vegetation in the high-risk areas not only attracts snakes but could also accommodate breeding areas for them. Throwing about food or food materials carelessly on the ground or in drains attract both rats and snakes. Persons who live or work in these high-risk areas should ensure that they have at hand personal protective equipment such as sturdy long boots, sharp cutlasses, appropriate heavy sticks and even shotguns. Teachers in the schools and social workers in the countryside and other highrisk areas should be educated
as to the habits of snakes, what should be done on encountering them and precautions to be taken against them. Some elementary first-aid treatment should also be taught to them. Such “training” should take an hour or two and could be illustrated with video tapes. In all civilizations, snakes have been regarded ambiguously - either as an enemy to be killed on sight or with some protective reverence as for instance, the snake emblem which the medical profession uses which is associated with the Greco-Roman God Apollo. Modern Man, influenced by Ecology, knows that snakes should not be killed except they are a threat or nuisance. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
UWI & CCCCC join forces with PAHO and EU to strengthen CARIFORUM climate health system resilience The Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) subregional office issued a release on Friday stating that it has signed an agreement with the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) to enhance coordination and increase the climate resilience of health systems in the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) community. This initiative was funded by the European Union (EU).According to release, the UWI highlighted that it would focus on creating an interdisciplinary cadre of 16 climate change fellows from across the region, trained in Climate Change, One Health, and Leadership. It is expected that the establishment of this network would facilitate collaboration and support of local leadership initiatives spearheaded by the climate fellows under the programme. The University disclosed that it would assist PAHO in tracking the Caribbean public perceptions on climate and health over the next five years and increase public awareness and visibility. “The UWI is really happy to partner with PAHO on this timely and important EUfunded project. Through our fellowship program, which we hope to kick-off in the first half of 2021, we plan to develop a cadre of leaders in Climate Change and Health from across the 16 participating countries,” said Chris Oura professor at the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the UWI-St Augustine and Chair of the Technical Working Group. Meanwhile, the Belize-
based CCCCC, which coordinates the Caribbean region’s response to climate change and provides climate changerelated policy advice and guidelines, would support countries in developing health adaptation funding proposals and create opportunities for heightened awareness in the region on the links between climate change and health using various communication channels. Project Development Specialist at the CCCCC, Vincent Peter explained that “since in the ultimate analysis, climate change impacts the various dimensions of human health, we view this project as another important avenue to fulfill our mandate to assist Caribbean countries in building resilience to the impacts of climate change by empowering our people to act on climate change.”The release stated that the EU/CARIFORUM Strengthening Climate Resilient Health Systems Project assists countries in countering the health impacts of climate change
and advocates for their prioritization at the national level. To do this, representatives from the health sector in each country would support the preparation of a Health chapter in the National Adaptation Plans (H-NAP) through engagement with other national partners and following a systematic process based upon PAHO/ WHO-UNFCCC guidance. This would ensure that the Caribbean sub-region is better prepared for changes in health outcomes influenced by climate change, assess the current effectiveness of (Continued on page 71)
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 25, 2020
PAGE 69
NPTAB opens over 700 bids (Con't) F ollowing the passage of the emergency $330B budget, the government is now in a rush to expend the remainder of funds on projects before the end of this
fiscal year. With this, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) on Tuesday opened over 725
bids for 65 major governmental projects at their Ministry of Finance office on Main and Urquhart Streets. Below are the companies and their bids.
Construction of science lab for Brickdam Secondary School.
Supply, delivery, installation and testing of equipment: Lot 1- Administrative items;Lot 2- Electrical & mechanical: Lot 3- Hydraulic and block-making machines for Leonora Technical Vocational Training Centre.
Ministry of Home Affairs Procurement of new vehicle- GPS. Bidder Ansa Motors Guyana Incorporated Rose Ramdehol Auto Sales Danny Auto Sales Massy Motors Guyana Ideal Auto Incorporated Car Care Enterprise
Amount GY($) 8,400,000 6,612,000 9,940,000 7,782,000 2,270,000 9,405,000
Procurement of tools and equipment. GPS Bidder
Amount GY($) 49,968,944 10,314,586
The Hardware Depot Platinum Sales & Services
Ministry of Education (MoE) Construction of nursery school - Mon Repos, Marty’s Ville . Bidder Amount GY($) A. Orgasine & Sons 78,094,170 A&N Enterprise 91,782,957 Doodnauth Construction 89,710,625 S&K Construction Consultancy & General Supplies 62,229,225 R. Persaud Construction 76,682,813 N&S General Engineering Construction & Services 68,874,569 Memorex Enterprise 94,354,869 Two Brothers Construction 79,859,220 R. Kissoon Contracting Services 83,160,672 Andrew Howard Construction Services 101,516,069 Trevon David Construction 64,739,493 Black Rock Development 113,239,817 Engineer’s estimate 78,584,174 Supply, delivery, installation and testing of equipment-Lot 1: Manual and power, tools and electrical equipment; Lot 2:Mechanical machinery; Lot 3: Office equipment, Upper Corentyne Industrial Training Centre.
Bidder Western Scientific Company Limited
Lot 1 6,735,092
Amount GY($) Lot 2 7,541,335
Lot 3 8,499,576
Moonshot Managed Services LLC (USA) The Hardware Depot
USD 15,106 6,956,101
USD26,504 8,326,283
USD25,457 9,066,527
Saed K Construction Consultancy Services & General Supplies
4,283,837
5,050,116
9,676,819
BL Tech Fixit Depot
3,468,720 4,988,361
1,394,400 6,016,878
2233,600 12,622,831
Ele’s Trading & Hardware
3,680,560
1,754,740
10,290,340
Massy Technologies Limited (Guyana) General Distributors
5,399,429
2,241,725
10,906,334 7,801,880
Survey Processes & Programming Incorporated
-
Loch Engineering
3,486,720
1,394,400
9,922,027 2,223,600
Supply, delivery, installation and testing of machinery, tools and equipment: Lot 1: Manual and power tools; Lot 2: Mechanical machinery; Lot 3: Office equipment for New Amsterdam Technical Institute Bidder General Distributors BL Tech Loch Energy Fixit Depot The Hardware Depot Ele’s Trading & Hardware Platinum Sales & Services Western Scientific Company Limited S&K Construction Consultancy & General Supplies Massy Technologies Guyana Limited Moonshot Managed Services LLC (USA)
The Hardware Depot MS Investments Moonshot Managed Services LLC (USA) Meditro Incorporated
Memorex Enterprise
11,378,835
Two Brothers Construction
Lot 1 19,933,327 5,327,115 5,327,115 3,585,429 6,427,590 6,578,710 7,599,036 4,219,715 8,043,774
Lot 2 19,933,327 276,360 276,360 3,585,429 1,784,944 655,200 2,216,707 6,965,406 276,537
Lot 3 19,933,327 2,292,840 2,292,840 13,810,300 15,590,306 17,523,662 8,578,004 12,253,686
-
-
11,276,240
-
-
23,350,905
2,161,608 24,834,119
11,997,300 10,082,660
R. Persid Construction
9,873,530
Simeon Engineering
10,797,080
A. Orgasine & Sons
9,378,460
Elias Howard Construction Services
9,385,800
Jems & Sons Hardware General Store Engineer’s estimate:
12,106,900 12,563,900
Rehabilitation of admin building, phase two- Georgetown Smyth Street.
Lot 2
632,270
Lot 3
-
-
The Hardware Depot
2,963,210
7,900,692
2,539,583
General Distributors
15,638,958
15,638,958
15,638,958
Ele’s Trading & Hardware
3,766,800
10,202,880
13,900,000
Regal Stationery & Computer Supplies
1,197,000
-
-
23,799,755
23,799,755
23,799,755
850,000
5,322,678
3,175,620
Moonshot Managed Services LLC (USA) MS Investment I Can Technologies
1,958,000
-
-
M&P Investment
1,660,522
7,670,453
10,004,537
49,183,750
Meditron Incorporated
1,560,000
6,941,200
20,665,000
Elias Howard Construction Services
62,397,500
Platinum Sales & Services
3,140,000
8,383,140
20,355,000
Trevon David Construction Services
44,754,050
Fixit Depot
3,080,832
8,305,085
15,103,200
R. Persid Construction
49,095,200
6,305,185
12,696,180
44,497,453
Western Scientific Company Limited (T&T)
1,828,867
Jems & Sons Hardware General Store Memorex Enterprise
68,740,320
Two Brothers Construction
61,058,250
Andrew Howard Construction Service
79,908,840
Bidder N&S General Engineering Contracting
Amount GY($)
S&K Construction Supplies
Supply and delivery of home-based learning packages- Department of Education. Bidder
Amount GY($) Lot 1
41,650,175
A&N Enterprise
51,326,990
M&P Investment
67,276,970
A. Orgasine & Sons
56,832,270
Engineer’s estimate:
53,914,300
Supply, delivery, installation and testing of tools and equipment- Lot 1: Scientific tools; Lot 2: Power tools and electrical equipment for the Government Technical Institute. Bidder
Ele’s Trading & Hardware
Lot 2
146,592,000
Al Print Shop
-
Comaz Asia Limited (Hong Kong)
-
-
-
-
-
104,440,600
18,486,000
31,158,000
Metro Office & Stationery Supplies
239,291,400 239,291,400
General Distributors
89,521,500
Lot 4
-
Lot 5
-
-
51,300,000
25,353,000
-
-
9,450,000
-
239,291,400 239,291,400 -
89,521,500
-
Construction of drainage and irrigation structures at West Watooka, Linden. Bidder
Lot 2
Lot 3
44,973,000 298,000,080
S&K Construction Consultancy Service & General Supplies
Amount GY($) Lot 1
Amount GY($)
Associated Construction Services
118,559,130
Meditron Incorporated
1,686,000
7,048,680
2,651,849
8,024,201
Modern Construction & Trucking Services
120,505,721
Western Scientific Company Limited M&P Investment
2,243,602
7,200,045
STP Investment
129,854,945
Moonshot Managed Services LLC (USA)
9,226,207
9,226,207
Roop & Ramotar Investment
109,092,379
Ivor Allen
123,024,998
S&K Construction Consultancy & General Supplies
5,074,621
7,167,209
Doodnauth’s Construction & Supplies
117,280,900
Eron Lall Civil Works
120,126,754
Ele’s Trading & Hardware
1,726,380
6,888,600 11,376,320
General Distributors
6,231,395
6,231,395
S. Jagmohan Hardware Supplies & Construction Service
The Hardware Depot
3,216,134
5,342,981
M&P Investment
118,208,730
Fixit Depot
2,056,547
1,727,858
Collin Talbot Contracting Services
119,525,148
4A Engineering Enterprise
104,766,706
Fyfee Building & Contracting Works
120,810,580
R. Maraj General Contracting
101,882,440
M&B Construction
112,286,890
Supply, delivery, installation and testing of tools and equipment: Lot 1- Power tools and electrical equipment; Lot 2- Administrative items; Lot 3- Welding, fabrication carpentry and joinery tools; Lot 4- Mechanical for Essequibo Technical Institute. Bidder
Meditron Incorporated
Amount GY($) Lot 3
Lot 4
5,301,000
5,699,000
900,000
1,986,539
8,043,506
6,466,765
1,354,709
The Hardware Depot
2,632,698
10,154,240
10,028,740
999,312
6,227,820
-
-
19,427,435
19,427,435
19,427,435
11,866,960
-
-
General Distributors Ele’s Trading & Hardware
I Can Technologies Moonshot Managed Services LLC (USA)
Ele’s Trading & Hardware
13,049,200
Massy Technologies Guyana Limited
General Distributors
11,281,246
Fixit Depot
10,355,726
Platinum Sales & Services
M&P Investment
11,126,106
Regal Stationery & Computers Centre
Platinum Sales & Services
25,643,874
Western Scientific Company Limited
17,005,574
Western Scientific Company Limited (T&T)
-
Lot 2
Fixit Depot
M&P Investment
19,270,900
Lot 1 Massy Technologies Guyana Limited
Trevon David Construction Service
Laparkan Trading Guyana Limited
22,432,931
Amount GY($)
10,411,885
K&P Project Management
Lot 1
Amount GY($)
Bidder
9,118,310
N&S Engineering & Contracting Service Randolph Tailor Construction
220,875
Massy Technologies Guyana Limited
Amount GY($)
Amount GY($)
Supply, delivery, installation and testing of equipment for Guyana Industrial Training Centre. Bidder
Bidder
19,427,435 2,348,800 19,750,728 16,459,620 3,386,784
10,900,116
,6,629,667
2,431,124
7,173,000
-
-
19,750,728
19,750,728
19,750,728
4,005,960
-
-
16,459,620
16,459,620
16,459,620
5,279,920
-
-
5,939,042
7,060,446
899,786
Provision of consultancy services for design and supervision of pump station within Regions Two, Five and Six in four lots. Bidder
Amount GY($)
CB & Associates
Technical proposal and final proposal signed
E&A Consultants
Technical proposal and final proposal signed
Innovative Engineering Consultancy Services
Technical proposal and final proposal signed
SRK Ngineering
Technical proposal and final proposal signed
Consultancy services for the design review and supervision of construction of dams and drainage and irrigation structures at West Watooka, Linden. B idder
A m ount G Y ($)
C B & Associates
Technicalproposaland final proposal signed
E& A C onsultants
Technical proposal and final proposa signed
Innovative E ngineering C onsultancy Services
Technical proposal and final proposa signed
SR K N gineering
Technical proposal and final proposa signed
To be continued in tomorrow’s edition
PAGE 70
Sunday October 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
Coronavirus rate increases calls for additional stimuli packages DEAR EDITOR, The current increasing rate of infection due to the Coronavirus will continue to negatively impact the economic activity in each region and reduce the level of employment throughout the country. This ongoing concern should encourage the government to put in place additional stimuli to recover growth in the non oil and gas sectors. Globally our trade partners are also seeing a resurgence, thus expected demand for our products will be stymied going forward. A clear new path forward for the economy has yet to be charted given the increasing concern, not to mention the dire bankrupt state of the economy inherited by the current government. It is unfortunate, but we
simply cannot afford to spend such huge sums of money on major new infrastructure projects that do not present a clear return in the near future while also investing massive amounts of funds to bring back the sugar industry. There has yet to be declared the financial forecast of the industry and the expected revenue generation timeline. Once this is cleared, the economic growth associated with this plan will make it easier to accept additional investment in the non productive sectors of the economy. Parliament must have this important discussion so that it is clear to everyone as to how our economy will rebound to create jobs that are sustainable over the long term while solidifying the levels of expected growth that
will sustain the massive budgetary expenditure proposed. Once the accelerating infection rate of the virus is reduced and the phased opening of the economy has the confidence that reinfection is not an ongoing severe risk we will be able to reignite the economic growth of the economy that is driven by small and medium size businesses. These businesses do still account for a substantial part of our local economic activity and having a clear pulse on the local rates of infection will enable the Coronavirus Task Force to act appropriately in that section of the population. That being said, we must know our rates of infection by Region, City and NDC. Therefore, it is becoming even more evident that the
funds put aside for new infrastructural projects may be better used to support additional stimuli packages for the population impacted by the lower economic activity due to the Coronavirus. This includes our frontline medical personnel, our teachers, our other public service workers and our business owners, just to mention some of the critical household breadwinners impacted by the Coronavirus. I look forward to the incumbent government and the opposition having a fruitful discussion that will address this important issue in the near future. Best regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana
It is high time to reconsider the dual citizen provision in the constitution DEAR EDITOR, Once again, the issue of dual citizenship has surfaced in Guyana as it relates to serving in the National Assembly. In the latest episode, Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Oneidge Walrond was forced to issue a public statement reassuring Guyanese that her U.S. citizenship was renounced before being sworn in as a Member of Parliament (MP). This apparently happened after questions were raised in the public domain regarding her eligibility to sit in the National Assembly. As the Minister noted, she was advised that the “sections of the constitution prohibiting elected members from being dual citizens” did not apply to her as a technocrat minister. Regardless, she took the commendable position to renounce her U.S. citizenship, thereby removing any doubt or opportunities for political mileage. While I am sure some legal minds will argue that this provision also applies to technocrats, the Minister appears to have gone above and beyond what was required of her. In a broader lens, the constitutional provision prohibiting dual citizens from serving as MPs places an imprudent limitation on how dual citizens can serve their country of birth. While this constitutional provision may have had its genesis due to Janet Jagan’s presidency, it is hurting the prospects of highly qualified Guyanese boasting dual citizenship the
freedom to serve in the highest levels of government. This is unfortunate given that Guyana now more than ever before needs highly skilled people to help steer its development trajectory in the coming decade and beyond. More so, it is disappointing that dual citizens have to choose. We have seen w h a t happened when the young MP, Adrian V. Anamayah was asked to decide. In the end, Guyana lost. It is worth reemphasizing that many dual citizens left Guyana’s shores not because they wanted to pledge allegiance to a foreign power but primarily because of better educational and economic opportunities. Many of these opportunities would not have materialized if they remained in Guyana, even if they were already highly qualified. And pursuing or accepting dual citizenship was not only a means to solidify their educational and economic gains in a foreign land but, m o r e i m p o r t a n t l y, t o support or sponsor i m m e d iate and extended family members still struggling to make ends meet in Guyana. Regardless of the reason for their migration, many dual citizens would have contributed to Guyana’s development over the years through vacations, remittances, and investments, however large or small. Many dual citizens in the diaspora would have
also contributed to political parties’ fund-raising activities in places like Miami, New York City, and Toronto. Furthermore, dual citizens can vote, and some returned to Guyana and voted in the recent regional and general elections. Despite all of these benefits provided by dual citizens, they are told that they are not good enough to serve as an MP or in the halls of power as a dual citizen. Thus, to constitutionally restrict their participation in government is insulting. Of course, the overarching argument is that dual citizens hold allegiance to another country and may not put Guyana’s interest first and foremost. This may be a legitimate concern, but it is equally applicable to Guyanese that do not hold dual citizenship. We do not need to look further than the production sharing agreement for the Stabroek Oil Block, which was
negotiated by (non-dual citizen) Guyanese or the group of (non-dual citizen) Guyanese that tried to rig the March 2 elections and send the country into the international wilderness. Did they have Guyana’s best interest at heart? In a recent interview, Mr. Peter Ramsaroop echoed renewed calls for members of the diaspora to invest in Guyana. As one of the lucky ones who immigrated to the United States and subsequently returned to Guyana after twenty-odd years, Mr. Ramsaroop understands firsthand the importance of dual citizens and their contributions to the country’s development. Thus, it is time for dual citizens to have an equal say in how the country is governed now and in the future. It is high time to reconsider the dual citizen provision in the constitution. Yours faithfully, Omchand Mahdu
...Success village From page 6 lands owned by NICIL, thereby, illegally trespassing and damaging NICIL property. No one from GuSuCo was shot at or tear gassed. The excavators that were illegally on NICIL land were not seized or destroyed nor were GuySuCo personnel arrested. Then you have the public silence... of some columnists, commentators and analysts, reflecting their complicity or
agreement to the atrocities against the underprivileged Guyanese residing on “Quamina” land. The coalition did not tear gas or shoot at the folks in Ashmin’s Building or at GECOM Headquarters or those individuals surrounding the buildings. What is so different now? We are dealing with disenfranchised Guyanese! Justice is not partisan. Sincerely, Nigel Hinds
...It appears that GuySuCo is on the From page 4 as ethanol, molasses and bagasse, to name a few. The CEO has mandated a human resource audit to determine the quality and number of requisite personnel needed for the proper functioning of GUYSUCO. This single act could reduce GuySuCo’s overhead cost as well as the cost to produce sugar. It is known that Singh is not a Noble Laureate, but he is smart, talented, skillful and experienced, and more importantly he has the drive, knowl-
edge and ability to resurrect the industry, increase the production of sugar and reduce its production cost. The goal is to make GuySuCo viable. It is both a daunting and a gruelling task, but make no mistake, Singh is the right person for the job. As the CEO, Singh will make Guyanese in general, especially the sugar workers in particular, proud of GuySuCo. We must support him. Sincerely, Dr. Asquith Rose
...Unity, if only for our From page 5 himself has to be of more than soothing scripts customized for public consumption. Like quicksilver, they slither away too easily. Editor, words and postures, sweetly sounding certainly, have to be bolstered by gestures and concrete actions. If not, they wear thin, lose any flimsy substance possessed, incur the greatest disillusionments. I have no doubt that I am equipped to weather the dispiriting shortages, the realities, of unity promised to be believed in, committed to, and worked for, but which are never visible in either delivery or associated convictions. But can this society weather
disunity? For my last word on unity in this country, I inject boxing lore to reveal what is before us. We have to face ‘the four corners of truth.’ We must steel ourselves not to back pedal, run away from ourselves, but stand up and confront what must be faced. I am pleased that His Excellency pointed to what is missing. Now he must gird himself to lead the way with more than the prestige of the presidency; he must wear a halo for what unifies, come what may. Guyana needs unity and not just for our sanity, but possibly prosperity and continuity. Sincerely, GHK Lall
...Are government’s financial statements From page 5 following year. Also, with the inclusion of the unpaid expenditure, it can be determined whether that expenditure would have exceeded the Voted Expenditure Provision. I am not aware that there is an official Annual Report on the Accounts and Financial Statements of GoG. Such a Report (if there isn’t one) should be issued by either the Office of the Accountant General or by the Finance Secretary, and be done in a professional manner. In concluding, I wish to emphasis that the AFSs whether it be private, public or governmental are the principal product of the accounting system (note the emphasis). It requires communicating to interested users, information of the Entity’s (Agency’s) financial
position, its performance, its cash balances whether it be positive or negative, and significant changes in resources and obligations over a period of time, invariably one year. These Statements summarise the many inputs in the accounting system, and put them in a form that is/will be useful to decision makers. That being said, positive efforts should now be in train to review all of the GOG’s annual Financial Statements in order to improve and to comply with the respective International Standards’ Bodies, also to meet with the current global best practices. And this should now be done for the 2020 Statements, followed by intensive on-thejob training of staff, commencing from the top position of Permanent Secretary. John Seeram
Sunday October 25, 2020
PAGE 71
Kaieteur News
Guyana has no laws to protect women against stalkers ... From page 67 repeatedly stalked her in pursuit of a relationship.
In February 2019, Nadine Kalamadeen, a 35-year-old woman of North Sophia, LEGAL NOTICE
FOR RENT Two bedroom semi furnished apartment in Campbellville. For more details call: #666-3213, 668-0450
SERVICES Installation, Repairs and parts for AC,Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc.Call Nick#630-1600,627-3206 Repairs,Services,Spares to Wa s h i n g M a c h i n e Refridgetor Store, Treadmill, Deepfryer,Cooler, Dryer, Grains mill.Call:#694-9733 (FHL) executive cleaning; sanitizing services, mobile vehicle wash & spa. Contact i n f o r m a t i o n : We b s i t e : fhlexecutiveservices.com , E m a i l :fhlsimeonmoore@gmail.com , Phone:667-5709. House plan to drawn.Estimate K.Lakeram Building contractor. Call us on 216-0671/6928464 or whatsapp us on 6220267.
FOR SALE New Pulp egg trays for Sale.Tel:#688-4264 1-10" flex food year & 1-10" gearbox for water dredge.Tel #225 9304 or 675-0587 1 Volks Wagen Touran. Contact 691-1161
VACANCY Vacancy for male / female worker.Serious inquiries only. Tel#: 615-7784 or 621-6969 Experienced painter. Apply at Alabama Trading, 68 Robb street, Bourda. Receptionist ages 30-45. Located at 233 South Road. Call# 225-0195 Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area. Call # 6159132 One live in baby assistant needed. Interested person please contact: Odessa on : 695-5633/622-4576 Immediate vacancy exists for male workers to work shifts @ Del Ice Co.Call :#231-1408/ 642-9191 Supervisor at Harish Variety Store. Located at 12 American street. Call# 691-9279 DRIVER/SALESMAN, SECURITY GUARDS PREFERABLY WITH PERSONAL FIREARM, HANDYMAN, LABOURERS. Tel# 613-9218 One (1) Part-time truck driver. Apply at: Lens, 136 Sherrif Street, C/Ville. Tel: 227-2486 Butcher/Meat preparation, Cook and kitchen assistant. Send application to Beacon Cafe at 127 Quamina & Charmichael street, Cummingsburg, Georgetown.
TO LET CAR RENTAL AIDAN'S CAR RENTAL & TOW TRUCK SERVICE:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS,GOOD FOR AIRPORT &FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPESTRATE:#6987807.
LEARN TO DRIVE N.Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square.Affordable Package.Call#644-5166/6912561/681-2808.
Eccles Apartment (Furnished) Wifi Optional, Safe Area. Call: 233-3974, 600-3070.
LAND FOR SALE Parfaite Harmonie-1.8m to 2.5 m , Tuschen with foundation- 8.5m,Uitvlught-4.8m, Herstelling 2nd bridge-6.5m, Farm-5.5m, Schoonar-6m. Call#:666-2326 PROPERTY FOR SALE New home sea view, four bedroom, three toilet & bath Tel#675-1510 3- Story Building Located lot 1486 Plot B Herstelling E.B.D Tel#609-3777, 697-4557, 6413893, 686-0522
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**ATTENTION** JULIA DUNDAS of 95 Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown, Guyana and TESSA DANIELS of 341 Cummings Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, Guyana. Please make urgent contact with the Chambers of BERNARD DA SILVA, Attorney-at-Law, in relation to Probate matter of MANGRA also known as ARJUNE also known as ARJUNE MANGRA also known as MANGRA MANGRA, where your signatures were witnessed on the Last Will and Testament of ARJUNE also known as MANGRA. Contact the Chambers at 217 South Road, Lacy town, Georgetown, Guyana, or on numbers (592+) 621-6366/ (592+) 226-7023.
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Greater Georgetown was stabbed to death a short distance away from her home by a man identified as Raymond, O’Selmo, a miner. The man was a total stranger to woman but had stalked and harassed her for quite a while before he allegedly killed her. One of Kalamadeen’s friends had told Bibi Katoon a crime journalist that hours prior to her death, the alleged stalker had visited the woman’s home. Kalamadeen had told him to go away but he ignored and
even followed her to her friend’s place. The friend too had told the man to leave Kalamadeen alone. In an attempt to escape the man, she decided to visit her mother’s house but the man followed her again. It is unclear as to what transpired between the two; however, the friend recalled someone telling her that Kalamadeen was stabbed by a man. O’Selmo has since been charged for her murder and is currently in prison on remand.
UWI & CCCCC join forces with PAHO and EU... From page 68 current programs to manage the health risks of climate variability/change and make projections of health burdens related to future climate scenarios.This project would be hosting a virtual workshop scheduled for December 2, for national focal points in climate change and health, environmental health as well as National Designated Authorities from beneficiary countries and universities. This workshop would focus on reaching an understanding of the current sub-regional state of H-NAP development, best practices and mechanisms to facilitate this process and agree to set quality control criteria. Notably, the release stated that numerous CARIFORUM countries would receive support through the EU/CARIFORUM grant to develop the H-NAP and subsequent proposals for health adaptations projects. The project
includes five collaborating partners and three United Nation agencies: CARICOM, the Caribbean Public Health Agency, the CCCCC, the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology & Hydrology, the UWI, the United Nations Environment Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization and the United Nations Development programme.
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Sunday October 25, 2020
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GECOM to assign lawyer to Lowenfield for election petition Guyana’s Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield will no longer be represented by his personal attorney in the upcoming elections petition case as the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) voted on a motion for him to be assigned a lawyer handpicked by the Commission. That motion was put forward on Tuesday at the last statutory meeting by Government Commissioner, Manoj Narayan and passed after the GECOM Chair voted in favour with the motion. Explaining this route, Narayan cited Section (4) (2) of the National Assembly Validity of Elections Act which deals with elections petitions. That provision specifically states “…if the petition complains of any act or omission on the part of the Commission, or any member thereof, as is mentioned on Article 162 (1)(b) of the Constitution, the Chief Elections Officer shall, for the purposes of this Act be deemed to be a respondent.” In essence, the Commissioner’s contention is
that since Lowenfield is representing GECOM’s interest in the petition, it is only fair that the entire Commission has a hand in the legal counsel meant to represent them. “So on that basis,” he said, “I did move a motion for the Commission to appoint the legal representative, a lawyer to represent its interest during the hearing of the petitions through the statutory office of the CEO as provided in the Act, because prior to that, Mr. Lowenfield did not even inform the Commission as to which lawyer was appointed and what were their instructions and so on.” According to Nayaran, it seemed as if that Commission was being left out of the process “which is of course not the way it is supposed to be.” While the motion was passed, no legal counsel has been appointed as yet. Nayaran explained that the Opposition side of the house requested time to select their pick and at the next statutory meeting, a final decision will be made. “I suggested a name, I suggested a Mr. An-
thony Astaphan, Senior Counsel from Dominica, he is one of the leading lawyers when it comes to elections petition in the Caribbean but the other Commissioners wanted an opportunity to also suggest names so the Commission agreed that at our next meeting, the decision will be taken as to which counsel will be appointed,” he added. Kaieteur News made contact with Commissioner Vincent Alexander who confirmed same and stated that they are in the process of scouting candidates for the position. The motion however, did not sit well with Executive Member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Aubrey Norton, who is of the strong view that Lowenfield should be allowed to choose his own attorney. Norton at a recent media engagement said that the motion was made in “total contravention of the law.” “That is like charging Caesar to be tried by Caesar,” Norton told the press, adding that, “If they are allowed to
give the CEO one of those PPP attorneys, then they will do everything to ensure that the petition fails. We believe that the CEO must have his own attorney and this thing should go by law.” Chief Justice (Ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire is expected to conduct a full trial of the two election petitions filed by the main opposition, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC); however, this
Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield
is expected after she hears arguments on preliminary is-
sues raised in the matter on November 24, 2020.
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Sunday October 25, 2020
Sunday October 25, 2020
Tyson Fury to fight on 5 December in London BBCsport - WBC world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury says he will fight in London on 5 December against an opponent who will be named “very, very soon”. This month the Briton, 32, said he had “moved on” from facing Deontay Wilder for a third time in December and would instead be “coming home” to fight. Fury’s most recent fight was winning the WBC title from Wilder in February following their draw in 2018. “Can’t wait to get back in the ring and get back to what I do best,” said Fury. Compatriot Anthony Joshua will attempt to defend his IBF, WBA and WBO world heavyweight titles against Bulgaria’s Kubrat Pulev on 12 December at The O2 in London. “I would just like to
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...Toth triumphs in Dudince From page 74 Tour Bronze meeting, in Osaka on Saturday (24). The 23-year-old, winner of the 2016 Asian junior title, had competed sparingly in 2020 but had been improving with each outing. In Osaka he cleared his opening heights on his first attempt but then briefly surrendered his lead at 2.22m, needing two attempts to clear it while Japanese champion Tomohiro Shinno got over it on his first try. Shinno, however, failed at
the next height, 2.25m, while Fujita cleared it on his first attempt, equalling the PB he had set next year. Shinno passed straight to 2.28m but failed to get over it with his two final tries. Fujita, meanwhile, succeeded on his third and final attempt. He went on to have three goes at 2.31m and was unsuccessful, but he was happy with his winning performance and victory over the country’s top high jumper of the year.
...Giro d’Italia: Tao Geoghegan Tyson Fury (left) inflicted the first defeat of Deontay Wilder’s professional career in February to win the WBC world heavyweight title announce that I am definitely fighting December 5 in London,
opponent to be announced very, very soon,” Fury said in a video
Sunday October 18, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today you might feel a bit bloated and slow, Aries, which could interfere with your daily routine. You could also feel unmotivated about work. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today your job or another activity could require your artistic skills for a particular project. You may not be used to this, so it could throw you into a bit of a panic. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) A subject of interest that you've been pursuing could bring up some deeply buried emotions today, Gemini. You might want to retreat into your mind and try to make sense of it. CANCER (June 21–July 22) This could be a confusing day for you. Financial issues might be complicated by computer glitches or failures in communication. Keep pushing, however, and whatever you're trying to straighten out will be resolved. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Financial issues might have you and your partner a bit more on edge than you need to be. Perhaps money is tighter than usual right now, and you have to put off purchases you want to make. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today your intellect is flying high. A number of new ideas, perhaps about political or social issues, might excite your curiosity and cause you to want to spend hours in the library or on the Internet.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your imagination is working overtime today, Libra, and you might spend hours at a computer writing or in front of an easel or piano creating your own brand of painting or music. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A conflict between your responsibilities to family and obligations to friends could rear its ugly head today, Scorpio. You might want to attend an event but need to deal with emotional issues in the home immediately. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Dissatisfaction with certain job conditions might come to a head today, Sagittarius. A discussion with colleagues might be necessary to defuse a potentially explosive situation. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) If you've been planning a long trip by air, today you might doubt whether you should continue with your plans. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today you might feel too overwrought to concentrate on whatever goals you're trying to reach, particularly if they're financial. Past issues might crop up at inopportune times but will still need to be released. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You tend to be pretty selfassured, but self-esteem issues dating from long ago could surface today. You might feel like a schoolchild called on to recite.
posted on social media. “Just working on some opponents and will let you all know who it is going to be shortly. Watch this space.” Fury has not competed in the UK since August 2018, with his lpast four bouts taking place in the US. His third bout with Wilder was slated for July this year and later aimed at October before plans emerged for a December fight in the US. “I agreed to 19 December,” Fury said this month. “Then they tried to change the date again into next year.” Fury told The Athletic: “I’ve been training. I’m ready. When they tried moving off 19 December and pushing to next year, enough was enough. I’ve moved on.”
...Essequibo female cricketer From page 78 ground under Coach Forbes Daniels. She first represented Essequibo in 2018 at the Under-17 Franchise tournament. Bowling medium pace, she picked up four wickets including an hat-trick in the final game which earned her the Player-of-the-match award; her feat helped Essequibo to win the title. She also played in the 2019 edition of the tournament and was among the wickets. Ross who is eager to get back on the field does most of her training at home and would visit the ground once a week to practice. She said that she intends to work on improving her batting and other aspects of her game. Ross showered praise on the Almighty and expressed gratitude to her father David Ross, mother Audrey Ross, Grandmother Clorine Farley, teachers, Coach Daniels, Manager Debra Daniels, team mates and friends.
From page 76 Grenadiers) 4hrs 52mins 45secs 2. Jai Hindley (Aus/ Sunweb) Same time 3. Rohan Dennis (Aus/Ineos Grenadiers) +25secs 4. Joao Almeida (Por/DeceuninckQuick-Step) +1mins 01secs 5. Andrea Vendrame (Ita/ AG2R La Mondiale) +1min 34secs. General classification:
1. J a i H i n d l e y ( A u s / Sunweb) 85hrs 22mins 07secs 2. Tao Geoghegan Hart (GB/Ineos Grenadiers) Same time 3. Wilco Kelderman (Ned/ Sunweb) +1min 32secs 4. Pello Bilbao (Spa/BahrainMcLaren) +2mins 51secs 5. Joao Almeida (Por/ Deceuninck-Quick-Step) +3mins 14secs.
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Dom Rep. accuses senior AIBA Tiger’s latest bid for PGA Tour official of deliberately damaging record once again out of grasp Solano campaign for President insidethegames - The Dominican Republic Boxing Federation (FEDOBOXA) has accused senior International Boxing Association (AIBA) official Osvaldo Bisbal of “deliberately and maliciously” damaging Domingo Solano’s campaign for President. insidethegames exclusively revealed earlier this week that Bisbal, head of the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) had submitted a complaint to the AIBA Disciplinary and Ethics Commission after the FEDOBOXA - which nominated Solano for President - attempted to pay the membership fee of nine countries so they can vote in the Congress. In a letter to AIBA Interim President Mohamed Moustahsane, the Ethics Commission and Election Committee, sent after insidethegames published details of the complaint, FEDBOXA President Ruben Garcia admitted the organisation had made a “mistake” after it sent a total of $4,800 (£3,700/€4,000) to the AMBC to cover the dues of nine National Federations to ensure they are eligible for the December Congress. But the Dominican body hit back at Bisbal, claiming the AIBA vice-president had raised concerns over the payment “with the deliberate and malicious purpose of damaging and hindering the aspirations of Mr Domingo Solano”. It had been suggested FEDOBOXA offering to pay the membership fees for AIBA’s member federations in Saint Maarten, the Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, the Virgin Islands, Dominica, Anguila, Bermuda, Haiti and Suriname could constitute a breach of election rules. FEDOBOXA claimed Solano, one of four candidates to have so far announced they are running for AIBA President and who led the Dominican organisation for 38 years until stepping down in 2016, was unaware of the payment and claimed he would have warned them against it had he known. “We did not have time to consult Mr Domingo Solano about this matter,” Garcia said in the letter. The election rules state candidates “should in
Osvaldo Bisbal no case and under no pretext give presents or offer donations or gifts or grant advantages or benefits of whatever nature to or at the request of any party who will vote in, or who may otherwise influence, an election”. Candidates should also “not directly or indirectly, solicit, accept or offer any form of remuneration or commission, or any concealed benefit or service of any nature, connected with any AIBA activity or election or appointment to office”. FEDOBOXA blamed inexperience within the organisation - Garcia was elected President in February of this year - and insisted it was not a deliberate attempt to secure votes for Solano in the AIBA Presidential election. It claimed the payment had been a favour for José Rosario, President of the Boxing Federation of the Virgin Islands, who had immediately paid the money back. FEDOBOXA said Rosario was unable to transfer the money himself as it was a national holiday in the Virgin Islands. “We must admit that due to our little experience at the head of our federation, we made a mistake when trying to be in solidarity and fellowship with a friendly federation President, because in the face of the rush and pressing situation,” Garcia wrote. “We did not even have time to consult Mr. Domingo Solano about his opinion on the matter. “Another interpretation would be absurd because if
Mr. Domingo Solano got to know Mr. Rosario’s proposal, it is very certain that he would have warned us not to incur in things that we now understand was an error on our part, a fact that today is being used by our adversaries, such as the President of the AMBC, who instead of guiding us, took care of materialising the situation and qualifying it at his convenience, proceeded to submit it as a complaint to the AIBA Disciplinary and Ethics Commission.” AIBA Ethics Commission chairman Bernhard Walten told insidethegames the panel is looking into the payment and will “take the appropriate decisions”. Asian Boxing Confederation President Anas Al Otaiba, Azerbaijan’s Executive Committee member Suleyman Mikayilov and Boris van der Vorst, head of the Dutch Boxing Federation, are also standing for the top job at AIBA. Russian Umar Kremlev is also expected to announce his candidature before the November 2 deadline. The election is due to take place on December 12 and 13, with the result deemed vital if AIBA is to restore its status with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). AIBA has been stripped of any involvement in the boxing tournament at Tokyo 2020 after it was suspended by the IOC as the Olympic governing body for sport in June 2019 because of concerns with its governance, finances and refereeing and judging.
Reuters - Tiger Woods’ bid for a record-setting 83rd PGA Tour victory will have to wait despite a solid round on Friday, after he finished 12 strokes off the lead and tied for 66th at the halfway point of the Zozo Championship. The 15-time major winner equaled Sam Snead’s record 82 wins at Zozo in 2019 after clinching his fifth Masters title to cap a remarkable redemption arc. But the returning champion’s second-round 66 was not enough to offset his horrid opening round, where he failed to capitalize on the short course’s par-fives. Woods carded a four-over par 76 on Thursday, with four bogeys and a double-bogey at the tournament, which does not have a cut and is being played in California instead of
Japan due to logistical issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Yesterday was not very good and you’ve got five par fives and basically you can get to every one of them. Playing that many over par yesterday, I played them better today and consequently I shot 66,” he said. At 44 years old, Woods has long been tipped to break stubborn Snead’s record so long as he can manage the chronic injuries and physical pain that have plagued his career over the past decade. Snead won the last of his 82 titles in 1965, a decade before Woods was born. Returning from the PGA Tour’s coronavirus-mandated hiatus, Woods has yet to crack the top 10 of a
tournament, most recently missing the cut at the U.S. Open in Mamaroneck. He said battling the thick rough in New York put stress on his back but said his health was on the upswing. “I am moving a lot better,” he said. “Having four weeks off was good, training sessions have been good, so everything’s kind of turned around.” And with the rescheduled Masters tournament kicking off in Augusta Nov. 12, Woods has conceded he will have to tame even more variables to come out on top again. “This entire year has been different for all of us,” Woods said on Wednesday. “And my run-up to Augusta is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.”
Toth triumphs in Dudince, Fujita breaks through in Osaka WorldAthletics - Matej Toth became the first fourtime winner of the 50km race walk at the Dudince Fifty, clocking a world-leading 3:41:15 on Saturday (24). Not only was it the first 50km race he has completed since the 2018 European Championships, it was also Toth’s fastest time since winning the Olympic title in Rio more than four years ago. The 37-year-old led from the outset and covered the first five kilometres in 22:30, by which point he already had a 10-second lead over Germany’s Karl Junghannss. Toth slightly increased his pace and by 10km, reached in 44:52, his lead had almost doubled.Toth passed through 20km in 1:29:26 with Junghannss still in second place with a comfortable lead over three-time Dudince winner Rafal Augustyn and Ecuador’s Andres Chocho. By the time Toth reached 37 kilometres in 2:44:10, his lead had grown to exactly one minute. The 2015 world champion managed to turn the screw even tighter over the final 13 kilometres and upped his pace to extend his lead. Junghannss, meanwhile, started to fade in the final 10 kilometres and was eventually caught by Augustyn after three-and-a-half hours of racing. Cocho later passed a tiring Junghannss with just a mile to go. Out in front, though, there was no catching Toth, who delighted his home supporters by winning in 3:41:15 – the fastest time in
Matej Toth in action in Dudince (Milan Duroch, Slovak Athletics Federation) © Dudince since he himself set a competition record of 3:34:38 in 2015. Augustyn was second in 3:47:42 and Chocho placed third in 3:48:57. Junghannss held on for fourth place and was rewarded with an Olympic qualifying time of 3:49:45. “We planned for this pace and it all worked well,” said Toth, who also won the 50km in Dudince in 2011, 2015 and 2018. “I felt great. I wanted to start conservatively and then increase the pace and it worked out exactly that way. I am, of course, very satisfied not only with the fact that I achieved the Olympic standard but mainly with
qualify of my performance. It gives me confidence that I can compete with the best next year at the Olympic Games when I defend my title.” Polish record-holder Agnieska Ellward, winner in the Slovak town three years ago, regained her Dudince 50 title in 4:38:44, having overtaken compatriot Antonina Lorek at 34 kilometres. Fujita smashes PB in Osaka: Keitaro Fujita moved up several places on the Japanese all-time list after sailing over 2.28m in the men’s high jump at the Michitaka Kinami Memorial, a World Athletics Continental (Continued on page 73)
Sunday October 25, 2020
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Azarenka and Kings XI Punjab apply late strangle on Sabalenka set for Sunrisers Hyderabad to seal incredible win all-Belarusian final in Prague ESPNcricinfo - The Kings XI Punjab had no business winning this. They had managed all of two boundaries in their last 13 overs, and it could’ve been just one had David Warner not fumbled at wide long-off in the final over of the Kings XI’s innings. Rashid Khan, Jason Holder, and Sandeep Sharma all bowled skilfully to limit the Kings XI to 126 for 7. David Warner and Jonny Bairstow then dashed out of the blocks, and rattled off 56 together in 38 balls. The Sunrisers Hyderabad had no business losing this. However, they unravelled spectacularly in the face of smart bowling on a tiring Dubai track to be bundled out for 114, losing 10 for 58. Chris Jordan, picked in place of James Neesham, and Arshdeep Singh claimed five of those wickets in the last two overs as the Kings XI defended the lowest total this IPL. The Kings XI’s come-
Aryna Sabalenka
Reuters - Former world number one Victoria Azarenka trounced Greece’s Maria Sakkari 6-1 6-3 on Saturday (yesterday) to reach the final of the J&T Banka Ostrava Open, where she will meet fellow Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka. Third seed Sabalenka beat American Jennifer Brady 6-4 6-4 in the other semi-final. Azarenka, who is seeded fourth, was dominant in her first career meeting with Sakkari, racing into a 5-0 lead before her opponent managed to get on the board. She broke Sakkari’s serve five times to reach the 40th WTA singles final of her
career as the Greek paid the price for making more than twice as many unforced errors as her opponent. Sabalenka, who came within a whisker of being dumped out by world number 73 Sara Sorribes Tormo in the previous round, fired 22 winners and won 72% of her first serve points as she beat Brady to set up the first all-Belarusian WTA final. She will, however, have to be at her very best to have any chance against Azarenka, who has been in top form since tennis restarted after a pandemic-imposed hiatus and beat her compatriot 6-1 6-3 in the U.S. Open second round. Victoria Azarenka
Player of the match Chris Jordan in his delivery stride ©BCCI from-behind victory - their fourth win on the trot - moved them up to fifth on the points table, just behind the Kolkata Knight Riders who had retained their fourth spot after toppling the Delhi Capitals earlier in the day. As for the Sunrisers, they dropped to
sixth, but they’re still in the hunt for the playoffs and are the only team outside the top three with a positive net runrate. Chris Jordan: I feel great. We had a pretty tough start to the tournament, but the entire squad, the entire
management kept a lot of belief, and that’s why you see that performance tonight. It’s part and parcel of life [not being a regular]. It’s a big squad . The coaches are trying to get the right combination. As long as I get one game, I get two games, the team win is all that matters. Arshdeep has been brilliant since he’s come in, he’s brought a free mind, free spirit. He’s not that experienced and I think that’s helped, because he’s just backed himself. In the crucial moments, I just try to keep him calm, and play a support role as much as possible. [Bowling to Holder] I tried to stay nice and calm, think of what the team needed at that moment. Just tried to bowl a nice, quiet over. Kings XI Punjab 126 for 7 (Pooran 32*, Rashid 2-14, Holder 2-27) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad 114 (Warner 35, Shankar 26, Jordan 3-17, Arshdeep 3-23) by 12 runs.
Nitish Rana, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy give Kolkata Knight Riders big win ESPNcricinfo - Their last game had brought 84 for 8. Today, against the Delhi Capitals, they were 42 for 3 after 7.2 overs. Andre Russell was still out injured, so they didn’t have the likeliest candidate to spark an unlikely turnaround. The Kolkata Knight Riders’ hold on fourth place had never looked this tenuous. At the crease were Nitish Rana, with scores of 9, 2, 9, 5, 29 and 0 in his last six innings; and Sunil Narine, who had a highest score of 17 from five innings this season. That run of form had cost Narine his place at the top of the order, and there was no way to tell given the unusual trajectory of his career, spent almost entirely in the tail or at the top with hardly anything in between - if he could crack a T20 middle-order gig. Rana and Narine put on 115 in 56 balls. The Knight Riders posted 194 for 6, the second-highest first-innings total in Abu Dhabi this season. Their bowlers roared into life too. Pat Cummins, who’d gone wicketless in six of his last seven games, blew away both openers with his seam movement. And then it was all Varun Chakravarthy. The match was in the Knight Riders’ control when he came on, but Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant had moved the Capitals
into a position where they still had a chance: they needed 119 from 54 balls, with eight wickets in hand. He was bowling on a pitch where the Capitals had only bowled four overs of spin, and where one of them, R Ashwin, had gone for 45 in his three, but Chakravarthy could have been bowling somewhere else entirely. He finished with 5 for 20 from his four overs, and the Knight Riders finished with a 59-run win. They’d begun the game with the worst net run rate of all eight teams. They ended it with a healthy improvement on that front, two more points to firm up their playoffs hopes, and a much healthier look about their line-up with three games left to play in the league phase. Shuffling the pack - Since shelving the Narine option, the Knight Riders have generally opened with Shubman Gill and Rahul Tripathi and used Rana at No. 3. It hadn’t been working, though. The Knight Riders came into this game with the worst powerplay run rate (6.73) of all teams and hadn’t ended a single powerplay without losing a wicket. They shuffled their top three today, without immediately apparent success. Anrich Nortje sent back Gill and Tripathi by the end of the powerplay, and
Rana - who opened for the first time this season - was batting on 13 off 14 at that point. Then, in the eighth over, Kagiso Rabada produced a bit of late outswing to nick off Dinesh Karthik. Ashwin x (Narine + Rana) = mayhem - The Capitals used their seamers for seven of the first eight overs and Axar Patel for the other. They hadn’t yet bowled R Ashwin. Perhaps this was because Rana was at the crease. Before today, he’d scored 55 off 22 balls against Ashwin without being dismissed. The other bowlers hadn’t dismissed Rana, however, and the Capitals almost had to bowl Ashwin. And they did. Except he was now bowling to not one but two batsmen who might have fancied taking him on. Narine, before today, had hit Ashwin for 28 off 10 balls, without being dismissed. A lot of data on T20 match-ups is built on small sample sizes and can be swayed by one or two outlier performances. You can’t always read too much into them. In this case, though, the story told by the numbers played out exactly as indicated. Narine hit Ashwin’s second ball for six over long-off, one of his favourite hitting zones - and it was as if he’d pressed a button that instantly reversed
the game’s momentum. Ashwin went for 13 in that over, and 15 in his second - in which Rana reverse-swept him and lofted him over the covers for two of the most emphatic boundaries in his innings. To Narine, Ashwin departed completely from the around-the-wicket, into the stumps style of bowling that’s brought him so much success against left-handers, going over the wicket instead and dangling up legbreaks and wrong’uns as well. On this day, it just didn’t work. In between Ashwin’s first two overs, the Capitals bowled Tushar Deshpande and Marcus Stoinis, who went for 18 and 11 respectively, with both batsmen giving themselves room and hitting inside-out with impunity. The Capitals, perhaps, had erred in their choice of bowlers during this mini-phase. In retrospect, they might think it was probably a moment to bring on Rabada or Nortje to break the momentum that the Knight Riders were so ominously gathering. The four overs starting with Ashwin’s introduction brought the Knight Riders 59 runs. Kolkata Knight Riders 194 for 6 (Rana 81, Narine 64, Nortje 2-27, Rabada 2-33, Stoinis 2-41) beat Delhi Capitals 135 for 9 (Iyer 47, Chakravarthy 5-20) by 59 runs.
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Open Letter to the Minister Vuelta a Espana: Tim Wellens wins stage five as Primoz Roglic keeps lead of Culture, Youth, and Sports BBCsport - Tim Wellens beat Guillaume Martin in an uphill sprint to win stage five of the Vuelta a Espana as Primoz Roglic kept the overall lead. Wellens, Martin and Thymen Arensman broke away with 75km left in the 184km stage from Huesca to Sabinanigo, before the Belgian powered clear late on. Jumbo-Visma’s Roglic led the main group in a bunch sprint to finish fourth, two minutes 13 seconds behind Wellens. Ireland’s Dan Martin trails by five seconds in the general classification. Martin, who won stage three, was involved in a crash near the finish but did not lose any time on defending champion Roglic. Team Ineos’ Richard Carapaz is third overall, 13 seconds down. “It feels super good,” said Lotto-Soudal’s Wellens. “I had a difficult period and I was a bit scared
Wellens’ stage win was his first in the Vuelta coming to the Vuelta, but I’m super happy with this victory. It’s nice it came so early and now the next two weeks are without stress.” Stage six of the 18-stage race - originally scheduled to finish at the top of the Tourmalet - takes the riders 146km from Biescas to Sallent de Gallego. Stage five result: 1. Tim Wellens (Bel/Lotto-Soudal) 4hrs 19mins 25 seconds 2. Guillaume Martin (Fra/ Cofidis) +4secs 3. Thymen
Arensman (Ned/Team Sunweb) +12secs 4. Primoz Roglic (Slo/Jumbo-Visma) +2mins 13secs 5. Felix Grossschartner (Aut/BoraHansgrohe) Same time. General classification: 1. Primoz Roglic (Slo/JumboVisma) 20hrs 52mins 31secs 2. Daniel Martin (Ire/Israel StartUp Nation) +5secs 3. Richard Carapaz (Ecu/Ineos Grenadiers) +13secs 4. Enric Mas (Spa/Movistar) +32secs 5. Hugh Carthy (GB/EF Pro Cycling) +38secs.
Olympics: Tokyo finally opens Aquatics Centre with hopeful ceremony Tokyo (Reuters) - Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike finally inaugurated on Saturday the Aquatics Centre for next year’s rescheduled Olympics, seven months after it was supposed to open. The Aquatics Centre was due to officially open on March 22 but that event was cancelled over coronavirus fears. Two days later the entire Tokyo Games was postponed until 2021. Organisers hope to welcome the world’s top swimmers and divers to the centre next year, as well as up to 15,000 fans. Organisers have yet to decide, however, whether supporters will be
allowed into venues during the Games. The opening ceremony, with hundreds of officials in attendance, struck a hopeful tone. Koike was keen to stress that the $523 million Aquatics Centre will benefit Tokyo residents as well as Olympic athletes. The ceremony was followed by diving and swimming exhibitions by Japanese athletes, including Rikako Ikee, whose battle back from leukaemia has been seen as a reflection of the Games’ own attempt at resurrection. “There have been some unexpected things such as the
postponement, but we need to hold a successful Games,” Koike said. “I really hope that the wonderful swimmers can unleash their powers and the world’s top swimmers exhibit great performances at this centre. “By seeing Ikee in a healthy condition and her energetic swim (today), I have received courage.” All of Tokyo’s Olympic venues were built or renovated on schedule for the Games, ready if they had gone ahead this year. Organisers are now focusing on how to stage the world’s biggest sporting event amid a pandemic next July.
Tokyo Aquatics Centre, which will host artistic swimming, diving, and swimming events at the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic games after the grand opening ceremony in Tokyo, Japan October 24, 2020. REUTERS/Issei Kato
Hon. Minister Mr. Charles Ramson, The Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) presents its compliments and hereby makes an appeal for consideration for the swimming pools (25m and 50m) at the National Aquatic Center (NAC) to be re-opened in a limited and phased manner. This request is to allow Guyana’s 2021 Olympic hopefuls and other elite athletes to recommence training, complying with the National Task Force Covid-19 guidelines, issued by the Government of Guyana. It was in July 2020 that Federation Internationale De Natation (FINA), the World governing body for swimming and other aquatic sports, issued “Back to the Water” Covid-19 Guidelines for safe return to the water for athletes. According to these guidelines, inter alia, there should be a maximum of 4 swimmers per lane for 25m pools and 8 swimmers per lane for 50m pools. This translate to a maximum of 32
swimmers for the ‘warm up’ pool and 80 swimmers for the main (Olympic size) pool at the NAC. According to the FINA Sports Medicine Committee (SMC) “athletes, forced into an unprecedented and prolonged break from habituated training routines, may experience the physical effects of “detraining” “Briefly, “detraining” is a natural physiological phenomenon occurring over weeks and months after an individual ceases regular training. This results in a diminished efficiency of heart and lungs to transport oxygen and use this in active muscles (i.e. reduced cardio— respiratory efficiency), and a diminished capacity of skeletal muscle to display strength, flexibility and endurance (i.e reduced musculoskeletal capability).” In short, the longer swimmers stay out of the pool, the more their performance and development will be negatively affected. In addition to this, swimming, at least for competitive swimmers, has recommenced, under respective their
country guidelines, in countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados, St. Lucia and further afield. Given the above, GASA is respectfully requesting this initial re-opening of the NAC, to allow our 2021 Olympic hopeful swimmers and other elite athletes to recommence training in the pool. Specifically, GASA is asking for a maximum of 12 swimmers to be allowed to train, per session, at the NAC. This limit on the number of swimmers is much more stringent than the guidelines of FINA, which recommends a maximum of 32 swimmers for a 25m pool and 80 swimmers for a 50m pool. With your positive consideration for the reopening of the facility we will ensure that the hand sanitizing, physical distancing and other Covid19 guidelines are complied with where necessary. Please be assured of our highest regards. Yours sincerely, Brian Goodridge President Guyana Amateur Swimming Association
Giro d’Italia: Tao Geoghegan Hart wins stage 20 to share overall lead BBCsport - Britain’s Tao Geoghegan Hart is in a strong position to win the Giro d’Italia after he sealed victory in stage 20 and move into a share of the overall lead with one day remaining. In the closest finish in Giro history, the 25-year-old Ineos Grenadiers rider looks set for a straight shootout with Australian Jai Hindley for the Grand Tour win after beating him to the line in Sestriere. Overnigh t leader, Sunweb’s Wilco Kelderman, struggled on Saturday and is now third, more than a minute behind. Sunday’s (today) final stage is a 15.7km individual time trial from Cernusco sul Naviglio to Milan. Geoghegan Hart’s second stage victory means he will start the time trial on the same time as Hindley as he bids to become only the second British man to win the race. Hindley, 24, did just enough to take the race leader’s maglia rosa jersey from his Sunweb team-mate Kelderman, who had started the day with a 12-second lead but fell away on the penultimate lap of a belatedly revised stage. Geoghegan Hart repelled a series of breaks by Hindley
Tao Geoghegan Hart edges out Jai Hindley to win stage 20. (Getty Images) before surging to the line to secure the 10-second winner’s bonus in the Italian ski resort. He outperformed Hindley by more than a minute in the previous time trial on stage 14 and is now in prime position to emulate Chris Froome’s Giro win in 2018 and also become only the fifth Briton to win a Grand Tour.
“I’m very happy for myself, for my team and for the Giro - today was a beautiful day,” Geoghegan Hart said. “The time trial will be a matter of legs. The route is short, I hope to have a good day and a bit of luck, then we will see.” Stage 20 result: 1. Tao Geoghegan Hart (GB/Ineos (Continued on page 73)
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 25, 2020
FIFA Secretary General inducted into International Women’s Forum Hall of Fame FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura has been inducted into the International Women’s Forum (IWF) Hall of Fame as recognition for her transformative contributions to society. Fatma Samoura, who worked on United Nations projects for 21-years before becoming the first-ever African, and woman to hold the role of Secretary General at FIFA in its 116-year history, was joined by fellow Hall of Fame honourees Mary Barra, Chairman and CEO of General Motors and Ginni Rometty, Executive Chairman of IBM, at the online 2020 IWF Hall of Fame Awards Gala. The gala was held online this year due to the COVID19 pandemic and featured interviews with each of the three inductees about the paths they took to lead them to their current roles, the advice they have for young women and the causes that motive them in their daily work. The FIFA Secretary General’s interview touched on her 21-year career working on United Nations projects, her work at FIFA under the leadership of President Gianni Infantino, her six-month mission as FIFA General Delegate for Africa to assist CAF on its reform journey, her zero tolerance for racism and racist behavior and her advice for women. In a video interview with FIFA’s first-ever Chief Women’s Football Officer Sarai Bareman, Fatma Samoura said: “In my 21 years as a development and humanitarian actor I met p e o p l e f r o m d i ff e r e n t backgrounds, whether religious, ethnic or also based on gender and I could see how they were reacting in the face of difficult and stressful situations… so this wealth of experience I brought in definitely to FIFA where, as I said, the human being is a key aspect of everything we do. Whether you are a coach, a football player or a fan, you deal with human beings. The core values I brought along with my 21 years at the UN are respect of diversity, fighting discrimination, fighting for equal opportunity and a world that is more just and fair to everybody.” In joining the IWF Hall
FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura of Fame the FIFA Secretary General joins women who were inducted for their work on tackling urgent issues the world is facing including: Maya Angelou, American poet and author; Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, United Nations Under-SecretaryGeneral; Rosa Parks, mother of the American civil rights movement; Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia; Nawal El Moutawakel, first Moroccan and first African Muslim woman to win Olympic gold; Ella Fitzgerald, American jazz artist; Ruth Bader Ginsburg, US Supreme Court Justice; L o u i s e A r b o u r, C h i e f Prosecutor, International Criminal Tribunals in the Hague; Hillary Rodham Clinton, former US First Lady, US Senator, Secretary of State; Mary Robinson, President of Ireland; Wilma Mankiller, Chief of the Cherokee nation; Audrey Hepburn, international film star and Shirley Temple black child star and US Diplomat. Referring to advice for women Fatma Samoura said: “Ladies you have to remember this, if you have been trusted enough to be given a position it’s because you have the skills and qualifications necessary to do the job. Look to your sisters for support and count on them.” The IWF was founded in the US by Elinor “Elly” Guggenheimer – chair of the New York City Planning Commission, in 1974. Its aim is to bring together women of diverse accomplishments and provide them with a forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences, as well as a d v a n c i n g w o m e n ’s leadership globally and locally. It has over 7,000 members worldwide.
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Lewis Hamilton on Portuguese GP pole position
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BCsport - Lewis H a m i l t o n snatched pole position for the Portuguese Grand Prix from team-mate Valtteri Bottas in a thrilling end to an unusual qualifying. Hamilton and Bottas ran theoretically slower medium tyres to set their times and a key strategy call by the Briton could have made the difference. Hamilton chose to do two hot laps at the climax to Bottas’ one, and the lead swapped between them as it played out. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took third, from Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari. Hamilton ended up beating Bottas by 0.101 seconds at the end of an unpredictable and exciting session. It was the 97th pole
position of the world champion’s career. How did Hamilton nick it? - Bottas had appeared to have the edge on Hamilton through the weekend, but as s o often the s ix-time champion came good at the end when it mattered. In the final session, the Mercedes drivers ran the soft tyres at the start of final qualifying, with Bottas going fastest, and then switching to the mediums at the end. Bottas said he chose to do one timed lap at the end of the session, while Hamilton picked two, with a cooldown in between. Hamilton set the pace on his first lap, before Bottas re-took first with his single lap, and then Hamilton leapfrogged back ahead with the last lap of the
The Briton outqualified his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. (Pool via Reuters)
session. “In the end, I should have gone for two,” a rueful Bottas said afterwards. Verstappen was less than 0.2secs off pole in the Red Bull, a promising position for him, while Leclerc was just 0.186secs behind the Red Bull with aerodynamic upgrades on his improved Ferrari.
Hamilton said: “We have a great car but you have to drive the nuts off it to pull out a lap. Valtteri has been so quick and I have been digging and digging to try to find the extra time. “I chose to do three laps to have a stab at beating his time. He chose one and I thought: ‘This could provide me with an opportunity,’ and it worked.”
IOC chief Bach says Olympic Games cannot be ‘marketplace of demonstrations’ Reuters - International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said the Olympic Games are not about politics and must guard against becoming a “marketplace of demonstrations”. Against the backdrop of the Black Lives Matter movement to protest racial injustice, calls have increased this year for a change to Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, which bans any form political protest during the Games. World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe said earlier this month he believes athletes should have the right to make gestures of political protest during the Games, contrary to official IOC p o l i c y. “ T h e O l y m p i c Games are firstly about sport. The athletes personify the values of excellence,
solidarity and peace,” Bach wrote in The Guardian here newspaper. “They express this inclusiveness and mutual respect also by being politically neutral on the field of play and during the ceremonies. At times this focus on sport needs to be reconciled with the freedom of speech all athletes also enjoy at the Games. “The unifying power of the Games can only unfold if everyone shows respect for and solidarity to one another. Otherwise, the Games will descend into a marketplace of demonstrations of all kinds, dividing and not uniting the world.” Bach said he experienced the “political impotence” of sport when West Germany was among several countries to boycott the 1980 Moscow Games.
Thomas Bach
“As chair of the West German athletes’ commission I strongly opposed this boycott because it punished us for something we had nothing to do with - the invasion of Afghanistan by the Soviet army,” Bach, the winner of team fencing gold at Montreal 1976, wrote. “It’s no consolation that we were ultimately proven right that this boycott not
only punished the wrong ones, but that it also had no political effect... the Soviet army stayed nine more years in Afghanistan. “The Olympic Games are not about politics. The IOC, as a civil non-governmental organisation, is strictly politically neutral at all times.” The COVID-19 pandemic forced the IOC to delay this year’s Tokyo Games until 2021.
Report: NBA fell $1.5 billion short of revenue projection Field Level Media - The NBA, which was the first pro league to suspend play amid the COVID-19 pandemic, made $1.5 billion less than it projected last season due to the pandemic and other factors, according to an Associated Press report. The league shut down March 11, then returned to finish a shortened season at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando. That restricted access, all-inclusive bubble,
which was run at an estimated cost of $200
million, was one of the factors that hit the NBA’s bottom line. Other factors were the initial shutdown, the loss of 171 regular-season games, the lack of attendance for games in the bubble and China’s decision to not show games after an October tweet by former Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey in support of Hong Kong. The league’s Board of Governors is currently meeting to discuss the start
date for the 2020-21 season, potential fan attendance and possibly a shortened schedule., with a push to start the 2020-21 NBA season by Christmas apparently gaining momentum. The Athletic reported Friday that the NBA is targeting a Dec. 22 start date and a 72-game regular season that would finish before the start of the 2021 Summer Olympics, which are set to begin on July 23 in Tokyo.
Kaieteur News
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Sunday October 25, 2020
Essequibo female cricketer Divine Ross says involvement in cricket aided her success at CSEC Divine Ross
By Zaheer Mohamed It has long been accepted that sports can help build and enhance critical life skills, such as time management, collaboration, achieving short term objectives and long-term goals, building self-confidence and the social bonds that are formed with teammates. Students who participate in sports are more likely to be both successful during and after their time at school h e n c e t h e s c h o o l ’s curriculum ensures that sports play a key role in delivering a well-rounded education to students, creating very high rates of participation. It came as no surprise when 17-year old Essequibo Female Cricketer Divine Ross credited her involvement in cricket for her success at the recent CSEC exams. Ross, who attended Abram Zuil Secondary School on the Essequibo Coast and plays for Young Guns CC at Zorg obtained passes in 16
subjects at the exams. She gained Distinctions at Agriculture Science, Physical Education and Family and Resource Management, Grades one at English Language, Biology, English Literature, Human and Social Biology, English Literature, Integrated Science, Office Administration and Principles of Business, Grades two in Mathematics, Food, Nutrition and Health, Social Studies and Spanish and Grades three in Geography and Caribbean History. Apart from her cricket career where her goal is to play for the Guyana Senior Team and the West Indies Women’s Team, Ross wants to become a lawyer and intends to pursue studies at the University of Guyana. Ross said that cricket thought her discipline and determination which play an important role in her success at the exams. “When I started to play cricket, I didn’t know that is was such a disciplined
game, but I later learned the importance of being a disciplined player and I gained self- confidence,” she added. Prior to the exams, schools were closed due to covid-19 and this proved to be a challenge for students preparing for exams, but Ross, like many others didn’t give up. “All praise is for God, I was determined to be successful. I knew that if I didn’t do well, I wouldn’t be comfortable so I worked hard and smart. It was challenging but I had to make full use of the internet and text books. The teachers were very helpful as well.” Being involved in cricket helps her to spend her time away from her studies meaningfully, which also helps her to concentrate for longer periods. “Playing cricket helps you to relax, it keeps you healthy and helps to build mental toughness which comes in handily during studies,” she posited. Ross pointed out that she was faced with a number of
challenges playing cricket when she entered exams class, but she managed to balance the game with her studies. “Some of my peers told me to drop the game leading up to my exams, but I did not. I was confident of doing well so I continued to play the game and this helped me along the way. Sometimes the timing for cricket and lessons would clash and I would share my time with both and depend on friends for notes that I missed. I was also assisted by the manager and coach so my advice to others is to listen to the voice inside of them and not around them. If your mind can conceive it, and your heart can believe it, then you can achieve it.” Ross who began her education in her village at Riverstown Primary School, started to play cricket at a tender age thereby developing a passion for the game. Her first exposure to training came just over two years ago at Zorg Cricket (Continued on page 73)
Kaieteur News
Sunday October 25, 2020
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Real Madrid beat Barcelona in an entertaining El Clasico behind closed doors BBCsport ederico Valverde smashed Real, who had lost their previous two games, into the lead from Karim Benzema’s pass. Barcelona’s Ansu Fati, 17, levelled from Jordi Alba’s cross, becoming the youngest goalscorer in El Clasico history. Sergio Ramos scored from the spot after he was fouled by Clement Lenglet and Luka Modric smashed in a late third. The result takes Real top of the fledgling La Liga table with 13 points from six games, six points above Barcelona. Efficient Real brush off recent defeats - Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has not lost any of his six matches as a manager at the Nou Camp, with three wins and three draws. Morale may have been low after defeats in their previous two games by Cadiz, in La Liga, and Shakhtar Donetsk, in the
F
Champions League. But they started brightly when Benzema fed Valverde, who slammed the ball into the far corner, leaving Neto with no chance. Fati’s almost immediate equaliser made it the first time both sides scored in the opening eight minutes of a Clasico in La Liga since 1940. After that, Barca threatened to take control but Real did well to turn the tide. The turning point was a lengthy video assistant referee decision. Referee Juan Martínez Munuera did not spot Lenglet’s pull on Ramos’ shirt but eventually gave a penalty after viewing it on the screen. Ramos’ low penalty beat Neto and marks the first time he has scored 10 La Liga goals in a calendar year. There was time for a late third as Luka Modric stepped past Neto before a
classy finish. Real are unbeaten in three Clasicos for the first time since 201213. Questions for Koeman? It is perhaps too early to talk about real pressure but Barcelona’s tally of seven points from five games is as bad a start as boss Ronald Koeman could have feared. They were OK for large parts of El Clasico and dominated for a period but Real deserved their win in the end. Scorer Fati was one of three teenagers in Barca’s team, alongside Pedri and right-back Sergino Dest, who was the first American to play in El Clasico. Fati - who became the first player under the age of 18 to score in El Clasico and Dest, who joined from Ajax at the start of this month, were two of Barca’s better performers. Koeman will surely be quizzed on how Philippe Coutinho, who did not have a
Federico Valverde opened the scoring, bursting through the middle and powering into the top corner after only five minutes
good game, played the full 90 minutes - or why he did not make any changes until the 81st minute. Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele, two of the most expensive players of all time, came on too late for any real impact. Lionel Messi was far from his best and has not scored in six Clasicos.
A defensive mess from Barcelona in the 90th minute saw Luka Modric seal victory
rt o p S
FIFA Secretary General inducted into International Women’s Forum Hall of Fame
FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura
Divine Ross stays fit by training at home
Nitish Rana and Sunil Narine added 115 runs for the fourth wicket ŠBCCI
Essequibo female cricketer Divine Ross says Nitish Rana, Sunil Narine, involvement in cricket Varun Chakravarthy give aided her success at CSEC Kolkata Knight Riders big win Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.